Chapter 791: Chapter 792: Sibling discord, Advancing into the virtual realm (4000 words)

Zhou Yunchen left the room with an air of composure, leaving his older brother brooding alone.

Blast it! he thought. One after another, none of them are easy to deal with. Disobedient, leaving whenever they please without showing me any respect. And to think I was considering leaving them a way out. It seems unnecessary now.

The older brother was genuinely furious. He sat there for a long time, only looking up when Wang Jingchuan approached. "Has he left?" he inquired.

Wang Jingchuan replied in a hushed voice, "He’s left. The procedures have been completed too."

After a pause, he ventured, "Should I hold onto those documents privately? No one knows about them yet; only Mr. Zhou has signed."

King Jingyao, full of suppressed anger, snapped, "Hold what? What’s the use of keeping these two around who do nothing but infuriate me all day?"

Wang Jingchuan felt thoroughly rebuffed and didn’t dare say anything more, simply looking at his superior.

After a while, he remembered something else and asked even more cautiously, "Um... the Bo Family is also acting out of spite. What about the medical project? And the project Young CEO Gu promised you, what about that?"

King Jingyao slapped the table. "You think I can’t manage without those bastards?"

This outburst terrified the Secretary-General, who once again didn’t dare to breathe too loudly, afraid of fanning the flames.

King Jingyao slowly sat down and calmed himself for a moment before saying, "We’ll discuss this later."

Just as they were speaking, a security guard at the door announced, "Mr. Wang, Dr. Jiang is here to see you."

King Jingyao narrowed his eyes.

Wang Jingchuan asked softly, "You’re not in a good mood right now. Do you want to see her? I reckon she’s here for that project."

King Jingyao leaned back in his chair, lit a cigarette, took a long drag, and then said, "Let her in."

Wang Jingchuan’s heart skipped a beat; he sensed a hint of grim determination in King Jingyao’s tone.

Meeting Jiang Chaoge... Does this mean he’s giving up on the Bo Family, giving up on his sister?

He didn’t move. King Jingyao slapped the table again. "Still not going?"

The Secretary-General immediately went. As he walked, he cursed inwardly, Damn it all! Is he really abandoning his sister? He needs to think this through! Jiang Chaoge is aiming for the title of Mrs. Wang. If he doesn’t want to give it, or can’t afford to, he shouldn’t provoke her!

Wang Jingchuan reached the doorway and forced a smile. "Dr. Jiang."

Jiang Chaoge knew Wang Jingchuan didn’t have a good impression of her. If I’m not mistaken, Wang Jingchuan and the other Secretary-General, Wang Yuan, have both been bought by Gu Anxi. But so what? Zhou Yunchen has been kicked out, and I have an important project in hand. Once I’m given significant responsibilities, Beicheng will undergo a major reshuffle.

Jiang Chaoge smiled faintly. "Is Mr. Wang available to see me?"

"Of course." Wang Jingchuan’s smile was laden with meaning. "Mr. Wang is always available whenever Dr. Jiang comes."

Jiang Chaoge merely smiled faintly and followed him inside.

Inside, King Jingyao had clearly composed himself. Seeing Jiang Chaoge, he beamed. "Chaoge, you’re here."

As he spoke, he very gentlemanly extinguished his cigarette, rose, and walked to the sofa. "Sit."

Jiang Chaoge gracefully went over and sat down. King Jingyao was very enthusiastic. "Jingchuan, make Chaoge a cup of coffee."

He then looked at Jiang Chaoge. "Those who’ve studied abroad usually drink coffee, right?"

Jiang Chaoge chuckled, her gaze fixed on King Jingyao. "Yes, but I’ve heard Anxi prefers tea. One wouldn’t expect someone so young to have such old-fashioned tastes."

King Jingyao picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said rather nonchalantly, "Young people can be insensible and sometimes don’t know their place."

Then he added, "Let’s not talk about that. By the way, what did you come to see me about today?"

Just as Jiang Chaoge was about to speak, Wang Jingchuan came over, holding a cup of fine coffee. He personally placed it on the coffee table. "Dr. Jiang."

He said this with a smile, very politely.

Jiang Chaoge was also polite and spoke with a smile, "I’m sorry, Secretary-General Wang, I haven’t been feeling well these past couple of days and probably shouldn’t drink coffee. Perhaps you could get me a cup of black tea instead?"

Wang Jingchuan was genuinely surprised. He looked at her silently for a moment, but then he quickly smiled. "Alright, if Dr. Jiang isn’t up for coffee, I’ll go get a different cup."

At this, King Jingyao spoke up, "Open that excellent black tea that arrived the day before yesterday and make a cup for Chaoge."

Wang Jingchuan deliberately feigned surprise. "But sir, you instructed that to be saved for Miss Anxi."

King Jingyao glanced at him, picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and only then said, "Oh? I’d forgotten."

