Chu Shichen only slept for two hours. When he woke up and moved a little, the hand covering his shoulder slid down his back, and then Xiang Mingzhang also woke up.
The four looked at each other, both drowsy. The sky outside the window was gray and dark. Xiang Mingzhang said, "The alarm hasn't rung yet. Let's sleep a little longer."
The corners of his eyes were dry and tight, Chu Shichen rubbed them and said, "You go to sleep, I'm not sleepy anymore."
Xiang Mingzhang was no longer sleepy: "I dreamed that I went on a business trip to Zhejiang without you."
"Zhejiang?" Chu Shichen calmed down and deliberately put the emphasis on the second half of the sentence, "It's better that you didn't take me with you. If you can't even let me sleep in my dreams, you are such a mean boss."
Xiang Mingzhang asked: "Did you have any dreams?"
Chu Shichen propped himself up, raised his hand to push his drooping hair back, and lied, "I dreamed of Director Peng. It was probably because I missed him too much."
Xiang Mingzhang frowned: "What?"
Chu Shichen turned over and got out of bed, smiling, "I can't wait to take over with him, is that okay?"
The two of them packed up and returned to the sales department on the ninth floor. Chu Shichen polished the report that he had completed overnight, printed it out, and marked the key points.
Peng Xin arrived early and was overjoyed to learn that the report was completed. He immediately went to the secretary's office to listen to Chu Shichen's instructions.
This coarse-grained report was like a stepping stone to get in. Peng Xin said excitedly, "The sooner the better. Hu Xiushan's office has many checkpoints. I will contact them today."
Chu Shichen said, "Whether we can successfully make an appointment with him, Director Peng, depends on you." "No, it depends on the report." Peng Xin said, "Secretary Chu, thanks to your help, I am confident that I can do it."
Chu Shichen said with relief: "Okay, please notify me immediately if you have any news."
The matter was temporarily over and Chu Shichen could take a breath. His family was worried about him working all night and sent a driver to pick him up. He watered the gladiolus and then locked the door and left work.
Xiang Mingzhang just came out of the office, wearing another spare suit, which was very elegant, as if he was going to a date.
Chu Shichen asked casually: "Mr. Xiang, aren't you going home to rest?"
As they walked out together, Xiang Mingzhang said, "I have an appointment with an elder for morning tea."
Chu Shichen assumed that he was the elder of the Xiang family, or the director of old Xiang Yue. Without asking any more questions, he took the elevator to the first floor. The hall was bustling during the morning rush hour, so he and Xiang Mingzhang walked away separately.
When she got home, Mrs. Chu felt very distressed. She asked Sister Xiu to cook some nourishing soup for her and also took Chu Shichen for a massage.
Chu Shichen just wanted to take a hot bath, so he went upstairs after drinking the soup. Aunt Tang had already filled the bathtub with water and added some plant essential oils that were hyped to be relaxing and soothing. He didn't understand what they meant, but it smelled good anyway.
When the hot water cooled down, Chu Shichen got out of the bath, wrapped in his bathrobe, and dried his hair half-dry. He picked up the hair dryer hesitantly, turned it on and shook it back and forth in front of his head, but he was not used to it, so he gave up.
The doors and windows of the bedroom were closed, and it was quiet and perfect for catching up on some sleep. However, Chu Shichen did not go to bed. Instead, he took a cigar and sat behind the table.
Just as he was about to light it, he raised his hand and smelled the lingering fragrance of the essential oil on his skin. Unable to bear the smell of smoke ruining it, he extinguished the fire and placed the cigar on the table.
The clock was ticking, Chu Shichen looked at the bed, his heart beating fast.
While catching up on sleep in the lounge, he heard his father's name, Shen Zuorun.
It must be a dream, it could only be a dream, but he was afraid of dreaming about Shen Zuorun.
The autumn when father and son parted forever was cold and chilly. The exact time of Shen Zuorun's death was concealed, and his body was kept in the mansion, lying stiff and decayed before being buried.
It was not until five days later that the Shen family made the official announcement to the outside world.
Only the old butler knew all this; even the mother and sister who were far away across the ocean knew nothing about it.
So Chu Shichen was afraid.
It was his decision and his instruction in the past. Now he dare not think back to that period easily. He will feel guilty about it for the rest of his life.
If his father appeared in his dreams, he would not know what to do.
In the morning, when Xiang Mingzhang asked him, he was filled with fear, which was hidden under his disguise of calmness, and he didn't know to what extent he would be seen through.
Chu Shichen should have felt guilty, but when he thought of Xiang Mingzhang, he actually had the urge to seek comfort.
