Chapter 14
Several of Dongjian’s projects have entered the delivery phase, and the entire company has finally found some free time after being extremely busy.
As the boss, Fu Yu also rarely left work on time for a day, but halfway through, he received a call from Chen Shaoguang inviting him to dinner. Given what had happened before, Fu Yu felt it was necessary to take this opportunity to clarify with Chen Shaoguang that he shouldn’t make commitments on behalf of Dongjian without authorization. So, he instructed the driver to change course and head to the agreed-upon restaurant.
During the meal, Chen Shaoguang talked incessantly about the new big clients he had recently met, spitting as he spoke and even putting some food on Fu Yu’s plate when he noticed Fu Yu not eating.
Fu Yu had no appetite and realized that, despite knowing Chen Shaoguang for many years and having had many meals together, he had never noticed his cleanliness and preferences. On the other hand, he remembered Xiao Yi’s likes and dislikes even though they hadn’t been in contact for five or six years, still recalling their last meeting.
He was suddenly startled by his own thoughts. Why was he thinking about Xiao Yi?
This wasn’t the first time Fu Yu had thought about Xiao Yi recently. Since that day he had left Xiao Yi’s house, he had been distracted, occasionally thinking about trivial high school memories and sometimes recalling Xiao Yi’s pale expression that day.
If Xiao Yi were to sincerely apologize and admit his mistakes one day, would he truly forgive him? But Xiao Yi hadn’t paid any price for his past wrongs and had even indulged in pleasures during college, not caring about Fu Yu’s feelings. Even if he treated him well now, it wouldn’t make up for the years of disappointment and loneliness in Fu Yu’s heart.
Should he forgive so easily? This issue weighed heavily on his mind, keeping him awake at night these past few days.
Seeing Fu Yu’s lack of enthusiasm, Chen Shaoguang stopped talking about irrelevant matters and changed the subject. “It seems like you have a good relationship with Xiao Yi these days?”
Fu Yu’s thoughts immediately returned to that name. “No, it’s the same as before.”
“But last time, he really defended you,” Chen Shaoguang referred to the incident with Hua Ao. “Have you considered… reconciling with him?”
“What he thinks is none of my concern, but he has indeed helped me a lot during this time.”
“Don’t be too quick to soften your heart! He must have ulterior motives.”
Chen Shaoguang’s sudden excitement left Fu Yu puzzled. “How do you know?”
“They say old habits die hard. He was so bad in high school, always getting into fights. Only you were willing to hang out with him, so of course, he’s clinging to you now. He just wants to patch things up with you, and once you give in, he’ll probably start bullying you again.”
What Chen Shaoguang said made sense. If Xiao Yi was genuinely sincere, why would he have done those things? Now, he was seeking reconciliation with a low posture, but who knew if it was just another mask of hypocrisy.
“Well, I won’t forgive him easily,” Fu Yu responded.
Chen Shaoguang seemed relieved and started talking about his own business matters. Fu Yu nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts elsewhere.
A few weeks later, the initial design phase of the hotel project that Dongjian was collaborating on with Xiao’s company was gradually coming to an end, and both sides had had several meetings to iron out the details. The project was now well-established.
The team could finally take a breather, but only temporarily. Once the hotel construction began, Dongjian would have to follow up closely. Architectural designs could only go so far; many issues would surface during construction, requiring their team to address them promptly.
On this day, Dongjian and Xiao’s company held their weekly meeting. When Fu Yu entered, he noticed that Xiao Yi was there too. This was the first time he attended a meeting after their falling out, and his expression was just as usual, legs crossed, and focused on the documents. When he saw Fu Yu come in, he greeted him casually.
Fu Yu nodded slightly and took his seat calmly.
As usual, the meeting began with everyone reporting on their work from the previous week. Xiao Yi, sitting across from Fu Yu, surprisingly didn’t gaze at him as he usually did. He held a pen against his chin, seemingly deep in thought.
Typically, Xiao Yi would summarize the meeting and announce its end. Fu Yu asked him as usual, “Xiao Zong, is there anything else you’d like to add?”
Xiao Yi looked up at him, his dark eyes inscrutable, making it impossible to read his thoughts.
Fu Yu could tell something was amiss from his expression.
As expected, Xiao Yi cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. “Everything is fine, but I have another matter I’d like to discuss with Mr. Fu.”
“Please go ahead,” Fu Yu knew he had to proceed, even though he sensed that there might be a trap.
Xiao Yi glanced around the room, making sure everyone was listening, and then calmly spoke, “In fact, I’d like to invite Mr. Fu to invest in this project together with us.”
This statement sent shockwaves through the room, and even Dongjian’s people were almost taken aback.
Xiao’s company was well-funded and never needed external investments. They earned all the money themselves, and other companies never had a chance to get a share of the pie. Moreover, Xiao’s hotel business was one of the most profitable in the industry, guaranteed returns with no losses, a real cash cow. For a company like Dongjian to have the opportunity to work as the design team for Xiao’s five-star hotel was already incredibly fortunate. Nobody had ever imagined they would become investors in the project.
Xiao Yi dropping such a bombshell during a regular meeting left everyone in shock, and this news was likely to spread throughout the business community in A City by the afternoon.
Fu Yu had anticipated that Xiao Yi might make an unusual move, but he hadn’t expected it to be this astounding. It was clear that Xiao Yi intended to help Dongjian make a substantial profit, which would elevate the company’s strength and status by several notches.
As the company’s manager, Fu Yu couldn’t pretend not to be tempted. However, Xiao Yi had given him such a huge advantage for no apparent reason. How could he repay such a debt? He might never be able to, and Dongjian would be bound to Xiao’s company indefinitely. The connection between him and Xiao Yi would be even more unbreakable.
“Thank you for your kind offer, Xiao Zong, but I’m afraid our company may not have the financial capacity to invest in such a large project.”
Xiao’s company’s people were once again astonished. Their boss had proposed this invitation without consulting them first, which was already unimaginable. Now, the other party was actually thinking of declining? Both of these individuals’ actions were beyond their comprehension.
Xiao Yi appeared prepared for this response. “Mr. Fu, please don’t be too modest. I’ve had someone investigate some of Dongjian’s recent investments over the past two years, and the returns have been quite impressive. We are very satisfied with our current cooperation, and deepening our collaboration further seems reasonable. Of course, I won’t ask for an immediate answer. I’ll give you three days to consider. Is that acceptable?”
With this move, Xiao Yi had essentially left Fu Yu with no room for negotiation.
This was such a lucrative investment that only a fool would refuse. Fu Yu also knew that the company indeed had the financial capacity for this project. If he refused, it would be a case of personal interests harming the company and letting down his father’s hard work and the trust of his subordinates. In both moral and logical terms, he could only accept.
Xiao Yi’s tactic of binding him in this way was truly cunning.
In the end, all Fu Yu could do was promise to consider it thoroughly and make a decision. However, it was clear to everyone what the outcome would be.
