Half an hour later, Zhang Yang arrived as promised. He claimed he had planned to arrive before Lin Zhou, but in reality, he was still a few minutes later. Zhang Yang was a man of pride and would never truly wait for an assistant.
“Sorry, I was supposed to be early, but the evening traffic was terrible,” he said.
Lin Zhou thought to herself that it was almost nine, yet still “evening traffic”—clearly an excuse. Since she needed Zhang Yang tonight, she did not argue. “Chairman Feng values the Jingcheng suburban resort project greatly. Now it just needs a final push. I heard this matter is overseen by your uncle, so I specially asked you to come. A few words from you will carry more weight than hundreds from me.”
Hearing the mention of the resort, Zhang Yang’s mood soured. The company knew he and Gu Minxuan were competing for the CEO position. Lin Zhou’s return and immediate involvement in this project, even having him mediate, felt somewhat unfair.
But Lin Zhou’s words were eloquent, giving Zhang Yang some satisfaction. It meant he still retained a bit of face.
“This is President Gu’s project. If I intervene, wouldn’t he be displeased?” Zhang Yang asked. Both he and Gu Minxuan were in their early thirties, but Zhang Yang was more tactful.
At least, that was Lin Zhou’s assumption. If Gu Minxuan were savvy, he would have humbled himself and sought Zhang Yang’s help. But he had not. Two months had passed, and he still resisted. Either he was foolish, or he had a very strong backbone.
It was clear that Zhang Yang had tried to hold up approvals through his uncle, sending a warning to Gu Minxuan. Why should a newcomer from Shanghai compete with him?
Lin Zhou understood the situation perfectly.
Whether Zhang Yang wanted to embarrass Gu Minxuan or Gu Minxuan wanted to persist, neither outcome was what Feng Hexu desired. Lin Zhou was Feng Hexu’s assistant, and her work principle was to prioritize Feng Hexu’s objectives and requirements above all else. Everything else was irrelevant.
Even knowing her interference might displease both sides, she was determined to act.
She smiled lightly. “How could that be? Everyone is working for the company. Resolving difficulties is good. President Gu will be grateful, not upset.”
Lin Zhou’s words struck Zhang Yang’s heart. What he wanted was Gu Minxuan’s recognition. Even if Gu Minxuan did not willingly submit, the resort issue required Zhang Yang to act.
Having pleased Zhang Yang, Lin Zhou accompanied him to Qingfeng Pavilion. Wang Peng had been waiting outside and saw Lin Zhou and Zhang Yang laughing together. Among assistants, Lin Zhou exuded humility without a trace of servility. Even between assistants, there was a noticeable difference.
“Assistant Wang,” Lin Zhou greeted directly, demonstrating her social precision.
Wang Peng nodded. “President Zhang, Assistant Lin, President Gu asked me to escort you inside.”
Zhang Yang ignored Wang Peng. “Shall we go?”
Lin Zhou smiled. “Thank you, Assistant Wang.”
As the door opened, the people inside turned to the newcomers. Lin Zhou did not hesitate, greeting everyone with a bright, gentle smile. “Director Zhang, Director Liao, President Zheng, long time no see. President Zhang and I were having dinner next door. I heard President Gu also invited everyone, so I quickly came to greet you all.”
Her eyes scanned the room. She had never met Gu Minxuan but quickly found him. “President Gu,” she said with a smile. Gu Minxuan gave a subtle nod, though his eyes held something unspoken.
Gu Minxuan studied her. A petite, palm-sized face framed by large, sparkling eyes, a high nose bridge, and full red lips. A small smile, delicate without being coquettish. Brown wavy hair, paired with a beige chiffon blouse and dark suit pants, simple yet commanding.
She was stunning.
A jolt ran through Gu Minxuan. This beautiful woman seemed familiar.
His fingers absentmindedly tapped the rim of his dark red wine glass.
“Assistant Lin, what a rare pleasure,” Director Liao said. Others nodded in agreement.
Lin Zhou had been by Feng Hexu’s side for seven years. She was familiar with the department heads. “Indeed!”
She and Zhang Yang took their seats. Lin Zhou poured herself a glass of red wine. “It’s been a lot of trouble for you all recently. I’ll drink to your efforts first—thank you, everyone.”
Lin Zhou drank well. Red wine, white wine, all were no challenge.
The group chatted about casual matters and company affairs. Lin Zhou mentioned the economic benefits the resort would bring once completed and praised Director Zhang for his foresight.
Director Zhang was flattered, almost thinking his promotion was imminent.
With Zhang Yang supporting her, Director Zhang agreed to expedite all approvals.
The dinner stretched to eleven or twelve o’clock. Lin Zhou drank three bottles of red wine. Her face was slightly flushed but showed no signs of inebriation.
Afterward, Lin Zhou arranged company cars to escort everyone home.
Gu Minxuan barely spoke, quietly observing Lin Zhou navigate negotiations. He admired her—eloquent, personable, humble but not servile, able to discuss politics and daily matters, a highly intelligent woman.
But what truly left him speechless was recalling where he had seen her before.
Not only had he seen her, he had slept with her. Afterward, she had left five thousand yuan and ran off, leaving a lasting grudge in his heart.
Lin Zhou. He sneered inwardly. Fate had a sense of irony.
After sending Zhang Yang off, Lin Zhou and Gu Minxuan stood at the entrance of Xifeng Garden. The July evening breeze carried warmth. Lin Zhou casually tied her wavy hair into a bun. The mature woman suddenly appeared playful.
She turned slightly, her 1.7-meter height making her appear short beside Gu Minxuan’s 1.86 meters. She looked up. “President Gu, I apologize for intruding on your dinner, but for the sake of the project’s progress, I had no choice.”
She spoke sincerely, her red lips appearing even more full from the wine.
Gu Minxuan did not hear her words. His attention was caught by her lips. I’m angry. He realized he had been “sold” cheaply.
“Then I can only apologize,” Lin Zhou said, tilting her head. She had anticipated Gu Minxuan’s directness.
“It’s late. President Gu, you should head back and rest.”