Zhang Zihan chuckled: "Mr. Zhao must be making a lot of money doing repairs on his own."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's alright, at least I won't go hungry."
How did you and Xinyu meet?
Hearing Zhang Zihan ask this question, Chen Xinyu became furious and pointed to the living room door, saying, "Zhang Zihan, get out!"
Zhang Zihan was also worried that Chen Xinyu would fall out with him, so he hurriedly said, "Sorry, it was my fault. I shouldn't have interfered in your affairs."
Since Zhang Zihan had mistaken Chen Xinyu for someone else, she couldn't continue to chase her away. However, she could call Zhao Qiang to her side: "Zhao Qiang, come here."
Zhao Qiang stood up, and Chen Xinyu said, "I'll tidy up the room; you can sleep in my room tonight."
Zhang Zihan was startled. He was angry about the exaggerated claims made by the hotel staff, but since he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, he didn't really believe it. However, now that he heard Chen Xinyu wanting Zhao Qiang to stay overnight in her room, even if Chen Xinyu wouldn't stay with Zhao Qiang, how could she let Zhao Qiang sleep in a room she had slept in? Zhang Zihan was furious.
Zhao Qiang glanced at Zhang Zihan with a hint of smugness. This was a show of force; men often have this mentality, and it would be strange if the victor didn't show any pride.
Zhang Zihan's face turned ashen, and his hands and feet were shaking so badly he could barely hold the fruit. Overwhelmed with emotion, he could only put the fruit down and, after opening his mouth a few times, finally said to Chen Xinyu, "Xinyu, are you two so close that you can act like this?"
Chen Xinyu said, "Yes, he is my boyfriend, so please have some self-respect and stop bothering me."
Zhang Zihan almost cried out, "Fine, fine, I won't bother you anymore, but I don't understand, what is it about him that you value?"
Chen Xinyu stared at Zhao Qiang for a while: "I don't know, but I just like him."
It was a nonsensical logic, but it fit the dynamics of a couple in love. Chen Xinyu pushed open the door to the room, and Zhao Qiang followed her in. He had already 'slept' here that morning, so he didn't feel unfamiliar with the place. Chen Xinyu tidied up her underwear, which she hadn't had time to put away because her mother had suddenly returned.
Zhang Zihan could see the situation inside the room through the open door in the living room. He felt an urge to cry. Chen Xinyu was actually arranging her sexy underwear in front of Zhao Qiang. Did they really do something in the hotel? Even if they didn't do anything, she should have done it in front of him. Now, in front of an ordinary man, Zhang Zihan felt sorry for Chen Xinyu. It was a waste of her talent.
The security door creaked open, revealing Chen Xinyu's father. Seeing Zhang Zihan sitting in the living room, he hung up his briefcase and changed his shoes, saying, "Little Zhang is here."
Zhang Zihan hurriedly stood up to greet him: "Uncle, you're off work? I just happened to be passing by and came in to see Xinyu."
"Xiaoyu isn't home?" Chen's father was a little unhappy that no one was there to greet Zhang Zihan.
Zhang Zihan gestured to Chen's father with her eyes: "She's in her room, doing something with her boyfriend."
Zhang Zihan said that on purpose. Mr. Chen was very surprised: "What? Boyfriend? How come I didn't know anything about this beforehand? She has a boyfriend? Shouldn't it be you?"
Zhang Zihan smiled wryly: "Uncle, I do want to, but Xiaoyu doesn't like me. Maybe I'm just not capable enough."
Mr. Chen was very puzzled: "You're not capable? I only have high hopes for you in Beijing. I'd like to know what kind of boyfriend Yu chooses."
(Thanks to Royal Ancient God, Book Friend 100819171354534, and D**ID Asking Heaven for their donations, and thanks to mzjia for their monthly ticket support.)
Volume 2 [552] The Hidden Battle
[552] The Hidden Battle
Chen's father's words were so pleasing to Zhang Zihan's ears. Just thinking that the man whose daughter was the girl he admired was such an honor. It was just a pity that his feelings were unrequited and Chen Xinyu didn't care about him at all.
Chen's father called out from the living room, "Xiaoyu, Dad is home."
Chen Xinyu ran out happily: "Dad, you're off work! Let me introduce you, this is my friend Zhao Qiang."
When Zhao Qiang came out of Chen Xinyu's room, Chen Xinyu introduced him again: "Zhao Qiang, this is my father, Chen Guangming."
"Hello, Uncle Chen." Zhao Qiang bowed. Chen Xinyu's father must be an official, as he had a strong air of superiority about him.
Chen Guangming looked Zhao Qiang up and down and said, "He's not that great, just ordinary. He doesn't have Xiao Zhang's shrewdness."
Chen Xinyu's expression changed: "Dad, what are you talking about?"
Chen Guangming said, "Isn't he your boyfriend? Let Dad check him out for you."
Chen Xinyu pulled Zhao Qiang's hand and led him back to the room, saying, "No need. I can handle my own affairs." Chen Xinyu was very unhappy, knowing that Zhao Qiang held a very high position in her heart, a position that no one could shake.
