PB - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

It was the weekend. Zhao Xiangqian was summoned from his home early in the morning by Jin Zhihuan. He had assumed it was about work, but to his surprise, Jin Zhihuan had asked him to a private clubhouse. The president meeting with the head of venture capital in private—a little thought was all it took to guess his purpose.

Zhao Xiangqian was led into the room and sat down opposite Jin Zhihuan, who was methodically preparing a tea set. He remained silent as he brewed the tea, giving Zhao Xiangqian ample time for his mind to race. Zhao Xiangqian, a mature and steady man in his forties, knew that Jin Zhihuan was also using this time to re-evaluate him.

Once the tea was ready, Jin Zhihuan casually placed a teacup in the seat next to him and said to Zhao Xiangqian, “Come, sit here.”

Zhao Xiangqian walked over in a few quick strides and sat down, secretly delighted. He feigned expertise as he tasted the tea, then offered praise. “I never knew President Jin was so skilled at brewing tea.”

Jin Zhihuan accepted the flattery with a smile and refilled his cup. “Are there any important projects in venture capital recently?”

Zhao Xiangqian was well aware of the situation within Ruifeng. The old guard of supervisors supported Jin Zhihuan, while the rising stars promoted by Qiao Qi followed her. Although he could see that Qiao Qi was exceptionally capable, he was more inclined to side with Jin Zhihuan—not only because Jin Zhihuan’s surname was Jin, but also because Qiao Qi was a woman.

When he spoke, he focused almost exclusively on projects handled by Qiao Qi. A smile touched Jin Zhihuan’s lips as he watched him with satisfaction. Zhao Xiangqian’s heart pounded, and he became even more eager to perform. “The biggest project for venture capital in the coming year is the partnership with America’s U.E. Company. Through our various inquiries, we’ve learned that U.E. has already set its sights on the Chinese market. Vice President Qiao is also placing great importance on this project and took it over personally as soon as she returned from South Africa.”

“Ruifeng needs more talented people like Supervisor Zhao to apply themselves and work hard.”

Feeling he had seized an opportunity for a meteoric rise, Zhao Xiangqian forced himself to remain calm and feigned modesty. “It is all thanks to President Jin’s capable leadership. We only have the chance to work hard at Ruifeng because of you, President Jin.”

“Xiangqian,” Jin Zhihuan said, adopting a more familiar tone. “Venture capital is key to the company’s success. You must do well. Also, on Monday, bring all the U.E.-related materials from your department to my office.” He paused, looked at Zhao Xiangqian, and added, “The U.E. partnership is still confidential for now. You must be careful and discreet, understand?”

“I understand, President Jin.”

“I didn’t ask you here today to talk about business, but your few words nearly made me think we were at the office. Xiangqian, I have some Pu'er I’d like you to try.”

“Thank you, President Jin.”

Aside from work, Jin Zhihuan and Zhao Xiangqian had little to talk about. Being a shrewd man, Zhao Xiangqian finished the newly brewed Pu'er and then made an excuse to leave. Jin Zhihuan watched him go with another look of satisfaction, making a token effort to ask him to stay before letting him depart. Not ten minutes after Zhao Xiangqian left, the door was opened again from the outside. Without looking, Jin Zhihuan knew it was Jin Zhilan.

Jin Zhilan walked straight over and sat down beside him. “How is this Zhao Xiangqian?”

“Not bad. He can be used.” He changed the tea leaves and poured a cup for Jin Zhilan. “If Qiao Qi manages to secure a project as big as U.E., those old geezers on the board might just all flock to her side.”

Jin Zhilan was dismissive. “It’s just one project. Can it really be that powerful?”

“America’s U.E. is in a high-profit industry, and that sector is a virtual blank slate in the domestic market. So, you tell me, is this project powerful or not?”

“Well, it’s not guaranteed they’ll partner with our Ruifeng. There are so many companies competing in the country. We have Rongfang in our own city, and further away there’s Changfa in Shenzhen. Whether they partner with us is still an unknown.”

“Of the three companies you mentioned, Ruifeng is the strongest, and I believe Ruifeng is the best partner. But you’re right, everything is still unknown. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

“Do you think Qiao Qi might have secretly won over the board members? Could Ruifeng already be hers?”

“Don’t worry, she doesn’t have that kind of ability.” Jin Zhihuan stood up. “It’s the weekend. Don’t always be running around outside. Go home and spend more time with Mom. I have something to attend to, so I’m leaving first.”

Jin Zhilan shot him a glare behind his back. When it came to work, Jin Zhihuan really couldn’t compare to Qiao Qi. What business could he possibly have? He was just going off to drink and party with those playboys. Jin Zhilan didn’t care for this sort of elegant tea-drinking style either. Chin held high, she swayed her hips and left the clubhouse as well.

Gu Jianchu spent the entire Saturday with Qiao Qi. It was the weekend, and she only returned to her parents’ house just before lunch. The moment she walked in, her mother started nagging her. “You were in America for so long, and you didn’t even come home first after you got back. Where did you run off to yesterday? I called you, and you were so evasive. You weren’t at home.”

“I had some things to take care of yesterday,” Gu Jianchu said, giving her mother a hug and cooing, “But I came back as soon as I was done. Don’t be angry anymore.”

A mother’s insight, combined with a woman’s powerful intuition, led her mother to ask conspiratorially, “Are you dating someone? Were you with him yesterday?”

“What are you thinking? I really did have things to take care of.” Not giving her mother a chance to press further, Gu Jianchu asked, “Where’s Dad? I have something to discuss with him.” As she spoke, she was already heading toward the study.

