33: Zhao

Yan Zhuohua had always told himself that he couldn't fully open his heart or respond to Yan Qinghe until those two matters were resolved, but Yan Qinghe's every word and action lately made it almost impossible for him to stick to his decision.

With a person like this, he truly wanted to be in love with their hearts connected.

Yan Zhuohua closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time. The time wasn't right; even if he might have already developed feelings, he couldn't say it. He forced himself to suppress this emotion.

Fortunately, the truth was about to come to light. He had never understood those people's goals before, but after learning about that project yesterday, he realized this might be what they were after. In that case, they were bound to make another move. As long as there was movement, there would be traces; by following the clues, finding the truth wouldn't be far off.

When that time came, he could stand as an equal beside Yan Qinghe and respond to those feelings.

“You understand those people's thoughts quite well, don't you?” Having made up his mind, Yan Zhuohua spoke as if nothing were wrong.

Yan Qinghe showed no other reaction, appearing not to have noticed Yan Zhuohua's silence just now.

“It was all covered in the curriculum. Are you intentionally testing my studies?”

Yan Zhuohua silently cursed his poor memory.

“Of course not. Close your eyes and rest! I'm going to start driving.”

Yan Qinghe obediently closed his eyes. He had only had a few drinks and was perfectly sober. Recalling Yan Zhuohua's silence just now, the corners of his mouth curled slightly. It seemed someone was finally starting to catch on; victory was close at hand.

Wednesday was the time Yan Zhuohua had set to go to the Zhao Corporation to discuss the project. For convenience, he declined Yan Qinghe's car today and drove the Bentley to the company himself.

After gathering his five team members, they held a meeting to carefully deliberate on the objectives of today's trip before heading toward the Zhao Corporation together.

They arrived at the Zhao Corporation at two in the afternoon. Zhao Zhongkai's Special Assistant, Jiang Kewen, had been waiting downstairs early on. Seeing the two cars arrive one after the other, he stepped forward quickly to greet them.

“Director Yan, our President is waiting for you in his office. Please follow me.”

Yan Zhuohua and his team followed Jiang Kewen upstairs.

Jiang Kewen led them to a conference room. After instructing a secretary to prepare whatever drinks they wanted, he went to fetch Zhao Zhongkai. Within a few minutes, the conference room door was pushed open.

In addition to Zhao Zhongkai walking in front, both Zhao Zixing and Zhao Zichuo were present.

“Nephew Yan, the last time I saw you was at your wedding. I wonder how your married life is going?”

Yan Zhuohua strongly disliked people who lacked class but tried hard to fake it. If not for the fact that the man was technically an elder, Yan Zhuohua wouldn't have bothered to acknowledge him.

“Thank you for your concern, President Zhao, I am doing very well. However, I’m curious to know who you’ve finally decided will be responsible for our project? Although the project isn't particularly massive, it can't be dragged on forever.”

Zhao Zhongkai hadn't expected Yan Zhuohua to be so direct. His mouth twitched for a moment before he forced another smile: “There's no need to rush, Nephew. After receiving your message, we stepped up our discussions. I intend to let my youngest son, Zichuo, take over this project. What do you think?”

Hah, he really was paving the way for his illegitimate son. However, since this was the Zhao Corporation's decision, he didn't want to interfere.

“I have no objections, as long as your son can normally complete what he needs to do.” Yan Zhuohua didn't expect this illegitimate son to actually accomplish anything at all; as long as he didn't cause trouble or make a mess, it would be fine. Surely his father would provide him with a capable deputy.

And indeed.

“Zichuo has only just joined the company recently, so I've arranged a deputy for him. This is Mr. Yu Shang, President Yu. You should get to know each other; it will make things more convenient when working.”

Yu Shang was a shrewd-looking middle-aged man. He appeared well-dressed on the outside, but in reality, his eyes occasionally flickered with a greasy, predatory gaze. His eyes lingered on Yan Zhuohua, making him feel inexplicably disgusted.

Yan Zhuohua really couldn't understand. How did Zhao Zhongkai come up with this idea of providing a deputy to do all the work and have full authority? Wasn't he afraid the deputy would get ambitious and just sideline the son? Moreover, this Yu Shang clearly didn't look like someone who would stay in his place. If Zhao Zhongkai really handed the Zhao Corporation over to this illegitimate son, he feared the company would be renamed 'Yu' within two years.

The project discussion lasted all afternoon, with breaks in between.

Under Special Assistant Jiang's lead, Yan Zhuohua went downstairs to check on the progress of the project team.

Just as he entered the project department, Yan Zhuohua encountered someone unexpected.

Wen Hengtang was here.

Taking advantage of the moment Special Assistant Jiang went to arrange drinks, Yan Zhuohua called Wen Hengtang to a corner.

“Why are you here?”

Wen Hengtang was also very happy to see Yan Zhuohua. “Didn't you suggest I find a new boss? The day I went back, I fired my boss and then looked for a new company. I thought since you were in City A, I'd come here and take a look, and sure enough, I ran into you.”

Wen Hengtang had excellent grades. Given his school's reputation and his own strength, it really wasn't difficult to get into the Zhao Corporation.

“You certainly move fast. Have you finished all the procedures? Is there anything you need help with?”

“No need, I finished everything on Friday. I'm living in the staff dormitory now and eating at the staff cafeteria. There's nothing I need help with.” Yan Zhuohua couldn't help but admire Wen Hengtang's speed of action.

“By the way,” Wen Hengtang hesitated for a moment before finally speaking: “Since coming to City A, I've heard about your family matters. What exactly is going on with you?”

Yan Zhuohua wasn't surprised that he could find these things out; he hadn't hidden it from anyone in the first place. Besides, the Zhao Corporation had always been about political marriages and playing with relationships; their gossip was legendary in City A. It was perfectly normal for people here to know about his affairs.

He just couldn't help but marvel that Wen Hengtang truly was a high-efficiency overachiever. It had only been a few days, and he had already integrated into the Zhao Corporation and even happened to come across news about him.

“This isn't the place to talk. Go back for now, and I'll contact you for dinner when I'm free.” Yan Zhuohua's sharp eyes caught Special Assistant Jiang looking for him, so he gave Wen Hengtang a few instructions and hurried over. Letting people know he was on good terms with Wen Hengtang might affect the latter's situation at the Zhao Corporation.

After brushing off Special Assistant Jiang and checking the general progress of the project, they saw that the time was about right and returned to the conference room upstairs.

Facing the disgusting gaze that Yu Shang occasionally threw his way, Yan Zhuohua wanted nothing more than to leave immediately.

Repeating the phrase 'Of all vices, lust is the worst; judge by actions, not by thoughts' over a dozen times in his head, he endured his temper and finished the discussion.

As soon as the meeting ended, Yan Zhuohua simply dropped a line about having an appointment and led his people away.

The task of visiting the factory next week to check on progress could be directly handed over to Qin Shi to lead the technical staff. The next time Yan Zhuohua needed to make an appearance would be at the regular meeting the week after next. However, this time was only for inspection that the location was set at the Zhao Corporation; all subsequent locations would be set at the Xingfeng Group. On his own turf, it would be much more comfortable. Finally relieved that he didn't have to come back to this hellhole, Yan Zhuohua let out a sigh of relief.