Chen Guangming was a little embarrassed. He said to Zhang Zihan, "I've spoiled this child."
“It’s because Xinyu has a strong personality; it has nothing to do with your father,” Zhang Zihan said, trying to comfort Chen Guangming.
Chen Guangming said, "Stay here for dinner tonight."
Zhang Zihan laughed and said, "I haven't been so polite at all. Auntie went downstairs to buy groceries."
In Chen Xinyu's room, Zhao Qiang touched his nose and said, "It seems things aren't going too well. Your parents can't accept me."
Chen Xinyu said, "Don't worry about them, only I can make the decision about this."
A short while later, Chen's mother returned from grocery shopping, and Zhang Zihan stood up and went into the kitchen. "Auntie, let me help you."
Chen's mother said, "No need, no need. You go to the living room and chat with Old Chen. I can manage on my own."
Zhang Zihan rolled up her sleeves and said, "Let me do it. My parents have praised me for my cooking skills."
Chen's mother laughed and said, "Oh, then I'll have to try it." From her laughter, you could tell that the two got along well because they had something in common.
Zhao Qiang was feeling restless in Chen Xinyu's room. "I'll go out and help," he said. Zhang Zihan was flattering his mother-in-law, and Zhao Qiang couldn't stand it. But Chen Xinyu hugged him and said, "Don't go out. I'm sticking with you. They can't stop me."
Zhao Qiang straightened his face and said, "No way. If your parents have a falling out with you because of me, that's definitely not what I want to see." Zhao Qiang was a filial son, so naturally he wouldn't allow Chen Xinyu to strain her relationship with her parents.
Chen Xinyu was indeed scared. "Okay, okay, I'll go out and help."
Chen Xinyu went into the kitchen, and a short while later Zhang Zihan was pushed out. Since Zhao Qiang wasn't going into the kitchen, Chen Xinyu's philosophy was that Zhang Zihan should not be given a chance to perform. It was dangerous to let Zhang Zihan perform too much in front of her parents.
The three men sat in the living room. Chen Guangming and Zhang Zihan both looked relaxed, while Zhao Qiang appeared uneasy. Considering that the others were the hosts, Zhao Qiang, an outsider who had just entered this circle, was clearly not used to it.
"Xiao Zhang, have you been busy with work lately?" Chen Guangming asked, though he would rather greet Zhao Qiang, but he didn't know what to say.
Zhang Zihan answered seriously, "It's alright. The municipal government is currently running a sanitation month campaign, and there are some things that need to be arranged, but it's already the end of the month, so there's a lot of free time."
Chen Guangming then asked, "What are your thoughts on the demolition of that old district in Shihezi?"
Zhao Qiang tilted his head back. Shihezi was the old revolutionary base area where Zhao Qiang had once gone to drink tea, and he wanted to hear about the progress there.
Zhang Zihan said, "There have been many problems caused by the demolition, and people have been injured. The situation is very serious. The mayor and the party secretary have both intervened. I estimate that a solution will be put forward in the next two days. Personally, I think it is better not to demolish that old city area, because it involves too many interests of all parties. Moreover, preserving the old city area is also conducive to showing the original flavor of Beijing."
Zhao Qiang agreed with Zhang Zihan's opinion. Although this person was a rival in love, he was also capable. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to become a high-ranking official in the Beijing Municipal Government at such a young age just because of his status as a second-generation official or a second-generation revolutionary.
Chen Guangming nodded: "I think public opinion needs to be guided appropriately. Right now, we're only focusing on economic indicators and ignoring many other things, which is damaging a lot of things. I can't stand it."
Zhang Zihan's face lit up with joy: "I'd like to thank Uncle Chen on behalf of the people in that old town area for thinking this way."
Chen Guangming laughed and said, "Stop flattering me. I'll have Xinyu do an interview later, and the TV station will arrange for it to be broadcast."
Zhao Qiang muttered to himself, "Judging from what my father-in-law said, he seems to be an official at the TV station. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to take on so much just because he's a father."
Zhang Zihan said, "Okay, I'll go with Xinyu to do the interview. I know that area well."
Zhao Qiang was furious; these two were completely ignoring him. Of course, it was also because Zhao Qiang couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Chen Guangming pointed to the two packages on the table and asked, "Who brought these? What a waste, we don't eat these."
Zhang Zihan hurriedly pointed to the two bags of imported gifts and said, "These are what I brought. I know Xiaoyu likes to eat snacks."
Chen Guangming nodded in satisfaction: "You know Xiaoyu quite well."
Zhao Qiang lowered his head and said, "I brought the fruit." Now he was filled with regret. Damn it, I'm not short of money, it's just that your daughter won't let me buy expensive things.
Chen Guangming smiled, his face showing no dissatisfaction or contempt. This was true leadership style, giving people a warm and welcoming feeling. Although he had expressed his dissatisfaction with Zhao Qiang, it was limited to the relationship between Zhao Qiang and his daughter. Putting that aside, Chen Guangming was still able to treat Zhao Qiang with the right attitude.
