Chapter 679: Defection!

Lin Yuan rushed out the back door of the villa.

He wanted to pursue Sun Weiwei and her father.

But he chased along the back mountain for a long time, yet found no trace of Sun Weiwei and her father.

This left Lin Yuan stunned?

Could it be that Sun Weiwei and her father had fled via another route?

Lin Yuan searched the back mountain for half a day, but found nothing.

For safety's sake, he could only return.

After all, Su Zhiyuan was still waiting for him in the villa.

Lin Yuan returned to the villa.

Su Zhiyuan tightly clung to Lin Yuan's arm, her body still slightly trembling…

Lin Yuan gently patted her back, softly soothing her with a few words.

Once Su Zhiyuan's emotions gradually calmed,

Only then did Lin Yuan slowly turn around…

His gaze fell on the four subdued assassins in the hall,

The gentleness around Lin Yuan faded, replaced by a hint of sternness.

He quickly walked up to the assassins, looking down at them.

Lin Yuan's tone ice-cold, he began the interrogation: "Speak, who sent you? Who exactly is the mastermind behind this?"

The four assassins collapsed to the ground, their bodies numb.

Yet they still gritted their teeth, eyes defiant, no one willing to speak—

They had long been instructed by Sun Licheng and his daughter: even if captured, they must absolutely not reveal a word—

Otherwise, not only would their own lives be in danger, but their families would also be implicated.

Faced with Lin Yuan's interrogation, they either shut their eyes tightly or turned their heads away, remaining silent, showing a resolve to die rather than yield.

Lin Yuan looked at their stubborn demeanor, his eyes showing no ripple.

Lin Yuan's heart…… had long since understood.

Actually, he didn't need their confession; he had already guessed who the mastermind was—

Besides Sun Weiwei and her father—

No one else would have gone to such lengths to kidnap Su Zhiyuan, merely to blackmail Su Monong into handing over the Su Group's shares.

But just thinking of Sun Weiwei made Lin Yuan's heart soften involuntarily.

That woman, sometimes arrogant and overbearing, sometimes fragile, surged like a tide…… in his mind……

Lin Yuan recalled their past skin-to-skin intimacy……

He recalled the occasional genuine emotion flickering in Sun Weiwei's eyes……

The sternness in Lin Yuan's heart…… gradually faded, leaving only a trace of complexity and reluctance.

Lin Yuan knew that if he used the silver needle to press them a little more, these assassins would surely break and reveal Sun Weiwei and her father.

But once they confessed, Sun Weiwei's participation in the kidnapping and her intent to seize power would be proven beyond doubt—

She would certainly…… face imprisonment, spending the rest of her life behind bars.

Lin Yuan ultimately softened his heart.

He did not want to see his woman end up like that.

Even if Sun Weiwei repeatedly targeted him, schemed against him—

Even if their positions were opposed, they were like fire and water^

But that past entanglement, that skin-to-skin intimacy…… always left a mark in Lin Yuan's heart……

This made Lin Yuan unable to harden his heart to push her into an abyss of no return.

Looking at the assassins before him who still refused to speak, Lin Yuan let out a soft sigh……

The silver needle at Lin Yuan's fingertip…… was slowly withdrawn……

Lin Yuan did not continue the interrogation.

He knew this was self-deception, yet he could only do this—

He could not bear to watch Sun Weiwei be imprisoned.

Afterward, Lin Yuan took out his phone and dialed Mu Lingxue's number.

Lin Yuan held the phone, speaking calmly: "Lingxue, I have already subdued all the kidnappers here, in the half-mountain villa we previously located; bring your police team over, arrest them all, and hand over the subsequent interrogation to you."

On the other end of the line, Mu Lingxue heard this and immediately replied: "Okay, I'll bring people over right away, I'll be there soon!"

About ten or so minutes later, Mu Lingxue brought the police squad and rushed to the villa.

After the police entered, they saw the subdued assassins in the hall, and beside them, Su Zhiyuan still somewhat shaken……

Mu Lingxue quickly stepped forward and nodded at Lin Yuan.

Mu Lingxue said in a low voice: "Lin Yuan, you've worked hard; the rest is up to us."

Afterward, Mu Lingxue signaled her subordinates to step forward and put handcuffs on all the assassins on the ground……

After the police carefully verified the assassins' identities, they escorted them onto the police van.

Before leaving, Mu Lingxue looked at Lin Yuan,.

Her tone tinged with doubt: "These people won't confess who the mastermind is?"

Lin Yuan gently shook his head, speaking calmly: "They're tight-lipped; for now they haven't confessed—later you can interrogate them slowly, I believe you'll find clues."

He did not voice his thoughts, nor mention Sun Weiwei and her father.

Lin Yuan merely deliberately obscured the topic, secretly leaving a leeway for Sun Weiwei.

Mu Lingxue didn't think much, nodded: "Okay, I understand. Miss Su was frightened; you take her back to rest first. If there's anything else needing coordination later, I'll contact you."

