The call was from Academician Xu Hang, the person in charge of Nandou. Ever since Taoxun Maps partnered with Nandou, their collaboration had been smooth sailing. However, there was usually a dedicated person responsible for communication, so Xu Hang and she rarely interacted.
Therefore, Xu Hang calling her was indeed a surprise.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Hang asked with a smile, "President Ye, I heard that Taoxun Maps is preparing to upgrade to a new generation of 3D real-scene maps?"
Ye Zhi smiled faintly, "Yes, but that's also thanks to Nandou's satellite system..."
Xu Hang was somewhat surprised listening to Ye Zhi describe the progress of the real-scene maps.
Taoxun had launched quite a few new businesses in the past year, and they had all developed remarkably well. Even someone like Xu Hang, who was immersed in research day in and day out, had noticed them to some extent.
He truly hadn't expected that Ye Zhi would know the progress of Taoxun Maps in such detail under these circumstances. It seemed that no matter how many businesses Taoxun had, Ye Zhi was still managing to oversee them.
After chatting for a bit, Ye Zhi asked curiously, "Academician Xu, do you have any suggestions for the real-scene maps? Are there any areas that need improvement?"
"No, no, no," Xu Hang came back to his senses. He said with a chuckle, "I just think this project has great prospects, so I wanted to chat with you, President Ye... By the way, President Ye, Nandou recently launched a new batch of satellites. Have you noticed?"
Ye Zhi froze for a moment, her mind racing at high speed.
Xu Hang claiming he just wanted to understand the real-scene maps – she definitely didn't believe that. But what was he trying to say by beating around the bush?
He mentioned satellites; was he hinting that he hoped she would invest some money in Nandou so they could launch more satellites?
Ye Zhi felt a pang of emotion. No wonder Xu Hang was being so hesitant; it seemed he was too embarrassed to ask directly!
"That's great news," Ye Zhi said with a smile. "Launching more satellites can also improve the accuracy of map navigation. Academician Xu, Taoxun has always wanted to do something for Nandou. Is there anything I can help with? Whether it's money or effort, please don't hesitate to ask, Academician Xu."
Xu Hang: ...
From the implication in Ye Zhi's words, did she think he had come to ask for money?
Although he wanted to praise Ye Zhi for her generosity, he really hadn't come for money this time!
The Hongluan had been launched, and he had already sent the official certificate to Qi Xuan. Xu Hang had thought he would soon hear news of Ye Zhi being in a relationship, but he had waited and waited with no movement!
That's why he couldn't hold back and made this call to probe her. But judging by the situation, had Ye Zhi already forgotten about the requirement of launching satellites before pursuing her? Or had Qi Xuan, who received the certificate, still not made a move?
"President Ye, you're really overthinking it," Xu Hang explained helplessly. "I genuinely just felt optimistic about the real-scene maps, so I came to chat with you..."
After a few more casual remarks, Xu Hang hung up the phone.
At this point, Ye Zhi felt rather bewildered.
Had she really misunderstood?
Oh well, she wouldn't think about it too much anymore.
*
At the Half-Mountain Villa, at Qi Xuan's home.
A delicate gift box sat before Qi Xuan. Inside was the certificate for the Hongluan satellite sent to him by Nandou.
In addition to the certificate, Nandou had also gifted him a satellite model.
These gifts had arrived in his hands half a month ago, but he had been hesitating about whether to give them to Ye Zhi.
"Look, just holding it and looking at it won't let Miss Ye know your feelings!" the butler said, dissatisfied, while playing with the energetic Zhaocai with a cat teaser. "Young Master, I don't understand. You used to be quite bold, so why have you become so timid when it comes to matters of the heart? It's just giving a gift. What are you afraid of?"
Qi Xuan gave a wry smile. He put the certificate back in the box and closed the lid. "Butler, Ye Zhi is very busy and happy right now. This happiness comes from her career."
The butler paused, his brow furrowing in displeasure. "What does that have to do with you giving her a gift?"
"As she is now, her entire focus is on her career, and she hasn't considered matters of the heart, not just with me, but with everyone," Qi Xuan said softly. "If I were to give her the gift at this time, it would inevitably make her reconsider her relationship with me.
The business entanglements between us are too deep. Even if she has no feelings for me, once I make it clear, it will be very difficult for her to refuse me, and she'll have to consider how to interact with me in the future. This is a critical period for her career advancement, and I don't want to distract her because of me.
The more I care about her, the less I want to be a burden to her, and the less I want her to be unhappy because of me."
The butler's mouth hung open in astonishment. He suddenly realized that what Qi Xuan said made a lot of sense.
As soon as Qi Xuan gave this gift, regardless of whether Ye Zhi accepted it or not, their relationship would fundamentally change.
If Ye Zhi also had feelings for Qi Xuan, they would officially become a couple. But if Ye Zhi didn't like Qi Xuan, she would inevitably have to consider Qi Xuan's identity as her biggest investor. Even maintaining a polite distance would be the best-case scenario.
If their relationship deteriorated further, Ye Zhi might issue more shares to dilute Qi Xuan's stake, or find other ways to minimize Qi Xuan's influence, or even exclude him entirely to reduce the impact of personal relationships on Taoxun. This possibility was low, but not impossible. After all, Ye Zhi had always been very composed.
Regardless, once the truth was revealed, their relationship would be irrevocably changed.
"I finally understand why some companies don't allow office romances!" the butler sighed helplessly. "Alright, alright, I won't interfere in your affairs!"
The sound of a familiar car approached. Qi Xuan straightened up slightly, picked up the gift box, and put it away.
Soon, Ye Zhi strode in.
She greeted everyone, then put her hands on her hips and looked at the happily playing Zhaocai with a helpless expression. "I knew you were here! Come on, go home with me!"
Saying that, Ye Zhi strode forward, preparing to grab Zhaocai by the scruff of its neck.
Zhaocai meowed at her in dissatisfaction, turned, and ran.
"Hey, you little rascal!" Ye Zhi froze for a moment, then chased after it.
Qi Xuan's expression shifted slightly.
Zhaocai was running towards the basement.
The satellite model Nandou had given him was placed in the storage room in the basement.
Qi Xuan got up and followed.
Ye Zhi chased down the stairs. She saw Zhaocai reach the entrance of the storage room, then leap up, placing its front paws on the door handle. With a click, the door opened directly.
Ye Zhi was stunned. Zhaocai could even open doors?!
Seeing it slip inside, Ye Zhi anxiously followed, "Little rascal, don't run around..."