Chapter 368 Reunion
Chen Jun agreed, picked out a new suit, paired with a light gray cashmere sweater and a crisply ironed white shirt, and handed it over.
"Boss, change to this one. Didn't we have an appointment with Mr. Li and Mr. Zhou to discuss a collaboration today?"
Gu Yan took the clothes and nodded.
The partners in this collaboration are Hong Kong businessman Li Ka-shing and Zhou Zhengping.
While helping to prepare the tie, Chen Jun couldn't help but ramble on, "Boss, I've read the project proposal, and the profit margin is quite large. When you're negotiating, don't be shy, keep it strictly business, especially with that Mr. Zhou. Be as proper as you'd like, and don't give away any of the profits."
He always felt that his boss was very soft-hearted towards Zhou Sheng, an old acquaintance, and he was afraid that his boss's judgment would be affected by personal matters.
Gu Yan paused in buttoning his shirt. "Wow, you dare to stand up for your boss?"
Chen Jun feigned silence, "Yes, yes, boss, I shouldn't have said anything!"
Gu Yan ignored him, changed her clothes, and straightened her cuffs in front of the mirror.
The man in the mirror was impeccably dressed, with a cold and aloof expression, concealing all his emotions beneath his elite exterior.
The meeting was arranged in the Hongtu Mansion private room at the White Swan Hotel. The environment was elegant, overlooking the Pearl River, and had an excellent view.
When Gu Yan arrived, Zhou Zhengping was already there, sitting in front of the tea tray, intently rinsing the teaware.
He wore a well-fitting light-colored Zhongshan suit, his figure was thinner, and his brows were full of the gentleness and composure that comes with experience.
His tea-making movements were fluid and graceful, displaying a certain air of Confucian merchant.
Gu Yan took off his coat and handed it to the waiter, then walked over and sat down on the mahogany chair opposite him.
"Well done, Zhou Zhengping. It's been a while, and your skills have improved quite a bit."
Zhou Zhengping looked up at him.
"But none of them are as handsome as you, Boss Gu. You're the center of attention wherever you go."
The two exchanged a smile, and the subtle distance between them seemed to dissipate considerably at that moment.
Zhou Zhengping sensed the softening in Gu Yan's attitude and breathed a sigh of relief.
This collaboration was indeed a deliberate concession on his part, partly to repay a debt of gratitude, and partly because he didn't want to become estranged from his brother, Gu Yan.
Gu Yan clearly understood his intention. Although he might not need the project, he still came in person, which in itself was a signal.
After all, it's a bond forged since childhood, and it's not so easy to truly sever.
Zhou Zhengping poured a cup of tea and pushed it in front of Gu Yan.
Gu Yan picked up the tea, smelled its aroma, and took a sip. "After this contract is signed, I'm planning to go back to Jian'an for the New Year. What about you? Are you going back too? How about we go back together? We can take turns driving, which will be more convenient."
Zhou Zhengping nodded in agreement: "Yes. Anping called a few days ago and also said that he wants to bring Qingshan and Lele back to Jian'an for the New Year this year."
His tone was tinged with relief, "Anping also said... they're having another baby, they just found out. Qingshan is overjoyed."
Gu Yan said "Oh", "That's good, I'll give her a small gift later."
Before the two had even finished their cup of tea, Mr. Li, a Hong Kong businessman, walked in with his assistant, beaming with joy.
Gu Yan and Zhou Zhengping got up at the same time to greet the two wealthy men.
Nan Zhiyi was the last to know that Zhou Anping was pregnant.
When Gu Xiao drove her and Xiaoman back to the Gu family's small building in Jian'an, it was already dusk.
Wu Ma came out to greet them with a smile on her face. "The commander said he was waiting for you to come back at home, but this afternoon his old comrade-in-arms, Political Commissar Wang, insisted on taking him out for tea and chess. We couldn't stop him. I reckon he'll be back soon."
Gu Xiao nodded to Wu Ma and carried his luggage upstairs.
Nan Zhiyi hung up the scarf, then took off Xiaoman's thick coat and boots, and said to Wu Ma, "Dad has been cooped up at home for days, it's good for him to go out and relax."
Xiaoman was freed from her heavy clothes and happily ran upstairs to find her father.
Nan Zhiyi followed Wu Ma into the kitchen to watch her prepare dinner and chat with her about everyday things.
While Aunt Wu was washing vegetables, Nan Zhiyi helped by peeling garlic.
Aunt Wu asked softly, "Zhiyi, I saw the Zhou family girl from across the street come back yesterday, with her son-in-law and Lele. I noticed... her belly seems to be swollen again? Is she pregnant again?"
Nan Zhiyi's fingers paused slightly.
Is Anping pregnant again?
She had no idea at all.
During this period, they did have less contact. They only spoke briefly on the phone a few times, and Anping didn't mention it, so she naturally had no way of knowing.
Unexpectedly, the two had become so estranged.
She couldn't quite describe the feeling in her heart; she was somewhat surprised and disappointed.
Seeing her expression, Aunt Wu guessed what was going on and asked cautiously, "What's wrong? Didn't Comrade Anping tell you?"
Nan Zhiyi gently shook her head and put the peeled garlic cloves into a small bowl. "Hmm, she probably... hasn't had a chance to say it yet. I'm not too sure either."
Just then, the doorbell rang from the entryway. Aunt Wu wiped her hands and said, "Who could it be at this hour? I'll go open the door."
Aunt Wu wiped her hands and said, "I guess the commander is back?" She then went to open the door.
Nan Zhiyi subconsciously followed him out of the kitchen.
The door opened, and standing outside was Zhou Anping, wrapped in a thick down jacket, carrying a delicate box of pastries.
The two sisters, who used to talk about everything, looked at each other and felt awkward for a moment.
Zhou Anping spoke first, his voice muffled through his scarf, "Zhiyi, I saw Fifth Brother's car, so I thought I'd come and see you."
Aunt Wu stepped aside: "Comrade Anping, come in quickly, come in quickly!"
Nan Zhiyi quickly invited them in, "Come in and talk, it's cold outside."
Zhou Anping walked in, took off her down jacket, revealing a loose wool dress underneath, and her abdomen was indeed noticeably protruding.
She handed the box of pastries to Aunt Wu: "Aunt Wu, it's from the new pastry shop that Jian'an opened."
"Oh, you're too kind!" Aunt Wu said with a smile as she accepted the snacks. "You two sisters have a good chat, I'll go put the snacks away."
Nan Zhiyi helped Zhou Anping sit on the sofa. "Why did you come all the way here yourself? I heard from Aunt Wu that you just got back yesterday..."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com