Zhan Jingrui encountered Senior Manager Fu in the parking lot, and they chatted as they entered the company.
He hadn't noticed the employees along the way until someone suddenly rushed up to greet him. Looking up, it was Xu Zheng.
Knowing roughly why he was here, he stopped and nodded.
"You're here."
"Yes, I'm here. I attach great importance to our cooperation, so I came early."
Xu Zheng acted like a sycophant, bowing and scraping to him, then respectfully extended his hand to the person beside him.
"Hello, hello, you must be Manager Zhan? I've heard so much about you. I'm Zhan Zong's high school classmate. Here's my business card. It's a pleasure to meet you, Vice President."
Since he claimed to be Zhan Zong's high school classmate, Fu Qishan shook his hand but did not take his business card.
"Are you here to discuss cooperation? You're most welcome. Zhan's Group is very happy to collaborate with all ambitious individuals to hone our skills and enhance our brand image."
The other party was just being polite with official words, but Xu Zheng almost took it seriously.
"Thank you, Manager Fu. We will definitely work hard. Thank you, Manager Fu and Zhan Zong, for giving us this opportunity!"
Fu Qishan nodded politely and distantly, giving Zhan Jingrui a look, and the two prepared to leave.
Before leaving, Zhan Jingrui said to Xu Zheng, "Alright, discuss it with them when you get to work. I have other matters. I'm leaving now."
"Okay, goodbye, Zhan Zong, goodbye, Manager Fu."
Xu Zheng waved goodbye with a fawning smile. He thought that was the end of it after the greeting, but then he suddenly called out to He Yao.
"He Yao! Look how impolite you are! You don't even greet Zhan Zong when you see him! Come quickly, say goodbye to Zhan Zong!"
Zhan Jingrui hadn't noticed He Yao's presence at first.
Called out by Xu Zheng's shout, he subconsciously turned his head back.
Sitting on a sofa in the lounge area a few steps away from Xu Zheng was a woman with short hair, a clear and pretty face, and wearing a professional skirt suit.
The woman sat up straight, quietly watching them, appearing gentle and dignified.
After Xu Zheng's shout, she quickly stood up.
But as their eyes met, Zhan Jingrui saw only unfamiliarity and indifference in her eyes.
Xu Zheng truly had left for half his life and returned still the same high school student.
The same as back then.
Upon spotting He Yao, he turned around and tried to connect with her.
Look, the person who was listlessly repairing machines in the workshop yesterday was now dressed like a city socialite today, sitting in Zhan's Group's lounge area.
Seeing her by Xu Zheng's side, Zhan Jingrui's good mood vanished by half in an instant.
A man who was determined to climb up and a woman who wouldn't give up an opportunity would surely have a very interesting future together.
Since the boss called her, she couldn't just sit there.
He Yao gritted her teeth and stood up, mechanically nodding at Zhan Jingrui.
"Zhan Zong."
"The more I tell you you're impolite, the more impolite you are. Isn't Manager Fu here too?"
"Manager Fu."
Fu Qishan had no interest in Xu Zheng trying to curry favor here. He waved dismissively and continued walking with Zhan Jingrui.
"Continuing what we were saying, when should we arrange a game?"
"When I was young, I loved playing chess the most. I even formed an amateur chess team in the company. Back then, heh."
"It's a shame that young people nowadays don't love it anymore. I've been seeking a worthy opponent for years, and it's rare to find someone interested."
Before Zhan Jingrui could reply, Xu Zheng overheard this.
He stepped forward and boldly interjected, "Manager Fu likes playing chess? What a coincidence."
Fu Qishan turned his head, his face showing displeasure at having his conversation interrupted repeatedly and Xu Zheng's lack of awareness of the situation in his attempt to get ahead.
"What? Do you have something to say?"
"Not at all, not at all. I don't play chess, but my assistant is excellent at it!"
To seize the opportunity, Xu Zheng's mind raced.
It's said that working with a partner of the opposite sex is more enjoyable, and playing chess must be similar.
Having a young and beautiful girl accompany him would be better than him doing it himself.
Whether He Yao was good or not, he'd agree first and try to get the opportunity. Even if he had to go home and start learning immediately, it wouldn't be too late.
After all, he was the leader, and they weren't expecting to win; the opportunity was what mattered, wasn't it?
"My assistant is very good at chess. Our company also has an amateur chess team, and everyone praises her skill."
After speaking, he beckoned He Yao to come over.
Zhan Jingrui became increasingly displeased.
Xu Zheng would go to any lengths to achieve his goals.
Had He Yao already become his assistant? And one who would play chess with the boss?
What kind of nonsense would he dare to spout, not afraid of his tongue getting twisted by the wind!
The friendship of old classmates was completely worn out by Xu Zheng. Zhan Jingrui no longer wanted to give him any face.
Unexpectedly, He Yao walked over and politely bowed to Manager Fu.
"I only know a little bit. I wouldn't dare to say I'm skilled in front of Manager Fu. President Xu, please stop teasing me."
She really knows how to play chess?
How could Zhan Jingrui not know?
Back then, she always had a look of weariness with life and studies.
Besides spacing out and dating, she seemed uninterested in anything else.
Now, forced by life, she had become so smooth and perceptive?
Look at how she and Xu Zheng were putting on a show, a duet.
As Fu Qishan said, few young people play chess, and even fewer are as young and beautiful as He Yao.
He had previously enrolled his daughter in chess classes and forced her to learn for two years, but she just wasn't interested. After two years, she hadn't learned anything, so Fu Qishan gave up.
Hearing that He Yao knew how to play, he couldn't help but feel a little admiration.
"Oh? Your assistant has this hobby? That's good."
"Chess can help people calm down and is a rather cultivating form of entertainment. It's better than constantly playing on your phone. Young lady, if you enjoy it, keep at it."
He Yao politely replied, "I'll remember that, Manager Fu."
Xu Zheng quickly chimed in again, "Since Manager Fu doesn't have anyone to play chess with, why doesn't my assistant play a few games with you?"
"You're probably busy today, so how about we arrange it for the weekend? We'll choose the location, and we'd be honored if Manager Fu could grace us with his presence."
Fu Qishan couldn't help but look at Zhan Jingrui.
He thought: As expected of your old classmate, his mind is truly active. To do business with Zhan's, he managed to steal the spotlight in these few minutes. He successfully captured my attention.
Zhan Jingrui saw amusement and a hint of approval in Fu Qishan's eyes towards Xu Zheng.
He, with his last shred of patience, looked at Xu Zheng.
"I can understand your desire to get to know Manager Fu, but don't brag. Just knowing a few characters and being able to move a few pieces on the board won't make Manager Fu waste his time with you. Xu Zheng, do you know what you're saying?"
Xu Zheng looked full of confidence, "If I didn't have the skill, I wouldn't dare to take on this task. Don't worry, Zhan Zong, I have it under control. So, Manager Fu, how about this Saturday?"
"Hahaha." Fu Qishan laughed.
"It just so happens that Manager Zhan and I are also planning to play chess, and we haven't found a suitable venue yet. Since you're willing to host, I'll give you a chance."
"This Saturday it is. Choose a location and inform Zhan Zong. We'll play with you young people."