ORCBRB – Chapter 76
Chapter 76
Sang Shiyue tried to recall carefully. He hadn't explicitly said he agreed to their relationship, so how did Sang Shi'an dare to discuss marriage with Jian Cenyu right in front of him?
And sneaking off to a foreign country to do it, no less.
Startled by his voice, Sang Shi'an quickly lowered her own, whispering to Jian Cenyu, “By then, you won’t be managing Jian Corporation anymore, so you can sell your shares. If we dump yours and my brother’s together, it’ll be over ten percent. That would deal a heavy blow to Jian Corporation.”
Sang Shiyue said, “...I told you, I can hear you.”
The Sang Shi'an he used to be able to silence with a single word was now so talkative. Do people really change when they fall in love?
Sang Shi'an gave an awkward smile and made a gesture to zip her lips.
By the time Sang Shiyue dropped them off at home, it was already past one in the morning.
Watching Sang Shiyue’s car leave the community, Sang Shi'an felt a sense of dreamlike unreality. She pinched Jian Cenyu’s hand and asked, “My brother actually didn’t take me to my parents for a harsh interrogation?”
Jian Cenyu’s pale lips moved slightly. “Mm, maybe he thought taking you away would be useless?”
Sang Shi'an turned to meet Jian Cenyu’s gaze, and they both burst out laughing. Sang Shi'an’s hand moved to Jian Cenyu’s sleeve, shaking it gently. “To prevent him from regretting it, Jian Cenyu, hurry up and take me home.”
The two of them jogged into the elevator. The moment they opened the door and stepped into the apartment, neither of them turned on the lights. It was unclear who started it, but they began to kiss each other impatiently.
Their lips were warm. The moment Sang Shi'an kissed her, she felt a tingling numbness. An indescribable sense of satisfaction washed over her, and she couldn't help but press closer to Jian Cenyu, until she had pushed her against the wall, her tongue pressing against Jian Cenyu’s teeth.
Jian Cenyu let Sang Shi'an push her, her hands barely moving, but she was very cooperative in the kiss, gently sucking and kissing along with the rhythm Sang Shi'an liked. A pleasant sound escaped from Sang Shi'an’s mouth.
The indoor temperature was quite high, and after the interrogation they had just been through, they both needed mutual comfort. Their body temperatures rose quickly, the darkness concealing their intertwined figures.
During a pause in their kissing, Sang Shi'an inadvertently opened her eyes to look at Jian Cenyu, studying the features she had seen countless times, and noticed an extremely subtle change in Jian Cenyu’s expression.
It was a micro-expression of restraint and difficulty.
Sang Shi'an couldn't help but be lost in thought for a moment, and the kiss on her lips stopped. Jian Cenyu sensed it, her eyelashes lifting slightly, as if chiding Sang Shi'an for getting distracted.
Sang Shi'an pouted guiltily, but Jian Cenyu held the back of her neck and pulled her into another deep kiss. Her tongue swiftly pried open Sang Shi'an’s teeth, authoritatively and without argument hooking Sang Shi'an’s tongue as it tried to retreat, sweeping through every inch of her mouth in a way that was both dominant and gentle.
Like a scorching flame, it made their hearts burn ever brighter.
When Jian Cenyu finally let go, Sang Shi'an’s lips were still slightly parted. In the darkness, her eyes couldn't focus, making her look even more dazed.
Jian Cenyu’s gaze darkened, and she forcibly suppressed some obsessive thoughts. “Should I turn on the lights?” she asked.
Sang Shi'an nodded.
The moment the lights came on, her eyes had trouble adjusting, and Sang Shi'an bit her lip in discomfort.
Jian Cenyu seemed to follow Sang Shi'an’s every move. Staring at her glistening lips, she walked back towards Sang Shi'an. “Is the light too harsh?”
Sang Shi'an replied unguardedly, “It’s much better now.”
Jian Cenyu moved closer. “Do you want me to take a look for you?”
Sang Shi'an asked, “Huh? It’s just turning on a light, what’s there to look at?”
The next second, Jian Cenyu suddenly leaned in, pressing the stunned Sang Shi'an against the wall and kissing her again.
