If possible.

Lin Mengxi didn't want to reveal her hand too early.

In comparison, slowly tightening the net around Pang Jun step by step was undoubtedly the best approach.

However, Pang Jun's loyalty, as demonstrated in his words and actions, along with the recent wave of scandals that failed to pose any real threat to Ye Chen, made things more complicated. Not even those rumors could shake Pang Jun's unwavering devotion to him.

This back and forth had dragged on long enough.

Lin Mengxi didn't want to waste any more time!

If it weren't for Pang Jun's loyalty displayed at the Champs-Élysées restaurant, she absolutely wouldn't have let him have his way with her.

It was important to note that after undergoing restorative surgery a year ago, in order to preserve that final piece of innocence, no man had ever touched her.

What was originally a bargaining chip to secure a wealthy man had now been cheaply given to Pang Jun.

This was enough to show that she didn't want to delay any longer – she understood all too well that hesitation breeds complications.

But what Lin Mengxi didn't realize was that this wasn't a critical step forward in her supposedly perfect plan. Instead, it was a disastrous misstep!

If she had been merely skirting the edge of danger before, she had now stepped directly into the danger zone!

In the high-rise apartment.

Lin Mengxi hung up the phone, a cold smirk playing at her lips.

Based on her understanding of Pang Jun, she knew he would comply under such threats. After all, the disgrace and punishment that would follow were consequences he could never afford to bear.

"Three hours, Mr. Pang. I hope you won't disappoint me."

In the Vice President's office at Yiren Ruxue.

After Lin Mengxi ended the call, Pang Jun stood frozen for a long time.

He could never have imagined that such a dramatic and cliché scheme would happen to him.

Nor could he have guessed that all the care and affection he had received was nothing more than an elaborate trap from the very beginning.

"Three hours... Three hours... Damn it, to hell with your ancestors for 81 generations!"

Pang Jun slammed his fist hard against the desk, panic rising as he swallowed nervously and shouted.

He had no doubt that Lin Mengxi would call the police if necessary.

If she involved the authorities, Pang Jun knew he wouldn't be able to explain his way out of it. The result would be total disgrace and imprisonment. Worse yet, he would carry that stigma forever, affecting not only his life but the future of his family.

Was he really going to trade the flawless cream formula to Lin Mengxi under her threat?

No – he couldn't do it!

Leaving aside the value of the formula, the moment it leaked, Yiren Ruxue would crumble, and Ye Chen would fall with it.

What now? What the hell should he do?

Pang Jun's fist hit the desk again.

His face pale, he slumped into his chair.

Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number that had long been blacklisted but still lingered in his memory.

"Pang? What's this? Have you finally come to your senses? Are you ready to return and build the empire with me?"

Ding Chengjun was shocked to receive a call from Pang Jun, his excitement evident as he eagerly answered.

"You bastard! Is Lin Mengxi working with you? Did you send her to me?" Pang Jun growled.

Ding Chengjun's heart sank for a moment, but he quickly feigned ignorance.

"Lin Mengxi? What are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean."

"Cut the crap! If she isn't working with you, I'll change my surname to yours!" Pang Jun roared, springing out of his chair.

"What's wrong with you? Are you out of your mind? Do you think I'm the villain in all your problems? In your eyes, am I the one always scheming against you?" Ding Chengjun snapped.

"Fine! Maybe I have lost my mind! But if you think you can get the flawless cream formula, forget it! I'd rather lose everything and rot in prison than let you have it!"

Without waiting for a response, Pang Jun hurled his phone at the wall, shattering it.

Amidst the crashing sound and his furious roars, the office door creaked open.

It was Chen Yinuo.

She had heard from the staff that something seemed off with Vice President Pang today.

She hadn't expected to hear the sound of smashing when she arrived at his office.

As she opened the door and saw the broken phone on the floor, her brows furrowed tightly.

When she looked up at Pang Jun's pale face and trembling body, her expression darkened.

"Pang, what's going on with you?" she asked in a low voice.

"N-Nothing..."

Realizing Chen Yinuo had entered, Pang Jun grew increasingly flustered.

"Are you sure this looks like 'nothing'?" Her frown deepened.

Taking a deep breath, Pang Jun steadied himself by gripping the desk.

Just as Chen Yinuo thought he was about to explain, his next words left her stunned.

"President Chen... I think I need to resign from Yiren Ruxue."

Saying those words was difficult, but it signified the decision he had made.

Even if it meant destroying himself, he wouldn't bring down Yiren Ruxue.

After all, Ye Chen and his wife had treated him well.

He couldn't betray them.

"W-What? You're resigning? What's going on with you?"

Chen Yinuo gasped in shock.

"I'm not crazy. I'm perfectly rational. Resigning is the only way to avoid implicating Yiren Ruxue. I can't let old troubles resurface and trigger new ones."

"What trouble? What have you done?"

Pang Jun shook his head.

"You remember the woman I mentioned yesterday?"

"Your girlfriend?"

Girlfriend?

Pang Jun froze for a moment, his smile bitter.

"President Chen, that woman was likely sent by Ding Chengjun. I suspect this is all part of his plan to force me to hand over the formula. I've fallen into their trap... and if I refuse, I'll be ruined."

"But between betraying Ye Chen and surrendering to them, I'd rather protect Ye Chen. I owe him that much."