After saying that, Mu Lingxue led the police team members, escorting the assassin out of the villa...

Inside the villa, calm was restored once again.

Lin Yuan supported the still somewhat unsteady Su Zhiyuan as they slowly walked out of the villa...

The evening wind carried the mountain's chill, making the little girl shiver involuntarily.

Su Zhiyuan instinctively... leaned closer to Lin Yuan.

Seeing this, Lin Yuan took off his own coat and gently draped it over her shoulders.

When Lin Yuan's fingertips touched her cold shoulder, his tone softened further: "Don't be afraid, I'll take you home."

The two hurried to the car at the foot of the mountain.

Lin Yuan opened the passenger door, carefully helped Su Zhiyuan get in, and fastened her seatbelt.

Only then did Lin Yuan go around to the driver's seat and start the car.

The night was deep, the mountain path narrow and rugged.

Lin Yuan drove, escorting her down the mountain all the way.

Su Zhiyuan wrapped herself in Lin Yuan's coat still holding his warmth, the faint scent of grass and trees on him lingering around her nose.

Su Zhiyuan's nerves, taut for so long... finally relaxed completely.

Resentment and lingering fear... surged up like a tide.

She sat in the passenger seat, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks, falling onto her knees and spreading a small wet patch.

Lin Yuan drove while turning his head... seeing her silently shedding tears.

A pang of pity welled up in Lin Yuan's heart...

Lin Yuan eased off the accelerator gently, his voice soft as he soothed: "Zhi Yuan, it's over now; no one can hurt you anymore, I'm here."

Those words were like a catalyst, completely breaking down Su Zhiyuan's defenses.

She could no longer hold back, leaning sideways to move closer...

Su Zhiyuan, heedless of the moving car, threw her arms around Lin Yuan's arm, her cheek pressed against his, and burst into tears:

"Lin Yuan, thank you... hic... just now I was really scared, I thought I'd never see my mother again, never see you again..."

Her sobs... carried deep resentment and lingering fear, choking uncontrollably...

Su Zhiyuan's shoulders shuddered violently, her hands gripping Lin Yuan's sleeves as if clutching a lifeline.

Lin Yuan freed one hand, gently patting her back, his movements tender.

Lin Yuan said softly, "Sorry, I came late and let you suffer. I won't let you fall into such danger again."

Su Zhiyuan cried for a long time before gradually calming down a bit...

Her sobs... gradually turned into intermittent hiccups.

She lifted her head, her eye sockets red and swollen...

On her eyelashes... still hung crystal teardrops, her cheeks still bearing the unfaded red imprint of fingers, a sight that tugged at the heart.

Su Zhiyuan stared... at Lin Yuan's focused side profile as he drove.

The light... cast a faint shadow on Lin Yuan's sharply defined face.

Lin Yuan's composure and resolve... completely dispelled Su Zhiyuan's inner unease.

Looking at Lin Yuan, Su Zhiyuan's heart held nothing but complete reliance and warmth.

Somehow, Su Zhiyuan slightly leaned in...

She took advantage of the moment Lin Yuan turned and slowed, gently moving closer, her soft lips...

... lightly touching Lin Yuan...

... like a feather brushing over, carrying the girl's shyness and sincerity.

Then Su Zhiyuan's cheeks flushed instantly, and she hurriedly lowered her head...

She buried her forehead in Lin Yuan's arm...

Her heart pounded "thump-thump-thump" nonstop, her breathing turning rapid...

Su Zhiyuan whispered:

"Lin Yuan, I... I..."

Lin Yuan's body stiffened instantly, and he hastily covered her mouth.

Lin Yuan signaled her not to say anything further.

Because Lin Yuan feared that their relationship would spiral out of control.

"Alright, get some rest," Lin Yuan reminded.

Then he let Su Zhiyuan lie down on the chair.

He gripped the steering wheel and continued driving.

Su Zhiyuan bit her lip, looking at Lin Yuan.

"Lin Yuan, will you protect me for life?" Su Zhiyuan suddenly asked.

Lin Yuan smiled and nodded, freeing a hand to gently wipe away the tears left on her face.

Lin Yuan said softly, "Don't worry, I will. As long as I work at the Su Group, I'll protect you and your mother well, never letting you come to any harm."

Su Zhiyuan looked at his gentle eyes, heard his firm words, and tears welled up again...

This time, they were tears of joy and relief.

She once again wrapped her arms around Lin Yuan's arm, pressing close to him, the corner of her mouth lifting in a faint smile, her eyes full of anticipation...

She knew that with Lin Yuan around, everything would get better.

The car slowly drove away from the mountains, heading toward the city...

Car headlights, cutting a warm trail in the night……

……

4 a. m.

A hint of fish-belly white appeared on the horizon……

Lin Yuan finally parked the car at the gate of Su Jia Bie Shu.

