Author's Note: Actually, there's one more detail I haven't mentioned, for fear of getting the chapter locked. It's that in Brother Zhou's study, next to the computer, there's a photo of Xiao Zhao. When he's working on things at night, he looks at Xiao Zhao's photo while looking at the computer. Come on, everyone, beat him up!
——
There's a red envelope in this chapter too. Happy Saturday!
Chapter 35 Decluttering (5)
Zhou Qishen, his face dark, went to the study and unplugged the computer power cord, smashing the mouse with two loud bangs. Afterwards, for reasons unknown, he sat down on the sofa, crossed his legs, and leisurely closed his eyes to rest.
Zhou Wulai: "I have a headache and kidney deficiency, I'm not practicing anymore."
Zhao Xiyin wasn't going to put up with him. She crossed her arms, slightly raised her chin, and said, "Suit yourself, I'm leaving."
Before she had taken three steps, Zhou Qishen grabbed her arm. In just three seconds, he immediately gave in, "Don't go, I'll practice."
The movements weren't actually that difficult, Zhao Xiyin knew, and chose only gentle and soothing techniques, which were all beneficial. Zhou Qishen practiced a couple of moves, then excused himself to go to the restroom and made a phone call to his secretary, "Where are you? Can you hurry up?"
The doorbell rang, and the secretary said, "I've arrived."
Zhao Xiyin opened the door for Xu Jin, and upon seeing his attire, she took a large step back in shock. "Xu, Brother Xu?"
On a late autumn night, Xu Jin, dressed in a sports vest and shorts, carrying four boxing gloves, waved them and politely said, "Hi Xiao west, I'd like to invite you to box."
Zhou Qishen appeared behind her without her noticing, like a ghost, saying, "You're under a lot of pressure, let me help you relieve some of it."
Zhao Xiyin turned around and glared at him, "You're crazy."
Zhou Qishen raised an eyebrow. "You practice boxing, I'll practice yoga. Deal?"
Zhao Xiyin kicked him, but Zhou Qishen dodged to the side. "I can't stay with you today, my head still hurts. Xu Jin."
The house was large, with a dedicated gym. Zhou Qishen moved his yoga mat inside, leaned against the wall, and sat barefoot on the floor, quite relaxed. What an absurd request, but Zhao Xiyin granted his wish.
Secretary Xu also has a bizarre life story. He used to be a fitness instructor, skilled in boxing. He went to one gym after another, spending his days recruiting members to buy memberships and classes. Xu Jin was a typical example of someone whose talents were not recognized. Later, he got to know Zhou Qishen after sparring twice, and a year later, he became his secretary and assistant.
What kind of helper?
A helper in a fight.
In his early entrepreneurial days, Zhou Qishen was as fierce as a tiger, taking away too much of the profits of many people and getting the attention of too many others. Many people wanted to get rid of him, both openly and secretly. There were countless instances of bloodshed and betrayal, and he had a long and complicated life.
Now, his unofficial history, his path to Buddhahood and ancestorhood, and his arduous journey are no longer worth mentioning.
Xu Jin was very careful; he only taught Zhao Xiyin boxing to help her relax and release stress. The force was just right, so as not to hurt anyone. Every time Zhao Xiyin threw a punch, she would glance back at Zhou Qishen. Zhou Qishen was particularly cunning; he timed the frequency with which she turned her head and then struck a pose.
After a few rounds, Zhao Xiyin said, "Brother Xu, let's stop for a moment."
She walked over and punched Zhou Qishen hard in the butt, saying, "You, Zhou, you're just asking for trouble!"
Zhou Qishen was knocked to the ground, rolled over and stood up, glaring angrily, "How dare you hit me? You've gone too far!"
Zhao Xiyin lunged at him, shouting, "I'll hit you!"
Zhou Qishen, with a stern face, dodged twice and warned in a low voice, "Zhao Xiyin."
"Good shout!" He punched him in the jawbone.
Zhou Qishen grabbed her hand and dragged her to the ground. Zhao Xiyin reacted quickly and was about to get up when the man clamped his legs around her, preventing her from moving. He then used force to subdue her. Zhou Qishen easily flipped her over and pinned her hands above her head. "Hit me, hit me again."
Zhao Xiyin twisted her waist wildly, and the more she twisted, the harder he exerted. Zhou Qishen had quite a few peculiar fetishes. He said in a cheeky tone, "Call me 'Master,' and I'll let you go."
Zhao Xiyin spat, "Grandpa!"
Zhou Qishen pressed down in anger, determined to teach her a lesson. Zhao Xiyin, though restrained, was also unwilling to admit defeat. She opened her mouth and bit his shoulder, then his right, her sharp little fangs angrily scraping against his Adam's apple.
As if struck by an electric shock, Zhou Qishen's body went limp instantly.
He loosened his grip by seven-tenths, but Zhao Xiyin did not push him away violently. Instead, she remained quiet, her eyes gradually reddening.
Zhou Qishen wasn't surprised at all. His expression remained calm as he propped himself up on his arm and lowered his eyes to gaze at her. He asked in a low voice, "Feeling better?"
One sentence broke the dam of her emotions, and Zhao Xiyin's tears flowed with grievance. Like a pitiful child who had been wronged, she choked out, "Teacher Dai came to see me this morning."
She started, but didn't say anything more. But Zhou Qishen understood—he understood all her values and principles, all her passion and courage.
After she held back her tears, Zhou Qishen said, "It's okay, don't listen to her. You listen to yourself, and I'll listen to you."
Zhao Xiyin's redness spread halfway down to the tip of her nose, her skin as white as snow, like a plum blossom blooming in the first snow. Zhou Qishen became playful and tapped her nose with his index finger. "This part is really beautiful. Xu Jin." He turned his head and said to Secretary Xu beside him, "Isn't your cousin always saying she wants to get plastic surgery? Come on, get your nose done like this."
Secretary Xu looked embarrassed. "Okay, Mr. Zhou, but please let me go and find a girl first."
Zhou Qishen was shameless and vulgar, which made Zhao Xiyin both angry and ashamed. Her broken emotions were mostly repaired in an instant, and at least for this moment she smiled genuinely.
Zhou Qishen looked at her and nodded, "That's right, a smile is more attractive than tears."
Secretary Xu silently closed her eyes, thinking to herself, "It's okay, I can bear with it no matter how cheesy it is. The boss promised to give me a bonus this month."
Zhou Qishen has another video conference at 8 pm, and Zhao Xiyin was sent back by Xu Jin.
Secretary Xu's car is an Audi, worth over a million yuan. It was neither bought by him nor provided by the company.
His family lived in the suburbs of Mangshan in Changping. They used to be poor, but three years ago, their home was demolished, and several abandoned factories and buildings were demolished in a great deal of activity. Zhou Qishen asked him two questions that year.
How much did it cost to demolish?
Should I resign?
Having received the answer, Zhou Qishen didn't react much. That afternoon, he tossed him the keys to a brand-new, top-of-the-line Audi Q7, saying, "Congratulations on the demolition, this is a gift."