Chapter 17 Interview

◎"Seven years have passed, does School Beauty Lin have a boyfriend now?" [Revised]◎

The air froze for a moment before Lin Yujing nodded in agreement.

Since the two met again, Chen Jingshu's temper has become unpredictable when facing her.

Coupled with her guilt over what happened in the past and the added pressure of projects, carefully trying to please Chen Jingshu has become her habit.

Zhang Jiale, the sunny and adorable puppy, was a little vulnerable, looking at Lin Yujing with a wronged expression, "Why can't I stay with you? I'm also a core member of the alliance."

While that was true, the project was of utmost importance, so Lin Yujing could only follow Chen Jingshu's instructions. "Trust me, I can handle it on my own. You and your seniors go to the meeting obediently. The regular meeting is also very important."

The puppies, their fur standing on end, were immediately calmed down and trotted over to open the door for the two of them. "Take care, Mr. Chen and Senior Sister. We look forward to hearing good news from you."

Chen Jingshu glanced at the two of them, then gave Lin Yujing a perfunctory shove on the shoulder, "Let's go."

She didn't dare to delay and quickly bent down to get into the car. Seeing that Chen Jingshu didn't intend to get in from the other side, she immediately moved to the inside and said, "Mr. Chen, please get in."

Chen Jingshu then bent down and sat down, but the tall, imposing man immediately blocked her view out the window. He urged, "Yuan Shu, drive."

After the Rolls-Royce with license plates from three different regions set off, the interior fell into a state of utter silence.

Chen Jingshu ignored her, and Lin Yujing didn't force a topic. Instead, she took out the printed PPT slides during the journey to review the speech topic and flow.

The car finally stopped next to the China World Trade Center. Monday is usually the busiest time, and the whole street was filled with sophisticated white-collar workers holding Starbucks.

Standing there, Lin Yujing straightened her back and followed Chen Jingshu into a white Western-style building.

It was the time for employees to clock in, and the area outside the dozen or so elevators in the lobby on the first floor was crowded with people, creating a lively and noisy scene.

As soon as Chen Jingshu appeared, shouts of "Hello, President Chen!" rose and fell.

He wasn't too serious at his own company, just nodding in acknowledgment.

Yuan Shu jogged a few steps and used his fingerprint to unlock an elevator marked "President's Only".

Lin Yujing originally thought that only a few floors of this office building belonged to JING Capital, but the elevator buttons were lined up and all labeled as subsidiaries of JING Capital.

The president's office is on the 12th floor, the top floor.

The elevator ascended steadily, and before she could even mentally go through the process one last time, the doors slowly opened to both sides.

Chen Jingshu walked at the front, and tapped the marble countertop as he passed the reception desk. "Notify Group A to come to my office for a meeting in ten minutes."

Driven by curiosity, Lin Yujing couldn't help but look around.

The elevators on the first floor were still crowded, but the president's office had already entered a well-organized working state.

The cubicles are clean and tidy, and everything from the accessories to the floor tiles is spotless.

The room was full of employees, and apart from the sounds of computer keyboards and paper flipping, the only other noise in the air was the low hum of the central air conditioning.

Lin Yujing, who was following behind Chen Jingshu, unconsciously slowed her pace and followed him into a completely transparent glass partition.

This is his office, its color scheme almost identical to the outside, yet it feels remarkably spacious.

Aside from the necessary office supplies, there was only a potted plant by the window. It always felt like my voice echoed when I spoke.

For some reason, it's very much like him.

Standing atop the pyramid where land is incredibly valuable, yet living a life of emptiness and desolation.

Yuan Shu: "Mr. Chen, Ms. Lin, the meeting room is ready."

Chen Jingshu: "Let her go and make preparations first. I'll take this call."

Even though the three of them were standing together, Yuan Shu still had to relay the message again, Lin Yujing muttered to herself.

However, time was of the essence, so she took her laptop out of her bag and went straight into the conference room to connect to the large projection screen.

JING Capital's offices are equipped with high-end facilities. After checking that the playback was working correctly, Lin Yujing stood in the completely transparent glass room and waited for it to start.

While she was feeling bored, she noticed that the long table in the conference room was directly opposite Chen Jingshu's desk, where he stood alone and proud.

The white desktop was also empty, except for a computer and a wooden picture frame.

Although they were far apart, she recognized it at a glance as a photo of Chen Jingshu and Chen Xuan.

Perhaps because her gaze was too direct, Chen Jingshu also glanced towards the conference room.

The moment their eyes met, he seemed to sense where her gaze was focused, and the aloof man immediately turned the photo frame upside down and laid it flat.