The villa's lights remained on……

Obviously Su Monong had not slept all night, anxiously waiting for news of her daughter.

Lin Yuan helped Su Zhiyuan out of the car.

Just as the two reached the door, the villa's main door was flung open……

Su Monong, disheveled, with bloodshot eyes and a face full of exhaustion and anxiety, walked out of the villa……

When Su Monong saw…… Su Zhiyuan standing beside Lin Yuan.

All of Su Monong's strength collapsed in an instant.

"Zhi Yuan!" Su Monong rushed forward and tightly embraced Su Zhiyuan……

Su Monong's voice choked, tears instantly spilled, and she wept heart-wrenchingly……

"Mom thought she'd never see you again; as long as you're safe, that's all that matters……"

Su Monong held her daughter tightly, as if wanting to rub her into her own flesh and blood……

All the worry and fear of the past days were completely released at this moment.

Su Zhiyuan leaned in her mother's embrace, her eyes reddened again, and she softly sobbed into her mother's arms:

"Mom, I'm fine, I'm back, sorry for making you worry."

Lin Yuan stood to the side, watching the warm mother‑daughter reunion, a hint of warmth rising in his eyes.

After the two had calmed down a little,

Lin Yuan then spoke slowly: "Director Su, Zhi Yuan, I've safely brought her back—rest assured. For now we can tell this kidnapping was done by Sun Weiwei and her father, but I haven't yet found direct evidence, so I can't directly charge them."

No sooner had his words fallen than Su Zhiyuan lifted her head, her gaze firm:

"Mom, Lin Yuan, I can testify! It was Sun Weiwei and her father who kidnapped me; I saw them with my own eyes and heard them plotting to force you to hand over Su Group's shares—I can serve as a witness and point them out!"

Su Monong's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness and resolve upon hearing that.

Su Monong gripped her daughter's hand tightly, voice firm: "Good, Zhi Yuan, your testimony is enough. Those who dare harm my daughter and covet Su Group will not be let off by me!"

……

Early the next morning, Su Monong hastily convened a Su Group shareholders meeting.

In the meeting room, all shareholders gathered, expressions varied, murmuring—

Everyone had heard of Su Zhiyuan's kidnapping and vaguely suspected Sun Licheng and his daughter were involved, but there was no solid proof.

Su Monong wore a neat professional outfit, sat calmly in the chief seat.

Su Monong's sharp gaze swept over every shareholder present.

Su Monong spoke slowly:

"Shareholders, today's emergency shareholders meeting—you all surely know my daughter Su Zhiyuan was recently kidnapped, and the mastermind behind it is Sun Licheng and his daughter!"

As soon as she finished, the meeting room erupted in an uproar!

Shareholders stared in shock, their discussion growing ever more heated.

Just then, Su Monong gestured to the side.

Her daughter Su Zhiyuan walked slowly into the meeting room.

Although Su Zhiyuan's face still bore traces of fatigue, her eyes remained resolute.

"Shareholders, I can testify that Sun Weiwei and her father Sun Licheng kidnapped me; they threatened my mother, demanding she hand over Su Group's shares, otherwise they'd hurt me."

Su Zhiyuan's voice was clear and firm, each word carrying through the entire meeting room.

Inside the meeting room, utter silence!

With Su Zhiyuan's testimony, combined with Sun Licheng and his daughter's previous attempts to covet shares and secretly sabotage……

In an instant, all shareholders were utterly shocked!

The shareholders…… looked at the empty seats where Sun Licheng and his daughter should have been, their eyes full of dissatisfaction and contempt.

Everyone gradually realized……

Sun Licheng and his daughter…… would stop at nothing to seize control of Su Group, even targeting Su Monong's own relatives……

Such people are utterly unfit to participate in company management.

Those shareholders who had previously wavered or even leaned toward Sun Licheng and his daughter now switched sides……

These shareholders stood up one by one and declared firmly:

"I support General Manager Su! Sun Licheng and his daughter harbor ill intentions, will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and must never be allowed to control the company!"

"I also support General Manager Su; we trust in his ability to lead Su Group to ever greater heights!"

Of course, these shareholders backing Su Monong also have a major motive: to avoid suspicion.

What Sun Licheng and his daughter have done is kidnapping, after all.

Which of these shareholders would still dare to back Sun Licheng?

They all fear becoming accomplices.

Kidnapping is a serious crime.

Nobody wants to bring trouble upon themselves.

So, to protect themselves, they all chose to back Su Monong!

In an instant, the meeting room was filled with voices supporting Su Monong……

Sun Licheng and his daughter's reputation for "doing whatever it takes to achieve their goals" was completely confirmed; they can no longer stand in the Su Group.

Inside the meeting room, Sun Licheng and his daughter's faces were extremely grim...

At the same time, the meeting room's door was suddenly burst open.

Mu Lingxue, leading a large contingent of police officers, stormed into the meeting room!