Chapter 09
The atmosphere in Feng'an Capital's conference room was solemn.
Several partners looked sharp as they projected key data of Jingchuan Company's financial chain onto the large screen, revealing risks hidden in the fluctuations in the numbers.
Feng'an Capital's financial director said slowly, "According to our latest due diligence report, Jingchuan's procurement chain has significant internal control deficiencies, particularly in the supplier qualification review and payment approval processes, which pose significant compliance risks. If this risk is not promptly and effectively addressed, it could lead to a disruption in the capital chain and seriously impact the successful completion of the Series C financing."
Tang Yuchuan nodded calmly, his eyes firm. "We have initiated a comprehensive internal audit and risk investigation. We expect to complete the formulation and implementation of the risk rectification plan within seven working days, and will submit a detailed governance report at that time."
A partner on the other side calmly responded, "The seven-day window is critical. If a compliant rectification plan cannot be submitted within this period, Feng'an Capital will be forced to postpone the release of funds and may even consider withdrawing its investment commitment for this round."
Tang Yuchuan took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a firmness and composure. "We understand Feng'an's emphasis on fund security. Jingchuan promises that within seven days, we will not only complete the rectification plan, but also initiate risk management upgrades for the procurement chain to ensure the stability and transparency of capital flows."
The financial director frowned. "Minegishi holds a 30% stake in this round. Any uncertainty will significantly increase our investment risk assessment, which will have a direct impact on the opening of subsequent financing windows."
Tang Yuchuan calmly replied, "The market has a very low tolerance for uncertainty, and I'm aware of the urgency of the financing window. Therefore, we will accelerate internal restructuring and strive to demonstrate Jingchuan's value and potential with facts and data, in order to secure Feng'an's continued trust and support."
The other partner exchanged glances and finally nodded. "We understand your stance. We'll continue to monitor your progress. Please submit your rectification plan on time, and we'll adjust the funding disbursement schedule accordingly."
After the meeting, Tang Yuchuan stood up, feeling a heavy weight on his heart. He knew this negotiation wasn't just about funding; it was also a rigorous test of Jingchuan's management and governance capabilities. He wasn't entirely sure he could hold onto the financing window.
In the afternoon, Tang Yuchuan was about to leave the office to go to Qingye Capital when the door was suddenly pushed open.
Wan Jiaying walked in with a smile on his face, his hands in his pockets, and an unruly and ruffian air.
"Hey, Mr. Tang, your office's security isn't great. I just walked in when I asked." He raised his lips, his tone full of casual teasing. "You don't look well. What's wrong? Are you almost exhausted by all this nonsense?"
Tang Yuchuan smiled slightly, then followed with a smile, "Come on, who dares to stop me? I was just about to go to Qingye, but I didn't expect you to come here first."
"You've been so busy lately, you rarely get together with your buddies. I had to come see you." Wan Jiaying smiled easily, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "Actually, I came here to discuss something serious with you."
Tang Yuchuan looked at him, "What's the matter? Tell me."
Wan Jiaying paused, then lowered his voice half-jokingly, "You know my old man's attitude towards Jingchuan. He said that if Qingye could marry you, his support would be even stronger than you imagine."
Tang Yuchuan raised his eyebrows and smiled bitterly, "Kidnapped?"
"Yes, marry my sister Wan Yaying." Wan Jiaying leaned against the table, a smile in his eyes. "She's a young girl, and she likes you very much. I say, why not just make it happen and tie you two together? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
He paused, perhaps sensing the somewhat dull atmosphere in the office, and jokingly said, "If you really agree, you'll have to call me 'brother' from now on. Just thinking about it makes me excited."
"To be honest, we've been close friends for so many years. Seeing you single, I'm a little worried." Wan Jiaying patted Tang Yuchuan's shoulder with a casual look, "You know how my grandfather treats Jingchuan... Marriage isn't just about affection, it's also about security. My grandfather has always been optimistic about you. If you could become his son-in-law, Qingye's support would definitely be taken to the next level."
Tang Yuchuan was silent for a few seconds, his eyes evasive. "You know, I don't want to use marriage as a bargaining chip. It's not fair to Yaying either."
"Yaying is willing. You know she's been clinging to you since she was little." Wan Jiaying continued to match them up. Tang Yuchuan was his good friend. They were both 37 years old. He already had a son and a daughter, but Tang Yuchuan only had one first love, which started when he was 19. He was a little worried about him.
"Yaying is only 21 years old, how can she understand what love is?" Tang Yuchuan said in a calm tone, but with a hint of tenderness, "She is still a child to me."
Wan Jiaying smiled and said, "Love at this age is pure. Think about how you loved Tan Jing when you were 19. Wasn't that love? Wasn't that love?"
"That's different." Tang Yuchuan lowered his head, obviously he was a little reluctant to talk about this topic.
"No way, Tang Yuchuan, it's been fifteen years. You've been separated for fifteen years. It's time for you to get over it. Besides, Tan Jing...it's impossible for you two to be together." Wan Jiaying chose his words carefully, his tone full of helplessness.
Tang Yuchuan lowered his head and was silent for a moment. His voice was low and steady. "I know it's impossible for her and I to be together."
He said it calmly, as if it was a conclusion that had been confirmed repeatedly in his heart, but only he himself knew how difficult it was to squeeze those words out of his throat.
He raised his head and looked at Wan Jiaying, his eyes clear and restrained, "There's no need to mention the marriage anymore."
"It's not because of her, nor because your sister is bad." He paused, his tone sincere, "It's just... I still hope to be more pure in my feelings. I don't want to be like my father."
