BF Chapter 34

On the day of the Development Bureau’s bid opening, Xu Shen made a special trip there to watch the show.

 

The prime Central plot project was something Xu Ziren had strongly pushed for them to bid on, and this was his last chance to gamble everything. If he lost this time, not only would he lose the trust of Zhaoqi’s board of directors, he would also completely lose the Real Estate Development Department that he had stubbornly refused to let go of.

 

…Although in Xu Shen’s eyes, this was a game they were destined to lose.

 

He Mingzheng also appeared at the bid opening with Ma Shouliang. The two had been extremely pleased with themselves lately. Their attack on CLP Power had allowed them to make billions out of practically nothing, not only severely humiliating Zhaoqi, but also forcing Zhaoqi to withdraw a large sum of money to support the stock price instead of cashing out.

 

Before the bid opening officially began, He Mingzheng was chatting and laughing with someone: “Zhuosheng is indeed determined to win this plot. We really have to thank Zhaoqi for being so generous. They made us quite a fortune before, which is why we have the confidence to compete today.”

 

His voice wasn’t low, clearly meant for Xu Ziren, who had just walked in and sat down, to hear.

 

The reserve price for this prime plot was generally believed to be at least forty billion, so the few billion Zhuosheng had made off Zhaoqi was actually insignificant in comparison. But as long as it made Xu Ziren unhappy, that was enough.

 

Xu Ziren remained silent with a gloomy face—in truth, he wasn’t very confident.

 

Xu Shen, wanting to add fuel to the fire, said, “The results aren’t even out yet, but he’s already acting like Zhuosheng is guaranteed to win. Zhaoqi might not necessarily lose.”

 

Xu Ziren ignored him, his expression growing increasingly ugly. Xu Shen played with the gold coin between his fingers, happily watching the show and starting to suspect that if the bid opening didn’t begin soon, his second brother might as well anger himself to death first.

 

Zhan Shili sent him a message: [You went to the bid opening?]

 

Xu Shen: [Came to watch the show.]

 

Zhan Shili: [I’m nearby. Come out after it’s over, I’ll give you a ride back to the company.]

 

He didn’t ask about the result, probably because they both knew Zhaoqi couldn’t win.

 

The bidding process went quickly. Before the final bids had even finished being announced, Xu Ziren had already gotten up and stormed out.

 

Zhuosheng’s bid was a full three billion higher than Zhaoqi’s, and it just so happened to be the amount they had picked up from their attack on CLP Power.

 

Unsurprisingly, Zhaoqi lost.

 

He Mingzheng and his group were triumphant and had already begun accepting interviews from reporters. Having finished watching the show, Xu Shen left in satisfaction.

 

Zhan Shili’s car was parked downstairs. Xu Shen came over, opened the door, and directly sat down in the passenger seat.

 

Zhan Shili helped him fasten his seatbelt and tilted his head to ask, “Judging from your expression, Zhaoqi didn’t win the bid?”

 

Xu Shen leaned back against the seat without even bothering to move, letting Zhan Shili serve him: “Wasn’t that obvious?”

 

Zhan Shili nodded: “It’s probably for the best. Even if we win the bid, financing will still be a big problem. Had enough drama? Happy now?”

 

Xu Shen said, “More or less. My second brother’s face was completely black.”

 

Zhan Shili glanced outside the car and saw no one besides Xu Shen: “Didn’t you come here with the Second Young Master? Were you left here all by yourself?”

 

“He stormed off as soon as the bids were opened, how would he still remember me?” Xu Shen said with a laugh.

 

After casually exchanging a few words, Xu Shen lost interest in talking about it and handed the paper bag in his hand to Zhan Shili: “Bought it at the mall upstairs. It’s a gift for you.”

 

Zhan Shili took it: “What is it?”

 

Xu Shen gestured for him to open it himself.

 

Zhan Shili opened the box. Inside was a car fragrance diffuser shaped like a transparent butterfly, delicate and exquisite, with a light woody scent that smelled very pleasant.

 

He looked at Xu Shen, puzzled: “You bought this for me?”

 

“There aren’t any decorations in your car, it’s a little too plain,” Xu Shen said. “Isn’t this nice? It looks great, don’t you like it?”

 

Zhan Shili looked down at the object in his hand without giving an answer.

 

Xu Shen tilted his head: “You don’t want it? Am I not allowed to leave things in your car either?”

 

Zhan Shili had said it before: he never let other people leave things in his car.

 

But, Xu Shen insisted on testing his bottom line and becoming that exception.

 

Zhan Shili placed the fragrance diffuser on the dashboard and turned to look at him: “Satisfied?”

 

That was more like it.

 

Xu Shen asked with a smile, “Nic, you’re dating my third brother while doing this with me at the same time. Doesn’t that count as two-timing?”

 

Zhan Shili didn’t think much of it: “I’m not dating him.”

