Rose manor（玫瑰庄园酒店）

Chapter 14: Striking a Deal

Shen Jianne, still with traces of tears on her eyelashes, looked at him in surprise.

It wasn't because she learned that Yin Shuyao was behind it. She had already seen what kind of person Yin Shuyao was, and nothing she did was surprising anymore. What truly surprised her was that the man in front of her knew she had a cousin, which might indicate he had thoroughly investigated her background.

Living in such a luxurious and elegant estate, it was likely within his capabilities to uncover someone's background.

Her thoughts swirled around, sending shivers down her spine.

Fu Jichen saw through her thoughts with just one glance, his fingers caressing the intricately carved sleeping lion made of white jade, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Miss Shen, rest assured, I won't harm you."

Shen Jianne was willing to believe this statement. She had been living on his private property for several days, and if he had any ill intentions, he could have taken advantage of her while she was unconscious.

Apart from this body, there was nothing else worth worrying about.

Fu Jichen further explained, "I admit that I investigated your background, purely out of personal habit. I don't feel at ease with people whose backgrounds are unclear when they're under my roof."

He said this so openly that Shen Jianne could understand. The higher one's position, the more cautious one had to be with certain matters. One small misstep could lead to a fatal downfall if one fell into the enemy's trap. Not to mention strangers, even those known for decades couldn't be completely trusted. Her father had been too trusting of old acquaintances...

Fu Jichen could tell from her gradually relaxed posture that she had let down her guard, so he changed the subject. "Miss Shen, what do you plan to do?"

Shen Jianne seemed puzzled, raising her gaze in confusion.

"I mean your cousin," Fu Jichen prompted.

Shen Jianne pursed her lips, lowering her head into deep thought.

Ever since she moved into the Yin family's house and was placed in the messy attic by Hu Yuzhi, Yin Shuyao had never stopped ridiculing and mocking her. She had endured it repeatedly, only because she didn't want to cause trouble for her uncle. She thought Yin Shuyao could only gain some verbal advantage, as long as she didn't argue with her, everything would be fine.

Those hurtful words wouldn't cost her life, or make her lose a piece of flesh. Enduring it would be enough.

When the man in front of her informed her that it was Yin Shuyao who hired those people to bully her, she found it laughable.

Yin Shuyao used to be a kind and considerate younger sister, visiting her family every summer from Yicheng. She would always bring her some local delicacies she loved.

The two of them shared a room, lying side by side on the spacious and soft bed countless nights, talking about girlish secrets. During the day, they would wear matching dresses to go shopping or have afternoon tea, and at night they would go to movies or concerts.

Looking back now, their sisterly bond was all fake, and Yin Shuyao's excellent acting skills had deceived her.

Back then, the Shen family was prominent, and being friends with Shen Jianne brought Yin Shuyao many benefits. She would wear designer dresses from her closet, wear expensive jewelry, go to members-only restaurants in her name, and attend extravagant parties.

Now thinking about it again, their sisterly love was all a facade, and Yin Shuyao's superb acting skills had fooled her.

Shen Jianne picked up a glass of water and took a sip, the warm water soothing her dry and sore throat. She resignedly said, "Forget it."