Why?
Ten hours ago, Wei Chi had asked him the same question. How had he answered then?
—”If someone in the Xu Family covets PT’s project funds, and Xu Chuanjin intends to stop them, then she is the most suitable person to sign a cooperation agreement with Dong Zhou. At the very least, she will work hard to protect the Xu Family’s money.”
That’s what he said, but in truth, Zhou Lincan wasn’t entirely confident that Chuan Jin could manage the project well. After all, Miss Xu was the type who could casually say, “Just embezzle five billion from the Zhou family and be done with it.”
Yet Zhou Lincan went ahead with it anyway. By the time he collected his thoughts, the call with Du Qiu had already ended.
He stood before the floor-to-ceiling glass window of his office, beneath him the exceptionally romantic nightscape of Shen Shi. Countless modern buildings resembled stars fallen to earth, their brilliant lights piecing together a city full of future and hope.
Zhou Lincan recalled Chuan Jin’s attitude toward the construction workers at the base and comforted himself: he had made this decision against his own principles because he believed in Miss Xu’s character.
A valuable character also meant taking responsibility for the project, which could temporarily override his stringent demands for professionalism.
Now Miss Xu wanted an answer, and his reasoning was somewhat complicated to explain.
Leaning back in his chair, Zhou Lincan deftly deflected the question back to her: “Didn’t Miss Xu cause a scene at the signing ceremony yesterday precisely because she wanted this project?”
“You give it to me just because I want it?”
Zhou Lincan lowered his gaze to look at her but didn’t respond.
Chuan Jin curled her lips into a light smile: “President Zhou is truly generous.”
“Glad to see you smile.” Zhou Lincan touched his wristwatch, averted his eyes for a moment, then looked back at her: “Is Miss Xu satisfied?”
Chuan Jin smiled: “Very satisfied.”
[Of course not satisfied!]
“President Zhou noticed I wanted PT.”
[I don’t want it at all!]
“You’re so thoughtful to gift it to me—I’m naturally grateful.”
[Grateful my foot! Couldn’t you give it to the right person? How could I handle such an important project? If you want to mess with me, just say it outright. What’s the point of working me to death?]
Zhou Lincan: His Taiyang acupoint ached terribly; it seemed he was about to develop a split personality too.
“If Miss Xu is satisfied, we can return to the contract signing.” Zhou Lincan promptly steered the conversation back on track: “What happened earlier was my oversight. I’ll have them expedite the remaining procedures.”
Chuan Jin didn’t respond to his remark, instead smiling gently: “But after our conversation just now, President Zhou must realize that I know nothing about new energy and have never been involved with PT Base affairs. Entrusting me with such a major project wouldn’t benefit the development of either Changxu or Dong Zhou, don’t you agree?”
Zhou Lincan looked at her expressionlessly: “Is Miss Xu suggesting we change the person in charge again?”
“No wonder President Zhou is the elite among elites—you understood my meaning with just a few words.” Chuan Jin’s smile grew sweeter.
[Be smarter and just say Xu Mianchuan’s name directly]
“Does Miss Xu wish for President Xu to take over as the person in charge?” Zhou Lincan complied with her wish.
Yet Chuan Jin didn’t react as excitedly as expected, instead appearing somewhat nervous: “Is that possible?”
There was a world of difference between Zhou Lincan specifically requesting Xu Mianchuan to oversee PT and her asking Xu Anguo for the project.
“However, to my knowledge, President Xu is currently the CEO of Changxu’s entertainment division.”
“That’s correct. My sister single-handedly developed Xuri Media to its current state. Even in areas she’s not familiar with, she performs exceptionally well. President Zhou can trust her capabilities in professional fields.”
She stared intently at him, eager to get a definite answer from the man.
Zhou Lincan slightly furrowed his brow. Having witnessed Miss Xu’s aggressive temperament before, he felt somewhat unaccustomed to her sudden gentleness.
Fortunately, even when asking for help, Miss Xu maintained her usual upright posture without losing any dignity. Zhou Lincan’s gaze fell on her slender waist accentuated by the white blouse and pencil skirt, his fingertips trembling imperceptibly.
After a long moment, a low, husky voice responded: “Alright.”
This fake heiress wasn’t as useless as Wei Chi had investigated – at least when it came to persuading him about personnel decisions, her eloquence was quite effective.
Chuan Jin let out a heavy sigh of relief.
