Chapter 270: Former Lovers Turned Enemies

Shen Xun: "Lu Hongyuan should understand that, based on my rank at Star Universe Technology, violating a lawful and effective non‑compete agreement not only exposes me to civil liability such as breach‑of‑contract damages; Yuan Shu Technology is a peer, and Star Universe Technology could sue me for infringement of trade secrets, which is a criminal liability."

"I've already been to court once; I don't want to go again."

Lu Hongyuan used Lin Shutong to pull Shen Xun into the abyss just to extend a helping hand at this moment.

Shen Xun only thinks the woman is unsuitable, not that her work ability is lacking.

Men, you see, personal mistakes can be overlooked; if you succeed in your career, everyone will raise a toast, whether sincere or not, at least the toast is genuine.

He still wouldn't give up, but asked more politely: "President Shen, have you already found a new patron?"

Shen Xun said nothing.

Lu Hongyuan speculated: "Could it be the Xie Family? A company like the Xie Family that has always developed in traditional industries might eventually decline; moreover, such firms value bloodline inheritance. President Shen doesn't want to work for others his whole life, right? The emerging tech sector is different—whoever has the ability takes the lead. Yuan Shu Technology is stronger than the Fu Family in this regard."

"President Shen, as long as you nod, I have a solution for the non‑compete issue. I guarantee I won't harm you; whatever terms you set, I can agree to, any terms."

Shen Xun cannot deny Lu Hongyuan's analysis of the Xie Family business; the terms are tempting, but the thought that Lu Hongyuan also appeared with Lin Shutong makes him instinctively uneasy, as if nauseated.

"Who is the person in charge of the new project at Yuan Shu Technology?"

Lu Hongyuan, unsure of Shen Xun and Lin Shutong's situation after the trial, said matter‑of‑factly, "Miss Lin."

"'You'd invite her for such a good project?' Shen Xun already knew Lin Shutong was all show, lacking substance, and couldn't understand why Yuan Shu Technology would hire her."

Lu Hongyuan was startled.

He also read from Shen Xun's demeanor that after the trial, former lovers had become enemies?

Lu Hongyuan smiled: "Since Dr. Jiang can't be brought in, we can only see whether Miss Lin can be used to leverage Ji Lao's resources."

【7】 Shen Xun let out a cold laugh.

Shen Xun suddenly let out a cold laugh.

Lu Hongyuan frowned slightly, "What exactly was the situation in the trial?"

Didn't Shen Xun love Lin Shutong enough to give her everything? Why the contempt now?

Seems I didn't investigate thoroughly; I still need to dig deeper.

But the pressing matter now is how to win Shen Xun over to help me; Yuan Shu Technology wants to establish a foothold domestically and still needs someone with sharp industry insight.

"President Shen, although I don't know what happened between you and Miss Lin, I want to say that as long as you're willing, the doors of Yuan Shu Technology are always open to you, and I will resolve all your lingering concerns."

"If you help me with matters, I can take care of basic things like cars and houses."

Providing cars, housing, and education is a basic perk when large corporations hire executives; Shen Xun previously at Star Universe Technology didn't need such benefits and instead redirected them elsewhere, but now he needs them.

Shen Xun, after a brief hesitation, said, "I've already promised my friend."

Lu Hongyuan smiled calmly: "President Shen, your friend, as a young master of the Xie Family, is in his late twenties, still gallivanting about. After settling down and reaching his thirties, does he still intend to remain idle? Have you ever considered why the Xie Family's young master wants you to join the Xie Family? Historically, power struggles always first cultivate one's own death soldiers."

Shen Xun fell silent again.

Lu Hongyuan: "President Shen, think it over carefully; I'll wait for your call."

He personally handed his business card into Shen Xun's hand.

Shen Xun looked at Lu Hongyuan, then glanced at the thin business card in his own hand.

A message popped up on his phone: Xie Yongsi had already made arrangements; once his mother's condition stabilizes a bit, he can go straight to work at the Xie Family with an annual salary of 1.5 million.

In the tech industry, top algorithm engineers can earn a million a year.

The gap between industries has always been huge.

On one side is a million‑yuan salary, on the other, conditions are open.

Shen Xun didn't make an immediate choice; he turned and returned to the ward.

Shen Mother, though grateful after surviving the disaster, felt bitter facing a husband who can't care for anyone and two children.

At such times, she always thought of Jiang Lai, her considerate and attentive former daughter‑in‑law who knew how to take care of people.

Unfortunately, she's gone.

The whole family is gone.

The Shen Family's current situation can no longer afford a nanny; they must save everywhere to avoid insufficient funds for future medical expenses.

Shen Xi was forced to learn how to care for her mother; it's not that she doesn't want to, she simply doesn't know how to serve people. At times like this, she also thinks of Jiang Lai, the sister‑in‑law who, even when her brother only gave her 3,000 yuan a month for living expenses, could still spare 2,000 yuan to buy her a bowl of porridge.

No one in the Shen Family doesn't regret Jiang Lai; everyone laments having once bullied her.

People only cherish what they've lost.

If the mother and daughter of the Shen Family are grateful because Jiang Lai is thoughtful and caring, Shen Father is resentful because of Jiang Lai's talent and household management, especially after learning Lin Shutong's true nature; he deeply regrets having personally facilitated Jiang Lai's departure.

Shen Xun need not even mention it.

He has feelings for Jiang Lai; even if everyone thinks otherwise, after truly spending years with her, anyone would develop emotions.

The most tormented person in the entire Shen Family is none other than Shen Xun.

The back‑stab of a first love, the departure of a wife.

Mother Shen looked at her son's paler, more haggard face than her own, opened her mouth slightly, and urged him: "Go back, get some proper rest; your father and sister are here."

Mother Shen felt very distressed for her son.

Shen Father patted his son's shoulder and said, "Listen to your mother, go back and get a good sleep; come again tomorrow."

Shen Xun hasn't had a full night's sleep lately.

He wiped his face, and didn't return until ten p. m.; when he got back to Nanshan Villa it was already eleven, the taxi couldn't enter, so he had to get out and walk.

The cold wind was biting, cutting his face and body like a knife.

He walked alone on the wide asphalt road, passing villa after villa lit up.

His steps suddenly halted at an intersection, turning right toward Nanshan Shu Jiuhao, while straight ahead led back to No. 11.

Shen Xun stared from afar at Villa No. 9, its lights off; either no one was home or they were asleep.

He turned right.

This time he didn't reach the gate of Nanshan Shu Jiuhao; the two dogs Jiang Lai raised would bark at his sight, and waking a sleeping Jiang Lai would be undesirable.

Shen Xun stood still for a long while, and when he finally headed back, he didn't know what time it was.

Someone stood at the gate of the house.

Lin Shutong.

Ever since Shen Xi once brought people into Nan Shan Shiyi Hao, Lin Shutong only needs to register to be able to enter smoothly.

"Shen Xun, you finally came back." She was shivering from the cold wind.

Shen Xun gave her a cold look: "What are you here for?"

Lin Shutong followed behind Shen Xun, anxiously rushing to grab his arm, only to be harshly shaken off.

"Shen Xun, you can't ignore me, we..."

"You came for money." Shen Xun turned around, a sentence blocked her.

Lin Shutong pressed her lips, her voice pausing for a moment, tears blurring her eyes as she said: "Shen Xun, I have already lost my reputation, lost my child, and even in the future it will be impossible for me to have my own child. I cannot afford any more trouble, otherwise I won't even be able to support myself."

"Shen Xun, considering we once had a child, please help me."

Lin Shutong constantly mentions the child, trying again and again to stir Shen Xun's guilt.