Chu Shichen opened his phone and stared at the input box in a daze. He deleted the message several times and sent a clumsy question: Are you done with your work
Tangmingju Teahouse, an open-air elegant room in the west courtyard.
There were six trays of snacks and a pot of Phoenix Dancong on the ebony table. Xiang Mingzhang sat upright and pushed a beautiful gift over, saying, "I'm sorry to bother you these days. This is a little gift from me. Please accept it."
The old professor sitting opposite the table, with gray hair and sharp eyes, was as energetic as the young people. He said, "Mr. Xiang, you are too polite. I am glad that the information can be used."
Xiang Mingzhang said bluntly: "It's useful, but not enough."
The old professor asked, "What else would you like to know, Mr. Xiang?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "About Shen Zuorun, and the mysterious character whose information was erased."
These days, Xiang Mingzhang has searched and verified repeatedly but couldn't find any more information. He wanted to give up, but Chu Shichen's reaction when he heard "Shen Zuorun" last night was really abnormal. He always felt that there was some connection between the two.
The old professor mainly studies the vertical changes in the area of Ouli Street. He said regretfully: "I have limited information about the Shen family and Shen Zuorun, so I am afraid I can't help you."
Xiang Mingzhang asked: "Who should I look for then?"
The old professor suggested: "Mr. Xiang can go to Ningbo to have a look. The Shen family was a famous family at that time. If there are any descendants, they may be able to find some relics."
Xiang Mingzhang said: "Okay, I'll consider it."
After finishing half a pot of tea, the old professor said goodbye first, and Xiang Mingzhang stayed in the courtyard, thinking about the next arrangements.
Ningbo is not far away, but cultural and tourism projects are picking up again, and Hu Xiushan may agree to meet. For the sake of the overall situation, he cannot spare the time for the time being.
From the time he became suspicious until now, Xiang Mingzhang has been investigating on his own. Instinctively, he doesn't want to let a third person get involved in Chu Shichen's secret.
Xiang Mingzhang has never believed in such vague things as "intuition", but this time, his intuition told him that he should continue investigating and his guess was not just wishful thinking.
The tea became cold, Xiang Mingzhang drank it all, and decided to let Xu Liao make the trip for him.
The phone was set to silent mode. Xiang Mingzhang took it out and saw the message from Chu Shichen. Forty minutes had passed, so Chu Shichen must have gone to bed.
Xiang Mingzhang replied: I’m done.
Unexpectedly, Chu Shichen sent another message: OK.
Xiang Mingzhang called directly and the call was quickly connected: "What's good about that? What do you want to talk to me about?"
Chu Shichen said apologetically: "No, I'm... bored."
"Not like you." Xiang Mingzhang was a little surprised. "You are at home? Why don't you sleep after being busy for half the night?"
Chu Shichen said: "I can't sleep."
Xiang Mingzhang asked: "So when you couldn't sleep, the first person you thought of was me?"
Chu Shichen replied: "Yes."
Xiang Mingzhang hadn't touched any of the snacks on the table when he suddenly felt hungry. He picked up the almond biscuits and took a bite of the sweet crumbs. Then he gently ordered, "Go to bed, cover yourself with the quilt, and close your eyes."
There was a rustling sound on the phone, and Chu Shichen did as he was told. Xiang Mingzhang said, "Let me tell you about the software architecture."
There were green bamboos and flowing water in the courtyard, and the fragrance of Phoenix fir on the table was lingering. Xiang Mingzhang was "lecturing" with tea and snacks. His terminology was professional and his wording was rigorous. In less than a quarter of an hour, there was no sound.
Chu Shichen's even breathing could be heard, Xiang Mingzhang chuckled softly, and finally wished him a "sweet dream".
Peng Xin tried his best and finally contacted Hu Xiushan's secretary office.
Officials were cautious in their work, so Hu Xiushan's secretary communicated on his behalf first. After four or five phone calls and two days of consideration, Hu Xiushan finally agreed to Xiang Yue's appointment.
In addition, Hu Xiushan suggested that Director She be involved so that the three parties could have a chat together.
This is a good sign. Director She is the former technical leader of the selection group, which means that Hu Xiushan understands Xiang Yue’s purpose and is willing to cooperate.
The meeting place was arranged in Lanxin, Director She's office. Hu Xiushan was the superior and the head of the new technology team. Xiang Yue made a mistake and owed it to him. Both parties had a reason to visit Director She, so it was natural for them to meet together.
On the day of the meeting, Xiang Mingzhang and Chu Shichen arrived at the administrative office area and information system support department of Lanxin Cultural Park on time.