"What a stingy, childish brat," Lin Yujing muttered under her breath.

Just then, a group of people came in.

The man leading the group was gentle-looking and greeted her first, "I am Ren Moyin, the director of Group A in the Investment Department."

"I am Lin Yujing, hello Director Ren."

Once everyone was seated, Chen Jingshu walked in. "Now that everyone's here, let's begin."

Holding the electronic pen, Lin Yujing began by explaining the original intention and purpose of creating the Hundred Schools Alliance: "In nature, animals and the environment are closely related, and the environment is closely connected with humans. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic, which suddenly broke out globally in 2019, has further confirmed that protecting animals and having a deep respect for nature is to protect humanity itself."

With a simple opening, Lin Yujing got to the key points that the Hundred Schools Alliance is committed to.

The single-line cooperation project they want to reach with JING Capital this time is the Tibetan antelope in Hoh Xil.

"Kekexili is known as China's greatest wilderness, a sacred place that witnesses life and faith. It is an ideal world, a utopia, for animals. Tibetan antelopes, black-necked cranes, lynxes, and wild yaks have multiplied and thrived for generations." Lin Yujing's voice was gentle and soft, as if she were telling a story, easily drawing everyone present into her story.

Instead of using the more data-driven PowerPoint presentation from the alliance group, she used a series of simple line drawings she had created the night before, accompanied by text explanations. The illustrations were vivid, easy to understand, and engaging.

"But this place was once a killing field, with poachers armed with hunting rifles, skinned Tibetan antelopes, and heroes who sacrificed themselves to protect this animal paradise. In 2017, with the successful inscription of Hoh Xil on the World Heritage List in Krakow, Poland, this beautiful yet dangerous wilderness became China's 51st World Heritage Site."

"The Hundred Schools Alliance has always acted with reverence, actively cooperating with local reserve management personnel to delve into this forbidden land of life. Through recording, publicity, and rescue efforts, we hope to gain more support and recognition from the community."

After Lin Yujing finished her speech, she looked at Chen Jingshu with anticipation.

Throughout the entire speech, he remained exceptionally focused and marked key questions on the paper manuscript she provided.

Chen Jingshu's gaze lingered on her face, lost in thought. "So, the core focus of your alliance is on propaganda and protection?"

Although Lin Yujing was somewhat apprehensive because of past events, she was certain that Chen Jingshu was not someone who couldn't distinguish between public and private matters. She maintained her composure and replied calmly, "Many members of the Hundred Schools Alliance are students majoring in biology, veterinary medicine, biopharmaceuticals, forestry, ecology, and related fields. We spontaneously formed this group for two reasons: first, to promote the importance of protecting endangered wildlife; and second, to record data. This includes focusing on local ecological and environmental changes. We also provide animal medical assistance and combine that with providing data to relevant environmental and animal research teams."

"To date, we have collaborated with the Tsinghua University Biological Laboratory, the Beijing Medical University Research Laboratory, and the Beijing Agricultural University Environmental Laboratory. We have successfully recorded and filmed precious footage of Tibetan antelope herds working together to defend against wolf attacks, remotely assisting Tibetan antelope production, and the large-scale migration of Tibetan antelopes in the wild. Although funding has always been limited, we have never stopped our efforts."

As soon as Lin Yujing finished speaking, many members of Group A in the audience showed joy on their faces.

Even Chen Jingshu's expression towards her underwent a subtle change, now showing respect and approval.

Chen Jingshu: "So, where did you get your funding before?"

Lin Yujing: "We receive donations from the community and corporate sponsorships. We also hold offline photography and painting exhibitions, and the proceeds from the sale of our works are used to support the alliance's operations."

"Photography? Sketches?" Chen Jingshu asked. "You?"

Lin Yujing nodded. "Me, and other alliance members. It's something to be proud of to use our expertise to serve our passion."

The last few pages of the PowerPoint presentation were Lin Yujing's portfolio. Chen Jingshu's gaze lingered on them for a long time, and the smile that surfaced in his eyes turned into a visible bitterness. "Passion, pride."

He looked up, his gaze fixed on her. "It's been years, and Miss Lin has become even more outstanding. As for your future plans, you remain steadfast and clear in your convictions. Besides photography, painting, and animal protection, what else do you have passions?"

Is there such a thing as manipulating someone's true feelings to gain personal benefit?

Lin Yujing understood the contemptuous smile in his eyes, and said bitterly, "President Chen, this shouldn't have anything to do with the cooperation, right?"

