Zhao Qiang said, "Just because it never happened doesn't mean it won't happen in the future. What do you think, Uncle Chen? If he doesn't even have the courage to face his mistakes, then it's better if he doesn't go."
Chen Shuxian walked over and said, "Xiaoqiang, I know you all mean well, but don't push the Chen family too far, or I'm afraid I'll be in danger."
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't worry, Auntie, no one will dare to do anything to us. You can go about your business without worry."
Chen Guangwei thought to himself, what else could he do? Even if the ginseng fruit were placed in front of him, it would lose its flavor. Just then, Chen Guangwei's phone rang. He looked at the number with some surprise and quickly answered, "Dad, I'm at the hotel. I'll bring Shuxian and her daughter over in a bit."
Chen Xinxin shouted loudly from inside the room, "Don't flatter yourself. If my mom wants to go, let her go. I'm not going."
Chen Guangwei knew his father would definitely hear Chen Xinxin's voice through the receiver, but this was indeed unreasonable. He had clearly told them not to go, but now he was begging them to go. Did he really treat this mother and daughter like playthings?
Chen Kezong's voice was somewhat heavy: "Guangwei, give the phone to Shuxian."
Chen Guangwei couldn't believe his ears. His father was asking to speak with Chen Shuxian, something he would never have imagined before. He handed the phone to Chen Shuxian with trembling hands. Chen Shuxian was also very nervous, holding the phone and not knowing what to say. Chen Kezong spoke first: "Shuxian, I know you are listening. I was wrong about what happened before. I apologize to you. Come back. I don't know how many days I have left. Let me see my granddaughter."
Chen Kezong's words lacked sincerity, but for someone of his status to personally make such a call and say something like that was already an extraordinary feat; to outsiders, it was something utterly impossible. Who is Chen Kezong to apologize to a woman?
Chen Shuxian burst into tears. Chen Xinxin, after all, cared about her mother and rushed out. Chen Shuxian said into the phone, "Let's go, let's go." Women are so easily satisfied; a single sentence moved her to such a state.
Chen Xinxin knew that Chen Kezong had apologized, which was a partial victory. What she should do next depended on Zhao Qiang's instructions. Zhao Qiang nodded to her, and Chen Xinxin didn't say anything. She knew that Zhao Qiang wanted her to go to the Chen family.
Chen Guangmin grumbled to his father, "Dad, you shouldn't have done that. You shouldn't have given in to that vixen."
Chen Kezong snorted: "If I find out you've been causing trouble behind my back, you know the consequences."
Chen Guangmin knew that what he and his two sons had done could not be hidden from his father's eyes, and for a moment he was too scared to say anything more.
Chen Kezong stood up and looked out the window. Xu Xiaoya, Liu Yiyi, and other beauties were surrounded by many people, who were enthusiastically telling them stories as if they were taking credit for their work. Chen Guangmin said, "Dad, we really shouldn't have invited people from the North to participate. They ruined our entire plan."
Chen Kezong said, "What do you know? We need to think about this from a long-term perspective. As long as we cooperate, it will be a win-win situation for both of us. If we don't cooperate, we will fall further and further behind."
Chen Guangmin said, "But if we cooperate, they will infiltrate us even more severely."
Chen Kezong's tone was somewhat helpless: "Since we can't avoid being infiltrated, we can only turn the disadvantage into an advantage."
Zhao Qiang followed Chen Xinxin into the Chen family home. Apart from a few particularly attentive gazes, everyone else was looking at Chen Xinxin, not entirely because of her beauty, but more importantly because of her identity as the eldest granddaughter of the Chen family.
Hands reached out to Chen Xinxin, who had now abandoned her playful and mischievous girlish mood and solemnly shook hands and greeted everyone. Finally, led by Chen Guangwei, she sat down in a seat near the front of the hall. Then, the birthday banquet officially began. Since no further instructions had been given, the guests were expected to stay, as if no one had mentioned leaving beforehand. Each of them showed Chen Kezong the utmost respect.
