On Saturday morning, the garden was watered and the lawn was mowed in advance.
Mrs. Chu was busy preparing for the meal, selecting the tableware and setting up the long table for more than an hour.
The Chu family had indeed been neglectful during this period, so they invited Xiang Mingzhang to dinner to show their attitude. They also invited Li Zangqiu and several other senior executives of Yisi to thank them for their hard work during this period.
Besides, Xiang Yue will be the major shareholder of Yisi in the future. It will not hurt to provide this opportunity for both parties to socialize before the formal contact.
Mrs. Chu was very satisfied with her arrangement. After deciding whether to use gold or silver candlesticks, she hurried to put on makeup and do her hair. She asked, "Is Xiaochen up yet?"
"I got up early." Aunt Tang was arranging flowers and whispered, "He's so strange since he was discharged from the hospital. He gets up at six o'clock every day to read. Guess what he was reading yesterday? Economic Law!"
Mrs. Chu was frightened: "Is he going to commit another crime?"
Aunt Tang quickly said, "Pooh, pooh, pooh": "Think positively, maybe he has turned over a new leaf."
In the guest room on the second floor, Shen Ruozhen closed the thick law book. It was almost time, so he got up and went to the bathroom to take a bath.
These days, Aunt Tang and Sister Xiu took very good care of him, asking him many times a day whether he wanted to eat or drink. Shen Ruozhun was a person with a light appetite, so he always waved his hand and tried not to bother others with other things.
The only time he made a request was for clothes. In the old days, on the third day of every month, the tailor would come to the Shen Mansion to take measurements, and the clothes would be made and delivered to the door. Shen Ruozhen never had to worry about anything.
He wrote down his body measurements on a piece of paper, gave it to Aunt Tang, and asked her to find a tailor to make a few suits for him.
Aunt Tang looked at the page of data divided into categories and said, "Oh, it's so detailed."
Shen Ruozhen didn't know what the current clothing stores were like, so he wrote down everything: five dimensions, three lengths and one width. Different fabrics have different hardness, thickness, and so the sizes will vary. They have to be just the right size to look good.
Aunt Tang compared his height on the paper, looked him up and down, and said, "I thought you had grown a little taller the other day, and I thought it was just because you had become taller, but it turns out you've really grown three centimeters taller."
Shen Ruozhen said calmly: "It seems that I have deceived you by making false reports."
"You're just fooling people," Aunt Tang smiled. "What else do you want? I'll get it done when I go out. This room is too plain. Do you want anything else?"
Shen Ruozhen asked for a small incense burner because he liked to burn incense to help him sleep. He also asked for a book.
After taking a bath, Shen Ruozhen gently tidied his hair while it was half dry. He took off the ironed clothes that had been hanging overnight and put them on one by one.
After buttoning the last button, Shen Ruozhen stood in front of the mirror and raised his hand to touch the suit pocket on his chest. It was empty. He had forgotten that his pocket watch was lost.
The anti-Japanese currency and the bank president's wax seal in the suitcase were naturally lost as well, having sunk into the sea and becoming difficult to track down.
Shen Ruozhen closed his eyes and lowered his head inch by inch. The most important things to him were gone.
At this time, Mrs. Chu called out "Xiaochen" downstairs.
Shen Ruozhen trembled, opened his eyes and looked at the mirror again.
The sadness just now faded away, and his face became calm and dignified. At this point, he should not be depressed about material things, nor should he be hesitant because of reminiscing about the past.
He stared at himself, at this face that looked exactly like Chu Shichen.
He wanted to temporarily hide everything about the old times, including the name "Shen Ruozhen".
He took a deep breath, as if saying goodbye silently.
She stepped up the stairs in high heels and came to the door. Mrs. Chu wore a skirt with exposed arms to show her warmth. She knocked on the door and said, "Xiaochen, are you okay?"
Chu Shichen flattened the peaked collar of his coat, his expression completely calmed down, walked over to open the door, faced Mrs. Chu, pursed his rosy lips, and called out, "—Mom."
Mrs. Chu was stunned for a moment, and inexplicably a little flustered: "Oh... You look so handsome in formal clothes, Mom is not used to it."
Chu Shichen went downstairs to help, and soon, Yisi’s general manager and two directors arrived.
A few minutes later, Li Zangqiu also arrived. Probably because he was wearing a light-colored sweater, he looked friendlier than usual.
Chu Shichen had never had a chance to talk to Li Zangqiu, so he brought two glasses of champagne and offered them to him, saying hello: "Uncle Li, have a drink."
Li Zangqiu smiled and said, "Thank you. I'm not late, am I?"
Chu Shichen said: "A few minutes early."
Li Zangqiu looked around while drinking and said, "It seems that the important people haven't arrived yet."
Among today's guests, only Xiang Mingzhang is more important than Li Cangqiu. At his age, he has the final say in Yisi and he will definitely be unwilling to be inferior to others in the future.
Chu Shichen said: "Uncle Li, no one can replace your position in Yisi."