[Zhou Lincan’s professional persona is quite reliable.]
[Though he might be making a mountain out of a molehill, at least he knows when to cut losses. Choosing Xu Mianchuan, a battle-hardened wolf, over a slacker like me – not bad, not bad. He has potential to be my brother-in-law.]
“President Zhou, rest assured, my elder sister is highly capable. Although she hasn’t been involved in Changxu’s core business management, her educational background and professional skills won’t disappoint you. By the way, my sister is actually your junior from the same university. Working together on PT will give you more common topics to discuss.” Chuan Jin seized the opportunity to promote her sister.
The girl’s bright smile contained no trace of falseness or pretense – she was genuinely fighting for Xu Mianchuan to secure the PT director position.
And genuinely selecting a brother-in-law for herself.
Zhou Lincan glanced at his wristwatch and interrupted her: “Ten minutes are up. Call them in.”
“Ah? Okay.”
As he reached for the meeting bell, Chuan Jin had already stood up with a smile, obediently hurrying to summon the others.
Zhou Lincan paused for a moment, his eyes following the girl’s figure to the doorway, watching her excitedly rush toward Xu Mianchuan. Coming back to his senses, a faint smile appeared in his eyes.
With their agreement settled, the subsequent procedures progressed rapidly.
The change of director, contract reprinting – before Xu Mianchuan could fully process her overwhelming surprise and confusion, Zhou Lincan had already signed his name. The hundred-billion PT project jointly invested by the Zhou and Xu families was officially signed and cooperation established.
In the Changxu director column, the name Xu Mianchuan was clearly written in black and white. Chuan Jin checked the contract five times before finally satisfied, handing the document to her sister.
[Phew, finally resolved this hot potato]
Zhou Lincan raised an eyebrow.
[President Zhou is so great]
President Zhou nodded silently.
[Now to consider how to make him my brother-in-law] “Dong Zhou has prepared a luncheon. Please join me at the banquet level for dinner,” Du Qiu invited everyone.
Zhou Lincan rose unobtrusively. “President Xu, I still have business matters to attend to. Please proceed with lunch without me. Let Manager Du know if you need anything.”
Xu Mianchuan responded with a polite smile: “You’re too kind, President Zhou.”
After nodding in acknowledgment, Zhou Lincan left the conference room.
Chuan Jin watched the man’s hurried departing figure with regret.
[What a pity President Zhou isn’t joining us for lunch. I’d already thought of conversation topics for them, sigh…]
[Hey, he’s walking even faster now. Is he in such a hurry?]
…
During weekday daytime, W.Homme private club stood empty. A beam of sunlight from the central skylight slanted across the climbing wall, illuminating a patch of honey-colored skin.
Wei Chi, fresh from showering, walked out of the lounge while on the phone. Spotting the moving figure on the climbing wall, he froze momentarily.
“Something’s come up. I’ll call you back.”
He was about to hang up when a few more complaints came through the line. Patiently coaxing, he said, “Don’t worry, you’ll definitely like the gift. This weekend won’t work, just wait a little longer… Alright, alright, if you’re not satisfied, I’ll compensate you with Cheng Huo.”
After ending the call, he arrived at the base of the climbing wall where Zhou Lincan had already completed his ascent and returned.
“Coming to my place at this hour, Second Young Master? Not feeling well lately?” Wei Chi leaned against the equipment storage cabinet, a roguish grin spreading across his face.
Zhou Lincan steadily descended from the footholds, having removed his suit vest. His well-fitted shirt stretched taut over his prominent muscles.
Wei Chi frowned at the sight. “Don’t you have training clothes here?”
“Can’t be bothered to change,” Zhou Lincan replied breathlessly.
“Oh? Looks like no overtime tonight then. How about joining me at Xing Lan?”
“Can’t. Have a meeting.”
Wei Chi looked puzzled. “Didn’t you already sign that contract? And you got that impressive new person in charge—Miss Xu from the Xu Family. I’ve heard about her, she’s quite capable. Definitely better than that fake heiress, right?”
“You motherf—” Zhou Lincan cursed under his breath. “Are you a bloodhound or something?”
Wei Chi caught his meaning and grinned widely. “My sister’s been really interested in you lately. If I don’t get the details for her, she’ll throw a fit. Cut me some slack. Once I give her Xing Lan, you’ll be off the hook.”
