Chapter 83
Shao Qidong sat in the conference room, his eyes closed, listening to the department heads reporting on their annual performance and their plans for the coming year. He didn’t offer much input, only asking a few questions when the key departments presented.
The end of the year was always a busy time for data compilation and reporting, with endless meetings. This year was no different, and everyone had prepared their materials according to the usual procedures. The only significant change was that the person sitting to Shao Qidong’s left was now Zhuo Cheng.
This newly recruited talent from overseas had been treated with the highest regard since joining Dongsheng. Although he wasn’t responsible for the existing business, everyone knew that the group’s future profit growth would mainly rely on the overseas branch he was establishing.
After the senior managers finished their reports, Shao Qidong gestured for a pause. “Let’s postpone the R&D department’s report.” Then, he turned to Zhuo Cheng, “Zhuo Cheng, tell us about the overseas branch first.”
Shao Qidong’s words immediately energized the room, the earlier sluggish atmosphere dissipating. Most of them knew what Zhuo Cheng was working on, they also knew he was highly valued by Mr. Shao, but they didn’t know the specifics of his projects.
Zhuo Cheng reported directly to Shao Qidong, who had instructed that any requests from Zhuo Cheng were to be prioritized by all other departments, no questions asked.
Mr. Shao’s request for Zhuo Cheng to report at the meeting today was a rare opportunity to learn more, and the department heads, who usually only half-heartedly participated in such formal meetings, perked up, mentally taking notes.
“The establishment of the overseas branch has been smooth, with excellent interdepartmental cooperation. We finalized five deals last month, and the first payment was fully received yesterday.”
Shao Qidong listened attentively, he already knew all this, the purpose of having Zhuo Cheng report at the meeting was to inform the other departments. Starting next year, Dongsheng would shift more of its focus to the overseas branch.
After Zhuo Cheng outlined his plans and potential projects for the coming year, Shao Qidong, without interrupting, listened carefully before finally commenting.
“In the next five years, overseas expansion is Dongsheng’s key strategy. We’ve acquired a large number of valuable assets, especially those research findings we acquired at a low price. We’re not just rebranding, we’re refining and developing them, these are excellent raw materials.”
Most of the people present had been with Shao Qidong since the beginning, following him when he moved the company from Hai City to Meng City. Some had even relocated their families to avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth, showing their loyalty and commitment to Shao Qidong.
“Mr. Shao, regarding our current projects, should we scale back, or maintain the current workload?” The head of the R&D department spoke up, his team was limited, they couldn’t handle both domestic and overseas projects simultaneously.
“Discuss this with the finance and HR departments, I’ll have them assign more people to your team in the short term. Maintain the current workload for now, then, in two to three years, once the overseas branch is stable, we’ll transfer all operations there.”
*Transfer all operations? * This announcement sparked a heated discussion.
“Transfer everything? Mr. Shao, our domestic assets are substantial, and our performance is consistently strong, with policy support, wouldn’t it be a waste to give it all up?”
Shao Qidong pursed his lips, and the others fell silent, waiting for his response.
“Policies are unpredictable, they can offer strong support today, then turn around and impose restrictions a few years later. The domestic market’s greatest risk is policy uncertainty, and our business is in a sensitive sector.
In the past few years, with less public attention, our operations have been relatively smooth, but as our brand expands, we won’t be able to control public opinion, and if policies change, we won’t even have time to adapt.”
Everyone understood, Mr. Shao wasn’t optimistic about the future of domestic policies, and he was already preparing for a transition.
“Besides, Dongsheng has grown too quickly these past few years, we’ve offended many of our competitors, if public opinion turns against us, we’ll be easy targets, what seems like an advantage now might become a weapon against us in the future.”
Shao Qidong’s authority within the group was undeniable, and with his explanation, no one dared to object, assuming he had insider information, that the government’s attitude was shifting, hence his sense of urgency.