Li Zangqiu was very impressed, but he was also very sober: "But I will be shaken."
He drank the champagne in one gulp and continued, "Forget it, it's all empty reputation. I'm almost retired. But Shichen, I was strongly against you selling your shares. Your father is gone, and this is the amulet left for you and your mother. You are young and don't understand. When you figure it out in the future, you can always come to the company to help. But once you sell it, Yisi will have nothing to do with you."
Chu Shichen also understood, so he could only say: "I understood it too late, I hope I can make amends."
"Alas, not everything can be fixed after it's too late." Li Zangqiu sighed, then smiled, "It's good to have an attitude of admitting one's mistakes. Your mother said that you've changed a lot, it seems that her filter is not too deep."
Chu Shichen stopped talking and said, "I need Uncle Li to teach me more."
Li Zangqiu said earnestly: "It can't be considered teaching. Honest words are unpleasant to the ears, as long as you are willing to listen."
Chu Shichen felt that Li Zangqiu had something to say, so he whispered, "Uncle Li, I'm all ears."
Li Zangqiu lowered his voice and said, "The company's affairs are a foregone conclusion. Selling it to Xiang Yue is considered to have found a good family. But don't be silly. Xiang Mingzhang is a person-"
As we were talking, a car horn honked at the gate, indicating that a guest had arrived.
Xiang Mingzhang got out of the car and told the driver to take the gifts down. He had to say that the Chu family's garden was indeed beautiful and much more livable than his apartment.
He strode to the front of the courtyard, admiring the scenery, and just in time Chu Shichen came out to greet him.
In the sunlight, Chu Shichen was wearing a sophisticated black suit. He was eye-catching and yet inviolable next to the flowers. His hair was cut just right, his eyebrows were exposed, his complexion was well-maintained, and his blue agate ring reflected the brilliance of a gem.
Xiang Mingzhang simply stood still. After receiving that meaningful text message, he was very curious about the other party's attitude when they met today.
Chu Shichen walked down the steps, stretched out his right hand, and said, "Mr. Xiang, long time no see."
Xiang Mingzhang shook it back, his big hand almost covering Chu Shichen's fingertips, and said, "It's a bit cold, are you not recovered yet?"
"Thank you for your concern. I was chilled by the wine glass." Chu Shichen asked, "Does Mr. Xiang like champagne?"
Xiang Mingzhang's gentlemanly attitude was very short-lived, and he returned to his old ways, arrogant as if he was provoking: "I didn't go to the signing party, I want to open champagne again to celebrate, nothing should go wrong today."
Chu Shichen did not argue with the guests and accompanied Xiang Mingzhang into the villa. Li Zangqiu and others came over to greet them, and everyone started chatting happily.
They had a very enjoyable meal with endless topics to talk about. Xiang Mingzhang and Yi Si's group chatted back and forth.
Chu Shichen was curious about the project they were talking about and listened carefully. By chance, Xiang Mingzhang glanced at him and asked in a considerate manner, "Should we speak slower?"
"Whatever you want." Chu Shichen said generously, "You can drink slowly to avoid getting drunk."
Xiang Mingzhang was leaning back in his chair, blowing off the cool air on his tea. Not wanting to get up, he looked up and said to Chu Shichen, "Please help me pick a golf club."
It was the first time Chu Shichen was ordered around by someone, and he was a caddy. He replied, "It seems that this tea is good. Mr. Xiang can't put it down."
"Yes, it smells really good."
Xiang Mingzhang waited for Chu Shichen to pick up the club, put down the cup, and stood up to play a game.
Mrs. Chu said, "Xiaochen, are you bored? Come and play with us."
Chu Shichen was not interested.
Li Zangqiu said: "He was discharged from the hospital not long ago, let's do exercise again after a few days."
Mrs. Chu said, "After all, he is a young man, so it won't be a big deal if he recovers."
Li Zangqiu came over after the fight, wiped his sweat and said, "It's better to be safe. By the way, what are your plans for the future?"
Except Xiang Mingzhang, everyone looked at Chu Shichen.
At the beginning, Chu Shichen claimed that he would invest abroad, but no one knew what he would invest in. Several elders knew very well that the investment was a cover and the real purpose was to squander the family money.
Mrs. Chu had just enjoyed a few days of comfort. She did not ask her son to have a bright future, but was afraid that something unexpected would happen if he left her.
Xiang Mingzhang lowered his head to study the brand of the golf club, not caring at all. He handed the money that should be given to the Chu family, and it was none of his business how this young master Chu spent the money.
Anyway, this young master will not join the company.
Unexpectedly, Chu Shichen said: "I hope to go to work in the company."
Xiang Mingzhang: “…”
Everyone was shocked at first, then silent. The general manager's shot almost hit a tree.
Mrs. Chu opened her mouth wide: "Xiaochen, are you kidding?"
Chu Shichen thought carefully and decided that the best way to integrate into this society was to work. Since he was not destined to die, he might as well try his luck in the new era and see if he could make some waves.
