After a dark-hearted discussion and colluding like villains, the old Liang family was completely finished.
It would have been better not to seek anyone's intercession. They could have held out for quite a while longer. Now it's good, they've invited wolves into the house, and another fresh force has arrived to carve up the old Liang family.
With the serious matters concluded and their bellies full, Wei Zhijie enthusiastically saw Wang Yan out the door.
Because he had drunk alcohol, Wei Zhijie called a driver to take Wang Yan back.
It was still early, so he didn't have the driver go straight home, but instead made a detour to the company.
On the way, he called Chen Yu and asked him to come over.
Upon arriving at the company, Wang Yan brewed a pot of tea to sober up. That fifty-year-old liquor was indeed potent, mellow, fragrant, rich, and smooth. He had drunk most of it.
"Knock, knock, knock," a knock sounded at the door.
"Enter."
Chen Yu walked in, "Mr. Wang."
After a month without seeing him, Chen Yu had changed drastically.
Perhaps due to long nights, his eye sockets were a bit dark, making him look a little disheveled. However, his eyes were sharp and exceptionally bright, his posture was upright, and overall, he gave off an energetic aura.
Wang Yan nodded and gestured to the opposite seat, "Sit."
Wang Yan poured a cup of tea and handed it to Chen Yu.
"How have things been recently? Are you adapting well?"
"Thank you, Mr. Wang, everything is going very well. The company is on the right track, and the few matters reported a couple of days ago have received quite positive feedback."
Chen Yu had been in charge for a month now, and as a manager, he had gained some insights and experiences. He didn't mention what he had sacrificed or how hard he had worked to achieve these things. It was meaningless, after all, Wang Yan paid him generously and had given him a stepping stone for advancement.
"Yes, I saw all of that. It's indeed good."
Wang Yan smiled, "You said before that you couldn't handle it, but look how well you're doing now. Have some confidence in yourself. I see your efforts."
"It's all thanks to your guidance, Mr. Wang. What I've done is nothing; it's all my duty." Chen Yu replied politely.
The past period wasn't wasted. He had dealt with various big and small matters and all sorts of people under him. Coupled with issues in management style, he inevitably had to get involved in everything and do everything himself.
Things he used to dislike and oppose, he had experienced more of during this time. Sometimes he would reflect on whether his experiences over the years were right or wrong. However, after more exposure, he had learned this approach and was trying to integrate and accept it.
No one knew if he would become like his superior, that woman called Sister Lu.
Wang Yan observed this change. Whether it was good or bad was up to him; everyone had their own way of handling things.
To be honest, if he hadn't had the system's fortuitous encounter, he would have been more worldly and fawning than anyone else. What right would he have to stand on high ground and criticize others?
People change. Society itself is a great dye vat, and no one can escape it. Some are dyed on the surface, blending in with the world. Others are stained to their souls, to the depths of their hearts.
Those who agree: "Hmm, he's finally opened up."
Those who are unwilling: "Heh, so worldly."
Maintaining his smile, Wang Yan said, "The company is running smoothly now. The rest is just a matter of following the established procedures."
"Seeing your sunken eye sockets and that look of excessive indulgence, you must have been exhausted lately."
"I'm not some wealthy landlord. To celebrate the company's smooth progress, I've arranged a two-week trip to Europe for you all. The company isn't large, and there aren't many people. You can bring a family member. Accommodation, food, and travel expenses are covered; the rest is at your own expense. As for you, I can't treat you poorly. Just decide what you want, and I'll cover most of it. How about that?"
Chen Yu nodded eagerly, "Mr. Wang, thank you so much. I thank you on behalf of everyone."
He didn't say anything to refuse. Would that be foolish? He couldn't wait to go out and relax, and it wouldn't cost him anything. Moreover, Mr. Wang's tone was firm; it was clearly decided, not a genuine request for his opinion.
"Good. When you get back, compile a list and tell me how many people there are."
As he spoke, Wang Yan remembered the previous matter and continued, "Oh, right. Didn't I say I'd get you a full set of equipment last time? I'll give you the money for it now. You can buy whatever you want. It will be used as company equipment then, but you can play with it whenever you want."
His mouth split into a wide grin, unable to contain his emotions, Chen Yu bared his teeth, "Thank you, Mr. Wang, thank you so much." All he could do was thank him; his feelings were beyond words.