Jiang Chaoge smiled. "Actually, I’m quite fond of black tea too."

"Since you like it, have Jingchuan pack some up for you to take home later. It’s good tea, and only those who are fortunate can enjoy it." King Jingyao said, giving Wang Jingchuan a look.

Wang Jingchuan gave a dry laugh. "Alright, I’ll go do that."

With that, he left.

In this small, deliberate attempt to make things difficult, Jiang Chaoge had clearly won. She was very satisfied.

It seems Gu Anxi and King Jingyao have indeed had a falling out. And Zhou Yunchen isn’t being given important assignments right now either. There must be a significant reason for that... Jiang Chaoge calculated inwardly, planning to bring the Jiang Family back to prominence in Beicheng.

As she was thinking, King Jingyao, looking as affable as a spring breeze, said, "Chaoge, did you come today to talk about that project? I will naturally give my full support to your endeavors."

Jiang Chaoge smiled. "I’ve already confirmed with Huaer Laboratory. For the project collaboration, our side will receive twenty percent of the shares. Both parties will contribute capital proportionally; they will provide the technology, and we will provide the venue."

King Jingyao took a sip of tea. "Twenty percent, isn’t that too little? How many years will it take for such an investment to recoup its costs? Besides, once the patent period expires, everything invested will go down the drain."

Jiang Chaoge paused for a moment, then said, "What I didn’t mention is that another twenty percent will be in my name."

"Oh?" King Jingyao looked both surprised and pleased. "If we can secure such terms, that would be truly excellent. We would completely hold the initiative."

Whether from excitement or some other emotion, he reached out and grasped Jiang Chaoge’s hand, inexplicably agitated. "With it in your hands, what could I possibly worry about?"

Just then, the tactless Wang Jingchuan came over, still holding a cup of black tea. "This time, I’ve brewed it just right, not too hot and not too cold. The amount is perfect too. Dr. Jiang, please try it."

King Jingyao turned his head and said, "Jingchuan, you’re being too formal! Still calling her ’Dr. Jiang’ repeatedly. We’re all on the same side here."

The Secretary-General put the tea down and said respectfully, "There are always differences in status. Calling her Dr. Jiang is more appropriate."

Old Brother Wang then chuckled, "Look at you, so timid. There will be times for closeness in the future. It won’t do for you to be calling her ’Dr. Jiang’ all day long."

After saying this, he turned to Jiang Chaoge again. "Jingchuan, he’s just..." His smile froze for a moment before he continued, "He’s just been intimidated by that little bastard, so he’s a bit reserved. Don’t mind him. Right, where were we?"

Jiang Chaoge said, "We were talking about the shares."

Old Brother Wang nodded. "Yes, yes, yes, the shares... This is excellent. Well then, you’ll need to negotiate this properly. I’m counting on you for everything."

Jiang Chaoge elegantly sipped her tea. "I will naturally give it my all."

After speaking, she changed the subject. "I forgot to mention, I have a few VIP tickets for a concert here. I just don’t know if Mr. Wang has the time to go."

As her voice fell, several exquisite tickets were placed on the coffee table. King Jingyao glanced at them casually.

They were Lin Hua’s.

He smiled impassively. "Ah, it’s her. An old friend. It would be good to show some support."

Jiang Chaoge smiled. "There’s also a banquet after the concert. I hope you’ll attend that as well."

When she spoke, there was a hint of playfulness that any normal man would appreciate. Old Brother Wang looked quite pleased as well. "Alright, then we’ll meet in a couple of days."

He affectionately patted Jiang Chaoge’s hand. "Chaoge, I hope to hear good news from you then."

Jiang Chaoge nodded, smiled faintly, and rose gracefully. "Then I’ll let you get back to your work. I’ll take my leave now."

King Jingyao rose to see her off, looking as if he held her in high regard, and accompanied her all the way downstairs.

Once Jiang Chaoge’s car drove away, his expression turned cold, and he walked back to his office without a word.

BANG! The door slammed shut, startling the Secretary-General. "Sir, why are you so furious again?"

Old Brother Wang tossed the cup Jiang Chaoge had used into the trash can and snorted coldly. "A creature like that dares to threaten me with twenty percent of the shares? Who does she think she is?"

Wang Jingchuan knew his boss was furious but hadn’t expected him to be so repulsed by Jiang Chaoge. He was just chatting and laughing with her, even holding her hand, and now his face is black as thunder, he wondered.

He sighed. What’s the point of all this?

Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he asked, "Are you really going to accompany her to Miss Lin Hua’s concert? This Dr. Jiang is doing it deliberately, to announce her status. After this, your friendship with Miss Lin Hua might..."

Actually, saying this is redundant. Old Brother Wang has always been a philanderer. If Lin Hua were the type to get angry about such things, she’d have been furious long ago.

