Ying Jingsheng nodded. "Once we find him, we'll know what leverage the old lady is under that made her willingly help Ying Huaishan set you up."
Tao Xinrou turned her head to look at his profile. Sunlight fell on him, outlining his features clearly.
"Ying Jingsheng," she called.
"Mm?"
"Thank you for helping me."
Wang Anran glanced at them through the rearview mirror, then silently returned his focus to driving.
"No need to thank me. I'll pick you up for work and drop you off these few days."
"Pick me up?"
Ying Jingsheng paused, then added, "I'm worried Ying Huaishan might do something to you behind the scenes. So after work, wait near the hotel for me. We can also meet and discuss the day's situation."
Tao Xinrou's heart gave a slight jolt. She looked at his sharply defined profile and replied softly, "Mm."
Looks like she was overthinking again.
Cooperation, then. As long as he's here, she's not afraid.
*
Over the next few days, Tao Xinrou returned to her post. On the surface, she was still the obedient, low-key employee, but inwardly she was far more cautious.
Since Ying Huaishan hadn't made Tao Xinrou leave, he would surely make another move.
Although Ying Jingsheng couldn't protect her every moment, he brought good news—
The project had progressed: the group approved their celebration plan and had already instructed the administrative department to compile the full group history materials, turning the suitable parts into an exhibition for guests to visit and learn about the history.
This meant that the archives they'd organized before needed systematic improvement.
Since she could reference the historical materials, Tao Xinrou's eyes lit up when she heard Ying Jingsheng's thoughts. "Could I also participate in organizing the materials?"
"No. The administrative department is handling this. It's not convenient for you to join directly, and it might attract the attention of Ying Huaishan's people."
All that excitement for nothing. She replied in a muffled tone, "Okay..."
"But..."
A twist!
"But what?"
"The administrative department will be very busy this time with all the tedious materials. I also have to help follow up. And I heard there's a new intern in the administrative department named Li Lu, who is a fellow townsman of Zheng Shuhui."
Li Lu—she remembered. She'd just started her internship less than two weeks ago. When Tao Xinrou was suspended, Shuhui often ate with her and excitedly told Tao Xinrou that she got along well with her fellow townsman. So if she used Shuhui's name to chat with the new intern, it shouldn't be a problem.
"That's all I need to say. The rest is up to you. I still have things to do. Let Anran take you back first." Ying Jingsheng got out of the car and walked toward Wang Anran, who was waiting not far off.
Tao Xinrou watched Ying Jingsheng's retreating figure, and a nameless hope stirred in her heart again.
This man had thought of everything, but in some ways, he was like a wooden blockhead.
Still, could the Southwest Branch be counted in the group's historical process?
Tao Xinrou carefully recalled the files she'd checked before. She remembered that the Southwest Branch was a key focus for Yunlu at the time, a milestone that opened up cooperation between Yunlu and overseas entities. This part should definitely be included in the history records, unless Ying Huaishan had something to hide.
"Miss Tao, it's hard to park inside the complex. I'll drop you off at the entrance—you can walk in yourself, okay?"
Lost in thought, Tao Xinrou had already arrived home.
After thanking Wang Anran, she continued pondering her next move.
Suddenly, she remembered something. Earlier, Zheng Shuhui had mentioned that Li Lu, as a new intern, had been looking for an apartment close to the hotel and complaining that it was hard to find.
So she pulled out her phone and messaged Zheng Shuhui:
XR: Shuhui, remember you told me your fellow townsman was looking for a place near the hotel? I recently saw a rental near my place. Ask if she still needs one?
Huihui: What a coincidence! She was just asking me if I knew any reliable agents.
XR: Then send me her contact. I'll take her to see it.
Soon, Zheng Shuhui sent a name card labeled "Lemon Soda." Tao Xinrou looked at it; the other party even used a lemon avatar. She pressed add and wrote in the note: [I'm Tao Xinrou from Housekeeping, a friend of Zheng Shuhui. I heard you're looking for a place.]
A moment later, she received a notification that the other party had added her as a friend.
[New Rou jie, hello. I'm Li Lu.]
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Author's note: Welcome everyone to discuss the upcoming plot together~