Fortunately, there were many people, and Chen Jingshu did not lose his temper and insist on tearing open old wounds. He changed the subject and returned to the Hundred Schools Alliance itself, "You just said that you have held offline photography exhibitions and art exhibitions. How large were they, and how was the income?"

"It's just on a very small scale, such as charity sales in various universities and public places like parks. One reason is to raise funds for the alliance, and the other is to take the opportunity to promote ourselves. If we have the opportunity to cooperate with JING Capital in the future, we also hope to have a larger platform to showcase ourselves."

Lin Yu-ching also did a similar activity when she was still in Penghu, painting for tourists at Penghu Bay Park as a birthday gift for Chen Hsuan.

Chen Jingshu quickly understood the operating procedure and stopped looking at her. He nodded and flipped through the brochure while asking the person next to him, "I have no more questions. Where is Director Ren?"

Ren Moyin smiled first, as Chen Jingshu had already asked him almost all his questions. So he chose to explain to Lin Yujing JING Capital's considerations for the Hundred Schools Alliance. "Through Lin's explanation, our Group A understands that the cooperation model for this project leans more towards charity and public welfare. Huaren Group has just started Huaren Charity in the past three years, meaning that each of its subsidiaries has a charity quota every year. However, JING Capital has been committed to helping children in mountainous areas in the past, and this is the first time it has come into contact with a project related to animals and the natural environment."

Hearing this, Lin Yujing's eyes lit up. "This is the first time I've heard that Huaren Group has charitable projects."

Ren Moyin explained, "Huaren Charity was founded after President Chen joined the Huaren Group. Previously, it was all internally recommended and not widely publicized, so it had little public awareness."

"Then I'm lucky."

"Lin is very brave."

Lin Yujing looked at Chen Jingshu. She knew that this had little to do with whether she was brave or not. It was his willingness to give her the opportunity despite past grievances that gave the Hundred Schools Alliance and JING Capital the chance to communicate face-to-face.

“Then I should thank President Chen. It was President Chen who gave me this opportunity.” Her eyes were slightly red as she looked at Chen Jingshu.

Chen Jingshu, however, didn't even spare her a glance. Instead, he reminded her in a businesslike tone, "Although JING Capital's charity quota for this year hasn't been finalized yet, this is the first time we've included an animal-related category. It requires all four groups to sit down and discuss it together. Ms. Lin, there's no need to thank me so soon. After all, the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment, which can be fatal to one's mental well-being."

Still speaking in a cold tone, Lin Yujing pursed her lips and remained silent.

"If there are no other questions, let's adjourn the meeting." As soon as Chen Jingshu said this, there was a murmur among the audience, and then everyone got up and left.

Just as Lin Yujing was about to go to Chen Jingshu to make a final attempt to persuade him, Yuan Shu came in against the flow of people and went straight to Chen Jingshu's side.

He leaned close to Chen Jingshu and said something, and the two of them looked serious and gloomy.

"Lin Yujing?" Suddenly, Ren Moyin walked up to her.

Lin Yujing quickly replied, "Director Ren, is there anything else that needs to be confirmed?"

Ren Moyi's eyes were gentle and affectionate, and when he smiled, they were like rippling hot spring water. "You explained it in great detail just now. I am personally very interested in your project."

"Thank you for your recognition, Director Ren. I also look forward to the opportunity to cooperate." Hearing such affirmation for the first time, Lin Yujing was overjoyed.

The girl, who was already beautiful and radiant, was worn down by life and became overly self-deprecating, unaware that in the eyes of others, she was always bright and cheerful.

Not only was Ren Moyin attracted, but Chen Jingshu also looked at her absentmindedly.

"Ms. Lin, let's add each other on WeChat. That way, I can contact you if there are any details I need to follow up on."

"sure."

The two stood together and simultaneously took out their phones.

Ren Moyin: "You must really like Tibetan antelopes; they're even your WeChat profile picture."

Lin Yujing nodded, and said thoughtfully, "Yes, they mean a lot to me."

"OK! I look forward to hearing your story someday."

"I also hope that Director Ren will have the opportunity to go to Hoh Xil to see Tibetan antelopes with the alliance."

Chen Jingshu, standing at a distance, suddenly coughed twice. "Director Ren, how's the acquisition project from the day before yesterday going?"

Ren Moyin picked up his laptop, said goodbye to Lin Yujing, and walked towards Chen Jingshu. "It's all set. We can discuss this further anytime."

"Fine, then you can prepare some more," Chen Jingshu said coldly.