 

Xu Shen asked, “Then what is it?”

 

“If I say it’s not dating, then it’s not.” Zhan Shili remained perfectly composed, without the slightest trace of guilt.

 

Xu Shen beckoned to him with his finger, and as Zhan Shili leaned closer, he reached out and grabbed his tie, bringing their breaths closer together: “Then what are we? Why can you tolerate me invading your personal space?”

 

Zhan Shili looked at him and answered, “Because I’d be happy to.”

 

Xu Shen insisted on making him say it: “There has to be a reason, right?”

 

Zhan Shili asked, “What do you think?”

 

Xu Shen thought for a moment and said, “It can’t be because you slept with me a few times and fell in love with me, right?”

 

Zhan Shili stared into his eyes, still filled with that cunning and seductive gleam that drew people in without them even realizing it: “If I said yes, would you believe me?”

 

“No.” Xu Shen emphasized the word. “You were the one who reminded me not to casually use the word love. If you say that now, how am I supposed to believe you?”

 

Zhan Shili looked at him without a word. In fact, even he didn’t believe it himself. He was merely accustomed to following his instincts. He knew it was dangerous, but getting close to this Young Master Shen was indeed more out of his own selfish motives than anything else.

 

That evening in Manhattan, Xu Shen hadn’t been the only one captivated at first sight.

 

“If you don’t believe me, then don’t,” Zhan Shili raised a hand and caught the hand Xu Shen had around his tie. “Why think so much? You’re the one who said being happy is enough.”

 

Xu Shen said nothing more. Zhan Shili’s reaction was exactly as he had expected, and this kind of Zhan Shili always fascinated him.

 

As for whether it was love or not, who cared?

 

So he turned his head and planted a kiss on Zhan Shili’s lips.

 

Zhan Shili’s eyes flickered: “Aren’t you afraid of being seen here?”

 

“I don’t care,” Xu Shen reached out and tapped a finger against his chest. “My father’s assistant seduced and corrupted this young master. Who do you think would be the unlucky one to suffer if we get seen?”

 

Zhan Shili didn’t miss the wicked smile in Xu Shen’s eyes. He raised a hand, pressed it against the back of Xu Shen’s head, and bit down hard on his lips.

 

Their lips and tongues tangled, invading and sweeping through each other’s mouths intensely.

 

Five minutes later, Zhan Shili started the car. Xu Shen looked at his bitten lip in the mirror and tsk-ed.

 

He really was fierce enough.

 

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At the company’s executive meeting that afternoon, Xu Ziren suddenly proposed investing in real estate and new energy projects in Malaysia. A director immediately questioned why they needed to invest in those things now when they had only recently bundled up and sold their wind power operations in Southeast Asia.

 

Xu Ziren’s repeated failures in decision-making had already aroused dissatisfaction among the directors. Before, everyone had thought he was capable because Xu Shiji had been standing in front of him to hold everything together, with the prodigal Xu Zijie serving as a comparison. But now that it was Xu Ziren’s turn to take charge of Zhaoqi, the abilities he displayed were far below expectations.

 

Only then did Xu Shen take out his long-prepared project plan and have his secretary distribute it to everyone.

 

“The idle industrial land belonging to Zhaoxing Shipyard under Zhaoqi can be redeveloped into a large-scale integrated private residential development by applying to the Town Planning Board for a change in land use. I’ve estimated that the plot in southwest New Territories alone could provide at least 10,000 to 12,000 residential units. If a portion of the land can be designated for public housing, I believe it would be easy to obtain government approval.

 

Given the company’s current financial pressure, developing idle industrial land is a very good option. Although its location isn’t as advantageous as the Central plot, this land is only three kilometres away from the new core commercial district on the artificial islands that the government currently intends to develop, and it’ll also be incorporated into the Victoria Harbour Metropolitan Area in the future, so there’s no need to worry about its development potential…”

 

Standing before the projector screen, Xu Shen gave a detailed explanation and introduced every aspect of the project’s advantages to everyone.

 

He had done his homework and was fully confident. Xu Ziren had racked his brains trying to prevent him from getting the position of general manager of the Real Estate Development Department, yet Xu Shen had produced a project proposal like this quietly and presented it to the board today.

 

Most of the directors were visibly interested and only Xu Ziren’s expression was grim.

 

Zhan Shili’s gaze followed Xu Shen as he listened to him speak calmly and confidently, the light and shadows from the projector occasionally gliding across his face, his eyes never leaving him.

 

Xu Shen came prepared, both for entering the Xu Family and for entering Zhaoqi; his goal was clear and specific from the very beginning.

 

This kind of Xu Shen was indeed dangerous, and also very… mesmerizing.

 

The contrast between Xu Ziren’s desperate investment proposal and Xu Shen’s thoroughly prepared project plan was stark, resulting in overwhelmingly positive support.