Hobbies were a matter of personal preference.
When he had free time, he would browse various magazines and look at different equipment. Now, he could get his hands on and play with things he could only dream of before. If the occasion were different, he might have even jumped for joy.
"Alright, that's all for now. There's nothing else. Go back and get ready. We'll depart the day after tomorrow."
Chen Yu thanked him again and then left.
These small matters could have been explained over the phone. The main reason was that he wanted to see Chen Yu's state.
After Chen Yu left, Wang Yan took out his phone and made a call, "It's me. When you go out this time, make sure to include Chen Yu. Understand?"
"Okay, that's all."
This was a subordinate Wang Yan had arranged specifically to mentor Chen Yu. This trip abroad must broaden Chen Yu's horizons.
There was still some time before work ended, so he decided to stay until it was time to pick up his child.
Immediately, Wang Yan sat down at the computer and started typing. He was serious about computer technology. After traveling and then being busy for a week, he had become a bit rusty.
Happily returning to the company, Chen Yu stood in the office area and clapped his hands to attract attention.
"Everyone, listen up. I just met with Mr. Wang."
"Mr. Wang said that to celebrate the company getting on the right track, he's rewarding everyone with a two-week trip to Europe, departing the day after tomorrow. You can bring one family member. Accommodation, food, and travel expenses are covered; the rest is at your own expense."
"Those who want to go, sign up with Little Li. If you don't want to go, you can have a half-month leave. No one is forced."
The news left everyone in stunned silence at first, disbelief hanging heavy in the air. It wasn't until <Chen Yu> had already left that they finally reacted, and then it was pandemonium. The men were a bit better, just grinning foolishly, replaying scenes in their heads. The women, however, were a different story, shrieking and wailing, the scene utterly out of control.
How could they have imagined their new boss would be so generous? He was spending a fortune before even making a dime. While the salaries were average, the benefits were incredible. They'd never heard of any other company offering such activities.
Not a single person asked for leave. Anyone who didn't go would be a fool.
Besides, many among them had never been abroad before. This trip would be a great chance to experience exotic cultures.
Immediately, they swarmed around the young man named Li, signing up. No one signed up alone; they all paired up. Those with partners brought their partners, and those without found a good friend to go with. If all else failed, they'd find someone they'd long admired and test the waters, perhaps leading to something good.
Soon, it was time to get off work, and <Chen Yu> returned home, humming happily.
<Zhong Xiaoqin> lived closer and had already returned.
Seeing <Chen Yu> enter, she was surprised, as he hadn't been home for four days.
"What brings the busy man home today?"
As she spoke, she noticed <Chen Yu>'s beaming smile and couldn't help but add a touch of sarcasm, "Oh? What good news has you so cheerful?"
Honestly, <Chen Yu> had been very happy, but <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s comment upon his arrival dampened his spirits.
For the past month, he'd been consumed by work, studies, and self-improvement, leaving no time for sadness. Coupled with the words of advice from the successful Wang Yan, he'd been somewhat influenced. Now, <Chen Yu>'s feelings for <Zhong Xiaoqin> had essentially cooled. It wasn't that he couldn't function without her, nor was he experiencing the gut-wrenching sorrow and quiet despair of before.
Yet, seeing her still brought back memories of their past life together.
It was a contradictory feeling. To say he had no feelings felt untrue, but to say he did also felt inaccurate.
<Chen Yu> changed his shoes as he spoke, "Company matters are mostly settled. Nothing major today."
However, thinking about the upcoming couples' trip, he couldn't resist asking <Zhong Xiaoqin>.
"The boss is arranging a two-week trip to Europe for us. Do you want to go?" After saying it, <Chen Yu> felt like slapping himself. She was already deeply involved with that sunny boy; why would she possibly go with him?
Without waiting for <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s reaction, he walked over to the fish tank to feed the fish. He hadn't seen them in days; he hoped they weren't starving.
<Zhong Xiaoqin> heard <Chen Yu> ask her and thought for a long time, conflicted. Firstly, she had already used her annual leave. Secondly, taking such a long leave would be difficult. Thirdly, she thought of <Zhong Xiaoyang>.
After a pause, she finally said, "I won't go with you. Besides, we're divorced. It wouldn't be convenient to go together."
