"Mr. Zhao," Lin Mei greeted Zhao Jianghe.
Zhao Jianghe, as always, was gentle and polite. "Am I disturbing your work? I wanted to ask about the progress of the loan."
"You're not disturbing me," this was part of her job. Lin Mei checked the approval status and saw it had reached the stage of applying for disbursement. "It should be soon. I'll inform you immediately if there are any new developments."
Zhao Jianghe thanked Lin Mei. "Thank you for your trouble. It's fortunate to have your help with this matter; I really wouldn't be at ease entrusting it to anyone else."
Zhao Jianghe's words were too flattering. Lin Mei smiled and exchanged pleasantries with him. Just as she was about to hang up, Zhao Jianghe suddenly asked, "Lin Mei, do you have someone you like right now?"
The question was rather abrupt, and the topic jumped significantly. Lin Mei took a while to reply, "No." She didn't know why Zhao Jianghe would suddenly bring up a personal matter while discussing work. After a moment of silence, he chuckled and asked, "Really?"
Lin Mei: "Mr. Zhao, why do you suddenly ask about this?"
Zhao Jianghe: "Because I've come to like you, and I'm curious about how you feel about me."
This sudden declaration of affection made Lin Mei's mind buzz. She remained silent for a long time. Zhao Jianghe didn't pressure her for an immediate answer but patiently said, "I'm sorry, I spoke too suddenly and might have startled you. You don't need to feel any pressure. I just wanted to tell you my feelings, and I will pursue you earnestly from now on."
Lin Mei: "..." With such a dignified approach, if she were to refuse again, it would seem ungracious.
Zhao Jianghe said, "I won't disturb your work anymore." Lin Mei replied with an "Mm" and quickly ended the call. Regarding Zhao Jianghe's intention to pursue her earnestly, Lin Mei considered it carefully. It wasn't impossible. As she had told Lan Lan and Feng Feng yesterday, a new love would naturally make one forget the old.
Zhao Jianghe had good qualities in all aspects and a gentlemanly demeanor, but one couldn't judge a book by its cover; time was needed for assessment. Lan Lan was right; single women didn't need to fixate on one goal but should "select the best."
The equity transfer agreement for Rongshi was approved mid-week. Xing Sha's seventy-five percent stake transitioned entirely to Xing Zheng, making Xing Zheng Rongshi's largest shareholder. Equity changes were significant events for a listed company. After the news broke, there was much speculation within Rongshi about the new chairman. This legendary second young master of the Xing family had never appeared at the company, and even among the senior management, only a few had met him.
Xing Sha brought Xing Zheng to the chairman's office and said, "This will be your place from now on. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, have the subordinates remodel it for you."
Xing Zheng replied with an "Mm." He had no particular thoughts. Xing Sha, sensing his lack of interest, said, "I know you have Shuangmu, and you don't have much interest in Rongshi. But it's also my and... my lifelong endeavor. With your capabilities, you definitely won't disappoint me."
Xing Sha had almost mentioned Xie Qin Jia just then but managed to stop himself. Xing Zheng still guessed it. He looked around and asked faintly, "How is she?"
With Xing Sha handing over Rongshi to him, Xie Qin Jia would certainly not agree. There must have been many arguments between them. Xing Sha didn't elaborate, "Give her some time, and she'll accept reality."
"For the executive meeting later, I'll go with you. You haven't officially announced your arrival yet. I think we should hold a reception this weekend, invite the media and friends, announce your succession, and also publicly announce our relationship," Xing Sha told Xing Zheng his plan.
Although Rongshi was a leading enterprise, the outside world knew very little about Xing Sha's family situation. Xing Yan had passed away early, and Xing Zheng was sent to the United States at nineteen, never having been publicly revealed. While Xing Zheng's return with Shuangmu garnered significant media attention, the public had not yet connected him with Rongshi. Only those within the circle who were close to Xing Sha knew Xing Zheng's identity.
"What do you think?" Xing Sha asked for Xing Zheng's opinion.
"You arrange it," Since he was taking over Rongshi, announcing his identity publicly was only a matter of time. Xing Zheng was not resistant.
Xing Sha showed a relieved expression. He stepped forward, placed his hand on his son's shoulder, and said, "I believe in you. This is a new beginning."
In the following days, Zhao Jianghe contacted Lin Mei very frequently, and he was always the one initiating. Lin Mei received WeChat messages from Zhao Jianghe almost every day during her lunch break and after work. Although he proactively chatted with her, he never said anything inappropriate. Mostly, he inquired about her life, asking simple questions like "What did you eat for lunch?" and "What do you want for dinner?" Lin Mei chatted with him without any psychological pressure.
On Friday, Zhao Jianghe's loan was approved. Lin Mei received an invitation from him, and after work, they went to a restaurant together.
Zhao Jianghe was dressed in a suit as usual, wearing rimless glasses, looking gentlemanly and refined. However, there was a hint of fatigue in his eyes, unlike his usual spirited demeanor. It was likely due to the company's heavy workload recently, leaving him no time to rest.
Despite this, Zhao Jianghe was still very considerate of Lin Mei, handing her the menu attentively. After Lin Mei ordered, she politely inquired about his company's situation. "Now that the loan is approved, will your company be better off?"
"Yes, at least several halted projects can resume operations," Zhao Jianghe poured water for Lin Mei. "Thanks to you for this matter."
These words were too flattering. "I didn't help much. It's good that things can return to normal for you."
Zhao Jianghe suddenly fell silent, his gaze fixed on Lin Mei, his eyes filled with a smile and admiration. Lin Mei asked him, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Zhao Jianghe: "It's nothing. Seeing you makes me feel very good."
Lin Mei smiled. "I didn't realize I had this utility."
Zhao Jianghe smiled warmly. "It's your unique temperament. I've been under a lot of pressure lately, and seeing you makes me feel much better."
Lin Mei just smiled without speaking. With her past experiences, such words could no longer move her. After the dishes arrived, they ate together. Zhao Jianghe received a call midway, presumably from his assistant, about some matter. After he hung up, Lin Mei said to him, "If there's something, you should go take care of it!"
Zhao Jianghe said, "There's nothing. It's about the weekend arrangements. Ah Zheng has taken over Rongshi, and there's an official announcement reception this weekend."
Lin Mei was stunned. Xing Zheng had taken over Rongshi? No wonder his attitude towards her had completely changed after Xing Sha visited the Zhuhua Villa that time. If he wanted Rongshi, he would definitely need a wife who was his equal. Jiang Chu Bi was the best candidate.
Knowing this, all his unusual behavior that day could be explained. Lin Mei inwardly mocked herself for being pathetic. Coincidentally, Zhao Jianghe asked her, "Are you free this weekend? Come with me."