The Secret Realm of Time, His and Her Life Through the Changes

Chapter 140 Something's fishy about this?

Just as Zhou Yanruo was about to express her determination and gratitude, Chu Fanqing gently waved his hand and said in a calm yet authoritative tone, "Let's leave it at that for now. You can think about it carefully when you get back. This is not just an opportunity, but also a responsibility. If you are interested and believe you are capable, you might as well schedule another time with Xichen for a more in-depth discussion. After all, as another important shareholder of the new company, she also needs to fully understand your thoughts and ideas in order to make a final decision together."

Chu Fanqing's words revealed his appreciation and trust in Zhou Yanruo, while also giving her ample time and space to weigh the pros and cons and consider the matter carefully. Hearing this, Zhou Yanruo felt even more excited; for her, this was a rare opportunity. She nodded, "Thank you, Chairman Chu, for this opportunity. I will cherish it. I will first prepare a plan based on my understanding of the industry, and then schedule a time with General Manager Fang to report to her."

Shang Yibo watched Zhou Yanruo's focused expression and felt genuinely happy for her. However, he knew Fang Xichen was known for her strict separation of public and private matters. Although she didn't usually appear as imposing as Chu Fanqing, she possessed a powerful aura and could often make others feel inferior with just a few gentle words. Therefore, he said, "I can help you with your proposal. After all, I've been in this industry for two years. Just let me know if you need my help."

Zhou Yanruo simply replied with a "Okay".

Immediately afterward, Chu Fanqing moved on to the next topic without any further explanation, asking Zhou Yanruo, "Is Mr. Jian from Rongchang Capital your friend?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yanruo quickly snapped out of her earlier joy and replied, "Yes, Jian Zheng and I have known each other since childhood, so we're old friends. President Fang also asked me about this before."

Chu Fanqing continued, "Currently, we are in talks with Rongchang Capital about cooperation on our projects in Bangkok and Hainan Island. I know you are prudent in your actions, but given that these projects involve billions of dollars, it is necessary to understand them clearly. You understand, right?"

Before Zhou Yanruo could speak, Chu Fanqing changed the subject and said to Shang Yibo, "You were with President Jian all afternoon, and I heard you drank quite a bit? How did you meet him? Who got whom to drink? As a public figure, how can you behave so indecently?"

Shang Yibo's eyes widened, but he quickly composed himself. He thought to himself, "I haven't maintained my image as a loving father for more than a few minutes before I'm lecturing again, and it's all nonsense and rambling nonsense."

After their in-depth conversation, Shang Yibo had gained a better understanding of Chu Fanqing's hard work and difficulties, and didn't want to argue with his father anymore. He curled one corner of his mouth and said in a gentle tone, "How can you just ask a question and assume that your answer is correct without waiting for the other person to answer? Dad, your assertion of authority isn't very rigorous."

Chu Fanqing nodded, a rare occurrence, actually agreeing with his son's statement. He looked at Zhou Yanruo, waiting for her answer.

Zhou Yanruo keenly sensed the subtle doubt in Chu Fanqing's words and realized that this matter needed to be explained clearly to maintain her professional ethics and loyalty in the workplace. With a serious expression, she stated clearly, "Regarding the Bangkok and Hainan Island projects, I have indeed reviewed the project proposals. However, due to my vacation in Xichuan and subsequently taking over as Shang Yibo's agent, I was away from Beijing for several business trips and missed several important project briefings and cooperation discussions with Rongchang Capital. The specific follow-up work on this project was handled by Director Qian of the President's Office; I was not directly involved."

Chu Fanqing nodded gently after hearing this.

Zhou Yanruo continued, “Jian Zheng and I are indeed friends, friends we haven’t seen for many years. Before our chance encounter at the charity gala, I didn’t know he was a representative of Rongchang Capital. I completely understand that Chairman Chu wants to clarify my relationship with Jian Zheng. I am deeply grateful that Chairman Chu arranged today’s dialogue here, rather than directly through HR. This fully demonstrates Chairman Chu’s respect and protection for me, intending to shield me from unnecessary rumors within the group. Here, I solemnly declare to Chairman Chu that my professional ethics will never allow me to do anything that harms the group’s interests. To eliminate any potential doubts, I will notify the IT department tomorrow to make corresponding adjustments to the project approval process and shield my authorization.”

Zhou Yanruo's words were fluent and firm, leaving no room for Chu Fanqing to interrupt. Chu Fanqing listened attentively, while Shang Yibo seemed somewhat unconvinced.

After Zhou Yanruo finished speaking, there was a moment of silence before Chu Fanqing slowly spoke: "Are you finished? As for withdrawing the authorization, that's not necessary. The group is currently in need of personnel, and we adhere to the principle of 'trusting those we employ and not employing those we don't trust,' in order to reduce internal waste. Just as you said, if we really suspected you of having problems, why would we have asked you to come to Zimo Garden for a face-to-face meeting?"

Shang Yibo followed up, saying, "Dad, have you been in the business world for too long and seen too much deceit and treachery, to the point that you become suspicious whenever you encounter business negotiations, feeling that there's always a 'double agent' behind it all?"

Chu Fanqing's face darkened, and she questioned, "I haven't even said anything to you yet. Why did Jian Zheng drag you to drink? Haven't you heard the saying, 'There's always something fishy going on when things seem unusual'?"

Shang Yibo pursed his lips and retorted, "What do you mean by demons? Jian Zheng and I are friends. How does having a drink between friends become demonic?"

"Oh? You're friends with him? What kind of friends? When did you meet? How did you become friends?" Chu Fanqing asked a series of questions, simple and direct, but all of them were questions that Shang Yibo found difficult to answer at the moment.

Seeing that the conversation had veered towards Shang Yibo, Zhou Yanruo quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Chairman Chu, Shang Yibo and Jian Zheng met through me. They had lunch at a friend's house today... but..."

Zhou Yanruo turned to Shang Yibo and asked, "I'm also very curious. Why did you two go to a bar to drink, and drink so much? How did you two become friends? How did you suddenly become so close?"

Shang Yibo was speechless for a moment. Although he was unwilling, he could only mutter to himself, "Don't you know how we became friends?"

Chu Fanqing waved her hand, interrupting their conversation: "Forget it, stop being so sentimental. I'm not against you making friends, it's just that your identity is special, so you need to be more careful and not let anyone take advantage of you."

Upon hearing this, Shang Yibo seemed to have found an outlet for his emotions, and his voice rose a few decibels: "Who would take advantage of me? If we're talking about taking advantage, then it's only you."

Upon hearing this, Chu Fanqing's expression changed, and she retorted sharply, "What did you say?! You're spouting nonsense again!"