Yang Lili's expression was far from pleasant after hearing his words, though she didn't say anything.
She immediately sent someone to investigate, and the results confirmed that Chen Lishu was indeed planning to contract the Beijing Garment Factory.
Having crossed paths with Chen Lishu so many times without ever gaining an advantage, Yang Lili knew she was a formidable opponent.
If hiring Jiang Yuwei from the provincial capital was merely to satisfy her inner sense of balance—what did it matter that she was once superior? Now, she had become her subordinate.
She had to consider Yang Lili's feelings in her speech and actions.
But Chen Lishu was different.
They clearly came from the same background!
Despite all her hard work, which she believed had made her a standout among her classmates, Chen Lishu's appearance had utterly shattered her sense of superiority.
She couldn't match her in innate conditions, and her efforts in acquiring skills were also inferior. She was not convinced!
Chen Lishu was completely unaware of Yang Lili's resentment, as she was currently having tea in Sun Cheng's office.
"If Director Sun follows my suggestion, not only 1.5 million, but I guarantee someone will willingly pay 2 million in contracting fees."
Sun Cheng paused while pouring tea and chuckled, "What brilliant idea does President Chen have?"
"It's not a brilliant idea," Chen Lishu said. "As far as I know, President Zhang of Xinxin Garment Factory not only does garment business but also invests heavily in real estate."
Sun Cheng was puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Chen Lishu elaborated, "As long as a little wind is leaked, for example, if some supporting facilities are to be built nearby, or if government departments are to be relocated, purchasing the factory will also consider its appreciation potential. If it's not needed later, the land alone will be worth a considerable amount."
Sun Cheng suddenly understood, his gaze towards Chen Lishu filled with admiration.
"President Chen, you are my lucky star! If this matter is successful, I must thank you properly."
...
"I remember President Zhang had intentions to set up a factory in Beijing before the Chinese New Year. I asked a friend a few days ago, and I heard that a large garment wholesale market is planned to be built near the Beijing Garment Factory. Although it's just a rumor, it's unlikely to be groundless."
Zhou Qing glanced at her watch and said, "At this time, President Zhang is likely in a meeting. I'll call him again this afternoon. After being in Beijing for so long, I finally have a chance to put my skills to use."
The last sentence seemed to be a soliloquy. Not long after, she left the office.
She had also heard about the plan to build a wholesale market near the garment factory. If Zhou Qing brought it up first, wouldn't it make her look inactive?
After much thought, Yang Lili picked up the phone.
She called abroad and was told that Zhang Zhihui had already returned to Hong Kong.
After hanging up, Yang Lili dialed the number in Hong Kong.
Zhang Zhihui was somewhat intrigued after hearing Yang Lili's report.
However, he couldn't rely on just one person's account, so after hanging up, he called Zhou Qing's office.
Hearing that both reports were similar, Zhang Zhihui stated that he would fly to Beijing in a couple of days to finalize the matter.
After hanging up, his secretary, Xiao Yang, walked in. "Mr. Zhang, I heard from Zhang Ma that the young master has been sick these past few days and refuses to eat properly. Would you like to go see him?"
Zhang Zhihui's expression instantly changed, and he sternly said, "How many times have I told you, that child is not a young master at all. He's just an adopted orphan of unknown origin. If you slip up again carelessly, you won't have to work by my side anymore."
Knowing she had made a mistake, Secretary Yang repeatedly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. Zhang. I know I was wrong. I promise I won't do it again."
Zhang Zhihui waved his hand impatiently, and after the secretary left, he picked up a cigarette irritably. Just as he was about to light it, he suddenly remembered that He Wenxin detested the smell of smoke, so he threw the cigarette pack back into the drawer.
He sat alone on the chair for a while, then finally got up, left the office, drove to a residential complex, parked his car, and went straight upstairs.
"I've already said I don't want to eat. If you bother me again, I'll tell my father to kick you out!"
In the living room, a boy of about seven or eight years old impatiently threw the bowl in his hand at a nearby servant.
The servant dodged to the side, and the bowl shattered on the floor, spilling its contents.
This scene was witnessed by Zhang Zhihui as he entered. His face immediately darkened, and he sternly reprimanded, "Zhang Chenhao, what are you doing?!"
Hearing the man's voice, the boy instinctively flinched in fear.
"Dad."
"Sir, why are you here?" Zhang Ma hurried to get a mop to clean the floor upon seeing him enter.
"Hao Hao has been sick these past few days, and his temper has been a bit bad. Sir, please don't blame him."
"He seems energetic enough to get angry at people. Isn't today a weekday? Why aren't you at school?"
"I don't want to go to school. My classmates are picked up by their mothers. I want to find my mother too."
Looking at the boy's eyes, which increasingly resembled Zhu Shasha's, Zhang Zhihui's irritation intensified. "Haven't I told you long ago that the moment I brought you back, your mother was already dead?"
Back then, He Zinian had married his most beloved woman. To retaliate, he had deliberately sent Zhu Shasha to He Zinian's side. Who knew that Zhu Shasha was already pregnant with this child at the time, and they had gone along with it and given birth.
He found immense satisfaction in the thought that He Zinian had raised someone else's son for so many years.
If it weren't for the fact that he still had Zhang Zhihui's blood in him, he would never have brought him back; he would have let him fend for himself.
"I want to find my dad," the little boy said timidly.
Zhang Zhihui's face darkened. "I'm giving you one last chance. What do you want to do? What should you be doing right now?"
The little boy clung to the table and whispered, "I want to eat."
Zhang Zhihui nodded in satisfaction. "Zhang Ma, serve him another bowl of rice. After he finishes eating, send him to school this afternoon. From now on, if he's sick but not hospitalized, he's not allowed to skip class."
Hearing this, Zhang Ma quickly went to serve the rice.
Zhang Zhihui did not stay in the house for long before getting up to leave.
He had promised to accompany He Wenxin and her parents for a physical examination that afternoon.
So, he had to go there as soon as possible.
He drove to the downstairs of the He family's residence, locked the car door, and went upstairs.
The elders of the He family were very happy to see him.
"You've been a great help to Wenxin all these years. Your Uncle He and I were blind back then. Look at what their He family has done to our good daughter."
He's father said, "What's the point of bringing up the past? Zhihui is a good child. We are relieved that Wenxin is in your care."
Being recognized by the elders of the He family made Zhang Zhihui very happy, as it meant his relationship with He Wenxin had progressed further.
He Wenxin came downstairs, and the three of them, in tacit understanding, did not mention the He family again.
Soon, the four of them got into the car and headed to the hospital.
Not long after they left, the house phone suddenly rang.