Director She's office was not big, with a standard decoration. Xiang Mingzhang walked in and asked with concern, "Director She, how is your recovery?"
"Very well." Director She had just recovered and looked pretty good. "Thanks to Xiao Meng for taking care of me in the hospital. I feel embarrassed."
Chu Shichen said: "Director Meng feels very guilty. After all, it was Xiang Yue's fault. We can't blame you."
Director She had no choice but to withdraw from the selection group. He must have resentment in his heart, but Xiang Yue actually hooked up with Hu Xiushan, so he could only put aside the past grudges: "Let's not talk about that. If Minister Hu takes over, the project will definitely be implemented better, and the previous things will be over."
As he was speaking, Hu Xiushan arrived.
Everyone stood up and Hu Xiushan came in with his secretary. He was dressed simply, of medium height, and had an aura of majesty without even being angry.
Xiang Mingzhang took the initiative to extend his hand and said, "Minister Hu, I have heard a lot about you. I am Xiang Mingzhang, the president of Xiangyue Communications, and this is Chu Shichen, who is in charge of the business affairs of this project."
Hu Xiushan shook his hand back: "Okay, let's sit down and talk."
Chu Shichen sat upright, pursing his lips calmly. He had no flattery prepared, nor did he intend to use any pretty words.
Hu Xiushan said: "I have read the report you submitted. The whole report is based on an assumption that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism needs to borrow money. Why do you have such a perception?"
The implication was to ask about the source of the information, and Chu Shichen replied: "The essence of sales is to meet customer needs. Before meeting them, you must first have the ability to analyze needs."
Hu Xiushan asked: "So you think your analysis is very accurate?"
Chu Shichen looked at the folder in Hu Xiushan's secretary's hand and said generously, "Yes, otherwise you wouldn't agree to meet. The report wouldn't be here, but would have been put into the shredder."
Hu Xiushan waved his hand, and the secretary opened the document and placed it on the coffee table. The pages had obvious creases, indicating that they had been read countless times.
Hu Xiushan asked: "How can I be sure of the authenticity of the report?"
Chu Shichen came prepared. He took out a thick file from his bag and said, "The report evaluated dozens of banks. We have all received approval. We have communication, supervision, and agreements. We accept all verifications."
The secretary took it and opened it, randomly picking out a few copies for Hu Xiushan to review. After reading, Hu Xiushan said, "For a technology company, the most priceless thing is data resources. You went to so much trouble to give them to me. Are you being generous, or do you want to exchange resources?"
Chu Shichen replied: "There was an accident at the promotion meeting, which affected Director She and the selection team. We want to do our best to make up for it."
Director She was unsure of Hu Xiushan's inclination, so he said, "It doesn't matter to me personally. The most important thing is not to delay the project. To be honest, the promotion meeting was too hasty."
Chu Shichen analyzed that the effect of the first round of exchanges was not good. In order to carry out subsequent work, the second round of exchanges will definitely be held in advance.
A huge project affects the entire body, and other links will be advanced accordingly. He took advantage of the situation and said: "The ship will move only when all gears turn, and the funds are the rudder that controls the course. Xiang Yue does these things in the hope of being in the same boat with the big ship."
Hu Xiushan nodded and suddenly asked, "How are the preparations for the second round of exchanges going?"
Xiang Mingzhang listened for a long time, and it was his turn to speak: "In response to the current selection requirements, we have designed three solutions, focusing on support, efficiency and adhesion respectively. If the subsequent requirements are upgraded, we can further integrate and strengthen them."
Director She asked with interest, "Have you ever simulated a scene?"
Xiang Mingzhang said: "We will do a second simulation this week."
Chu Shichen said: "The R&D team is led by Mr. Xiang himself. Technology is the foundation. This Lanxin Cultural Park is one of Xiang Yue's achievements."
The two sides talked for forty minutes. Hu Xiushan's identity would not stay for long and it was almost time for him to leave.
It seemed that no results were reached during the discussion and Hu Xiushan did not make a clear statement, but he stuffed the file bag into a folder and gave it to his secretary to take away.
Everyone here has a clear mind and a plan in mind.
Xiang Mingzhang and Chu Shichen said goodbye together and came out of the administrative area. The two of them walked along the shade of the trees while reviewing the situation.
Hu Xiushan made a major decision, so he left room for maneuver in every sentence. It was the most tiring to deal with such a person. Xiang Mingzhang said, "Thank you for your hard work today."
Chu Shichen said: "We have limited say, so we must not curry favor with him. Instead, we must make our position clear and strengthen our own goals, otherwise we will become even more passive."
