First Encounter with Mo Qingli

A few days later, at the Jingzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The venue for the Mo Family's new energy project launch was packed and buzzing with excitement.

As one of Jingzhou's most prominent business magnates, any move by the Mo Family could command the attention of the entire corporate world.

This time, however, the focus was on their newly developed new energy battery technology—a project years in the making—which had drawn countless eager spectators.

Lu Chenyuan stood among the crowd, his tall and striking figure accentuated by a well-tailored black suit.

He hadn’t intended to attend this event.

After all, according to the original course of events, his interactions with Mo Qingli weren’t supposed to happen until much later.

Engaging with her too soon might introduce unnecessary complications.

But considering the relationship between their families and the Mo Family’s influence in Jingzhou, Lu Chenyuan ultimately decided to make an appearance.

If he didn’t show up, Mo Qingli might interpret it as deliberate neglect, which could lead to further trouble.

Lu Chenyuan moved through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings with familiar business associates.

Yet his gaze never stopped searching for one particular figure.

Mo Qingli.

The woman who, in the original timeline, had left him burdened with both deep regret and endless frustration.

Soon, he spotted her.

Dressed in a light blue professional suit that perfectly outlined her graceful figure, Mo Qingli stood on stage, confidently presenting the Mo Family’s latest battery technology.

Under the bright lights, her delicate features appeared even more radiant.

Her voice was clear and melodious, brimming with self-assurance, and every gesture carried an undeniable charm.

Lu Chenyuan watched silently from below, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest.

He knew this woman was far from just a pretty face.

She possessed remarkable intelligence and courage—a true powerhouse in her own right.

In the original timeline, had he not been so fixated on Lu Qianqian and ended up betraying Mo Qingli’s feelings, perhaps the fate of the Lu Family would have been different.

As he listened attentively to Mo Qingli’s presentation, his brow gradually furrowed.

He noticed a critical flaw in the battery’s thermal dissipation design—one that closely matched the parameters of a fatal new energy vehicle explosion from his past life.

If left unaddressed, this defect could lead to catastrophic safety hazards once the product hit the market.

Without hesitation, Lu Chenyuan stepped aside to the rest area, took a pen and paper from a server, and swiftly wrote a message:

"Reduce capacity by 15% at 37°C—lifesaving measure."

Folding the note, he handed it to a Mo Family staff member and said in a low voice, "Please pass this to President Mo."

The staffer gave him a puzzled look but, recognizing his distinguished demeanor, nodded and took the note.

Only after Mo Qingli left the stage did Lu Chenyuan quietly exit the venue.

He didn’t want to interact with her any further.

In fact, he felt an inexplicable resistance to engaging with her at all.

……

At Jingzhou First Hospital, inside a premium ward.

Lu Chenyuan sat by the bed, his gaze fixed on Zhang Qi’s pale face, a trace of complexity flickering in his eyes.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Zhang?" he asked softly.

Zhang Qi slowly opened his eyes and, upon seeing Lu Chenyuan, managed a weak smile.

"President Lu, you came? I’m alright—just a bit weak."

"You were severely injured. You need proper rest," Lu Chenyuan said. "I’ve arranged for the best doctors and nurses to take care of you. Don’t worry about anything."

"Thank you, President Lu," Zhang Qi replied gratefully.

"No need for thanks," Lu Chenyuan waved dismissively. "I’m here today to discuss something with you."

"Please go ahead," Zhang Qi said.

Lu Chenyuan gestured to Lin Yuan, who retrieved a document from his briefcase and handed it to Zhang Qi.

"This is the investigative report on your car accident. Take a look," Lu Chenyuan said.

Zhang Qi accepted the file and began reading.

As he did, his expression grew increasingly grim.

"Sheng Tian Real Estate… they actually…" Zhang Qi clenched his fists, his eyes burning with fury.

"I’ve confirmed it—your accident wasn’t an accident. It was deliberate," Lu Chenyuan stated.

"And the perpetrator didn’t just want you injured. They wanted you dead."

"Why would they do this?" Zhang Qi demanded, though deep down, he already knew the answer.

"Because you stood in their way," Lu Chenyuan replied. "The wage dispute case you took on involves a massive sum. Sheng Tian Real Estate was willing to resort to underhanded methods to silence it."

"I never imagined they’d go this far," Zhang Qi muttered bitterly.

"Their methods are far darker than you realize," Lu Chenyuan said.

"The first crash was just a warning. The second one, right outside the hospital, was meant to kill you—and frame Lu Chenxiao in the process."

Zhang Qi broke into a cold sweat.

He had suspected foul play, but he never thought someone would go to such lengths to eliminate him—let alone drag Lu Chenyuan’s brother into the scheme.

Had it not been for Lu Chenyuan’s foresight, Zhang Qi would already be dead.

Lu Chenyuan had saved his life.

"President Lu, I…" Zhang Qi was too moved to speak.

"You don’t need to say anything. I understand," Lu Chenyuan said.

"You’re a man of justice and integrity. I don’t want you to abandon your ideals because of this."

"But in my current state, I’m afraid…" Zhang Qi hesitated.

"Don’t worry," Lu Chenyuan cut in.

"I’ve arranged everything. Your safety will be my responsibility from now on. As for your legal aid work, you can delegate it to someone you trust. With the backing of the Lu Corporation, your team can operate even more effectively."

"President Lu, are you saying…?" Zhang Qi asked, his voice trembling with excitement.

"I’d like to invite you to work for me," Lu Chenyuan said with a faint smile.

"Your abilities and character are exactly what I need. I want someone absolutely reliable by my side."

"I—I accept!" Zhang Qi agreed without hesitation.

He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Under the protection of the Lu Corporation, he could not only escape danger but also continue pursuing his passion for legal advocacy.

More importantly, he could provide greater support and assistance to those in need.

"Very well," Lu Chenyuan nodded in satisfaction. "From now on, you'll temporarily follow Lin Yuan and learn from him."

"Yes, President Lu!" Zhang Qi replied respectfully.

Lu Chenyuan looked at Zhang Qi, feeling an unexpected sense of anticipation.

In today's society, people with both capability and principles are truly rare resources.