"But thank you for coming. I know you want to help me." He said, his tone slightly relaxed, with a tacit understanding between brothers. "You appear to be a scoundrel, but you are actually the most considerate person. I know what I am doing."
Wan Jiaying grinned and punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Come on, stop being so sentimental. It gives me goosebumps."
The two looked at each other and the atmosphere relaxed a little.
Wan Jiaying's eyes rolled, and he suddenly smiled slyly, "It's okay if she's not my sister."
Tang Yuchuan raised his eyebrows slightly. Before he could speak, Wan Jiaying took a step closer and lowered his voice, "I heard that you hired a young painter recently?"
Tang Yuchuan paused holding the teacup, and said in a faint voice, "Who told you that?"
"Your secretary's friend said at a drinking party that you took the man home." Wan Jiaying sighed and leaned back in his chair. "He took him home, so it's impossible that nothing happened."
Tang Yuchuan took a sip of tea, his expression unchanged, "Nothing happened. She's just staying at my house temporarily." He paused, his tone neither hurried nor slow, "It's really unwise of you to believe the rumors out there."
Wan Jiaying didn't respond immediately, but stared at him for a few seconds, the smile in his eyes still there, but with a little more seriousness, "I don't believe you don't have any ideas."
Tang Yuchuan raised his eyebrows and said calmly, "You really think too much."
"I'm not just guessing, I'm worried." Wan Jiaying sat up straighter, his nonchalant expression gone. "I heard that girl is only 23 this year, and you let her live in your house, a man and a woman, so close to each other. Even if you really didn't do anything, outsiders wouldn't think so."
Tang Yuchuan gently put down the teacup, his tone still light, "She is just staying temporarily, I know my limits."
"But she's only 23 this year." Wan Jiaying paused, his eyes becoming more serious. "My sister is 21, so we're about the same age. Every time I tell you about Yaying, you tell me she's too young. I used to believe you. But now that I hear you're so close to a painter, I'm wondering if that 'young age' thing you're talking about is actually true."
The air stagnated for a moment.
Tang Yuchuan leaned against the sofa and was silent for a moment before he slowly spoke: "It's different."
"Why is it different?"
"I watched Yaying grow up." Tang Yuchuan lowered his voice, as if not wanting the sentence to sound too heavy. "She's always been a little girl running behind me."
"So you didn't say you don't like that little painter." Wan Jiaying narrowed his eyes, as if he had found some flaw in his words.
"...did she say that?" Tang Yuchuan paused for a few seconds. "I don't know...I admit, she's pretty good. She's very quiet when she draws, and her eyes are clear. But I really don't plan to develop a relationship with her. She's too young."
"You're here again." Wan Jiaying paused, his smile fading a bit. "Apart from Tan Jing, you can use 'she's too young' as a shield when it comes to anyone else here."
He paused, then continued, "I doubt you have any feelings. You never brought anyone home before, let alone let anyone live in your house."
Tang Yuchuan's expression moved slightly, but he didn't say anything.
"You," Wan Jiaying sighed, his voice slowing down, "you always live too cautiously, but have you ever thought that if you continue to live so restrainedly, you will sooner or later trap yourself to death?"
Seeing Tang Yuchuan frowning, Wan Jiaying suddenly didn't want to say anything more. He waved his hand and walked towards the door, "I'm leaving first, don't see me off. I'll cover for you over there in Qingye for two days. Now that this crisis is over, let's have a drink."
The moment the door closed, silence returned to the office.
Tang Yuchuan closed his eyes. The softest and most complex layer of his heart, which had been gently revealed by the conversation just now, was now being fiercely suppressed.
After a few seconds, he opened his eyes, regained his usual calmness, and pressed the intercom on the table.
"Miao Zhan, come to my office."
Soon, there was a knock on the door.
"Enter."
Miao Zhan pushed the door open and walked in, his movements as quick and decisive as usual, his expression calm.
"Recently, someone from the Secretariat mentioned something about my family at a dinner party outside." Tang Yuchuan didn't say it seriously, but his serious tone carried a kind of deterrent power.
Miao Zhan paused imperceptibly, his eyes darkening immediately, "I'll check."
Tang Yuchuan's tone remained calm, but his words grew sharper. "This isn't just a formality; we need to thoroughly investigate. Who said it, to whom, where, and why? We need to clarify everything. I don't care if he just said it casually or has ulterior motives. As long as he doesn't know what he can and can't say, he has no place in the Jingchuan Secretariat."
"I understand." Miao Zhan nodded, his tone was decisive and his expression was a little colder.
Tang Yuchuan slowed down for a moment, his tone still calm, yet with a hint of steady concern: "After we investigate thoroughly, you can handle it. I trust you to do the job."
Miao Zhan was about to respond when Tang Yuchuan added, "There's news about your mother's treatment. Dr. Alexander Whitman, a neurology specialist with many years of clinical experience, has been contacted. We can arrange a remote consultation first. We'll then see if she needs treatment abroad."
He paused, his eyes firm. "No matter how busy you are, don't neglect your family for work. If there's anything at home that needs care, just tell me and the company will adjust your work hours."
The atmosphere in the office suddenly softened. Miao Zhan's eyes flashed with gratitude, and he nodded solemnly, "Thank you, Mr. Tang. I will investigate thoroughly and take good care of my family."
Tang Yuchuan sighed softly, his eyes showing a rare tenderness. "Well, go ahead. No matter how busy you are at work, home is the most important thing."
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