Although it was a bit late, no one complained. The host proceeded with the program, and Chen Xinxin began to feel uneasy. She looked at Zhao Qiang, who gestured for her to look at Chen Shuxian. Chen Xinxin glanced at her mother, who looked at her with pleading eyes. As a mother, she naturally knew what her daughter was thinking. If Chen Xinxin caused another scene at this moment, Chen Kezong would be furious, and the relationship that had just eased would become tense again. Chen Xinxin could only sigh to Zhao Qiang. She didn't cause any more trouble for the Chen family until the end of the birthday banquet, not for any other reason than for her mother.
Zhao Qiang did not go to meet Xu Xiaoya and the others. Sometimes a single glance is enough to say everything. It was inappropriate for everyone to crowd together at Chen Kezong's birthday banquet. Since Chen Kezong had already accepted Chen Xinxin, there was no need to provoke him further.
The birthday banquet itself wasn't particularly noteworthy; the key was the attendees. Although Chen Xinxin wasn't officially announced as Chen Guangwei's daughter, her appearance spoke volumes. Coupled with her status as the chairperson of Bafang Chemical Group, and Li Jingjing's announcement about special plastics after her grandfather's speech, Chen Xinxin's popularity soared. Even if she didn't infuriate Chen Kezong to the point of vomiting blood, this trip to the Chen family was worthwhile. It would greatly benefit her future development, because everyone remembered her—a figure who, although not yet openly acknowledged by Chen Kezong, already wielded considerable influence within the Chen family.
It must be said that Chen Kezong's decision to "cooperate" under immense pressure was correct, and the benefits became apparent in a short period of time. Jiayuan Investment's construction in the south entered a phase of rapid development, with many projects involving high-tech industries. Because the companies acquired overseas possessed the relevant technologies, this had a significant impact on boosting the domestic technological level. The coastal cities in the south already had a high level of technology, and with the injection of new technologies and capital, they entered a high-speed development mode. In addition, with the new synthetic rubber beginning to be sold abroad, the gap between the south and the north has been eliminated.
Zhao Qiang couldn't stay in Baiyuan City forever. Zhao Ling and Chen Xinxin realized this after returning from Shanghai. The two girls were unhappy about it. That night, the three of them went to bed early. Zhao Ling pressed herself against Zhao Qiang in a somewhat domineering manner.
"Do you want to leave? We won't let you go."
Zhao Qiang said, "The pressure from the Chen family has been lifted. Chen Kezong is currently cooperating with us, so there will be no obstacles to the company's future development, and your safety is not a problem for the time being."
Chen Xinxin snorted: "What else does he dare to do? He actually sent people to steal our catalysts and synthesis technology. Dream on!"
Zhao Ling said, "Xin Xin, don't be careless. If Zhao Qiang hadn't made arrangements in advance, Zhao Mingming and Sun Dongming wouldn't have been able to deal with them at all. You know, they are all high-level special agents. Many of the factory's security guards were injured."
Chen Xinxin said bitterly, "I really shouldn't have forgiven him. It's all my mother's fault; she's too soft-hearted."
Zhao Qiang said, "Xin Xin, the business world and the battlefield are the same. As long as we have common interests, even if we were mortal enemies a minute ago, we can resolve our differences. You must not act on emotion in the future."
Chen Xinxin said, "I can understand that, but I can't control my emotions when I think that the other party is a member of the Chen family. We shouldn't let them get away with this so easily."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not a matter of who benefits from whom. As you gain a deeper understanding of society, you won't think like you used to."
Zhao Ling said, "Who said it's not a matter of who benefits from whom? We've already benefited you."
Zhao Qiang chuckled: "Then you can continue to treat me this way for free."
The two women, one on each side, hugged Zhao Qiang: "We don't want to be separated from you, otherwise how can we give you a free ride?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Find your job here more secure, then come find me, okay?"