This kiss was even more fierce than the last, and Sang Shi'an’s legs felt like they were about to give out.
By the end of the kiss, Sang Shi'an was panting delicately as she warned Jian Cenyu, “It’s not like I won’t let you kiss me. Why are you always so fierce?”
“I can’t control myself when I see you.” Jian Cenyu pinched Sang Shi'an’s burning earlobe and took half a step back, giving her space to breathe. “After all, you just proposed to me. It’s only natural for me to be a little excited. I hope Miss Sang can understand.”
Sang Shi'an was speechless.
“When did I propose to you?”
“Hmm?” Jian Cenyu raised an eyebrow, looking perfectly serious. “Weren’t you the one who wanted to go to Australia with me to get a marriage certificate? Your brother was quite upset about it.”
So upset that he couldn't even be bothered with Sang Shi'an, directly allowing them to continue living together during the winter break.
Sang Shi'an snorted coldly. “I just suddenly remembered that same-sex marriage is legal in Australia and mentioned it casually.”
Jian Cenyu didn’t let her evade the topic. “Ordinary people wouldn’t go looking that up. It shows you have the intention and have secretly investigated it.”
Sang Shi'an: ... %??##@%
Sang Shi'an’s expression changed several times before she stubbornly said, “I just think Australia is a livable place. I like women, so what’s wrong with me looking it up for my future girlfriend? Did you think I was looking it up for you?”
She deliberately used Sang Shiyue’s words to counter Jian Cenyu. “My brother hopes I find a girl with a simple family background. I think that’s feasible too.”
Upon hearing this, the smile that had filled Jian Cenyu’s eyes suddenly trembled violently. Then, all expression was wiped away, and her tone became very cool. “Then I’ll have to keep a close eye on you, to prevent you from being poached.”
“Pfft—” Sang Shi'an couldn’t keep up the act for more than three seconds and burst out laughing.
She took the initiative to hug Jian Cenyu, nuzzling her again and again. “Yes, yes, you have to watch me closely. If one day my mother throws billions at you, you absolutely cannot soften your heart. I’ll definitely be at your mercy, without any power to resist.”
Jian Cenyu rubbed the back of Sang Shi'an’s head. “Nonsense.”
Having their relationship discovered by Sang Shiyue wasn’t as bad as they had imagined. The sun rose as usual the next day.
The successful bid at the chamber of commerce brought a lot of related work to handle. Coupled with the start of winter break, Jian Cenyu went to Jian Corporation early in the morning.
Her discord with Jian Zhenyang was now completely out in the open. Everyone at Jian Corporation, from the senior executives to the interns, knew that the two were vying for the position of successor. Behind one was Jian Zhihuan, who still held the CEO title, and behind the other was Old Master Jian, who had long since retired but was still pulling strings from behind the scenes. No one could predict the outcome.
Most of the senior executives chose to play it safe, not taking sides as long as the two didn’t clash.
However, Jian Cenyu had underestimated Jian Zhenyang’s shamelessness.
In her first week back at Jian Corporation, Jian Zhenyang, citing the relationship between Jian Corporation and the chamber of commerce, used the interests of the entire chamber as leverage to widely release positive news about the Huaxing project. The resulting surge in stock price, far exceeding that of other listed companies during the same period, directly triggered an investigation by the securities regulatory commission.
Jian Corporation’s success in securing the leading position in the mainland pharmaceutical chamber of commerce had already made many people envious. When Jian Zhenyang used the chamber’s name to grandstand for his own benefit, the companies that had missed out on the prize immediately seized the opportunity. After the news about malicious stock price manipulation was exposed, Jian Corporation, as the capital behind Huaxing, was directly implicated.
After Jian Zhenyang, the head of Huaxing, and Jian Zhihuan, the CEO of Jian Corporation, were taken away by the securities regulatory commission, Jian Cenyu spent the entire afternoon in public relations meetings alone.
But there was one benefit: even the senior executives from Jian Zhenyang’s faction were no longer as arrogant as usual, huddling in their offices like quails.
Finally, after a series of public relations plans were implemented and public opinion and investor sentiment had stabilized, the securities regulatory commission finally released the two of them.