After Ren Mo left, Yuan Shu also received his work assignment and hurriedly left, leaving only Lin Yujing and Chen Jingshu in the office.

"President Chen, how did you feel just now?" Inspired by Ren Mo, Lin Yujing spoke with more energy when talking to Chen Jingshu, her eyes filled with expectant little stars.

Chen Jingshu gave a cryptic smile, "Feeling? You're asking me what kind of feeling?"

Lin Yujing was puzzled for a moment, "The Hoh Xil project of the Hundred Schools Alliance."

Chen Jingshu, hands in his pockets, looked nonchalant. "Didn't I just say that the company isn't run by me alone? Everything has rules, regulations, and procedures. When you get back, work with your alliance members to complete the information as much as possible. After that, someone will be responsible for following up and coordinating."

"A dedicated person is in charge?"

"What, do you think I have a lot of free time to do these kinds of small projects with you?"

Lin Yujing ignored Chen Jingshu's sarcastic and veiled words and directly asked the key question she was curious about, "I know that President Chen is very busy, and I am already very grateful that he gave our alliance the opportunity to meet and talk."

"So, the person you mentioned who is specifically in charge, is it Director Ren from earlier?"

"Director Ren is one of the most insightful investment managers at JING Capital, and also one of the most outstanding mid-to-senior level leaders. Ms. Lin should seize this opportunity."

“Director Ren does seem very easy to communicate with. Thank you, President Chen, for the special arrangement.” Lin Yujing’s smile became slightly stiff as she looked at his ill-intentioned expression. “Secondly, I know that President Chen has a lot of negative opinions about me, but I’m here to discuss work and not to involve personal feelings.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Jingshu glanced at her and sneered, "That's right, you don't even have feelings."

The conversation had reached a dead end again. Lin Yujing didn't want to continue with this topic that always led to arguments but never a solution. She turned around and started packing her bag. "If President Chen has no other instructions, then I'll head back now."

Where are you going back to?

"School."

Lin Yujing's joyful mood was completely ruined by him, and her spirits also plummeted.

"I'm going the same way, let's go together."

Lin Yujing glanced at him, hesitating to speak...

She couldn't understand why Chen Jingshu, who hated her so much, was willing to listen to her project.

Since they've decided to collaborate again, why do they have to dwell on the past, making things awkward and strained between them every time?

Lin Yujing remained silent and followed Chen Jingshu downstairs. Before they even left the JING Capital lobby, Chu Yan walked towards them.

As soon as he saw Chen Jingshu, he preemptively complained, "Why didn't you go to the headquarters meeting just now? I was almost driven crazy by Chen Jinyi's sarcastic remarks."

Chen Jinyi is the only daughter of the eldest branch of the Chen family. Before Chen Jingshu returned to the Chen family, she was the key heir being groomed.

Born into a privileged family at the top of the social ladder, she once declared that she would never marry or have children for the sake of her family. A financial weekly even called her a resolute and elegant iron lady.

"Don't worry, my domineering cousin has already called me." She always smiled and made sarcastic remarks to others, but she would often be ruthless and directly berate him.

Standing behind Chen Jingshu, Lin Yujing thought to herself that they really were a family, expressing their dissatisfaction in exactly the same way.

"Eh? Lin Yujing?" Chu Yan only then noticed her and quickly understood why this young master had openly skipped the headquarters meeting.

Chen Jingshu changed the subject, "What are you going to do later?"

Chu Yan frowned. "What else can I do? Of course, I'll work overtime. The finance department has a mountain of contracts waiting for me."

After saying that, he gave a fake smile that said, "Unlike you, you don't seem to have the mood to travel around with girls."

"No rush. Come with me to the Wanxiang Investment Promotion Office Building and drop her off at school while we're at it." The investment promotion business of Wanxiang Commercial Building was reassigned to Chen Jinyi two years ago. The new office building is located on the North Fourth Ring Road, next to the Huaqing Academy of Fine Arts.

Chu Yan was petrified for a moment, unable to utter a word for a long time, but he kept complaining in his heart: Damn it, buddy! Do you want to go find Chen Jinyi and get scolded in person, or do you just want to give the girl away?

However, as a working-class person, Chu Yan could only accept his fate. "Let's go, my dear CEO."

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On the way back to school, Chen Jingshu became silent and mute again.

Lin Yujing said this is the best way to get along, except that Chu Yan has become the loudspeaker.

"What did you study at the art academy, oil painting? Traditional Chinese painting?"

"My undergraduate degree was in Fine Arts and Painting, and my master's degree was in Arts Management."

"Oh, so if you establish an art museum in the future, you'll instantly become an artist."

