A light was on in the study. Zhang Yijie gave a concise work report. After discussing several project proposals, he said, "The assessment is scheduled for next Wednesday. Can your body handle it?"
Meng Weixi nodded, "Okay."
"Alright, I'll give the instructions."
"How's Xiaoxi doing in the troupe lately?"
Zhang Yijie nodded. "Smoothly."
Meng Weixi asked, "Has her aunt come back?"
Zhang Yijie smiled and said, "You're here recuperating, yet you know all this so clearly."
Meng Weixi then fell silent.
Zhang Yijie didn't dare say much about Zhao Xiyin's matter, but only reminded him of one thing, "Your parents know about your injury. Chairman Meng was angry, and Madam was also in a bad mood. They said they'll come to see you tomorrow."
Meng Weixi was immediately displeased, "Why did you have to say so much in front of them?"
Zhang Yijie paused for a moment, "Hey, President Meng, it wasn't me. Your injury is quite serious. The hospital has a record of it. It's been through several people, so it wouldn't be hard for them to find out. Besides, I heard that Old Master Meng wants to get involved and teach Zhou Qishen a lesson."
Meng Weixi scoffed, "What's there to lecture? Didn't I say that the first time? Did I get any real lessons in the end?"
Zhang Yijie advised, "Concern leads to confusion."
"Don't meddle in things that aren't your concern." Meng Weixi said with a gloomy expression, picking up her phone to call home.
Unsurprisingly, it ended in discord once again. Even from this distance, Zhang Yijie could faintly hear Madam Meng's sorrowful cries. Meng Weixi had become increasingly composed in the past two years, but he seemed to have fallen into a strange cycle when it came to emotional communication.
After Meng Weixi finished his phone call and the anger between his brows subsided slightly, Zhang Yijie calmly said, "Mr. Meng, please set aside half a day."
Meng Weixi: What are you doing?
"I'll arrange for you to see a psychologist."
——
On Friday evening, Zhou Qishen attended a dinner for an economic forum. Dressed in a suit and tie, with his hair slicked back, he moved around the room with ease, radiating confidence and charm. Zhao Lingxia was also there, observing him throughout. Putting everything else aside, Zhou Qishen had indeed been thriving in recent years, managing to maintain his family business with remarkable stability.
Zhao Lingxia's return to China was for the listing, but most of her roots are abroad, and she lacks opportunities to truly connect with relevant high-level government officials in China. "What's the use of getting acquainted with a few minor figures?" her secretary reminded her. "The one on the left is Deputy Director Chen, the one on the right is Secretary-General Lin, and the one chatting with President Zhou is Deputy General Manager Mi from the Baozheng Association."
The secretary asked, "Mr. Zhao, should we talk to Mr. Zhou and ask him to help make a connection?"
Zhao Lingxia curled the corners of her lips, but her smile lost its warmth. "He had been watching all along, knowing I had been waiting here for a long time, but he deliberately ignored me."
The secretary was confused. "Huh? Why, why?"
Zhao Lingxia raised an eyebrow. "Holding a grudge."
Sure enough, when the banquet performance began, Zhou Qishen seemed to suddenly notice Zhao Lingxia and politely ingratiated himself, "Aunt Zhao, you're here too? Why didn't you let me know?"
Zhao Lingxia gave a forced smile, "Boss Zhou is extremely busy, I wouldn't dare disturb him."
Zhou Qishen looked troubled, with just the right amount of apprehension in his eyes. "Since Aunt said that, I should reflect on myself again."
Zhao Lingxia still smiled gently, "You caused a scene at my friend's club a few days ago. So, have you reflected on this matter? Boss Zhou, you have a lot to reflect on. Take it one step at a time, don't be impatient."
Zhou Qishen remained calm and composed, his brows furrowed with confidence. "Auntie's teachings are all profound truths. Oh, by the way, I was just chatting with Deputy Director Chen, and we were talking about some disagreements that arose during the second review of your company's documents."
Zhao Lingxia's expression changed slightly.
Zhou Qishen comforted her, "Auntie, don't worry. I've arranged to play golf with Deputy Director Chen on Sunday. I'll also inquire around for you and put in a good word for you with him. I'll give you some advice."
Offer advice or suggestions?
This is blatant ingratitude.
Zhao Lingxia knew perfectly well that Zhou Qishen had many connections in political circles, thanks to his years in the military. Zhou Qishen himself came from a poor family, but he was adept at turning adversity into opportunity and seizing every chance to rise quickly. Judging from his temperament, the rumor that he would curry favor with the daughter of a certain leader to the point of discussing marriage in order to climb the social ladder might not be unfounded.
Zhao Lingxia didn't dare to be careless. After calculating in her mind, she quietly moved the half-foot she had extended back from his bottom line. She was all smiles and said in a friendly manner, "Xiao Xi's father went fishing at the reservoir with an old friend today. He was thinking of you yesterday and remembered that you like to eat fish."
The daggers and axes in Zhou Qishen's heart instantly subsided; clearly, the words "Little west's father" had struck a nerve.
Zhao Lingxia was very shrewd and went along with it. The atmosphere, which had been subtly aggressive, suddenly changed, and she warmly rekindled their old friendship. "Come over for a casual meal tomorrow?"
Zhou Qishen smiled and asked, "Will you do it yourself?"
Zhao Lingxia said happily, "Oh, I wouldn't dare. I might blow up Xiao Xi's kitchen."
Zhou Qishen ignored the remark, maintaining his expression, which held both a smile and a deeper meaning. He calmly watched the other person, his aura subtly gathering strength, gradually increasing the pressure on Zhao Lingxia.
After a few seconds of silence, Zhao Lingxia was the first to relent, "I will buy whatever Xiaoxi wants in the future. I will not interfere with her choices, whether it's a bracelet, clothes, a bag, or anything else she likes."
Zhou Qishen didn't move or speak.
Zhao Lingxia's lips twitched slightly, her smile stiffening as she continued, "I won't take her to those places anymore, never again."
Zhou Qishen smiled, raised his glass, and gently touched it to Zhao Lingxia's glass. "It's comfortable talking to smart people. You keep your word, President Zhao."
As he turned to leave, Zhou Qishen stopped, tilted his head slightly, and said calmly, "I'll set up a meeting on Sunday. I'll send a driver to pick you up from the hotel on time so we can have dinner together with Deputy Director Chen and make some friends. As long as you keep your promise, Aunt, I will definitely do my best to help you."
Zhou Qishen subtly tricked Zhao Lingxia, truly acting out of a fit of rage for her sake. He was demonstrating to Zhao Lingxia, through his actions, that she should stop causing him trouble and stop taking Zhao Xiyin to see that chaotic world.
As long as Zhao Lingxia doesn't cause trouble, she'll definitely get her share of the benefits.
Zhou Qishen acted as a go-between, and after a round of golf and a dinner on Sunday, all her predicaments were resolved. Besides, with this powerful figure's influence, she could always expect him to do her a favor in the future.
In the darkness, Zhao Lingxia got into the car, completely satisfied.