There is also a very important point. The Chu family seems to be well-off, but in fact they are living beyond their means. He uses the name "Chu Shichen" and wants to do his part for the Chu family.
After that, Chu Shichen asked: "Uncle Li, do you support me?"
Li Zangqiu said: "Yisi will be under Xiang Yue's management in the future. If you want to join the company, you should ask Mr. Xiang for his opinion."
Xiang Mingzhang raised his head in a casual manner, secretly thinking that Li Cangqiu was an old fox, who kicked the ball to him with just one sentence. He found it quite funny. For 27 years, he used the company as a treasury, spending money without earning. Now that it was sold, he wanted to change his mind
Going to work? I'm afraid it's just for show.
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Take care of your health first, and we can discuss other things."
After playing ball, everyone was ready to leave. Mrs. Chu invited Xiang Mingzhang into the side hall alone and presented him with two exquisite gift bags. She heard Xiang Mingzhang praise the black tea for its delicious taste, so she packed some.
No reward without merit, Xiang Mingzhang did not take it. He reached out to touch the silk bow on the bag, waiting for what would happen next.
Mrs. Chu was so confused by Chu Shichen's "prodigal son's return" that she was determined to fight for him even if it meant sacrificing her face.
Her face turned red: "Mingzhang, can you let Xiaochen join the company? His temperament has changed a lot, he is very well behaved, and he won't cause you any trouble."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Aunt, employees need to do their jobs. Just being obedient is not enough."
Mrs. Chu said, "Just give him something to do. I'll pay him. He doesn't need to be included in the personnel file or anything. He can just be a temporary worker."
Xiang Mingzhang still didn't respond: "The company is not a game. I understand that you love your son dearly, but Xiang Yue's employment system is open and fair. What will other employees think?"
Mrs. Chu said ashamedly, "Why bother your people? Let Yisi's acquaintance take care of him."
Xiang Mingzhang is used to practicing Tai Chi: "I am not familiar with Yisi's employees yet."
"Let him try. It's his nature that he can only persist for three days at most. He will find it too tiring and regret it." Mrs. Chu felt it was a joke and laughed awkwardly.
Xiang Mingzhang simply avoided it and refused to drink the black tea: "It's too much. I can't finish it."
Mrs. Chu explained, "There are two portions. One for you to keep, and one for your mother to try."
Xiang Mingzhang's expression slightly changed, his eyes softened slightly, and he finally took the bag. Just then the car to pick him up arrived, and he said goodbye and walked out.
In the garden, Li Zangqiu was tired of playing ball. Without waiting for his own car to arrive, he directly told the Chu family's driver to start a car, got in directly, and left without saying goodbye.
Xiang Mingzhang watched Li Cangqiu leave, thinking that the Chu family had relied on him for so long, and now they were bringing in an outsider to be the head of the family. How would Chu Zhe feel if he knew about this
Behind him, Chu Shichen also witnessed everything, his eyes were cold.
Chu Shichen coughed and walked closer, saying, "Mr. Xiang, I'll take you there."
Stepping down the stairs, Xiang Mingzhang shook the gift bag in his hand: "In order to satisfy you, Mrs. Chu went to great lengths to send you a gift. It's really pitiful how loving parents are."
Chu Shichen asked: "Then did you agree?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "To ask for help, you must come in person to show your sincerity."
Chu Shichen flashed his body to block Xiang Mingzhang's way. Merchants value profit, and if there is no profit, it is useless to beg. He said: "Mr. Xiang, do you think Yisi's people will listen to you or Li Cangqiu?"
The sunlight was dazzling, Xiang Mingzhang narrowed his eyes slightly. The two parties were about to take over. Procedures were one thing, and people's hearts were another. He had not yet figured out which of Yisi's people could be used and which could not.
Chu Shichen has no shares and no one is afraid of him. But as the son of the Chu family, everyone has to give him some face, so it makes it a lot easier for him to do some things.
If Chu Shichen wants to gain a foothold under Li Zangqiu, Xiang Yue's support is undoubtedly the best help.
Xiang Mingzhang didn't like playing dumb, and said, "It's mutually beneficial, but you have to have the ability."
Chu Shichen knew that Xiang Mingzhang was moved, and replied: "Why not give it a try, and help me do something for the family. Anyway, you won't lose anything."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "You are serious about this journey?"
Chu Shichen smiled lightly: "If you think I'm joking, I won't come today."
Xiang Mingzhang stared at him: "Are you guessing me?"
"No." Chu Shichen finished what he had to say, and went back to the beginning of the conversation, dignifiedly admitting his weakness, "I'm begging you."
Xiang Mingzhang's eyes moved down to Chu Shichen's neck. The abrasion on the side had completely healed, and it was smooth without any marks. His Adam's apple was motionless, and it was unclear whether he was stiff and nervous or calm and composed.
Chu Shichen let himself watch, it seemed to be the latter.
After a long while, Xiang Mingzhang retracted his gaze and said, "Come to Xiang Yue Communication to find me at nine o'clock on Monday."
(End of this chapter)