She knew that best friends who had been inseparable since childhood couldn't say two different things.

"This is Yijing, a city teeming with talented people. It's not my turn yet."

Chen Jingshu finally reacted, letting out a cold sneer, "Teacher Lin is being modest. With your abilities, it's very possible."

Lin Yujing bit her lip, forcing a smile, "Then I'll take Mr. Chen's good wishes. If that day ever comes, I would be grateful if Mr. Chen would do me the honor of cutting the ribbon for me."

With another cold laugh, Chen Jingshu ignored her.

"Seven years have passed, Lin Xiaohua must have a boyfriend by now?" Chu Yan was always sharp-tongued, but now his skills are even more scathing.

"No."

"That can't be! With how outstanding Lin is, she must have quite a few suitors!"

Lin Yujing was completely helpless, realizing that the more she resisted, the more excited the two of them became. So she suddenly followed Chu Yan's words and said, "There are indeed quite a few suitors. Although I don't have a boyfriend yet, there are some people I can try to date."

Upon hearing this, Chu Yan immediately glanced at the rearview mirror and saw that the interior of the car seemed to be shrouded in dark clouds.

In the blink of an eye, he encountered Lin Yujing's provocative smile again, and he was completely caught in the middle, pleasing neither side.

After that, no one spoke until they reached Lin Yujing's dormitory building.

As soon as the car came to a stop, Lin Yujing couldn't wait to get out. "Thank you so much, President Chen and President Chu, for driving me all this way." Her smile was innocent and harmless, but it was unusually infuriating.

Chu Yan felt awkward and was about to turn around when he saw a boy suddenly appear and run happily and energetically towards Lin Yujing.

Chen Jingshu's brows furrowed instantly. "Wait a minute."

Zhang Jiale: "Senior, you're finally back! I've been waiting for you all afternoon."

Lin Yujing was surprised, "How long!"

"Just kidding, I just got here." The puppy, who had been waiting all afternoon, still lied. "The supermarket delivered Xinjiang cheese buns today. I saw a lot of girls buying them, and I thought you would definitely like them too, so I brought them to you as a midnight snack."

During her university years, Lin Yujing would spend her evenings in the art studio working on commercial works whenever she didn't have classes.

When she realized that Zhang Jiale was pursuing her, he had already figured out her life trajectory. At first, she felt uncomfortable, but now she has basically gotten used to it.

She would accumulate these simple, romantic gifts, like food and drinks, and then reciprocate with something of equal value. This way, she wouldn't create an awkward situation or give him any chance.

"Senior, are you going to the art studio again tonight?"

"I was delayed this afternoon, I have to go now."

"I'll go with you."

A chilly wind blew straight down her back. Lin Yujing turned around and saw that Chen Jingshu's arrogant Rolls-Royce with its three license plates was still parked in the same spot.

However, the cellophane was sealed very tightly, so the person inside could not be seen reacting.

She gave an awkward laugh and replied, "As long as you don't get bored."

Zhang Jiale wagged his tail happily and took Lin Yujing's backpack, "How could I be bored staying by my senior's side?"

Watching the two figures disappear, a disdainful remark suddenly came from inside the car: "Their taste is getting worse and worse."

Chu Yan suppressed a laugh and said mischievously, "Hey! Don't you think that boy just now looks a lot like you did in high school?"

Chen Jingshu gave Chu Yan a look that said, "If you're blind, shut up." "No way. He looks like a white Samoyed, with a silly face."

"Really! Those eyes, it's as if the whole world doesn't exist, and you can only see Lin Yujing."

Do I have one?

Chu Yan laughed until he coughed uncontrollably, then started the car and turned it around. "I'm really fed up. After getting scolded by you, now I have to get scolded by Chen Jinyi."

“I’m going home. Who wants to get scolded by her?” Chen Jingshu said coldly. “If you have masochistic tendencies, then go by yourself.”

Chu Yan was both amused and exasperated. "Big brother, you really should see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor to get some treatment. When did this start? You're so unpredictable! So erratic! Your yin and yang are out of balance!"

A note from the author:

I'll Still Miss You

Singer: Young Master Chen

[Jealousy][Annoyed][Holding the microphone][I still think of you, I still blame you, blame you for so easily and gracefully walking away.]

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Young Master Chen: [Years later] [Quietly asked him to pick up his daughter from school] [Sarcastic] "There are quite a few suitors. Although I don't have a boyfriend yet, there are people I could consider dating."

Jingjing: Even though many years have passed, the urge to smash his head in is still surging!

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