Chapter Fifty-Seven: Gathering Evidence

Pei Susu sighed helplessly and quickly typed a few words in reply.

Pei Susu: [Don’t overthink it.]

It had to be said, her team was quite efficient—though they spent some time gossiping, they soon found the evidence. The allergy-causing ingredient listed on the medical report was not among the ingredients used in the products of the Fu Corporation. Even though the test report was tucked away in a small corner, they still managed to spot it.

“Next, we’ll go to the hospital for verification, and then make a public announcement,” someone said.

Seeing the matter finally resolved, Pei Susu breathed a sigh of relief. Although she’d been reassuring her team, she was actually a bit nervous herself. If there really was a problem with the product, her planned trip to Wanjiang would have ended before it even began.

Fortunately, it was settled smoothly.

“It’s getting late. Group C will handle the wrap-up, Groups A and B should rest,” she instructed.

After her final reminders, Pei Susu ended the video conference.

Almost as if he’d been waiting for the signal, Fu Zhichen entered the room just as she closed the meeting.

“Next time, be careful. If others discover your identity, it could have serious repercussions for you.”

A male boss and a female subordinate—it sounded like the sort of scandalous news that was always circulating. Pei Susu didn’t feel guilty, given her achievements since joining the company, but rumors were a double-edged sword and could destroy a person.

Before her departure, in one final moment of tenderness, Pei Susu found herself sinking into silence. Tonight, Fu Zhichen seemed more somber than usual.

She kissed his shoulder softly and pressed her ear to his chest.

“Fu Zhichen, wait for my return.”

“…Alright.”

—

The next day at the airport, everyone’s faces were tinged with excitement. Though they’d worked late into the night, their anticipation for the trip to Wanjiang could not be dampened.

On the surface, this was a business trip, but in reality, it was a company-sponsored holiday. They had a week, and surely not all of it would be spent on fieldwork. Pei Susu was hardly a stickler, and as their boss, she was both diligent and easygoing—serious in work, but never overly strict when it came to fun.

Seeing Pei Susu arrive late, Zhou Haoyue couldn’t help but tease her.

“Did you lose track of time, getting all lovey-dovey with your family’s Mr. Right on the way here?”

Truth be told, Fu Zhichen had held her up before leaving, but she wasn’t actually late. Pei Susu stretched languidly, feeling fresh, and cast Zhou Haoyue a light glance.

“Why, are you jealous?”

Her short retort struck hard; Zhou Haoyue stared at her with mock sorrow.

“If this keeps up, there’ll be no love left between us.”

“There never was any love between us.”

“…You heartless woman.”

As they laughed and joked, the plane arrived right on schedule.

“This trip to Wanjiang doesn't really concern the two project teams. I need to do a field investigation, so I can't use my usual identity.”

As a potential partner in their latest collaboration, Haihe Company was surely prepared, so she needed to catch them off guard to obtain the most genuine information.

“You’re going alone?” Zhou Haoyue shook his head in disapproval. “If Haihe is really as good as it seems, then it’s fine. But if it’s as you feared, it might not be safe for you to go alone.”

Pei Susu had already made up her mind, and Zhou Haoyue knew he couldn’t persuade her. He looked at her, wanting to say more but stopping himself.

“Alright, at least you told me. If something seems off, I can help you call the police or something.”

“…Let’s not be so pessimistic.”

Pei Susu hoped for a positive outcome—a reliable partner joining them, not some utopian fantasy as she’d once feared.

After two and a half hours on the plane, they landed safely.

Wanjiang at this time of year was still sweltering and humid. Upon arrival, the sticky discomfort was palpable, but the scenery was charming and everyone quickly dove into enjoyment.

Once her luggage was settled, Pei Susu left the hotel. Yet, for some reason, the hotel she’d booked gave her an uneasy feeling. She chalked it up to the unfamiliar climate.

“This is my first time in Wanjiang. I didn’t expect it to be as beautiful as the photos!” Zhou Haoyue exclaimed.

Pei Susu had been to Wanjiang on business before, but never for long and was hardly familiar with the city.

“I’ll head out this afternoon and take a look around. If Haihe Company is really reputable, it should have a considerable local presence.”

Work was her main reason for coming, so she wasted no time making plans. Hearing this, Zhou Haoyue advised earnestly,

“President Pei, work never ends. Why not take a few days off?”

She’d been working nonstop, first helping Mo Qingyu, then tackling a mountain of tasks upon his return. She was like a wheel that never stopped turning—it was almost alarming.

“Don’t worry, I know my limits.”

There were countless matters awaiting her: Liang Wenru, Chu Qingzhu—though things had been quiet lately, they were always lurking, ready to pounce. To reclaim what was hers, she had to grow stronger, become unbreakable; stopping simply wasn’t an option.

“Alright, I can’t argue with you.” Zhou Haoyue shook his head. “I just wish your Mr. Right would suddenly show up in Wanjiang and put you in your place.”

“…"

That was a rather malicious curse—and honestly, Fu Zhichen was capable of such a thing. Before coming to Wanjiang, she’d had to firmly dissuade him from the idea.

Cutting off the banter, Pei Susu chose to visit the bustling night market nearby, taking a taxi there. She hoped to glean some useful local information.

Unexpectedly, the seat cover advertisement in the taxi featured the four bold characters of Haihe Company.

Pei Susu was intrigued.

“Is Haihe Company well-known in Wanjiang?”

The driver chuckled at her question.

“Wanjiang’s not that big. Whenever a new company pops up, we taxi drivers start working with them. That’s all I know, really.”