Entering the game
Zhang Xiande paused slightly with the Parker pen in his hand, but his face remained expressionless. He simply gave a faint "hmm" as if to acknowledge that he had heard.
A quick glance of understanding flashed across You Jiale's eyes; he knew Zhang Xiande wasn't going to engage. He didn't intend to find out the details immediately either, and continued, feigning curiosity, "I've also heard that these students seem to be supported by the Communist Party. Sigh, young people these days, they're thinking about so many things." He secretly glanced at Zhang Xiande's expression, trying to catch even the slightest change—a frown of disgust, a disdainful chuckle, or perhaps a hint of barely perceptible wariness.
Zhang Xiande finally raised his head, his gaze falling on You Jiale with a hint of scrutiny, his tone as calm as still water: "It's good for young people to have ideals, but they also need to see the big picture clearly, lest they be taken advantage of and get into trouble."
That old man is very cunning.
But he didn't give up. His eyes darted around, and he pretended to suddenly remember something. "Last time those college students handed out flyers, someone even forced one on me. The content on it was quite radical." As he spoke, he kept an eye on Zhang Xiande's reaction.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiande's lips twitched slightly, and a fleeting, almost imperceptible glint flashed in his eyes. He didn't directly comment on those passionate young people, but instead subtly steered the conversation in another direction: "These things aren't your concern. Focusing on running your 'Leji Delivery' well and expanding your business is what really matters."
Seeing this, You Jiale knew that if he pressed the matter further, it might arouse Zhang Xiande's suspicion. He quickly put on a docile smile and nodded repeatedly, saying, "You're right, boss. I'm just curious. After all, things are chaotic outside these days, and there are all sorts of people."
After a while, You Jiale seemed to remember something, picked up a newspaper on the table, and casually pointed to a small news item about a workers' strike in a certain place, saying, "Boss, look at this, it's another workers' movement. What do they want? If this continues, the factory will have to shut down, right?" He looked up at Zhang Xiande with a puzzled and confused look, his eyes showing the curiosity of a young person about social news.
Zhang Xiande took the newspaper, glanced at it, and said, "It's nothing more than fighting for one's rights. This kind of thing is not uncommon in today's world. But any action must be taken within limits; going too far will backfire." Zhang Xiande's answer remained ambiguous, neither explicitly supporting nor harshly criticizing. This made it even more difficult for You Jiale to determine his true stance.
To probe further, You Jiale pretended to recall something and said with a smile, "I heard people in the teahouse say that these workers' movements seem to be related to those... 'underground party members.' They said that the underground party members are very powerful and specialize in inciting the people to cause trouble."
Zhang Xiande seemed amused by him, stood up, and slowly walked to You Jiale's side with a meaningful smile. "You Jiale, you've asked so many questions, you seem quite interested in these matters. Instead of trying to probe me indirectly, why don't you tell me your own opinion first?"
You Jiale was about to play dumb again. "Oh dear, all I think about every day is how to make our 'Leji Delivery' business successful so you can count money until your hands cramp. What do you know about those workers' movements or the 'underground party'?" He secretly glanced at Zhang Xiande, observing his reaction.
Zhang Xiande clearly didn't want to fall into his trap. It seemed this matter could only be postponed and dealt with another day.
That evening, Zhang Xiande took You Jiale to a well-known charity gala in the city. Although it was called a charity gala and was filled with celebrities, it was nothing more than a show.
As soon as You Jiale stepped into the magnificent banquet hall, two familiar figures caught her eye—Pei Zhiyuan was holding a wine glass, talking quietly with a man in a well-tailored suit who exuded an air of distinction. That man was none other than He Mingzhou.
You Jiale's heart skipped a beat. How could they know each other? He subconsciously glanced at Zhang Xiande beside him. Zhang Xiande was exchanging pleasantries with a senior businessman, seemingly unaware of the commotion. But You Jiale felt that Zhang Xiande had met a formidable rival.
"Tsk tsk, boss, you're really surrounded by enemies today." You Jiale nudged Zhang Xiande's arm as if in jest, lowering her voice with a hint of enjoying the drama. "Look over there, Young Master Pei and Brother He are chatting so enthusiastically. Brother He is no less impressive than you, young and promising, handsome and talented. With such an excellent suitor by Young Master Pei's side, you'd better hurry up, or one day he might be poached from your wall."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiande's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he glanced at You Jiale with a mixture of anger and helplessness in his eyes. He thought to himself, "What nonsense is this kid spouting all day long? He actually thinks He Mingzhou is comparable to him?"
Because he knows how to appreciate a play? That's ridiculous.
Seeing this, You Jiale secretly rejoiced, thinking that his words had hit the nail on the head and struck a nerve with Zhang Xiande. He glanced around slyly, finding this kind of hypocritical occasion utterly boring, and then, with a quick glint in his eye, he made an excuse and said to Zhang Xiande, "Boss, I'm not feeling well, I'm going to the back garden for some fresh air."
Zhang Xiande merely nodded slightly, without even lifting his eyelids, his gaze remaining fixed on Pei Zhiyuan and He Mingzhou not far away.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, You Jiale slipped out of the banquet hall and into the dimly lit back garden. A night breeze carried a faint fragrance of flowers and grass, which made him feel a little better. He had just found a quiet corner when a gentle voice came from behind him: "Jiale, do you also find tonight's banquet a bit dull?"
