Chapter 422: The Situation Seems Dire

Chapter 422: Chapter 422: The Situation Seems Dire

"President Lin, something is very wrong. I called five bank presidents, and either no one picked up, or they gave all sorts of excuses to avoid lending us any money, even though we have never had any credit issues," Wu Yue said, her voice tinged with frustration.

Lin Ruoxi ran her hand through her hair, her voice steady and devoid of emotion, making it hard to discern her feelings. "Got it. Keep calling other banks we have relationships with. Also, draw on the available funds from our company's major funds."

"Yes, President Lin."

As Wu Yue was about to hang up, Lin Ruoxi suddenly asked, "Has Xianggang Muyun been informed?"

"I sent the message half an hour ago. Actually, Muyun Group is sure to notice something is wrong. The stock market in the States is already reacting to Yu Lei's turbulence, drawing a lot of attention. Muyun Group will likely inquire about our situation. Vice President Li Ming is already discussing with their President, Li Muhua, and we should have a response soon." Nêww chapters will be fully updated at novelhall.com

"Understood. Muyun Group has a stake in our new material products. Li Muhua won't ignore this. Have Vice President Li contact me directly after the discussion."

At this point, the car slowly drove into the secluded resort where the Athena Group was based. Just like the last visit, the resort appeared deserted, resembling an almost-defunct leisure spot. Only those in the know understood that this place served Yu Lei International exclusively.

After getting out of the car, Lin Ruoxi instructed the head of accommodations to take Hui Lin and An Xin to rest.

"It's very late now. You two should go to the guest rooms and rest. I'll have someone take you home in the morning," Lin Ruoxi said to the girls.

Hui Lin shook her head, pleading, "Sister, can I stay with you? I want to be by your side."

"Silly girl, this isn't something you should worry about. What you need to do now is ensure your own safety and go home first thing in the morning. I know you're skilled, but Mom and Wang Ma will need you at home," Lin Ruoxi calmly advised.

Hui Lin hesitated but was gently nudged by An Xin, who gave her a reassuring look. "Hui Lin, your sister is right. You can't help with business matters. I only learned today that you're so skilled in martial arts. Stay with me; I'm still scared."

Hui Lin pouted, understanding that An Xin was pretending to be afraid but also recognizing that she couldn't help Lin Ruoxi with business matters. She nodded, "Okay, I'll go home at dawn. Don't worry, Sister; I'll take care of things at home."

"I'll have someone take you to the old house," Lin Ruoxi said, then looked at An Xin and sighed slightly before saying, "Miss An, I didn't expect our trip would turn out like this. Whatever our differences, I hope you won't be harmed because of me. If you want, you can call the An family's bodyguards to protect you and escort you back. This isn't a confidential place."

An Xin smiled and shook her head. "No need. The target is Yu Lei, not the An family. I'm just caught in the crossfire. I'll go back to Zhonghai City in the morning."

Lin Ruoxi said no more and finally looked at Yang Chen with a questioning glance.

Yang Chen spread his hands and chuckled. "You're not planning to send your husband away, are you? That would make me angry."

"Who allowed you to smoke here?" Lin Ruoxi, already in a bad mood, was now slightly angry seeing Yang Chen so relaxed, smoking in the workspace.

Yang Chen, lost in the fluctuating numbers on the screen, realized only when Lin Ruoxi shouted that he had unconsciously lit the cigarette. Smiling sheepishly, he stubbed it out and put the butt in his pocket, not minding the ash dirtying it. "Sorry, my dear, it was unintentional. I just had it in my mouth for a taste."

Lin Ruoxi suppressed her anger, took a deep breath, and said earnestly, "My mind is very chaotic right now. If you want to stay with me, please don't be so casual. At least don't make me feel like you're just watching the show."

"I'm not watching the show," Yang Chen said, pointing at the big screen with fluctuating graphs. "I'm watching the current battle."

Lin Ruoxi felt a bit better and asked casually, "So, what do you think of the situation?"

"I don't know," Yang Chen said.

"Aren't you watching?" Lin Ruoxi frowned.

Yang Chen spread his hands. "I'm watching, but I don't understand."

"You..."

Lin Ruoxi wanted to rush over and bite this troublemaker several times, taking chunks out of him, but given the critical situation, she decided not to bicker with Yang Chen. Fortunately, she was used to his nonsensical ways. Silently chanting "I'll endure, I'll endure," she turned her head away, ignoring him.

At that moment, Yang Chen stood up and, with a smile, walked up behind Lin Ruoxi. Without warning, he wrapped an arm around her slender waist.

Feeling the heat of his hand on her waist, Lin Ruoxi's body trembled slightly. She turned her face to see Yang Chen looking at her with a strange expression.

Although the members of the Athena Group were busy with their work and wouldn't notice them, Lin Ruoxi's heart pounded, her cheeks flushing. She struggled slightly and whispered, "Let go of me. Why are you doing this all of a sudden?"

Yang Chen breathed warmly into her ear, "You seem very tense. I wanted to help you relax."

"I told you, I don't have time for jokes," Lin Ruoxi said, her bright eyes showing a hint of anger. She was preoccupied with solving the sudden crisis facing Yu Lei, and here was this man, playing such tricks. It wasn't helping her relax; it was just making her angry.

"Getting angry won't solve the problem. You should know that better than anyone," Yang Chen said with a smug smile. "Do you think messing around like this will solve anything?" Lin Ruoxi glared at Yang Chen and retorted.

Yang Chen's expression grew complex. After a moment of apparent contemplation, he finally spoke, his tone serious and deliberate, "Miss Lin Ruoxi, right now, I want to make a deal with you. I'm speaking as just a man named Yang Chen, not as your husband, your employee, or your family member."