Chapter 7 | The Boundary Was Crossed

Storms often come without warning.

Wednesday morning, eight o'clock.

Shen Zhiyi had just entered the company when her assistant's expression turned somewhat off.

"Ms. Shen...look at this."

A phone was handed to her.

It was an anonymous post.

The title was eye-catching and jarring—

【"Did Chenzhou Capital's 'Female Designer' Rise to Power Through Personal Connections?"】

Her finger paused slightly.

She clicked on it.

The content was deliberately vague, yet the implications were clear.

"A renowned investor's ten-year strategy, all for an old flame."

"Was there any transfer of benefits involved in the project resources?"

"Was Chenzhou Capital's transformation a decision based on personal feelings?"

The accompanying photo was of them on their alma mater's playground.

The angle was discreet.

It was clearly a candid shot.

Her heart felt like it had been doused with cold water.

"Who posted this?"

"We're still investigating, but it's already circulating within the industry," the assistant said in a low voice. "The media has already contacted us."

She took a deep breath.

Her first reaction wasn't anger.

It was calm.

This was Sheng Yuan's style.

Not confronting capital head-on.

But targeting personal vulnerabilities.

Her phone vibrated.

Lu Chenzhou.

She answered.

"I saw it," he said.

His voice was lower than usual.

"I'm sorry."

She was taken aback.

"What are you apologizing for?"

"They came for me."

"But they dragged you into it."

She was silent for two seconds.

"Lu Chenzhou."

"Yes."

"If you make me back now, I'll be angry."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.

"I won't."

His voice was steady.

"I've already had the legal department handle it."

"The PR team is preparing a statement."

She asked softly:

"Will it affect the financing?"

"Short-term fluctuations."

"No long-term impact."

She nodded.

"That's good."

After hanging up the phone.

She didn't hide.

Instead, she turned on her computer. She pulled up the complete design documents for C7.

Suddenly, she understood.

The other party's goal wasn't to destroy the project.

It was to create suspicion.

As long as she backed down.

That post would become a fact.

—

Afternoon.

Industry media began to ferment.

The comments section was chaotic.

Some questioned her professional abilities.

Some mocked her "capitalist-driven, love-struck" mentality.

Some dug up her overseas study experience, implying resource accumulation.

She stared at the screen, her heart tightening for a moment.

Not because of the attacks.

But because—

Those words would hurt him.

The office door opened.

Lu Chenzhou walked in.

Imperial suit, calm expression.

But she could see the suppressed anger in his eyes.

"Have the media contacted you?"

"Yes."

"Don't answer."

She stood up.

“Why?”

“I don’t want you to face those questions.”

She walked up to him.

Her tone was calm.

“Then you want to face it alone?”

“I’m used to it.”

“But I’m not.”

The air fell silent.

She looked at him.

“Lu Chenzhou.”

“Yes.”

“If I remain silent today.”

“They’ll say I have a guilty conscience.”

“If I back down.”

“They’ll say you’re using connections.”

“Since I’m already on the chessboard.”

“I won’t be a pawn.”

He stared at her.

His gaze was complex.

“What do you want to do?”

“Hold a press conference.”

His brow twitched slightly.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll reveal the design logic.”

“Reveal the bidding process.”

“Reveal all the details of the collaboration.”

“Let those who have doubts see for themselves.”

He was silent for a long time.

Then he nodded.

“Okay.”

—

Three days later.

C7 Project Briefing.

The venue was packed with media.

Flashes of cameras went off constantly.

Some were waiting to see a failure.

Some were waiting to see a collapse.

Lu Chenzhou stood to one side.

He didn't speak.

He left the stage to her.

Shen Zhiyi walked onto the stage.

In a black suit, her expression calm.

"Regarding the recent rumors, I will only respond once."

Her tone was clear.

"The design bidding process for the C7 project was open and transparent."

"The list of judges is available."

"My team ranked first in the score."

Data flipped through the screen page by page.

Clearly organized.

Logically sound.

Someone raised their hand.

"Do you have a personal relationship with Mr. Lu?"

The venue fell silent instantly.

All the cameras were pointed at her.

She didn't flinch.

"Yes."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.

Lu Chenzhou was slightly taken aback.

She continued:

“But this relationship happened after the project started.”

“I won’t deny the feelings.”

“I won’t allow anyone to question my professionalism.”

The air froze.

Her gaze was resolute.

“If anyone thinks I’m incompetent.”

“Welcome to a public pitch.”

“If I lose, I’ll retire from the industry.”

The venue fell completely silent.

That wasn’t a fit of pique.

It was confidence.

After the press conference.

She stepped off the stage.

Lu Chenzhou stood backstage.

His gaze was so deep it was almost uncontrollable.

“You don’t have to push yourself so hard.”

“I’m willing.”

She looked at him.

“You’ve prepared for me for ten years.”

“I can stand up for you just this once.”

He suddenly reached out.

He hugged her tightly.

Unlike before, when he was restrained.

It was an emotional embrace.

“Shen Zhiyi.”

“Hmm?”

“They crossed the line.”

She gently patted his back.

“Then we’ll let them know.”

“What is a real boundary?”

A phone vibrated in the distance.

An assistant ran over.

“Mr. Lu, Sheng Yuan’s stock price is starting to fluctuate.”

“Someone within their ranks is withdrawing investment.”

Lu Chenzhou released her.

His eyes turned cold.

“Looks like they didn’t expect this.”

Shen Zhiyi smiled softly.

“We are not pawns.”

He looked at her.

His gaze was deep.

“You are no longer the person I want to protect.”

“You are my strongest ally.”

The storm hadn’t stopped.

But the situation had changed.

The opponent had crossed personal boundaries.

But unexpectedly—

They stood even closer because of it.