King Jingyao sat down, the sofa sinking beneath him. After a good while, he sneered, "You think showing Lin Hua some disrespect will satisfy her? Have you forgotten Jiang Bin has a son named Jiang Ming? He’s about Zhou Yunchen’s age and was recently transferred to Beicheng. He’s colleagues with that Lin Yuan, each handling their respective duties. Everyone knows I’m displeased with the Jiang Family, yet this Jiang Ming has quietly risen. What do you think her next move is?"

Secretary-General Wang also smiled faintly. "Is she imagining herself as Consort Yang?"

King Jingyao tapped his fingers lightly, then said, "Stabilize her first. As for Jiang Ming... relay a message to Lin Yuan. He’ll know what to do."

Lin Yuan was recommended by the Bo Family. He’s very capable and astute, but he’s getting on in years and sticks to old-fashioned methods. Otherwise, his future would be limitless. From my perspective, promoting him further to a primary position would be about right for him.

Secretary-General Wang nodded. "Alright, I’ll get it done."

Old Brother Wang raised a hand, stopping him. "Also, don’t let anything slip."

Hearing this, Wang Jingchuan smiled. "I don’t understand your intentions, sir, so there’s no information for me to leak to anyone."

This amused King Jingyao. He stretched out his leg and gave him a light kick. "Alright, you little rascal, I know your game. You’re deliberately trying to get information out of me. I’m not falling for it."

Seeing him pleased, Wang Jingchuan deliberately teased, "That was quite a kick, sir. My leg might be bruised for days."

No sooner had he said it than King Jingyao’s expression darkened.

This isn’t good, Wang Jingchuan thought and quickly slipped out, leaving King Jingyao sitting there alone, his heart in turmoil.

Jingchuan said his leg would be bruised for days. I clearly didn’t use much force, yet he said it hurt. That night, I used seventy or eighty percent of my strength. The old lady said that little brat’s leg was badly bruised. That must be true, right? And thinking further, she’s never lost a fight. She must have been really indignant after I hit her like that, right? But she did such a major thing herself; am I not even allowed to get angry? Mulling it over and over, he felt extremely uncomfortable and had no mood to work...

Just as he was feeling vexed, a blockhead came in.

It was none other than Chen Ming.

Chen Ming rushed in, saw King Jingyao sitting there alone, paused for a second, then immediately said, "Sir... did you really drive Mr. Zhou away?"

"Which Mr. Zhou?" King Jingyao glanced askance at him, legs crossed, casually patting his trousers.

Chen Ming had always been an honest fellow, usually engrossed in his work. He was good at his job, but truly clumsy with words. Rebuffed like that, he immediately scratched his head and said, somewhat embarrassed, "Zhou Yunchen."

The corner of King Jingyao’s mouth twitched into a cold smirk. "So, is this a subordinate concerned about his superior, or a brother-in-law concerned about his wife’s elder brother?"

Chen Ming’s face instantly reddened. It took him a good while to say, "Of course, I’m concerned as a subordinate."

"He’s no longer your superior, so you don’t need to worry about him." King Jingyao took a sip of tea, his voice slow and deliberate. "Don’t you learn from him; he has such a rotten temper."

Chen Ming said nothing, remaining silent.

King Jingyao sneered again. "You promising lad, you. Aren’t there women everywhere? Why must you cling to Zhou Yunchen’s sister? Do you even know what kind of person she is? She’s good-looking, rich, and very famous abroad! Just find an honest woman and get married. Stop daydreaming about these unattainable things all day. Some people are just ungrateful wretches you can never win over."

Chen Ming understood this. He swallowed nervously and boldly asked, "Sir, are you talking about Song Jia or Anxi?"

He had barely finished speaking when a teacup flew towards him...

Chen Ming immediately bolted.

King Jingyao was thoroughly enraged. "Worthless!"

「Meanwhile, at Si Garden」

Gu Anxi had already received news about Zhou Yunchen. She called to offer her "condolences." "Hey, Zhou Yunchen, I heard you lost your job."

Zhou Yunchen had just gotten home and was lounging on the sofa like a lord, while Song Jia massaged his back like a dutiful little wife.

Hearing Gu Anxi’s words, Zhou Yunchen rolled his eyes. "Tomorrow, I’ll go to work in my wife’s place and earn lots of money for Young CEO Gu. We beg Young CEO Gu to give us a bite to eat."

Gu Anxi scoffed. "Stop being so sarcastic! Who do you think I did this for? By the way, next month’s performance needs to increase by at least thirty percent. Otherwise, we’ll all just go back to Qingcheng together. Why stay in Beicheng and embarrass ourselves?"

Zhou Yunchen looked at his phone. He definitely hadn’t misheard...

Damn it all! This ruthless little brat is practically a sweatshop owner!

(4,000 words, another update at ten o’clock.)