"Divorced? Yes, we're divorced." <Chen Yu> didn't speak, but the hand holding the fish food paused.
"Oh, right. My mom called earlier and asked us to come over for dinner. I didn't know you'd be back, so I declined."
Hearing this, <Chen Yu> pondered for a moment and said, "I think we should tell your parents. Hiding this forever isn't a solution. Your dad's heart isn't good; wouldn't it be a bigger blow if he heard it from someone else?"
His words ignited <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s fury. "Fine, <Chen Yu>, what do you mean my dad's heart isn't good? I think you just want to get rid of me."
What followed was a torrent of unreasonable accusations and emotional outbursts.
<Chen Yu> was left feeling dizzy and extremely annoyed.
After enduring it for a while, <Chen Yu> couldn't hold back any longer and quickly stopped her, "Stop, forget I said anything. Whatever you say goes, okay?"
This impatient demeanor only further provoked <Zhong Xiaoqin>, who became even more agitated, acting like a madwoman.
Unable to bear the scene any longer, <Chen Yu> had no choice but to quickly put on his shoes and flee.
As the door slammed shut with a "bang," <Zhong Xiaoqin> finally quieted down. After a moment of silence, she sat there and burst into tears.
After all this time, she understood <Chen Yu>'s intentions.
But lately, <Chen Yu> hadn't been bothering her much, making her feel hurt, and she had an outburst. She didn't understand why she was acting this way. Weren't they divorced already? Why was she still so emotional?
She couldn't help but think of <Zhong Xiaoyang> again, of that sunny boy. She stopped crying and sat there blankly, her mind a whirlwind of <Chen Yu> and <Zhong Xiaoyang>'s images.
<Chen Yu> fled in a state of disarray, all his earlier joy gone.
He had no idea what <Zhong Xiaoqin> was thinking. He always looked for the cause within himself, wondering, "Was what I said wrong? Was there a problem?"
Unable to figure it out, he dismissed it as irrational behavior and unreasonable demands.
He had nowhere else to go, so he called <Chen Xu>. He asked him to meet for a drink and said he'd crash at his place for the night.
<Chen Xu> was still driving for <Xu Huanshan>. This kid was perceptive; he understood everything but chose not to say anything.
As brothers, he knew about <Chen Yu>'s job change and the benefits, but he hadn't dared to tell their mother.
He knew exactly what their relatives were like – distant when you were poor, but suddenly close when you were rich. He couldn't speak carelessly; there were too many messy affairs.
He knew <Chen Yu>'s personality like the back of his hand. He was the type to have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. When he learned the news, he called <Chen Yu>, and after hanging up, he immediately transferred ten thousand dollars, calling it hush money. That's what he said, anyway; he knew what was really going on.
When <Chen Yu> called asking to meet for drinks, he felt flattered. He wondered if <Chen Yu> had done something recently. He knew how busy <Chen Yu> had been; <Chen Yu> wouldn't bother him for no reason.
Coincidentally, <Xu Huanshan> and <Lin Youyou> had gone home to "make little humans," so <Chen Xu> wasn't needed and went straight over.
Upon arrival, they ordered some food and drinks.
"Brother, what made you think of calling me for a drink? I haven't gotten into any trouble recently, have I?"
"It's nothing, it's just..." <Chen Yu> poured out his frustrations, recounting the entire incident from beginning to end.
<Chen Xu> listened without comment. Of course, he sided with <Chen Yu>.
Moreover, he sensed that <Chen Yu> was no longer as focused on <Zhong Xiaoqin>. Why would he say anything more?
His brother was now earning fifty thousand a year and had dozens of people under him. Even he was living it up every day; his brother wouldn't be short of women.
His focus was on that European couple's trip.
He immediately said, "Brother, since no one is teaming up with you anyway, can you take me?"
Chen Yu was disgusted. "Dream on. I wouldn't even take you if I were going alone."
Chen Xu had years of experience dealing with Chen Yu. Through persistent nagging and pleading, Chen Yu eventually agreed.
Wang Yan picked up Xu Ziyan from work and returned home, where Gu Jia had already prepared dinner.
Whether it's a man or a woman, when they get serious, you have no choice but to go along.