“Once our overseas operations are stable, and our assets transferred, then our profits will be secure, whether you choose to continue working here or retire abroad, I won’t interfere, and I’ll ensure everyone receives their due compensation for their contributions to the company.”
This reassured everyone.
Zhuo Cheng, in the next two to three years, would undoubtedly be Dongsheng’s key figure, despite his current relatively low title.
Leaving the conference room, several department heads who weren’t very familiar with Zhuo Cheng approached him, even inviting him for a game of golf over the weekend. Zhuo Cheng, having successfully networked with Wall Street giants through his golfing skills in the US, found it a little beneath him to play with these people,
But he also knew that their cooperation was essential for the success of his future projects, so he politely agreed.
Watching him disappear into the elevator, the heads of the finance and R&D departments murmured, “Such a young achiever, the new generation is truly upon us.”
“Don’t be so sentimental, haven’t you been complaining about your health lately, wanting to retire early? If he can truly make the overseas branch successful, your retirement plans can be moved forward, you should be thanking him.”
“You’re right, thinking about it that way makes me feel much better.”
Zhuo Cheng didn’t care what they thought of him. Years of experience overseas had taught him to focus solely on his targets, to fulfill his boss’s instructions. As for others, those who were useful could be temporarily utilized, those who weren’t could be discarded.
And now, on his list of targets, Li Wan was at the top.
He had initially thought that giving up his career in the US and returning was for new opportunities in Meng City, it was only after seeing Li Wan being kissed by someone else that he realized he had returned for her.
**
After recovering slightly, Cheng Yan was taken back to Hai City. The Cheng family had sent a message, offering their support and asking Wen Shao Ze to contact them if needed. Wen Shao Ze politely thanked them but didn’t share the information he had gathered.
The Cheng family had their own resources, they could investigate this themselves. Wen Shao Ze knew Qin Qianrou wouldn’t want to be too deeply involved with Cheng Yan, she had messaged him after he left her home last time, asking him to avoid mentioning the Cheng family in front of Shen Yiqiu.
Although the Qin family hadn’t visited, their concern was evident in the constant stream of messages and calls Qin Qianrou received every day. Wen Yirong, however, had been unusually quiet, seemingly too busy to be concerned, only exchanging a few brief words each day.
Qin Qianrou, to reassure everyone, had taken Rong Fei’s advice and made an appointment for a consultation.
Rong Fei hadn’t been in Meng City when the incident happened, and upon returning and hearing about it, she had been incredibly worried.
Thankfully, they were both doing better now, and Rong Fei had specifically cleared her entire afternoon for Qin Qianrou.
“Welcome, Reporter Qin.” Rong Fei greeted her at the door, giving her a warm hug.
“You’re becoming more and more like Xiao Wan, so enthusiastic.” Qin Qianrou returned her hug, her expression relaxed.
Rong Fei discreetly observed her, noticing her healthy complexion and her seemingly good spirits.
“It seems Shen Yiqiu has been taking good care of you.”
Qin Qianrou followed Rong Fei into her office, and hearing her words, the image of them on the sofa the other day…
She looked down, hiding her sudden shyness. Rong Fei, busy preparing tea, didn’t notice, and by the time she brought it over, Qin Qianrou had already regained her composure.
“Don’t think we’re overreacting, there have been many similar cases, and I certainly don’t want you to become another statistic. But just to be safe, it’s better to discuss it.” Rong Fei explained her reasons for asking Qin Qianrou to come.
“I understand, you’re all concerned about me.” If not for knowing their genuine concern, Qin Qianrou might not have agreed.
“Okay, then let’s begin.” Rong Fei switched to “work mode,” slightly increasing the distance between them, she was a counselor now, not just Qin Qianrou’s friend.
Rong Fei took out a new file, pen in hand, waited for a few seconds, then softly said, “Could you recount the events of that day?”
Qin Qianrou leaned back comfortably on the sofa, Rong Fei’s office was tastefully decorated, and the sofa, provided for her clients, was especially luxurious.
