554: Chapter 549 We're determined to wade into this muddy water.

Wu Ya stood to the side, gently refilling Shen Yan's cup with hot tea.

"As expected,"

she said softly.

"No one can resist the temptation of personal revenge."

Shen Yan picked up the teacup but didn't drink, simply looking out at the brilliant night view of Victoria Harbour.

"She's a smart person; she knows how to choose."

He set down the teacup, turned around, and looked at Wu Ya.

"It will take some time to set up the framework for the jewelry company here in Hong Kong City."

"The affairs at the group headquarters cannot go unmonitored."

Wu Ya's hand, which was organizing documents, paused.

She looked up and met Shen Yan's gaze.

"President Shen, do you mean..."

"You are returning to the capital tomorrow."

Shen Yan's tone left no room for negotiation; he was merely stating a settled fact.

Wu Ya's lips pursed slightly.

"But Hong Kong City is a mixed bag of people, and Shark Lin and Wu Dong's men might not let things go so easily."

"I'm not at ease with you being here alone."

These were her true thoughts.

And the only reason she could voice for staying.

Shen Yan seemed to see through her mind, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint, almost invisible arc.

"Just a local bully and a buffoon."

"They don't have the guts to make a move in the Peninsula Hotel."

He walked to the massive floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling city that never sleeps below.

"Compared to this, the artificial intelligence project in Beijing is the top priority."

"Chen Guangke can handle the technology, but for operations and coordination, you're the only one I trust."

"A new round of due diligence from Guojin Capital and An Ran is about to begin; I need you back there to oversee it personally."

His words were clear and logical, every point hitting where Wu Ya couldn't argue.

She knew everything he said was right.

Shenyan Technology was the kingdom they had built together from the ruins.

Artificial Intelligence was the future core of this kingdom.

Nothing could be allowed to affect the stability of that core.

And she was Shen Yan's most trusted right hand, the key person responsible for stabilizing the rear.

She had no reason to refuse.

But...

Her gaze fell upon Shen Yan's back.

Broad and steady, yet also tinged with a lingering sense of loneliness.

She wanted to stay and accompany him.

Even if it was just like this—standing quietly to the side while he handled business, refilling his tea, and organizing a document.

For her, that was enough.

But she couldn't.

Reason, after all, triumphed over emotion.

Wu Ya took a deep breath, suppressing all her reluctance and worry.

When she spoke again, her voice had returned to its usual efficiency and calm.

"I understand, President Shen."

"I'll book the earliest flight back to Beijing right away."

She paused, but couldn't help saying one more thing.

"Please... take good care of yourself."

"Decline as many social engagements here as you can."

"Your stomach... isn't very good."

Shen Yan didn't turn around.

He just looked at the lights outside the window and gave a faint 'Mm.'

"Message me when you reach the company."

"Yes."

Wu Ya said no more, bowed slightly, and turned to exit the room.

The door was closed gently.

In the vast Presidential Suite, Shen Yan was once again alone.

He picked up his phone and dialed another number.

"Ning Ke, it's me."

"Help me set up a meeting with Lu Ming of Dongsheng Group. Tell him I want to talk business regarding 'Victoria Jewelry'."

A light chuckle came from the other end of the line, carrying a hint of laziness and insight.

"President Shen, are you treating me as your personal assistant?"

Ning Ke's voice was always like this—three parts joking, seven parts serious.

Shen Yan walked to the wine cabinet and poured himself half a glass of whiskey, the ice cubes making a crisp clinking sound in the glass.

"Can't be helped."

He leaned against the bar, looking at the night scene outside, his voice flat.

"Among the people I know, President Ning is the only one with the widest connections, the most reliable handling of affairs, and the tightest lips."

Flattery never fails, especially when it sounds like the truth.

Especially this kind of flattery that sounds like the honest truth.

Ning Ke laughed again on the other end, this time with a hint of genuine pleasure in his voice.

"Alright, alright. How could I dare not give President Shen face?"

"I'll help; I'll do this favor."

Changing the subject, Ning Ke's tone took on a hint of curiosity.

"However, let me ask one thing."

"Lu Ming of Dongsheng Group has nothing to do with you, right?"

"Anyone in Hong Kong City with even a bit of sense stays far away from that mess of Victoria Jewelry. Why are you proactively getting involved?"

Shen Yan gently swirled his glass, the amber liquid rippling in the light.

"What value do you think a brand that's about to hit rock bottom still has?"

He answered with a question.

Ning Ke was silent for a few seconds, as if quickly calculating.

"Value?"

"The reputation is ruined, the designers are gone, and the channels are cut. Aside from a bit of worthless sympathy for the He Family, I can't think of anything else."

"Oh, right, and a pile of bad debts."

Shen Yan took a sip of the liquor, the pungent liquid sliding down his throat, bringing a hint of heat.

"If—and I mean if."

"The He Family's assets consist of more than just that pile of bad debts?"

"What if the He Family's granddaughter holds something in her hands that would make the entire jewelry world green with envy?"

On Ning Ke's end, even the sound of breathing seemed to stop for a moment.

He was a smart man.

A broker who navigated freely among various forces by relying on information gaps and networks.

Although Shen Yan's words were vague, they were like a key that instantly unlocked a door in his mind.

Something that would make the entire jewelry world envious.

He Family.

Lu Ming.

Victoria.

When these words were linked together, the answer was obvious.

"The three legendary Manuscripts of the He Family?"

Ning Ke's voice dropped low.

Shen Yan neither admitted nor denied it.

"President Ning, you just need to help me get an appointment with Lu Ming."

"As for the rest, you just watch."

There was another long silence on the other end of the line.

Then, Ning Ke's voice rang out again, this time with an indescribable excitement.

"I understand."

"President Shen, you're planning to throw a stone into this river of Hong Kong City."

"No, it's dynamite."

Ning Ke silently added to himself.

He suddenly felt that the waters of Hong Kong City were about to become very interesting.

"I'll have it arranged within three days."

"Wait for my news."

"Good."

Shen Yan hung up the phone and finished the remaining liquor in his glass in one gulp.

The next day.

10:00 AM.

Peninsula Hotel, Lobby Lounge.

Melodious piano music flowed through the air.

He Wanqing, dressed in a proper beige suit, sat by the window. The coffee in front of her had already gone somewhat cold.

She appeared much calmer than yesterday, but the knuckles gripping her handbag were still white.