Wei Chi was the ultimate sis-con. Any man Wei Xingya fancied, he’d happily bundle up and deliver to her bed. The only reason he hadn’t done so to Young Master Zhou was out of respect for their long-standing friendship.
Zhou Lincan landed smoothly and began removing his safety harness and gear. He shot his friend a sidelong warning glance. “You’d better mean that.”
Their close relationship made such verbal warnings meaningless to Wei Chi, who easily brushed it off with a few teasing remarks.
“Wasn’t just asking about you either. My sister’s curious about that fake heiress too.”Having spent years gathering gossip for Wei Xingya, Wei Chi had become quite the gossip himself.” “Did you know? Miss Xu isn’t pregnant.”
Zhou Lincan gave him a look of utter disbelief. “Get a hobby.”
As if he wouldn’t know whether Xu Chuanjin was pregnant? Since when did he bother with such trivial rumors?
“Don’t dismiss it. If I hadn’t looked into the fake heiress’s supposed pregnancy, I wouldn’t have uncovered the Xu Family’s dirty laundry.” Wei Chi lit a cigarette and smirked cynically. “Wasn’t interested in their banquet before, but now I might just accompany my sister. Got a feeling this drama will be absolutely spectacular.”
Zhou Lincan was coiling the safety rope when his hands stilled. “Related to Xu Chuanjin?”
“Naturally.”
Wei Chi flicked his cigarette ash. “That project you’re doing with Changxu—the original person in charge was some guy named Wang. The real Xu heiress’s little boyfriend. Know why Miss Xu went raising hell in Dong Zhou yesterday? This Wang character has some nerve. Right after his girlfriend kicked the fake heiress out of the family, he sent two thugs after Miss Xu. In broad daylight, they shoved her to the ground and split her head open. She was unconscious for hours, almost didn’t wake up. The matter went to the police station, but guess what? That old man from the Xu Family didn’t say a damn word—swept everything under the rug. Didn’t punish either his daughter or son-in-law. Turns out Miss Xu has some backbone though. Went to the station herself, learned the truth, and couldn’t swallow the injustice. Went straight there with her people to wreck the place.”
Wei Xingya was so indignant while eating melons (gossiping) that she infected her younger brother with the same emotions. Speaking of the matter, Wei Chi even showed a sense of chivalrous indignation. Patting his brother’s shoulder, he comforted him, “Don’t blame her for disrupting the signing ceremony. No one could tolerate something like this. If you ask me, if she hadn’t made a scene, with someone of Wang’s character, would you dare let him take charge of such a major project? If Zhou Chongcan found out, he’d fly back to Shen Shi overnight.”
Zhou Lincan, coiling the safety rope, had a profound and cold gleam in his eyes. “I wouldn’t dare.”
He now understood why Miss Xu had said she “suffered grievances in the Xu Family.” This wasn’t just grievances—it was an immense injustice.
No wonder she was so angry her eyes turned red.
Even in such a state, she still thought about helping Xu Mianchuan secure the project.
After hanging up the safety gear, Zhou Lincan unbuttoned his shirt and headed toward the shower room. Seeing this, Wei Chi cut the conversation short: “I’m in a hurry to get to Xing Lan. Lock the door for me when you leave.”
Zhou Lincan didn’t look back. Knowing he couldn’t be bothered to respond, Wei Chi added, “Xing Lan’s trial operation is on Saturday. Remember to come.”
“Depends on the situation,” Zhou Lincan said indifferently.
“Depends on what situation? Anyone else can skip it, but you must be there on time.” Young Master Wei frowned. “When the official opening happens, if your name isn’t in the attendance commemorative booklet, Wei Xingya will skin me and stick my hide on the wall.”
“That’d be perfect—ward off evil spirits.”
“Screw you.”
Wei Chi casually picked up a boxing glove and threw it. From a not-so-close distance, it hit the door panel precisely.
He didn’t hit anyone, and in the end, Boss Wei had to pick it up himself and put it back in place.
Despite his words, knowing his brother would definitely show up on time, Wei Chi stubbed out his cigarette, straightened his clothes, and left the club.
Just one second before stepping out, the shower room door suddenly opened from the inside.
Zhou Lincan walked out, his shirt draped over his shoulders, chest exposed, his forehead hair damp. He called out to Wei Chi.
“You just mentioned the Xu Family banquet—when is it?”