 

Then came the long-delayed decision of selecting a general manager for the real estate department. Xu Ziren was still unwilling to let Xu Shen take over, and this time he proposed that another director surnamed Huang take over the position.

 

“Old Huang has been with the company for many years and previously worked in the Real Estate Development Department, so he’s familiar with all of the department’s operations and projects. Although my fourth brother is young and capable, he still lacks experience in the end. I believe we need a veteran to take charge. Moreover, the position of general manager of the Real Estate Development Department is extremely important and, according to convention, should be a member of the board of directors. I hope everyone will consider this carefully.”

 

This statement reminded everyone that it wasn’t that Xu Shen wasn’t capable enough, but that adding another person to the board of directors would inevitably lead to some differing opinions among the members.

 

Besides, the struggle between the two brothers was becoming increasingly obvious, and they also had to consider which side they wanted to take.

 

No matter how capable Xu Shen was, wasn’t he still an illegitimate son who had only just been acknowledged and brought back into the family?

 

Zhan Shili spoke at the most opportune moment: “Let’s proceed with the vote as previously agreed. I’ll abstain on behalf of the chairman.”

 

Xu Shiji’s attitude made it clear that he intended to stand aside and watch, making it even more difficult for the others to decide.

 

But then Zhan Shili added, “The chairman strongly supports the plan to apply for a change in land use for the shipyard’s industrial land and redevelop it. The project will also be handed over to Young Master Shen to take full responsibility for, alongside the Mong Kok project. I ask everyone to consider carefully.”

 

Xu Ziren suppressed his displeasure and said as well, “Then let’s vote.”

 

Xu Shen looked at Zhan Shili. Zhan Shili gave him a slight nod, signaling for him not to worry.

 

They had already anticipated Xu Ziren’s plan beforehand and calculated how everyone was likely to vote, with the two sides basically evenly matched. Sure enough, excluding the abstention, the final result was six to six.

 

Xu Ziren proposed holding a second round of voting, but Zhan Shili said, “There’s no need for a second round. There’s still one director who hasn’t voted.”

 

After saying this, he got up and left the conference room. Half a minute later, he came back pushing Xu Zikang in his wheelchair.

 

Everyone was somewhat surprised to see Third Young Master, who rarely showed his face at the company, but Xu Zikang held more shares than both Xu Ziren and the late Xu Zijie, so he was indeed a company director and did have voting rights.

 

Xu Shen raised an eyebrow, instantly understanding why Zhan Shili had been so confident.

 

Xu Ziren frowned and asked Xu Zikang, “Why did you come to the company today too? You really want to vote? Do you know how to vote?”

 

Xu Zikang was a little nervous and didn’t quite dare to meet Xu Ziren’s eyes. He said quietly, “I know, I want to vote.”

 

Zhan Shili pushed Xu Zikang to the table beside his own seat and, as he sat down, gently reminded him, “Third Young Master, just vote according to your own wishes.”

 

Before the meeting, Zhan Shili had already brought Xu Zikang to the company and arranged for him to wait in his office, all so he could catch Xu Ziren completely off guard at this moment.

 

Meeting Zhan Shili’s encouraging gaze, Xu Zikang obediently nodded, then looked at everyone and said, “I vote for my fourth brother, Ah Shen. Since he has the ability, we might as well give him a chance to try. I believe he can lead the Real Estate Development Department to achieve better results and make greater contributions to the company.”

 

Xu Ziren’s face instantly turned ashen.

 

Zhan Shili’s phone screen lit up for a moment; a new message had come in.

 

He casually opened it. It was from Xu Shen, sitting across from him: [What did you do to coax him into coming to the company and voting for me?]

 

Zhan Shili replied: [Don’t pretend to be naive after getting exactly what you wanted.]

 

Xu Shen: [I didn’t.]

 

Zhan Shili ignored him after that and interrupted Xu Ziren as he began indiscriminately questioning Xu Zikang: “CEO, the voting results are already out.”

 

Meeting with Xu Ziren’s sinister stare, Zhan Shili’s eyes remained calm and unyielding.

 

The matter was settled. Once again, Xu Ziren got up and stormed out.

 

After the meeting ended, everyone else also left one after another.

 

Xu Zikang was somewhat alarmed by Xu Ziren’s attitude just now: “Nic, my second brother, he…”

 

“It can’t be helped that the Second Young Master’s angry. Give him some time to think it through and he’ll be fine. At the end of the day, everyone is only doing what they think is best for the company.” Zhan Shili casually reassured him while looking at the new message he had just received on his phone.

 

Xu Shen: [Thank you for working so hard and sacrificing your charms again, Mr. Zhan.]

 

Xu Shen had already walked out of the conference room when Zhan Shili’s reply came in. 

 

[Then Young Master Shen, please make it up to me tonight.]

 

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t/n: Ah ah ah playing Xu Zikang like that, bbys u need to watch out be more careful…

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