Feng Hexu added another instruction. “Qianqian graduated this year. Ask her what she plans to do, whether she wants to come to Hefeng or has other ideas. Let her decide. Just one thing, do not let the two sisters fight among themselves.”
“Yes.” Lin Zhou nodded. On the surface, Feng Hexu had only one daughter, Feng Yunni. However, everyone in the company knew that he also had an illegitimate daughter named Ye Qianqian, twenty two years old and newly graduated from university.
Ye Qianqian had a very good relationship with Lin Zhou. When Ye Qianqian was fifteen and her mother passed away from illness, Lin Zhou took on the responsibility of caring for her.
She had forcefully guided a troubled teenage girl back onto the right path and even helped her get into a key university on the outskirts of B City.
Whether in daily life or emotionally, the girl relied heavily on Lin Zhou. Because of this, she listened especially well to Lin Zhou.
Originally, Ye Qianqian and Feng Yunni were like fire and water. In recent years, however, their boundaries had become clear. They kept to themselves and did not interfere with each other, which counted as peaceful coexistence.
By the time Hou Kecheng arrived in North America from B City, a full week had passed. Lin Zhou carefully listed Feng Hexu’s daily living needs and reminded him of each point in detail.
In the end, she was still somewhat worried. “If Chairman Feng is dissatisfied with anything, call me anytime.”
Feng Hexu was actually rather particular. It was difficult for anyone to be as meticulous as Lin Zhou, and she could not help worrying whether Hou Kecheng would adapt.
Those who did not know the inside story would think this was the best opportunity to get close to the boss, but among the assistants in the chairman’s office, no one was willing to take on this task.
Everyone around Feng Hexu knew that although he was handsome and charming, his temper was not very good. His standards were high and even borderline nitpicky.
During the days Lin Zhou took annual leave two months earlier, Hou Kecheng and several other assistants had experienced this firsthand.
Food, clothing, housing, and transportation were all subject to scrutiny. Work arrangements were even harsher. Any small mistake would result in a thorough scolding.
Only then did they truly admire Lin Zhou. Being able to handle everything in a way that satisfied Feng Hexu was simply inhuman, truly godlike.
Now that Lin Zhou had returned home, the remaining staff felt both worried and reluctant. They hoped the overseas business would conclude quickly so they could finally live in peace.
Lin Zhou’s new residence had been found by her assistant. She had not yet moved in before leaving for Country A with Feng Hexu.
Following the address sent by Huang Xiaowen, Lin Zhou arrived at a high end apartment building near Hefeng’s headquarters. According to Lin Zhou’s requirements, Huang Xiaowen had rented a studio apartment with one bedroom and one living room. For a woman living alone, the space was more than sufficient. The apartment was on the sixteenth floor, with good lighting and a pleasant view.
Lin Zhou was very satisfied and specifically called Huang Xiaowen to thank her.
On the other end of the line, however, Huang Xiaowen sounded apologetic. “Assistant Lin, the apartment under your name had already been contracted, but Chengdu backed out at the last moment before the ownership transfer. He said he would only proceed with the transfer after seeing you.”
Lin Zhou had been very busy abroad, and it was inconvenient to discuss this over an international call. Huang Xiaowen had told Chengdu that Lin Zhou was overseas and that her return date was uncertain. Chengdu believed she was lying and refused to show up no matter what. As a result, the matter dragged on for a full month.
After Huang Xiaowen explained the situation, Lin Zhou felt some distaste. She did not want to see Chengdu again. After the breakup, she had even blocked his phone number.
“Thank you for your hard work. I will handle the rest myself.”
Feeling tired, Lin Zhou threw herself onto the sofa. “How is the Jingcheng suburban resort project progressing?”
“The design has already passed review, but some of the construction approvals are still stuck,” Huang Xiaowen said hesitantly. “President Gu has met several times with leaders from the relevant departments, but with little effect.”
Hefeng was a major taxpayer. Under normal circumstances, the relevant departments would be very supportive. It was uncommon for approvals to be stalled like this.
Lin Zhou thought for a moment and roughly formed a plan. “Ask President Gu’s assistant whether he has recently arranged a meeting with Director Zhang.”
Five minutes later, Huang Xiaowen called back. “They are currently having dinner with Director Zhang and Director Liao at Xifeng Garden.”
“What is President Gu’s assistant called again?”
“Wang Peng.”
“Then tell Assistant Wang that President Zhang and I will join them in half an hour.” Lin Zhou stood up despite her fatigue and quickly pulled a professional outfit from her suitcase. A white chiffon blouse and light gray suit trousers.
She let down her bun, allowing her slightly wavy long hair to fall over her shoulders. In five minutes, she applied light makeup, simple yet appropriate. Her skin was fair, her eyes clear, and her long eyelashes fluttered as she blinked. Even with minimal makeup, she looked especially captivating.
It had to be said that at twenty nine, Lin Zhou was still as beautiful as ever, with added charm brought by maturity.
Zhang Yang was somewhat surprised to receive Lin Zhou’s call. He knew she had returned to the country, but he had not expected her to call him so soon. “Lin Zhou, long time no see.”
“It has been a while. President Zhang, how have you been lately?” Lin Zhou pressed the elevator button. The car was already waiting at the entrance of the compound.
“Very busy, but everything is going smoothly. The import and export side just signed several large deals. This year’s profits are likely to rise again.”
“As expected of President Zhang, impressive. President Zhang, I have something I would like to ask for your help with. Would you be willing to honor me by having a meal together?” Lin Zhou did not state her purpose clearly and was even somewhat vague. She knew very well that if she directly mentioned joining Gu Minxuan’s dinner with government officials, Zhang Yang would definitely find an excuse not to attend.
“What are you saying? If Lin Zhou invites me to dinner, how would I dare refuse?” Zhang Yang was giving her an ample face.
The senior executives all knew Lin Zhou’s position beside Feng Hexu. Sometimes, what several executives said together was less effective than a single sentence from Lin Zhou. Being invited to dinner by her was already rare. Anyone in their right mind would agree promptly.
“I will wait for you at Xifeng Garden in twenty minutes.” Lin Zhou’s voice was pleasant, and when she smiled while speaking, it was even more charming. It was said that her appearance was pleasing to the eye, and her voice was equally pleasing to the ear.
Zhang Yang did not suspect anything and joked, “There’s no need for you to wait for me. I will be at Xifeng Garden in fifteen minutes waiting for you.”
Inside the Qingfeng Pavilion at Xifeng Garden, the group drank and laughed, the atmosphere lively.
Wang Peng returned after answering a call outside and leaned close to Gu Minxuan’s ear, speaking softly. “Assistant Lin’s assistant just called me. She said that in half an hour, Lin Zhou will come with Zhang Yang to join this dinner.”
“Lin Zhou?” Gu Minxuan was puzzled and even a little displeased. News of Lin Zhou’s return had spread quickly through the company. Almost everyone knew that the future Mrs. Feng was coming back to take charge. It would have been hard for Gu Minxuan not to know.
What he did not understand was why, with no prior interaction, she would insert herself into his dinner the moment she returned. “Did she say why she’s coming?”
“No, she just said to have us wait a bit and not let these people leave so quickly.”
Gu Minxuan could not figure out Lin Zhou’s intentions.
Returning and immediately bringing Zhang Yang to crash his gathering was, to some extent, disrespectful to him. Anger simmered inside, yet a smile still hung on his face.