Like many ordinary people, after years of wear and tear, Jiang Yonghan's greatest wish was to live the rest of his life in peace and stability.
Not greedy, not demanding, just free from illness and disaster.
What he didn't expect was that, just as he was about to retire, his tranquil life suddenly began to change—and with such intensity.
Just last night, he had proposed a divorce to his wife of many decades; this evening, a multi-billion-dollar company wanted to hire him as a consultant.
Having lived and been mediocre for most of his life, someone had finally recognized his value.
How could he not be happy, how could he not be excited?
Of course, he didn't let it go to his head, and he told Duan Zhengde that he needed to consult his superiors at work before he could accept.𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
This act made Duan Hongqing lose any contempt for him, and along with Zhou Jicang, they both kept calling him "brother" warmly and toasted him frequently.
He was an upright person, and his professional abilities were not weak. Although he was no expert, he was more than sufficient as an advisor to find the oversights. Five thousand was definitely worth it.
So, Jiang Yonghan drank too much, nearly draining his cup with each toast, Xiao Ming couldn't stop him.
During the toast-swapping between the three old men, Zhou Qingyuan leaned in and whispered to Xiao Ming, "I agreed."
"Huh?" Xiao Ming was instantly on high alert, "Agreed to what? What does it have to do with me?"
"You... your word means nothing!" Zhou Qingyuan started to act aggrieved, looking and sounding as if he'd been wronged by him.
Xiao Ming narrowed his eyes and said bluntly, "Niece, I can tell you very responsibly that I like to speak directly. You'd better not play these maddening tricks in the future.
Otherwise, I'll make you understand what real loss of face feels like."
Zhou Qingyuan seemed genuinely upset now, puffing out her cheeks and saying, "I said I agreed to work for you."
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow, "When did I ever hire you to work for me?"
"You said it yesterday, that if I wanted free business consultation, I had to work for you, and you called me 'girl'!"
"Uh... what do you want to consult about? Just ask directly, no need to humble yourself by working for me, Ruiye still needs you."
"I've already talked to my dad about it. He's in great health, and it's still a long way off before I take over. Considering that Ruiye's senior management all know me and no one would really make things difficult for me, it might be better to go out and gain some experience first.
He has already agreed to let me work for you."
Xiao Ming shook his head without hesitation, "No way. I've poured my heart and soul into the company, and it's not for you to use as a training ground."
Zhou Qingyuan's bright eyes began to flash with dangerous light, "Xiao Ming, you'd better not force me to kiss you in front of Sir Jiang."
Xiao Ming laughed helplessly: "Girl, listen to yourself. Is that something you should say?"
Zhou Qingyuan leaned in closer, licked her lips, dangerous yet tempting. "You think I wouldn't dare?"
"Hss..." Xiao Ming suddenly felt a bit of a toothache.
In his past life, this girl had driven him nearly to his wits' end, and now facing "Crazy Missy 2.0," he really didn't know what to do.
A moment later, he sighed helplessly, "To work under me, you'll have much freedom. As long as it benefits the company, there are no taboo.
But there's one rule you must follow or get out immediately, no second chances."
"What is it?"
"Obey!" said Xiao Ming sternly. "No matter how absurd the things I do, or how childish the decisions, my subordinates must comply unconditionally.
Do you think you can do that?"
Zhou Qingyuan frowned, not expecting him to be so domineering and stubborn, "Can't I even raise questions or objections?"
"Rational ones, yes. Emotional, no."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingyuan immediately grinned, "It seems that your 'Left Embrace Right Hold' has caused you quite some trouble! Who was it? Yun Shi Yu or Yang Hanqing? I bet it was Yun Shi Yu.
This Miss Yun may appear to be an aloof fairy on the surface, but she's hilariously sultry on the inside—dumb as a pig and yet thinking she's clever. Only you stupid men would be fooled by the façade she puts on."
As for that Yang Hanqing, she's so delicate and acts like a little maid; I bet if you beckon her, she'd strip and lie on the bed automatically, hardly worth mentioning."
Xiao Ming had no words to respond, only a bitter smile.
There was no helping it, Zhou Qingyuan's eyes were sharp, and although her words were subjectively harsh, they weren't entirely wrong.
"I agree, but I have a condition," Zhou Qingyuan added, "You can't favor one over the other; I want to have everything that Yun Shi Yu and Yang Hanqing possess, including but not limited to positions, shares, and your intimate or distant attitude.
Of course..."
Her tone shifted, her eyes swimming with allure, making her sound more coquettish.
"Of course, if you're willing to give your 'niece' a little more, I'd naturally be happier."
As she spoke, her onion shoot-like fingertips poked Xiao Ming on the arm.
Siren!
Xiao Ming, in his entire life, had no qualification to subdue demons or tame sirens, so he could only silently pray for his wife's blessing in his heart.
After pondering for a moment, he said, "If you always talk without respect like this, then I'm sure to grow more distant from you, and that's something you'll have to manage yourself.
As for your greed, in light of Sir Zhou's face, I can indeed give you a bit more."
"What is it?"
"Power," Xiao Ming said, "I'm planning to open another investment company under Ruiye. Its main focus will be on the entertainment and cultural industries, including internet marketing."
Zhou Qingyuan's eyes sparkled: "You want me to take full charge of managing this company?"
"Not full charge, but to manage this company under my wise leadership."
"Such arrogance!"
With a push, the girl picked up her glass and brought it to her lips, then asked, "And what about its business style?"
Xiao Ming laughed, both cunning and sly.
"Two words: Bloodthirsty!
Your only task is to keep a close watch on internet trends, to sign or buy out all valuable accounts and marketing companies.
As long as it's legal, I want you to act like a shark, and I'll allow you to use any means necessary, be it merging or acquiring. If you come across any that refuse to sell, then crush them for me.
Essentially, our goal is to have a sufficient say in the online world, do you understand?"
Zhou Qingyuan's heart was already pounding with excitement, her eyes like exploding stardust, dazzlingly bright.
She was naturally proud, confident in her talents, dismissive of others, and decisive in action, full of aggressiveness.
The description Zhou Jicang gave her was that she had too much of a killer instinct, suited to be a conqueror but not a keeper of the peace.
It was also for this reason that he always kept her by his side, grooming her and never allowing her to independently handle significant projects.
She had been stifled for so long; if not for the knowledge that her father was doing it for her good, she might have run off to some corner of the world by now.
She had thought her fate was to be slowly polished by her father into a smooth pebble, but unexpectedly, a moment of impulse had not only brought her a confidant but also given her the chance to flaunt her abilities freely.
And most crucially, this confidant who understood her better than her father, was even more powerful than she was.
Without realizing it, her hands clenched the skirt on her lap tightly, thinking: If I kissed him now, would it lead to him getting a divorce?
Suddenly, with a clang, everyone's attention was diverted.
Xiao Ming had already stood up, as if startled by something, his chair knocked over.
"What's the matter? Xiao Ming." Jiang Yonghan asked.
"Oh, nothing, probably had a bit too much to drink and lost my balance just now."
Xiao Ming picked up the chair, gave Zhou Qingyuan a wary glance, and said to Duan Zhengde across from him, "Big bro, I've got something I want to discuss with Sir Duan. Could we switch places?"
Zhou Qingyuan was extremely surprised.
He actually guessed what was on my mind!
Does this guy have mind-reading abilities?