When Jian Zhenyang and Jian Zhihuan returned to the company, Jian Cenyu was in a meeting with senior executives. “There was an early notice about the chamber of commerce matter, stating clearly and unequivocally that I would be the direct point of contact for everything. Vice President Chen, I don’t recall when I delegated authority to you, allowing you to use my name to help Jian Zhenyang do something so detrimental to the company’s interests. This time it was just releasing rumors. Next time, will you be able to bypass me and sign resolutions on my behalf?”
The executive who was called out didn’t dare to breathe, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
After settling accounts with everyone involved in the matter, Jian Zhenyang finally got the news and stormed into the meeting room.
“Jian Cenyu, you’re dealing with my people while I’m away. What are your intentions! Are my people for you to deal with?”
Jian Cenyu hadn’t originally intended to have a complete falling out with Jian Zhenyang so soon, but his appetite was simply too large. He dared to hint at the European oil field to the market, and even she, who wasn’t particularly sensitive to the capital markets, could see the signs of a get-rich-quick scheme with no capital.
Combined with Jian Zhenyang’s attitude towards the company’s core pharmaceutical business, Jian Cenyu even suspected that what Jian Zhenyang wanted wasn’t Jian Corporation, but a tool to funnel funds to Huaxing completely.
“I am carrying out punishments in accordance with company rules and regulations. Secretary Gu, please send a copy of the company charter to Director Jian’s office later. If Director Jian doesn’t understand something, read it to him carefully.”
Secretary Gu glanced at Jian Zhenyang’s even darker expression and replied, “Yes, Young Miss Jian.”
Jian Zhenyang had joined the company several years earlier and had an advantage in terms of experience, which was why he dared to use the chamber of commerce to build momentum for his own project.
He was certain Jian Cenyu wouldn’t dare to do anything.
But he hadn’t expected the people from the securities regulatory commission to have such a keen sense of smell this time, or to arrive so quickly.
And when he returned to the company, his confidants didn’t even dare to talk back. It had only been half a month, which gave Jian Zhenyang an unprecedented sense of crisis.
“Jian Cenyu, what do you mean? I did these things. If you have the guts, come at me. What’s the point of targeting them? Do you think you can win people over like this?”
These people were Jian Zhenyang’s trusted confidants, specially assigned to the Huaxing project. If they were really dealt with by Jian Cenyu, it would be like cutting off one of his arms.
“Do you think I don’t want to deal with you?” Jian Cenyu finally deigned to look up, her gaze icy. “Jian Zhenyang, you should be glad that Grandpa wants to protect you. Otherwise, you’d still be at the securities regulatory commission right now.”
Jian Zhenyang’s brow furrowed deeply. “What do you mean?”
Jian Cenyu handed the signed document to Secretary Gu, gave a quiet instruction, and then looked at Jian Zhenyang again. “Nothing. It’s just a small precaution to prevent Jian Corporation from completely becoming your tool for raking in money.”
Jian Zhenyang sensed that something was wrong. He couldn’t be bothered with his confidants anymore, turned around, and slammed the door on his way out.
As soon as Jian Zhenyang left, the powerful aura around Jian Cenyu dissipated, but her overall presence remained cold. The secretaries waiting by her side all kept their heads down, awaiting her next decision.
Jian Cenyu rubbed her weary brow and asked, “How is my father?”
Secretary Gu said in a low voice, “I sent someone to pick up CEO Jian as you instructed. He didn’t look well, probably from dealing with the people from the securities regulatory commission, but otherwise, he’s fine.”
“That’s good.” Jian Cenyu lowered her hand. When she looked up, the fatigue in her eyes was once again deeply concealed.
She had known from the beginning about the likely direction of the new European regulations, so it was no surprise she wasn't optimistic about the Huaxing project. What was more suspicious was that Jian Zhenyang, the main person in charge of the Huaxing project, had yet to generate any profit from the oil field.
Did Jian Zhenyang already know about the upcoming policy changes and was eager to squeeze out the last bit of value, or did he have this plan to make a fortune from the very beginning?
Jian Cenyu had consulted Wen Yansheng about this matter many times over the past two days, and Wen Yansheng’s answer leaned towards the latter.