"Little Zhao, you've never been to Beijing before?" The old fox was shrewd and saw right through Zhao Qiang's timid nature.
Zhao Qiang nodded: "Yes, this is my first time here." Although Zhao Qiang possessed great power, he was still the same little boy from the countryside at heart, so when he wasn't angry, he still showed his true nature.
"Where is your hometown?" Chen Guangming began checking the household registration information.
Zhao Qiang said, "Dongyang City."
Chen Guangming nodded: "That's right. I think highly of Shan Hongfei from Dongyang. Compared to other officials, he's quite capable."
"Oh," Zhao Qiang responded. That was his senior brother. He hadn't expected his reputation to have reached the ears of people in Beijing. Zhao Qiang was happy for him, but he didn't want to explain his relationship with Shan Hongfei any further.
"Where do you work now?" Chen Guangming continued to ask. Zhang Zihan, sitting to the side, was waiting to see a good show. A repairman? That kind of job couldn't be associated with the Chen family, so the most suitable job for Chen Xinyu was still herself.
Zhao Qiang said, "I do odd jobs and repairs. I'm currently living in Donghai City. I went to university in Donghai, so I chose to work nearby."
Chen Guangming did not show any disdain. He nodded and said, "Maintenance is a rather tough job. How did you and Xiaoyu meet?"
Zhao Qiang said, "We met by chance in Africa."
Chen Guangming said, "Oh, it was that time. I was wondering. How long will you be staying in Beijing this time?"
Zhang Zihan secretly clapped his hands; sure enough, it was something that happened in Africa.
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll probably be staying for a while; I have some things to take care of."
At this moment, Chen Xinyu poked her head out from the kitchen and said, "Dad, Zhao Qiang is going to stay at our house. You'll have someone to chat and play chess with from now on."
Chen Guangming did not object: "Great, it's best to have someone to keep me company, otherwise it's too boring."
Zhang Zihan said, "I'll spend more time with you, Uncle, when I have some free time lately."
Chen Guangming said, "That's even better. Come on, let's play a game first." After saying that, Chen Guangming took out a chessboard. It was Chinese chess. Zhao Qiang didn't have much experience with this game, but he still knew the rules. After watching just two games, he had a clear understanding of Chen Guangming and Zhang Zihan's playing styles. Chen Guangming was of average skill, while Zhang Zihan was a complete novice. So after just two games, Chen Guangming lost interest. This is the same reason why masters are lonely.
Chen Guangming asked Zhao Qiang, "Little Zhao, do you know how to play Qi?"
Zhao Qiang nodded: "I know a little."
Chen Guangming said, "Come on, let's play a game together and let Xiao Zhang rest for a bit."
Zhang Zihan knew his chess skills were terrible, so he offered his seat, thinking that Zhao Qiang was probably even worse than him.
Zhang Zihan noticed something amiss in the first few moves, but as the game progressed, he noticed something was wrong on Chen Guangming's face. The old man was really into the game, which meant that Zhao Qiang's chess skills were superior to his.
"General!" Chen Guangming slammed his hand on the table and said excitedly.
Zhao Qiang cried out in despair, "Oh no, I'm done for, Uncle. You're a real master. I admit defeat."
Chen Guangming played an extremely difficult game, but it was precisely this kind of game that made it interesting. He threw the chess piece in his hand onto the plate and said, "You're not bad either. This is the first time I've seen a young person with such chess skills." This was a very high compliment. Chen Xinyu, who was serving dishes to the table, was overjoyed. She thought to herself that Zhao Qiang was indeed capable. Despite being in a disadvantageous position, he suddenly turned the tide with just one game of chess.
Zhang Zihan had a bitter face. Although he knew that Chen Guangming loved playing chess and had even studied chess himself, he knew that chess skills depended on talent. It was impossible for someone's chess skills to suddenly become amazing. He had been in the lead all day, but he had lost the game because of a single game. It was infuriating.
If Zhang Zihan knew that Zhao Qiang had orchestrated this seemingly brilliant defeat entirely based on the deductions of the super biochip, he would probably be furious. If Zhao Qiang hadn't wanted to save face for Chen Guangming and amuse him, he probably would have killed him just a dozen steps away.
"Dad, dinner's ready." Chen Xinyu was delighted to see her beloved man gain face in front of her father, and her voice became much more affectionate.
Chen Guangming put away the chessboard: "Let's eat, and then we'll play two more games."
The meal was lavish, and Chen Xinyu even opened a bottle of expensive red wine, which showed that Chen Xinyu's family was definitely not ordinary. However, Zhao Qiang didn't ask about it, and Chen Xinyu didn't say anything either, as if the two had a tacit understanding.
Chen's mother seemed to take a liking to Zhang Zihan, frequently serving him food, which delighted Zhang Zihan. Meanwhile, Chen Xinyu attentively poured tea and water for Zhao Qiang, infuriating Zhang Zihan. Only Chen's father remained neutral, sipping his wine and watching the four's subtle power struggle. In truth, if Zhao Qiang hadn't been willing to play a proper game of chess with him, Chen Guangming would probably have sided with Zhang Zihan by now.