“Every detail?”
Rong Fei smiled reassuringly, “Just tell me whatever you remember, it’s not a police interrogation, there’s no pressure.”
She wanted to see how much Qin Qianrou subconsciously remembered and to assess the extent of the trauma.
Qin Qianrou trusted Rong Fei completely, so she closed her eyes and slowly recounted the events of that day.
She had been drugged in the parking lot, so her memories were fragmented. She had been gradually losing consciousness as she was taken to the Xinting Hotel, she vaguely remembered her coat being removed after entering the room, then she had blacked out completely.
As she reached this part of her story, her hands unconsciously clenched into fists, which Rong Fei noticed but didn’t interrupt.
Qin Qianrou paused, then recounted her hazy awakening, she had been in a deep sleep, but Shen Yiqiu’s approach had stirred her consciousness, a figure emerging from the darkness, walking towards her.
She hadn’t been able to see the person’s face, but she had heard Shen Yiqiu’s voice, her familiar scent, then, a gentle caress on her cheek, tender and concerned, a slightly cool, damp touch, had fully awakened her.
She had realized later, that cool, damp touch had been Shen Yiqiu’s blood.
When talking about Shen Yiqiu, Qin Qianrou’s body visibly relaxed, her fists unclenching.
The entire recounting hadn’t taken long, less than thirty minutes, and Rong Fei helped Qin Qianrou sit up, handing her a cup of tea.
“Drink some water.”
Qin Qianrou finished her tea and went to the restroom to wash her face. Her emotional fluctuations hadn’t been significant, and being in Rong Fei’s office, she didn’t find recalling the incident too distressing.
When she returned, Rong Fei was making notes on a file, and Qin Qianrou asked calmly, “How is it? Any major problems?”
“No major problems, overall, you’re doing well.”
Qin Qianrou was relieved, no one wanted a negative assessment after a consultation.
“However, there are a few minor issues.” Rong Fei finished writing and looked up at her, “Don’t worry, just minor issues, they’ll resolve themselves over time.”
Qin Qianrou nodded, understanding, time was the best healer, and adults, especially, were resilient, she was confident about her recovery.
“Having Shen Yiqiu with you will definitely help.”
Qin Qianrou hadn’t returned since their last consultation about her relationship issues, and hearing Rong Fei’s tone now, it seemed she had fully accepted their relationship.
“She’s very good to me.”
Rong Fei smiled, seeing the happiness on her friend’s face was truly heartwarming.
“It’s not just that she’s good to you, she’s also your… emotional anchor.”
Hmm? Qin Qianrou felt this was a bit of an exaggeration. She was ten years older than Shen Yiqiu, and her years of experience as a reporter had exposed her to all kinds of situations, how could she possibly be completely reliant on a university student?
“Don’t doubt my professional assessment, I’m simply stating my observations.” The implication being that her subconscious mind had revealed this, she was merely stating the facts.
“When you were recalling the initial stage of the incident, being alone and in danger, you were tense, you even instinctively adopted a defensive posture, but when you talked about Shen Yiqiu’s arrival, your emotions gradually relaxed, until, in the end, you felt completely safe, this significant shift was because of Shen Yiqiu.”
This was indeed true, and Qin Qianrou didn’t deny it.
“And your trust and dependence on her have reached the point where you’re willing to entrust your safety, even your life, to her, this isn’t just a simple matter of someone being ‘good’ to you. For example, Xiao Wan and I are also good to you, but if you were in danger, you wouldn’t necessarily entrust your life to us, would you?”
Qin Qianrou thought carefully, then nodded.
Rong Fei smiled knowingly. “That’s because, besides her being good to you, you also believe in her abilities, that she can protect you, so subconsciously, you see her as your hero.”
So that’s it, Qin Qianrou finally understood the source of that deep connection she felt with Shen Yiqiu.
She cared about her, not just because of Shen Yiqiu’s affection, but also because she gave her a profound sense of security.