Since Jian Zhenyang could use her chamber of commerce’s name to deceive shareholders, she would return the favor. She exaggerated the severity of the securities regulatory commission’s investigation to Old Master Jian.
The old man was getting on in years and had lost the alertness of his youth. After his most capable son and most valued grandson were taken away at the same time, he seemed to have lost his backbone and was in a state of utter panic.
Jian Cenyu looked at the power of attorney for one percent of the shares in her hand, took a photo, and sent it to Wen Yansheng with a price: [Help me sell this. You can keep the extra money. Pick the buyer yourself, but it needs to be fast.]
Wen Yansheng’s reply came back quickly: [The old man finally coughed up one percent. Aren’t you going to keep it for yourself?]
Jian Cenyu typed unhurriedly: [Jian Zhenyang is already back. The old man only entrusted me to sell it to save the market; there’s no transfer agreement. It’s not legitimate for me to hold onto it. It’s better to make a sum of money. If I want shares, there are plenty of retail investors and small shareholders. There will be opportunities in the future.]
The price Jian Cenyu quoted was significantly lower than the market price, which could be considered a thank you to Wen Yansheng for her help during this period. Wen Yansheng was very straightforward: [Don’t worry, I’ll get it done for you within two days.]
Jian Cenyu: [Thank you.]
Jian Cenyu stayed in the meeting room until the sky had completely darkened before telling the secretaries to go home. “Thank you for your hard work, everyone. You’ll all receive double pay for your overtime during this period. Remember to register with Secretary Gu, and she’ll report it to finance.”
When she returned to her office, Jian Cenyu’s phone lit up repeatedly. She had dealt with too many things today and was feeling a bit weary, planning to rest for a few more minutes.
Then, something suddenly occurred to her. She picked up her phone, and sure enough, there were messages from Sang Shi'an.
After the winter break started, she wasn’t the only one who couldn’t have a normal vacation. Even Sang Shi'an had been roped in by Professor Xu at the last minute to make up the numbers for a business simulation competition. These past few days, she had been leaving early and returning late, even busier than during finals week.
[Finally finished this competition. Quick, guess the result.]
[Never mind, I’ll just tell you. First place in the provincial competition, with a chance to participate in the nationals in three months. I already told Professor Xu I have no plans for graduate school, but she still insisted on me helping her make up the numbers. This opportunity would be so much better for someone else.]
[Kitty sighing.jpg]
That limp little cat looked exactly like Sang Shi'an. At first glance, she seemed to be complaining, but in reality, the little cat’s tail was perked up, as if to say: Come praise me, come pet me!
Jian Cenyu couldn’t help but smile. Her gloomy mood miraculously dissipated in that instant.
She dialed Sang Shi'an’s number directly. Her voice was completely different from the cold, stern tone she had used in the meeting room, carrying a gentle indulgence. “Is the provincial competition over already?”
“Yeah, the other groups are done too, but we’re still at the University of Finance and Economics. There are still post-competition speeches from the organizers, the award ceremony, and all that.” Sang Shi'an got out of a taxi and looked at the Jian Corporation office building in front of her, lying with a straight face. “What about you? Still in the office?”
Jian Cenyu noticed the noisy sounds of people and cars in the background on Sang Shi'an’s end but didn’t think much of it, assuming Sang Shi'an had gone out for some fresh air after the competition. “I am. My father is back at the company. I plan to go see him and gauge his current attitude. I should be able to go home a bit earlier tonight.”
Sang Shi'an found it all very complicated. “Your family is so troublesome. You’re clearly father and daughter, yet you’re always testing each other.”
Jian Cenyu mimicked her sigh. “Can’t be helped. I can only pray that An'an grows up quickly and saves me from this mess.”
Sang Shi'an was very easy to please. She couldn’t stop laughing at that. “I’m being serious with you. Don’t you be thinking about living off me all day. Is the stock market issue completely resolved?”
Jian Cenyu said, “Not completely, but the hardest part is over.”
Sang Shi'an praised her generously, then waved frantically at Secretary Gu, who had found her after receiving her message. She put a finger to her lips to silence her before Secretary Gu could call out ‘Miss Sang’.
She said into the phone, “The award ceremony is about to start. See you at home tonight!”
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