The two women were reluctant: "What else can we do? If you say it's okay, then it's okay."
Zhao Ling asked, "Are you going back to Donghai City to find the women in your story?"
Chen Xinxin said, "We feel uncomfortable with what you're doing."
Zhao Qiang said, "There's no other way. They need me just like you two do. I've been gone for too long, and I have to go back."
The two women remained silent. Zhao Qiang said, "Xin Xin, you need to manage Bafang Chemical well. There are many projects to be launched in the future. You should learn more about management from your father."
Chen Xinxin reached into Zhao Qiang's underwear and said, "I don't acknowledge him as my father."
Zhao Ling said, "Forget it, Xin Xin. Although I'm not a big fan of Uncle Chen either, he still loves you. Besides, you should also consider your mother's feelings. They're both getting on in years. Give them a chance."
Zhao Qiang had been considering whether to create an opportunity for Chen Guangwei to sacrifice himself to save Chen Xinxin, which might move Chen Xinxin to acknowledge him. However, Zhao Qiang was also afraid that if the truth came out, Chen Xinxin would hate him too. So Zhao Qiang gave up the idea and decided to let things develop as they would. At Chen Kezong's birthday banquet, the Chen family already knew how important Chen Xinxin was, so they probably wouldn't need to make things difficult for her anymore. All he had to do was go home.
Volume 2 [543] Return
Zhao Qiang was somewhat bewildered as he stepped out of the Donghai City bus station. The changes in Donghai City during his absence were astonishing. The roads had been widened again, many of the shops on both sides of the street seemed to have been replaced, and even the air seemed much fresher.
Zhao Qiang took out his phone and dialed a number: "Hello, this is Zhao Qiang. I'm at the exit of the long-distance bus station. Could you come over here?"
The other party hesitated: "Are you sure you're not lying?"
Zhao Qiang asked, "Do you think it's necessary?"
The other party said, "Wait here, five minutes."
Zhao Qiang casually squatted down by the roadside, and after a while an old woman wearing a red armband came over and said, "Young man, don't squat by the roadside. There are chairs for resting in the station. This is uncivilized."
Zhao Qiang quickly stood up: "Auntie, I'm waiting for someone."
The old woman said, "That won't work either. You can stand and wait. Our Donghai City is the focus of the whole country right now. We can't let the people of Donghai City lose face."
Zhao Qiang nodded repeatedly: "No, no, I'll just stand here and wait."
With a screech, a car screeched to a halt, startling the elderly woman wearing a red armband. She shouted at the girl who got out of the car, "Young lady, you're not that old, but you have quite a temper. Do you know that driving like that can easily cause an accident?"
The girl said, "Auntie, I'm sorry, I'll be more careful next time. Aren't we here to pick someone up? We can't wait any longer."
The old woman left complaining because someone ahead was smoking, and she thought that if she followed him, she could catch someone littering a cigarette butt. The next step would be for the municipal government to issue a public notice prohibiting smoking on main roads in public places. At that time, there would be no need to wait for someone to litter a cigarette butt; they could just go up and educate and fine them.
Zhao Qiang stared at the girl in front of him: "Class monitor."
The girl excitedly rushed forward: "Zhao Qiang!"
Zhao Qiang hugged the girl without any hesitation on the street: "Missed me?"
"What do you think?" As if remembering something, the girl pushed Zhao Qiang away again: "Which Zhao Qiang are you now?"
Zhao Qiang smiled and said, "What do you think?"
The girl said, "I don't know, so I need to check. Get on the bus quickly."
Inside the Shunfeng overhaul factory, the door to the room had just closed when someone knocked: "Xu Xiaoya, open the door."
Xu Xiaoya shouted from inside, "No time!"
"Then I'll bang on the door."
Finally, footsteps sounded inside. Xu Xiaoya, her clothes disheveled, opened the door and said, "Commander Yang, what do you mean by this?"
Yang Shiqi said, "What do you mean? Has Zhao Qiang come back?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "So what if it is, so what if it isn't?"
