Following closely behind was Zhao Heng. He glanced at me, and I knew he couldn't stop Su Li.

If it weren't for Gu Jiang saying something to her, she wouldn't have rushed over so quickly.

I struggled to control my emotions. "This decision regarding the project was made after a comprehensive evaluation on my part."

Of course, I couldn't deny that there was some personal interest involved.

Su Li glared at me in anger. "This project has always been handled by him. It's already gone through the earlier stages, so why can't it proceed now?"

I certainly understood the value of this project, but it couldn't be Gu Jiang who continued with it.

"If we are to continue with this project, it cannot be handed over to Gu Jiang; we must change personnel."

My proposal directly infuriated her.

"You are clearly targeting Gu Jiang. Why should we change personnel?"

"Lu Xiao, don't forget who the decision-maker of this company is."

I certainly hadn't forgotten; the company belonged to the Su family, and I was merely the one standing behind the scenes.

Ever since that incident occurred, I had long been sidelined and had no real power.

"I don't care how willful or disruptive you are in your personal life, but when it comes to company matters, I hope you can keep public and private interests separate!"

Su Li sneered, "You want me to keep public and private interests separate? Lu Xiao, get it straight: you are the one seeking personal revenge!"

"Why should the project suddenly change personnel? It's obvious who you have in mind!"

"Even Gu Jiang knows his place; don't you realize yours?"

I was very clear about my position and how I had ended up in this situation with her.

In everyone's eyes, she was the one charging ahead, wielding power and making decisions.

I was just the one standing behind, living off her success.

So when everyone learned that there were issues between me and Su Li, they mostly mocked me.

"I know my place; I just don't want you to be used by someone with ulterior motives."

"By standing up for him, aren't you also acting impulsively?"

Our argument was clearly heard by Gu Jiang outside, and he suddenly pushed the door open and walked in.

Seeing Gu Jiang's arrival, I immediately shouted, "Who let you in? Is this a place you can just walk into?"

Faced with my reprimand, Gu Jiang's face showed a hint of embarrassment, but he didn't leave.

He glanced at Su Li with a hint of grievance, then turned to me, seemingly filled with humiliation.

"I know that General Manager Lu has misunderstandings about me, but I am absolutely loyal to the company. If you are not at ease, I am willing to hand this project over to someone else!"

"I just want to clarify that I have no intention of using anyone, and Su General Manager has not shown any favoritism in this project."

"I came in just to explain this situation; please do not misunderstand Su General Manager because of me!"

He seemed to be greatly wronged as he handed the materials he had been holding to Su Li.

"Su General Manager, this is the background check and various materials I have compiled over the past month. Please hand them directly to the new person who will take over this project."

"I have already done most of the preliminary work; you can directly find someone to discuss it with General Manager Liu."

After Gu Jiang finished speaking, his eyes turned red as he glanced at Su Li, hesitated for a moment, then turned to leave.

Seeing the look of grievance on his face, I finally understood that I had underestimated this person's capabilities.

He wanted to gain trust by retreating and could also stir up conflict between me and Su Li, achieving two goals with one move.

Seeing Gu Jiang being wronged, Su Li directly shouted at him as he was about to leave.

"Stop!"

Su Li slammed the materials on the office desk, the loud noise freezing Gu Jiang at the door.

"Why should the results of your hard work be handed over to someone else? Take it back!"

I didn't expect Su Li to completely disregard the company's future and interests for Gu Jiang.

"I disagree!"

"You can favor him however you want in your usual dealings; I have no objections, but I will not agree to this matter!"

Gu Jiang stood at the door, clenching his fists with his back to us. Seeing that Su Li and I were at a stalemate, he spoke softly.

"Su General Manager, I don't mind; after all, it's all for the good of the company. It doesn't matter who does it!"

"Moreover, I have already detailed this project; if other colleagues take it over, it can be completed quickly."

Su Li shouted angrily, "You don't want to do it, do you? If you don't want to do it, then pack your things and get out!"

Gu Jiang stood at the door for a long time before speaking, "Zhike has always been my dream place to work, but now it seems I am destined to be apart from it."

Gu Jiang turned and ran out of the office with a look of grievance, and Su Li seemed a bit anxious as she watched him leave.

She turned and shot me an angry glance.

"Lu Xiao, your actions only make me feel like you are a rat in the gutter, doing everything in the dark!"

"You think that by driving Gu Jiang away, I will come back? You are mistaken!"

I clenched my fists and looked at Su Li. "No matter how you perceive me, I hope you can clearly see the people around you."

She laughed, a laugh filled with sarcasm.

"Lu Xiao, I see very clearly. The only time I didn't see clearly was with you."

"It seems I gave you too much power; it's time to take it back."

I looked at Su Li in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Su Li didn't say anything further; she stood up and prepared to leave, and I realized something, stepping forward to grab her.

I held a very small share in the company, only because when Su Li took over temporarily, I had given her my shares to fight against those old-timers.

But now, because of Gu Jiang, she wanted to take back the little I had left.

"Don't forget, I was the one who stood by you for Zhike to reach this point. You can't dismiss me just because of Gu Jiang."

Su Li shook off my hand and turned to look at me, her eyes filled with mockery.

"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have what you have today. None of this should belong to you."

My body trembled suddenly; she really could be so ruthless over someone completely unrelated to me.

My head began to throb, and my heart felt like it was being pricked by countless needles.

"Do we really have to come to this? If hating me makes you feel better, then you can hate me."

"But, please don't let me leave the company for now."

If I left the company, I had no idea what Gu Jiang would do.

All I knew was that if I left, I would never have the chance to protect and guard her again.

I looked at her with a pleading gaze, my expression pained from the headache.

And she seemed not to expect that the once stubborn me would now be so humble in seeking her favor.

Seeing my pained expression, for just a moment, a flicker of softness passed through her eyes.

But it was only for that brief moment.

She didn't give me an answer but resolutely turned and walked out the door.

I had rushed out in the morning and didn't have time to take my medication; now my head was pounding.

I barely managed to sit down for a moment when the door opened again, and Zhao Heng hurriedly appeared at the doorway.

"General Manager Lu, your adoptive father just called; it seems he is sick and has been hospitalized!"