Fu Cheng only started to take action after getting four bottles of fine wine from Zhao Louyue’s collection. Jiang Shen was quite surprised when he received the invitation. Fu Cheng usually avoided such activities, and whether he showed up at important events was purely a matter of luck. But with the “Mingxi Building” being followed by another economically concentrated business district, and the second son of the Fu family entering politics, this was a critical moment where nothing could go wrong. So, it was understandable that Fu Cheng took the initiative to connect.
Jiang Shen casually mentioned it at the dinner table, and he still remembered Jiang Wenze’s deep and complex gaze. Back then, Jiang Wenze tried to build connections with the Fu family but faced many closed doors. “Jiang Shen is okay, but Jiang Wenze is not,” Fu Cheng said in a low voice to Zhao Louyue by the car. “Sometimes, people just get lucky at the right moment. You can’t deny it. According to my initial plan, once Jiang Wenze got old and made a slight mistake, the Jiang family’s business would be merged under my name.”
Zhao Louyue kept his eyes on the road, lazily saying, “Be a decent person.”
Fu Cheng: “…”
The team-building location was set at Hongfeng Mountain. Part of it was open to the public, while another part was private property, with paths and roads leading straight to a large mountain villa. The owner was a childhood friend of Fu Cheng, making it convenient to borrow. In late autumn, the maple leaves were overly vibrant, exuding a sense of impending decay.
Lao Lin, who was in charge of Block B, was also there. In his forties, he was a bit chubby, with a very amiable smile but sharp eyes. They parked their cars at the foot of the mountain, planning to ride bicycles up as a form of exercise. At this time, Hongfeng Mountain still had flowing streams and lush green trees, creating a unique atmosphere.
Cong Gaoxuan was also there. He glanced at Duan Chaosheng not far away and snorted. Jiang Shen had casually mentioned Duan Chaosheng’s underhanded tactics, and Cong Gaoxuan already had a poor impression of Yu Bai’s friends, which only worsened. Duan Chaosheng was forced here by his father, Duan Nan, under the guise of “apologizing and being at your disposal.” Fu Cheng knew about Jiang Shen beating up Duan Chaosheng but didn’t say anything. What does that imply? It implies he sides with Jiang Shen.
Duan Nan’s position had been precarious for a while, feeling old and powerless, fearing someone might take it away. So, he pushed Duan Chaosheng hard, trying to “force growth.” How exactly he did it was unknown, but Duan Chaosheng seemed to have had his worldview reshaped. From the moment he appeared today, he looked dispirited.
“Is Duan Chaosheng feeling unwell?” someone whispered.
Cong Gaoxuan sneered, “Unwell? If he’s unwell, he should go home! Didn’t he feel great when he was pushing people from behind?”
Duan Chaosheng looked embarrassed and stood further away.
Fu Cheng commented, “Gaoxuan still can’t hide his feelings.”
Zhao Louyue said, “Being sharp is good.”
“Oh, come on,” Fu Cheng mimicked Cong Gaoxuan’s exaggerated tone but kept his voice low, “Forget about offending Jiang Shen; it’s like offending you.”
Clearly, Fu Cheng underestimated Zhao Louyue’s eager mindset. No matter what you say, as long as it involves “Jiang Shen,” his mood instantly brightens, becoming carefree and flamboyant. Not to mention, Fu Cheng’s words seemed to bind Zhao Louyue and Jiang Shen together, making Zhao’s mouth curl up immediately.
Fu Cheng: “…I’ve known you for so long, and this is the cheapest you’ve ever been.”
“Can being expensive win over Jiang Shen?” Zhao Louyue asked.
Fu Cheng: “…”
Zhao Louyue, taller than Fu Cheng, leaned casually against the car door, like a lazy yet prime-aged wolf. A familiar gray Range Rover came into view. Fu Cheng watched as Zhao Louyue’s previously relaxed posture suddenly became upright and proper, instantly standing out among the crowd! His black casual pants paired with a light-colored sweater, and a stable knee-length brown trench coat, made him look exceptionally stylish.
Who said Zhao Louyue was hard to read? Fu Cheng thought, isn’t it obvious?
As the Range Rover parked, Zhao Louyue was already standing by the car. Jiang Shen got out. He usually wore suits, and after returning to the Jiang family, his wardrobe was filled with various suits. When he received the invitation, he rummaged through his closet for a while, didn’t buy anything new, but found a gray and white casual outfit. The style was a bit old, but Jiang Shen was a natural clothes hanger. He took a shower before going out, didn’t style his hair for the team-building, and as the wind blew, it revealed his smooth forehead. His features were dark and exquisite, looking youthful enough to be mistaken for a college student.
Zhao Louyue stared for two seconds without speaking. This guy’s totally smitten, Fu Cheng thought. But Jiang Shen’s looks were indeed top-notch, no wonder his buddy was falling for him. Fu Cheng always doubted Zhao Louyue’s taste, but now he somewhat agreed.
Jiang Shen spoke first, “You guys are early.”
“Yeah, I was wondering if you got stuck in traffic,” Zhao Louyue cleared his throat.
“It was a bit congested.”
Jiang Shen went over to greet Fu Cheng and Lao Lin, followed by two others. Cong Gaoxuan finally got a chance to talk to his buddy and immediately said in a sinister tone, “Did you deal with that Duan guy on the way?”
“Cut it out,” Jiang Shen frowned. “Look at the occasion. I beat him up pretty badly; he should be behaving now.”
Cong Gaoxuan snorted.
Once everyone arrived, they set off on their bikes. Fu Cheng had prepared them all. Lao Lin, slightly chubby, took a while to adjust but was in high spirits. After all, he was tired of the constant feasting and drinking. He heard there were mountain springs along the way and kept boasting about his childhood experiences of picking wild vegetables on the mountain. Most people had no concept of it, but Jiang Shen could casually chime in.
“Do you know ququcai? And there’s another one very similar, called… called…”
“Huihuicai,” Jiang Shen added.
“Yes, yes!”
Jiang Shen rode alongside Lao Lin at the back. Zhao Louyue was initially leading with Fu Cheng, but five minutes later, he stopped, using the excuse of adjusting his wristband.
Fu Cheng couldn’t be bothered with him.
When Jiang Shen caught up, the wristband was already adjusted, and Zhao Louyue joined in.
Lao Lin looked at him, “I remember Zhao is also from a rural background.”
“Yes, I’ve picked all kinds of wild vegetables.”
Jiang Shen: “You could hear us from that far?”
“Can’t help having good hearing.”
The three of them lagged behind. Cong Gaoxuan, being playful, texted Jiang Shen that he had already reached the first rest stop.
Lao Lin’s forehead was covered in sweat, and he immediately hydrated when they stopped. Zhao Louyue opened a bottle of glucose water and handed it to Jiang Shen.
“Thanks,” Jiang Shen accepted it.
“I have some biscuits. Want some?”
Jiang Shen shook his head.
Cong Gaoxuan was sitting on a wooden railing, showing off with a grilled sausage, and chimed in, “My buddy lives on photosynthesis. He’s probably used to being hungry; skipping a few meals is no big deal.”
“Get lost!” Jiang Shen laughed and cursed.
But as he turned his head, Zhao Louyue’s gaze made his back tingle.
“What are you doing?”
Zhao Louyue looked away, “Nothing.”
Fu Cheng was secretly dying of laughter. One was straightforward, the other had no clue, and when the ball was thrown, the other side couldn’t catch it. And then there’s the “What are you doing?” Zhao was clearly worried about you, Young Master Jiang!