Gu Feng had been waiting for her. She had handled the matter in America flawlessly, leaving Gu Mingyi no room to counterattack. And unlike his wife, he knew a little about Gu Jianchu’s private life, so he didn’t pry.

“I’m still a bit worried about leaving the US side to Fanchu. He still hasn’t managed to shake that habit of acting without thinking of the consequences.” Gu Feng moved from his desk to the sofa. “You should teach him more when you have the time.”

“Dad, don’t worry about Brother. He was just never serious about it before. If you really make him do it, he can do it well.”

“If he were half as capable as you, I wouldn’t have anything to worry about. I heard you met with people from U.E. in America. How did it go? Any progress on the partnership?”

“If all goes as expected, they will choose the domestic market. But Ruifeng had already approached them before I did. And the news is out in the open; several major domestic companies are also making internal adjustments to target U.E.”

Gu Feng nodded. “Ruifeng’s Qiao Qi?”

A smile appeared on Gu Jianchu’s face. “Yes, her.”

“When you mentioned her after coming back from Shenzhen, I felt that this President Qiao was no simple character. Old Master Jin really struck gold. Where did he find such a capable woman? Every time there’s a major move, she’s one step ahead of you. You’ll have to work harder.”

Gu Jianchu hadn’t expected her father to start comparing her to Qiao Qi and wasn’t sure how to react. But it was true—whether in Shenzhen or with U.E., Qiao Qi had indeed been a step ahead of her.

Gu Feng continued, “Your plan to use the U.E. partnership to restructure the company and openly oust Gu Yong is a good one. But first, Gu Yong will notice, and second, you can’t guarantee U.E. will partner with you. So you must act without being too high-profile, yet you must also show U.E. your sincerity. Jianchu, this will be a challenge for you.”

“I’ve thought about everything you’ve said, Dad. But don’t worry, I know what to do.”

“I believe in you,” Gu Feng said, then paused. “However, regarding Director Wu, I suggest you go and personally seek his support.”

Mrs. Gu knocked on the study door. “Is she your daughter alone? She finally comes back, and you won’t even let her rest, keeping her cooped up in the study talking about work.”

Gu Jianchu opened the door with a smile, playing along. “It’s all Dad’s fault. I haven’t even had breakfast, and I’ve been listening to him talk about work for ages.” The mention of breakfast made her think of Qiao Qi. The refrigerator in Qiao Qi’s home contained only three things: fruit, oatmeal, and yogurt, all arranged as neatly as products on a supermarket shelf. It was a little cute and a little funny.

“Why aren’t you eating breakfast properly again?” Mrs. Gu looked Gu Jianchu over with concern, afraid she was unwell and not saying anything. “Then we won’t wait for the soup. Let’s eat now. Lao Gu, hurry up and get up.”

Gu Jianchu hadn’t been home in over a month, so after lunch, she didn’t dare mention leaving and stayed to keep her parents company. Her mother spent the entire afternoon catching up on her life, while Gu Feng didn’t bring up work again. It wasn’t until she was alone in her bedroom that night that she had time to call Qiao Qi. At that moment, Qiao Qi was in her study, working with Ping An in her arms.

“Working?” Gu Jianchu chuckled softly on the other end of the line. “My mom spent the whole afternoon telling me to take care of my health, not to get too tired, and to rest more. I’m passing her words on to you now.”

Qiao Qi’s voice was also tinged with a smile. “Alright, I’ll listen to your mother.”

“Rest early. If you’re free tomorrow, let’s have dinner together in the evening.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up, it was around ten o’clock. Gu Jianchu’s mention of her mother made Qiao Qi suddenly realize how long it had been since she had gone home, or even called home. Her family, always worried about disturbing her, rarely called her either. They clearly cared for each other, yet it was as if they had lost contact. Perhaps Su Jiayin was right—she really was a workaholic.

She stared blankly at the piece of calligraphy her grandfather had given her, images from six years ago and the present flashing and disappearing in succession. Before she could even reminisce about the past, Gu Jianchu’s beautiful face was already before her eyes, her seductive gaze bewitching the world. Ping An let out an unexpected meow, startling Qiao Qi from her reverie. She thought, if only Gu Jianchu could be here right now.

Gu Jianchu wouldn’t appear, but the night had to go on. Since she had promised Gu Jianchu she would stop working, Qiao Qi truly didn’t touch her computer again. She carried Ping An to the living room. Su Jiayin had already returned the remote, so she could watch some television and change her lifestyle, or perhaps get on the treadmill and fulfill the promise she made when she bought it.

Although Gu Jianchu had dissuaded Qiao Qi from staying up late, she herself was on a video call with Hank. Hank seemed to be in high spirits. He said, “I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the company has officially decided to focus on the Chinese market. The bad news is that I’m no longer solely in charge of the partnership.”

It sounded very much like the American version of internal factional struggles. Gu Jianchu understood. She simply said, “I’m very much looking forward to your trip to China. I believe Rongfang will be the most suitable choice and will win over both you and your partner.”

“Because of you, Miss Gu, I am also looking forward to this trip more and more.”

After ending the video call with Hank, Gu Jianchu called Gu Fanchu. As soon as he picked up, she said, “Look into the other executive U.E. is sending to China.”

“There’s someone else besides Hank?”

“Hank just told me. Email me the information once you find it. It’s late here, I’m going to bed.”

Gu Jianchu knew that for a company as large as U.E. and a market as vast as China, the profits were still finite. Several major domestic companies wanted to partner with U.E., so naturally, there were people within U.E. who wanted to monopolize control of the foreign operations.

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