Xiang Mingzhang agreed: "Hu Xiushan is obviously moved."
Chu Shichen was in a good mood: "I have a feeling that he will contact us."
After walking for a while, there were gradually more and more tourists around. Chu Shichen didn't have the chance to take a walk last time, but now that he had finished his work and relaxed, he felt a little eager to go out.
Coincidentally passing by the cultural center in the park, he asked curiously, "What's inside?"
Xiang Mingzhang was also unclear, so he said, "Let's go in and take a look."
The two entered the cultural center, a simple, pure white building, four stories high, with a modern style, and each floor was filled with old items from the past.
The first floor is the newspaper and magazine exhibition hall, which houses a collection of modern and contemporary newspapers and magazines from all over the country.
Chu Shichen was stunned when he came in. He didn't expect that newspapers and periodicals from the past would be preserved and posted for display so that people in later generations could see what had happened.
He walked slowly past one wall after another. The familiar fonts, layouts, and writing styles in the newspapers seemed both distant and intimate.
Unfortunately, modern people find traditional Chinese characters tiring to read, and there were few people in the exhibition hall. Xiang Mingzhang glanced at it and sighed, "Not many young people read newspapers nowadays."
Chu Shichen couldn't help but say, "I used to watch it. If there was any big news, I would jump off the train and buy a copy."
Xiang Mingzhang asked: "Didn't you forget what happened in the past?"
Chu Shichen was stunned for a moment: "I heard it from my family."
Looking at the newspaper title page, Chu Shichen discovered that it was displayed by year. 1943, he walked forward, his steps getting slower and slower, 1944, 1945...
Chu Shichen almost stopped, greedily looking at the old newspapers from the year he left. There was a lot of news from all walks of life, and big and small newspapers had major news every day.
At this time, Xiang Mingzhang came over from the other side and his eyes swept across a badly damaged newspaper.
Xiang Mingzhang froze in place when he saw a line of title, and read: "Fuhua Bank."
Chu Shichen turned back in surprise: "... What did you say?"
Xiang Mingzhang read out the whole sentence word by word: "Notice to the public - Announcement of the closure of Fuhua Bank."
With a "thump", Chu Shichen's bag fell to the ground. He stretched out his trembling fingers, as if timid, and walked to the old newspaper with heavy steps.
The paper pages are yellowed, torn, and the printed words are mottled and blurred.
But it was indeed he who wrote the announcement.
Chu Shichen remembered it so clearly that every word and sentence in the notice could never be forgotten once he had written it down in his mind.
He moved his lips, and blurted out in this cultural center in the new century—
“Since the establishment of Fuhua Bank, we have been fortunate to have the support of the people, abide by the law and regulations, and overcome many crises.
However, the country's destiny is extremely difficult, with external and internal troubles. If we want to save the economy from collapse, we must first determine the survival of the country.
My bank and my colleagues have been working together to come up with a solution, but the market is in chaos and the results have been minimal. Unless the powerful powers are eliminated, no good strategy can be implemented.
Now I am willing to give up hundreds of shares and millions of gold to take another fundamental approach and do my utmost to save the people from suffering.
Therefore, this announcement is drafted to officially announce that Fuhua Bank will cease operations and close in the spring of the 34th year of the Republic of China.
There were only two sentences left. Shen Ruozhen paused. Everything he once regretted and prayed for was witnessed one by one today. As the world was changed, reading it again had a different heart.
"Liu Gongyun said, I wish the clear music would be true again, and fly among the clouds without any burden."
“I pray that the country will be peaceful and the people will be safe, the world will be smooth, and China’s banking industry will flourish again.”
The author has something to say:
1. Previous situation review: Xiang found Fuhua and Shen's father, worked overtime, and tried to test Chu in the lounge. 2. Announcement summary: Since its establishment, Fuhua Bank has been fortunate to receive the support of the people, abide by the law and survive various crises. However, the country is in trouble, with external and internal troubles. To save the collapsed economy, we must first save the country's survival. Fuhua Bank and its colleagues have worked together to plan a solution, but the market is disordered and the effect is weak. If the powers are not driven out, good strategies cannot be implemented. Now Fuhua Bank is willing to give up money and take another fundamental path (hint, explained later in the plot), and will do its best to save the suffering people. So it announced its closure. Liu Zongyuan has a poem that says, the eagle will break free from the shackles and soar among the clouds in the next autumn (Liu expressed his feelings after participating in the reform). I pray that after the country is peaceful and the people are safe, I will witness the Chinese banking industry start to prosper again.
(End of this chapter)