Gu Jia was incredibly busy that day; even watching her was tiring.
She had to upgrade the party, manage the company, study and improve herself, and also pay attention to Xu Ziyan's studies. Although they had household help, she still had to manage things from time to time. Moreover, to maintain her figure, and to please Wang Yan, she also had to practice yoga and other exercises. Add to that Wang Yan's good physical health and strong desires; unless there were special circumstances, she had to accompany Wang Yan for their intimate sessions. It was quite demanding.
Although their schedules could be staggered, a person's energy is limited.
Even so, she still managed to get up early to make breakfast and cook dinner.
She was truly amazing; Wang Yan was always impressed by her.
Of course, Wang Yan had advised Gu Jia, "We don't lack food or clothing, so why do you tire yourself out so much?"
Gu Jia would always just smile and say nothing.
Wang Yan guessed she might lack a sense of security? Although Wang Yan treated her very well, even exceptionally well, she had learned from past experience and didn't want to place all her hopes on a man again. But Wang Yan had already given her two hundred million, notarized it, and it was entirely hers. Surely that was enough?
Although Wang Yan's life wisdom was not lacking, he still couldn't understand Gu Jia's thoughts. People were too complex; no one could fully understand them.
Since she wouldn't listen to anything he said, Wang Yan gave up. Let her do whatever she wanted.
Seeing the father and son enter the house, Gu Jia walked over, took the schoolbag from Wang Yan's hand, helped Xu Ziyan take off his coat, and then urged the father and son to wash up and eat.
At the dinner table, Xu Ziyan talked about how popular he was at school, and Gu Jia shared interesting things that happened to her.
It was a pleasant meal filled with laughter and conversation.
After tucking Xu Ziyan into bed, they engaged in their usual nightly routine.
Wang Yan held Gu Jia as they leaned against the headboard, quietly smoking.
It wasn't a good time to talk; both were still savoring the pleasure they had just experienced.
"Hiss... puff..." He took the last drag and extinguished the cigarette butt.
Wang Yan said, "Right, Junyue Mansion is almost ready. We'll go check tomorrow to see what else is needed. If everything is fine, bring your father over."
It was just a matter of fixing a toilet, putting up walls, tiling, laying pipes, and waterproofing. It wasn't a huge job.
Wang Yan paid well, and it didn't need to be overly elaborate. With so many people working on such a large area, it would take about a week.
Gu Jia thought Wang Yan would just mention it and forget about it, but she didn't expect him to take it seriously and even keep an eye on it.
She said emotionally, "Thank you, Wang Yan. Thank you so much."
If that was the case, what else was there to say? Wang Yan said, "A little token of appreciation?"
She softly hummed in agreement. Gu Jia... then... then... and then some more. In short, she got to work.
The next day, Gu Jia couldn't get up; she had been thoroughly exhausted.
Wang Yan went for his usual run, bought breakfast, and took the child to school.
He and Gu Jia went to Junyue Mansion to inspect it and see what else was needed to supplement.
Being meticulous, Gu Jia found no issues after the inspection. She ended up buying a lot of things, feeling like everything was still missing.
Finally, she even installed an alarm system in the master bedroom. With one press, the secondary bedroom would hear the sound, and she would also receive a notification.
It was incredibly thorough.
After buying most of what they needed, Gu Jia and Wang Yan went to the nursing home to complete the procedures and pick up Gu Jinghong. On the way, they went directly to the housekeeping company to find a reliable nanny.
After all, Gu Jinghong needed one, and it had to be someone he was satisfied with.
After another half-day of effort, they finally selected a nanny, and only then was it considered done.
In essence, Wang Yan did nothing all day; he just followed Gu Jia around, busy with her tasks.
Thanks to Brother (Blade Drinking Blood) for the 100 coins reward for continued support.
Thanks to Brother (Night? Illidan? Stormrage) for the monthly ticket support.
Thanks to Brother (Book Friend 160401223337709) for the monthly ticket support.
Thanks to Brother (You Say It's Not Long, and It's Done) for the monthly ticket support.
Daily thanks to the good brothers who voted for recommendations.
Thanks to the good brothers who provided criticism, suggestions, opinions, corrections, encouragement, recognition, and those who only read without commenting.
Thanks to all the brothers for their support.
Before you continue
Explore the wiki