Looking at the noblewoman before her who instinctively adopted such a submissive posture, An Ning found it amusing but not particularly surprising. She took a sip of freshly poured tea.
See, there was never such a thing as unintentional harm. Those who hurt you always knew exactly how sharp the blade they wielded against you was. Just like Madam Ji in the original host's memories - she had always excelled at using the most casual demeanor, perfectly measured aloofness and arrogance to pierce the already shattered self-esteem of the original host until it bled profusely. She had made the original host doubt not only her impending future but even herself on multiple occasions.
There were no outright mockeries or sarcastic remarks, yet her actions cut deeper than any of those ever could. From beginning to end, in An Ning's view, this woman had maintained an excellent grasp of the original host's psychological state.
An Ning even suspected that Madam Ji had thoroughly investigated the original host's family background right from their first meeting. The reason she hadn't immediately used it as leverage was simply because she was waiting for the perfect moment to strike with precision.
The amusing part was that now, precisely because she understood so clearly the damage she had inflicted on the original host, Madam Ji felt anxious and unsettled. Hence this unprecedented "apology visit" even before An Ning had expressed any stance.
With a crisp sound, An Ning set down her teacup casually, her clear eyes calm and unreadable as she looked at the woman before her: "Actually, this visit of yours today isn't really necessary, is it?"
"The truth is, you've always understood my character perfectly. It's true that I dislike you and detest your past actions. But it's also true that I'm unlikely to go out of my way to do anything about it."
"Besides..." An Ning stirred her spoon idly, her tone still casual: "If not for your 'generous sponsorship' of five million back then, how could a backgroundless, connectionless girl like me have survived those years abroad comfortably?"
Here, the original host had familiar friends, especially schoolmates and professors - many of whom were elites in various fields. Whether starting a business or finding a decent job, the beginning would be thousands of times easier than being completely alone in a foreign land.
Knowing the hardships she would face, the original host had taken that money despite her bleeding heart. An Ning actually admired that decision. Frankly, if anyone called this gold-digging, An Ning would only say: Good for her...
Meanwhile, Madam Ji's expression stiffened momentarily.
That five million had actually been returned untouched to her account four years ago. At that time, she hadn't thought much of it - she didn't admire the other party's integrity but rather found such pride laughable.
How laughably naive! How laughably stupid! A young beautiful woman alone in a foreign country without money? Suffering would be the least of her problems!
Now it seemed this woman before her had already achieved success in her field back then, hence the confidence to return every cent. One year - she had only needed one year...
Thinking of this, Madam Ji unconsciously clenched her hands, her well-maintained nails digging into her palms unnoticed.
In fact, ever since Fu Corporation's product launch, this young doctor's background and history had been thoroughly investigated by various parties domestically, especially her time in America.
A former finance student who, through just half a year of self-study, could independently design software programs and earn recognition from world-renowned professors. Within a year, she became one of that old professor's most prized students, obtaining her master's degree the following year and frequently accompanying her advisor to major international conferences.
In less than three years, she had made her mark in academia. Calling her a genius in her field wouldn't be an exaggeration.
More importantly was her collaboration with Fu Corporation over these years. Evidence showed Dr. Xu wasn't just academically brilliant but also remarkably forward-thinking in practical applications. It wasn't hard for interested parties to discover that Fu Corporation Technologies' rapid development since four years ago, gradually establishing itself in America's high-tech sector, coincided with when the two met...
At twenty-six, an age that could still be considered junior in academia, to have achieved so much - her future value was truly incalculable. Few wouldn't want to befriend such top-tier talent.
Did she regret it? Naturally.
Thinking back to her earlier mockeries and assumptions, Madam Ji felt uncharacteristically embarrassed. But more important than that was the person before her now.
Both knew that five million represented not just the money but also that sealed chapter of the past.
Looking at An Ning's calm expression, Madam Ji recalled how the formerly proud young girl had instantly paled when first confronted, her fragility evident despite her efforts to appear strong.
Madam Ji understood. The only reason someone could mention the past so calmly was because it no longer affected them.
Then... Madam Ji subconsciously clenched her fists. Never had she been more acutely aware that the person before her was no longer the Xu An Ning of yesterday. Not just in status, but in character.
If she could cast aside such dark, painful history, how much weight would youthful affections hold in her eyes now? This was what unsettled Madam Ji most.
As for An Ning saying she bore no ill will, Madam Ji believed her. Simply because there was no need. At her current level, making trouble for Madam Ji or even the Ji family would be all too easy.
The current her probably wasn't even worth deceiving in An Ning's eyes.
But Madam Ji also knew some things couldn't be resolved just by the other party magnanimously letting it go. People were inherently pragmatic.
Not to mention whether other competitors who learned of this would take advantage. Just considering how among all the companies, Fu Sheng had deliberately placed the Ji family last in line - wasn't that statement enough?
If they failed to secure the rights to this patent system this time, while others succeeded... Worse yet, given An Ning's capabilities, this situation might recur multiple times in future.
Taking a deep breath, Madam Ji finally spoke: "Miss Xu, regarding my past offenses, I'm willing to provide any compensation you desire. But this processing system - the Ji family genuinely needs it. Could you possibly... Could you..."
Her plea was abruptly interrupted by a sweet, cheerful voice:
"Auntie! It really is you! I just..."
"Eh? Isn't this... Sister Xu?"