Jiang Shen has been busy with work and social events lately, and his sleep has been noticeably lacking. This led to an old problem of his resurfacing—he tends to catch a cold when the seasons change. It started with a sore throat, and Jiang Shen thought he could suppress it with some medicine, but it didn’t work. The next day, he had a runny nose and a cough. Fortunately, he didn’t have a fever, so it didn’t affect his work.
He coughed lightly as he came out of his room and bumped right into Jiang Mao, who was following him. After a moment of eye contact, Jiang Mao tentatively suggested, “If it really doesn’t work, just rest at home for a couple of days?”
“Okay,” Jiang Shen agreed verbally, but he still went downstairs.
The development of the Mingxi Building project had encountered some issues. Due to its large scope, the bidding was divided into two sections. The Jiang family successfully bid for section A, while section B was originally handled by a certain construction investment company. However, in recent days, the other projects they took on had issues with substandard materials and failed final inspections, leading to an urgent halt from higher-ups. The cooperating companies for this part needed to be re-evaluated, and Jiang Shen had to go and take a look.
Jiang Mao watched Jiang Shen’s back, feeling powerless.
Today’s bidding meeting was mainly for Jiang Shen to observe. With strong government support, the competition was fierce. As soon as he reached the entrance, he saw many cars parked outside. Jiang Shen walked in, and the middle corridor had no windows, making it a bit dark. He sniffed, wanting to sneeze but couldn’t, feeling uncomfortable. Just as he entered the hall, someone bumped into him, causing him to stagger.
The person was in a hurry and didn’t stop, but someone from the side steadied Jiang Shen’s shoulder, helping him regain his balance.
“It’s quite bright here, is the visibility still bad?” Jiang Shen’s muscles were initially tense, but he relaxed slightly upon hearing this. “Didn’t you see me get bumped?”
Turning around, it was indeed Zhao Louyue with his handsome and defined features. Zhao Louyue frowned slightly at his words, “Caught a cold?”
“Yeah.”
“Why not wear something thicker?”
Jiang Shen looked up at him but didn’t say anything. The meaning was implicit yet clear—he was overstepping. Even though they had shared a meal at the same table, they weren’t at the level of exchanging pleasantries.
But Zhao Louyue’s expression was natural, not feeling anything was amiss. “Here to observe today?”
“Yeah.”
“Sit over there.” Zhao Louyue pointed to a spot. It was in the corner, a single round table with a chair, clearly prepared for someone specific. Jiang Shen initially wanted to refuse, but his mind was a bit foggy at the moment, and he did want to sit down and rest. The seats in front were crowded, making it inconvenient to get out.
“Is there anyone there?”
Zhao Louyue: “No.”
Jiang Shen suddenly remembered that the proposer and decision-maker for the Mingxi Building project was Fu Cheng, rumored to have a close relationship with Zhao Louyue. No wonder Zhao Louyue acted like the host.
Jiang Shen hesitated for a moment, then nodded, “Thanks.”
He walked quickly, not noticing Zhao Louyue behind him, who had one hand in his pocket, spinning half a circle with a particularly relaxed and joyful posture, smiling as he watched Jiang Shen’s back.
After Jiang Shen sat down, someone brought him hot water. Jiang Shen thanked them, took out a pack of cold medicine from his pocket, and popped two pills.
Half an hour later, the bidding meeting began. Everything went smoothly, but Jiang Shen wasn’t in the best state. In the middle, a server brought fruits and pastries.
When everything ended, Jiang Shen had just finished a nap, feeling a bit more refreshed. He saw Lao Lin, the head of Chenlan Group, surrounded in the middle, looking radiant. He must have won the bid.
No one expected Fu Cheng to show up. Jiang Shen had dealt with Fu Cheng before but had no real connection. This person was too cold, the type who cared about nothing but profit and money.
Fu Cheng’s appearance caused quite a stir. Jiang Shen thought about slowly going over to greet him, but Fu Cheng spotted him first and walked over, with Zhao Louyue by his side.
Fu Cheng turned his head to talk to Zhao Louyue, his expression seemingly unchanged but more natural and amiable. “Vice President Jiang.”
Jiang Shen had already stood up, “Mr. Fu.”
Fu Cheng glanced at the table, briefly silent. Jiang Shen noticed Zhao Louyue looking slightly unnatural.
Fu Cheng had always been sharp, and his mind was working quickly at this moment. First, this seat was undoubtedly arranged by Zhao Louyue. Jiang Shen wasn’t someone who didn’t know his place. Secondly, the pastries, hot tea, and fruit platter made the plain mineral water on other tables look a bit ridiculous.
Is Zhao Louyue someone who likes to take care of others? Definitely not. Fu Cheng had known Zhao Louyue for years and was well aware of his temperament. Any patience and warmth he had were all reserved for his brother, Zhao Xiangting.
Could it be…
Fu Cheng took a shallow breath without showing any emotion, looking at Zhao Louyue with a blank expression. Zhao Louyue pretended not to see, focusing on his own business.
Jiang Shen didn’t think too deeply about it. His impression of Zhao Louyue was that he was particularly protective, maybe because of the meal they had in Yuwei Village and later helping his brother. It was just a small favor, a seat, nothing more.
Jiang Shen always took three parts of others’ kindness as one, to avoid being overly sentimental and annoying, and then repaid fivefold. Over the years, this principle had helped him build a bright network, but it also made him easily mix certain things together.
He had his own shell, coming and going freely, not wanting to be swayed by emotions. Even Yu Bai, who had been with Jiang Shen for a year, hadn’t managed to pry it open.
Fu Cheng said some nice words, suggesting he take the time to communicate more with Lao Lin, as they were on the same project, and expressed his trust in Jiang Shen.
Jiang Shen accepted it all, making equally nice promises in return.
“By the way…” Fu Cheng’s tone suddenly slowed, as if carefully considering something. During this process, he quickly made eye contact with Zhao Louyue, pausing subtly. Under Jiang Shen’s puzzled gaze, he finally revealed a difficult-to-describe smile, like relief, like schadenfreude, “President Zhao of Ting’an Technology, Vice President Jiang should know him. The later stages of ‘Mingxi’ involve some high-tech equipment, which he’s responsible for. You should keep in touch. This project is important, and I hope everything goes smoothly.”
The last sentence was gentle, but everyone knew Fu Cheng’s temperament. Jiang Shen agreed, “Of course.”
Fu Cheng wanted to develop a business district around the Mingxi Building, and Jiang Shen wanted to benefit from the subsequent profits. Now, avoiding Zhao Louyue was impossible, and besides, there was no need to.
Jiang Shen figured this out, and when Zhao Louyue handed over his phone, he straightforwardly added his contact information.