Yang Shiqi pushed Xu Xiaoya aside and rushed in: "You can't have him all to yourself!"
Xu Xiaoya emphasized, "I am his official girlfriend, and you have no right to deprive me of my happiness."
As Yang Shiqi rushed forward, she said, "You two aren't married, but any of us still have hope."
Just as Yang Shiqi entered the room, someone else came in. It was Hu Qian. "Zhao Qiang is back?"
Xu Xiaoya tied up her loose hair: "Yes, it's inside. Go in. You're really well-informed."
Hu Qian said, "What do you mean by 'well-informed'? You've all finished your work, right?"
Xu Xiaoya glared at him: "What nonsense are you talking about? I haven't finished the examination for him yet. Who knows if he's real or fake? You can judge for yourselves. There's another person inside. Be careful when you go in, don't scare him."
Under the joint interrogation and questioning of several women, Zhao Qiang finally confessed that his memory had actually returned long ago, but he was preoccupied with his business in the south. In order not to arouse excessive suspicion from the Chen family, he had kept it to himself and had been lying low all along.
In fact, with Xu Xiaoya and the other girls' intelligence, they would have seen through it long ago. Otherwise, how could the Chen family in Shanghai have cooperated with him in that play? Their tacit understanding cannot be described in just a few words. Xu Xiaoya, in particular, could often detect Zhao Qiang's intentions from a simple movement. This is why Zhao Qiang dared to act without informing them.
"Where's Xiaowei?" Zhao Qiang asked, finally relieved to no longer be interrogated by them.
"She's at the company," Xu Xiaoya said. "Should we bring the rest of the girls back for you? You've become more of a womanizer while you've been away."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm referring to my laptop."
Xu Xiaoya looked at Yang Shiqi, who then looked at Hu Qian. Hu Qian coughed, and it would be better if she were to say it: "Zhao Qiang, here's what happened, your laptop is missing."
Zhao Qiang was startled and jumped to his feet: "Disappeared? How is that possible? How could you be so careless?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "It's not that we were careless. We were really careful, and we investigated afterwards. There was absolutely no trace to be found. It was as if it had vanished into thin air."
Yang Shiqi said, "Yes, I sent people to investigate for a long time, and the scene was thoroughly investigated. There is absolutely no way anyone would have gone to the place where the laptop was stored, but it really disappeared."
The joy of just getting home vanished instantly. Zhao Qiang plopped down on the ground: "Vanished? How could she leave me? Is it because I stayed out too long that Xiao Wei is unhappy?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Zhao Qiang, I don't think so. Maybe Xiao Wei has something to do. You know her abilities better than we do. If she's in danger, she'll definitely be able to contact us."
Zhao Qiang asked, "That's not right. If Xiao Wei disappeared, then where did you get all that slimming tea from?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Xiaowei has been accumulating inventory for a long time. Now all the shipments are made from the inventory. Otherwise, we wouldn't be in such a tight situation."
Zhao Qiang breathed a sigh of relief: "If Xiao Wei had been accumulating inventory for a long time, then it's possible that she left on her own; otherwise, she wouldn't have made such a long-term plan."
Yang Shiqi said, "Yes, that's exactly what we thought based on her previous behavior. But it's been inconvenient to contact you, and we don't know how much of your memory has returned. Also, Xiaowei told us not to bother you easily, so we didn't notify you. Are you really angry?"
Zhao Qiang said, "How could I be angry with you when we finally met? I will find her."
Yang Shiqi changed the subject: "By the way, how did you get arrested back then?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Xiao Wei should have analyzed it for you, right? There was a problem when my body was implanted with the super biochip. When those people came to capture me, the energy in my body had just disappeared, and I was unable to move and was captured."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Who exactly is trying to harm you? We must find out."
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "We can't be sure for sure whether it's the Chen family or not."
Yang Shiqi asked, "Could there be foreign forces involved?"