You Jiale inwardly cursed, 'Can't you just let me have some peace and quiet?' but forced a smile on his face. Turning around, he saw He Mingzhou walking towards him with a slight smile. 'Brother He, you're out too? It's really a bit suffocating.'
“Yes, it’s all just polite talk. I’m tired of hearing it.” He Mingzhou said with a hearty laugh, looking at You Jiale with gentle eyes. “But you, I noticed you seemed a bit distracted in the banquet hall earlier. Were you feeling unwell?”
You Jiale waved his hand, his usual relaxed smile on his face: "I get sleepy as soon as I start work, it's an old problem."
He Mingzhou chuckled lightly, "I wish I could be as frank as you, able to speak so frankly in this kind of situation." He thought to himself, this You Jiale is really interesting, not at all like those pretentious businessmen. His words are relaxed and energetic, making people feel very comfortable around him.
You Jiale tilted her head and winked at He Mingzhou, "Thank you for your affirmation, big brother."
At this moment, You Jiale's mind was completely preoccupied with whether Yu Shanhe was a Communist or not, and she had no interest in arguing with He Mingzhou, so she just gave him perfunctory replies. Just as the two were chatting idly, Zhang Xiande's slightly deep voice and Pei Zhiyuan's response came from not far away.
You Jiale subconsciously softened her breathing and listened carefully. She heard Zhang Xiande say, "...There's no need to talk about 'Leji' anymore. I haven't let anyone else know about it yet."
Pei Zhiyuan's voice carried a hint of grievance and disbelief: "Xiande, you...?"
The rest of the conversation was drowned out by a soft melody that had somehow started playing in the garden. Yu Jiale tried hard to hear it, but could only catch a few fragmented words.
He suddenly realized that Zhang Xiande had known all along that Pei Zhiyuan was secretly sabotaging "Leji"! No wonder he said to leave it to him and not to worry about it.
In He Mingzhou's view, today's events had already created a rift between them. If You Jiale knew how important Pei Zhiyuan was to Zhang Xiande—even more important than "Leji Delivery"—she would feel alienated. Then, He Mingzhou could offer timely concern and support; wouldn't You Jiale naturally want to get closer?
However, at this moment, You Jiale's heart wasn't filled with the despair or jealousy that Prefect He had predicted. He simply sneered inwardly, "What is he?" He had long seen that Pei Zhiyuan was important to Zhang Xiande. What truly angered him was that while Zhang Xiande outwardly seemed very concerned about the operation of "Leji Delivery," in reality, compared to Pei Zhiyuan's situation, the fate of "Leji Delivery" was probably insignificant. Even if Pei Zhiyuan really ruined "Leji Delivery," with Zhang Xiande's wealth and methods, he could still make money through other means and wouldn't completely fall out with Pei Zhiyuan over this business.
He felt like he'd swallowed a fly—disgusted yet helpless. He knew that no matter how angry he was, he couldn't possibly confront Zhang Xiande. He began to realize that he couldn't place all his hopes on this "love-struck" Zhang Xiande.
But if "Le Ji" is insignificant to him, then what does he want from me now?
Thinking of this, You Jiale suppressed the strange emotions on her face, turned her head, and gave He Mingzhou a forced smile: "Brother He, let's go back, the banquet should be over soon."
He Mingzhou looked at the slightly stiff smile on You Jiale's face, his eyes filled with insight. He hesitated for a moment, then pressed on gently, "Jiale, after all, this may be a difficult choice for Boss Zhang. Young Master Pei and he must have a deep relationship. If he were to turn against him so easily because of this business, it would seem rather heartless."
Upon hearing He Mingzhou's words, You Jiale inwardly rolled her eyes, but her face still wore a relaxed smile. She shrugged helplessly and joked, "Brother He is joking. 'Leji' originally belonged to the boss, and it is his right to do whatever he wants with it."
In his heart, he thought to himself: "These guys are all geniuses! A bodyguard on the left, a prince charming on the right, huh? Am I the only one who's willing to work hard and complain? Am I some kind of lowly person?"
He Mingzhou looked at You Jiale, his tone carrying a hint of appreciation and probing: "Mr. You seems to have a very open mind; this relaxed attitude is truly admirable."
Upon hearing this, You Jiale patted He Mingzhou's arm and said, "Brother He, you flatter me! I'm just an employee, I don't want to worry too much! Come on, Brother He, let's go back to the banquet hall now, maybe we can even get some dessert!" As he spoke, he turned around first, seemingly nonchalantly walking back, but in his heart, he silently added another note to his mind about Zhang Xiande and Pei Zhiyuan's matter. He became even more determined to find a way out for himself.
He Mingzhou watched You Jiale's retreating figure, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He didn't stop her, but slowly turned around and rejoined the gradually bustling banquet hall.
After the banquet, the two men in the car were each lost in their own thoughts. Although he acted nonchalant in front of He Mingzhou, You Jiale tossed and turned before going to sleep, pondering his position in "Leji Delivery" and his future. He realized he needed to start thinking about cultivating his own people.
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