Qin Qianrou was silent for a moment, then sighed softly, “She is indeed my hero.”
Rong Fei had rarely seen such a soft and vulnerable expression on her friend’s face. Even she, not one to be romantically interested in women, found Qin Qianrou incredibly beautiful. A woman in love truly radiated a special kind of glow.
Shen Yiqiu’s love had nurtured this cold and aloof flower, blossoming in the harshest of environments, a truly unique and breathtaking sight. Rong Fei couldn’t help but admire this child, even when Qin Qianrou hesitated, retreated, even tried to avoid her, she had never given up.
“Congratulations to Shen Yiqiu then, for finally capturing your heart.”
Qin Qianrou’s smile faded slightly, but she didn’t try to appear indifferent.
“It sounds like you’re eager to push me away.”
“Not at all, I just want you to be happy.” Rong Fei put away the file, then leaned closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Did you try my suggestion from last time?”
Qin Qianrou couldn’t recall what she was referring to. “Which suggestion?”
“Sleeping together.”
Qin Qianrou was speechless, not knowing how to respond.
Rong Fei smiled knowingly. “So you wanted to, but you haven’t yet, right?”
Qin Qianrou felt that having a counselor as a friend wasn’t always a good thing, her innermost secrets laid bare.
That day on the sofa, she had indeed wanted to, but it hadn’t happened.
Thankfully, Shen Yiqiu hadn’t been upset, and she had been very well-behaved that night, just kisses, nothing more. Qin Qianrou knew she was patiently waiting for her.
It wasn’t that she was playing hard to get, such things should happen naturally. Having accepted Shen Yiqiu’s love, having allowed her into her bed, she wasn’t going to be a prude.
However, she was also… inexperienced. And for someone like Reporter Qin, who always meticulously prepared for everything, this was a challenge.
“It’s perfectly normal, many university students live together off-campus. Shen Yiqiu is an adult, since you’re officially together now, there’s no need for you to feel any pressure.”
Rong Fei clearly misunderstood, thinking Qin Qianrou’s hesitation was because of Shen Yiqiu’s age.
“It’s not because of her age.”
“Then why? Don’t tell me it’s because… you don’t know how?” Rong Fei’s casual tone, as if telling a joke,
then, seeing Qin Qianrou’s expression, she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I see, then I’ll recommend some resources.” Rong Fei took a sticky note and started writing down some websites.
Qin Qianrou took the note and saw a list of URLs.
“These websites are quite comprehensive, with beginner and advanced levels, you can… study them together when you have time.”
Rong Fei’s tone was serious, as if recommending educational materials.
Qin Qianrou quickly put the note away, wanting to ask where she had found these websites, but decided against it.
“I often have clients who encounter difficulties in this area.” Rong Fei explained, then added encouragingly, “The first time is always the hardest, it gets easier with practice, Shen Yiqiu is young, you should guide her, but remember to be gentle, we don’t want to traumatize the little one.”
The mention of “trauma” brought back the memory of Li Wan’s pained expression, her desire to rewind time.
Qin Qianrou pursed her lips and quickly changed the subject.
“I’ll take care of her.”
Shen Yiqiu didn’t know that in Rong Fei’s eyes, she was the one who needed to be gently cared for. She had just declared herself Qin Qianrou’s hero, how had she become the delicate flower in need of protection in bed?
Shen Yiqiu was also diligently studying, but many websites with useful information and clear instructions were blocked. The books she found were even more vague, mostly just skipping over the details, or simply mentioning “the next morning.”
They weren’t even as descriptive as her and Jiejie’s encounter on the sofa.
She ran her fingers through her hair in frustration, what to do? She wanted to learn, but she couldn’t find any useful resources, and there was no one she could ask for guidance. At this rate, by the time Jiejie was ready, she would be completely unprepared.
I can’t let Jiejie down, Shen Yiqiu told herself, and she resumed her search.
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