BF Chapter 61

In the afternoon, Xu Shen had just returned to his office after a meeting when his secretary knocked and came in, telling him that HR was conducting the final interviews today for the assistant position and was asking whether he wanted to go take a look personally.

 

Xu Shen lifted his eyelids: “Do you have their résumés? Let me see.”

 

The secretary handed over the résumés of the final three candidates. Xu Shen flipped through them casually until he reached the last one: Brandon, Chinese name Jian Jialun, thirty years old.

 

He was a little surprised. He had actually almost forgotten about that “encounter” at the bar. After casually slipping the man his business card that night, he had tossed the matter to the back of his mind, never expecting the other man to really come and interview at the company, even making it to the final round.

 

“This person.” Xu Shen tapped a finger on the résumé and asked, “Did HR keep him until the end because he had my business card?”

 

His secretary looked puzzled: “I don’t think so. I never heard them mention a business card. He submitted his résumé half a month ago. Manager Deng said his qualifications are quite suitable and thinks highly of him, but since he’s being hired as your assistant, Young Master Shen, they still need your approval.”

 

Xu Shen quickly skimmed the résumé. Just as the man had said that night, his academic background and previous work experience were both impressive.

 

He narrowed his eyes and thought for a while, then suddenly asked his secretary, “Do you think he looks like Nic?”

 

The secretary choked for a moment before answering, “A little, I suppose. At first glance, there’s really some resemblance…”

 

This secretary vaguely knew about the true nature of his relationship with Zhan Shili, so he answered very carefully, for fear of offending Xu Shen by saying the wrong thing.

 

An unreadable smile appeared at the corner of Xu Shen’s mouth: “Someone who happens to look like Nic just happens to run into me and starts showing interest in me, when in fact he’d already submitted a résumé to the company but pretended not to know who I was. How likely do you think it is that he came without an ulterior motive?”

 

The secretary couldn’t answer. If he really thought about it, it did seem a little strange.

 

Xu Shen closed the résumé and stood up: “Let’s go. We’ll take a look at HR.”

 

In the HR conference room, the department manager and his team were conducting the final group interview with the three applicants.

 

Xu Shen entered and sat to the side without interrupting them.

 

His gaze swept over the candidates. Brandon stood out among the three, be it appearance, temperament, or speech; and even his résumé was the most impressive.

 

He was dressed very formally today too, completely different from the casual way he had looked at the nightclub that night.

 

Looking all serious and proper like this, he did resemble Zhan Shili more—at least on the surface.

 

Xu Shen seemed quite interested and kept his attention on him.

 

The department manager noticed. After the interview ended and the three candidates were sent outside to wait, he deliberately recommended Brandon to Xu Shen: “Young Master Shen, Brandon is stronger in every area. He’s the most suitable candidate…”

 

Xu Shen listened without giving any indication. Only after a long while did he say leisurely, “Keep all three. The other two can be assigned to different departments. As for that Brandon you mentioned, I want to interview him separately one more time.”

 

When Brandon came back in, Xu Shen was the only person left in the conference room.

 

After Brandon sat down, Xu Shen spoke first: “You didn’t show Manager Deng and the others the business card I gave you?”

 

The other man answered honestly, “No. I wanted to get into the company with my own ability.”

 

Xu Shen asked curiously, “Since you were applying to be my assistant, you really didn’t recognize who I was at first that night?”

 

“I only came back from New York not long ago. I don’t know many people here, and I never thought I needed to study those kinds of shortcuts just to apply for a position at the company. I genuinely didn’t recognize you at first that night, Young Master Shen. Sorry.”

 

The man’s gaze was very sincere. Xu Shen looked at him and suddenly felt that he really did resemble Zhan Shili in some ways; they were both very good at putting on an act.

 

Unfortunately, a fake was still a fake. No matter how convincingly it imitated the real thing, it could never come close to the real deal.

 

Brandon said, “I’m very sincere about wanting to work for you, Young Master Shen. I hope you’ll give me a chance.”

 

Xu Shen lifted his chin haughtily: “Come with me to a cocktail reception tonight. If you perform well, I’ll give you that chance.”

 

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That evening, a chamber of commerce was holding a networking reception, and Xu Shen was attending such an event for the first time on behalf of Zhaoqi.

 

He brought his trainee assistant with him. Brandon was quick to catch on and had specifically asked Xu Shen’s secretary about his preferences and some of his little habits. From the moment they got into the car, he looked after Xu Shen attentively and thoroughly the entire way.

 

“My previous assistant had plenty of ideas and opinions of his own,” Xu Shen said with an unreadable meaning. “He was also very capable. Zhaoqi’s European project portfolio worth over a hundred billion was previously handled entirely by him. After he resigned, the follow-up work ran into considerable resistance and nearly couldn’t continue. Some time ago, when Zhaoqi was being attacked from outside, I still had to divide my attention and personally take over the project sales. There are simply too few people around me I can actually use.”

 

Brandon took the lesson to heart: “If I get the chance, I’ll work hard to measure up to him and make you satisfied, Young Master Shen.”

 

Xu Shen smiled and shook his head: “No need to measure up to him. I hadn’t finished what I was saying. He’s capable and competent, but he really is no good.”

 

At 7:30 P.M., Xu Shen arrived at the reception with Brandon. The moment he entered, he saw He Mingzheng chatting and laughing with other people.

 

After his plan to attack Zhaoqi failed, Zhuosheng was now trapped in a financial crisis. Chairman He was being chased by the company’s shareholders and directors with questions and was having a hard time of it, but he would never show that in front of others. On the surface, he still looked as pleased with himself and arrogant as ever.

 

Among the circle of people chatting with him was Gao Yongcheng.

 

Xu Shen wasn’t surprised at all. Fox Hunt’s earlier short-selling attack on the Lin Group’s European financial company had forced the Lin Family to abandon their investment in Zhaoqi, clearly coordinating with Zhuosheng. Gao Yongcheng was also a vindictive person and would definitely kick him when he was down if given the chance.

 

He also spotted Zhan Shili in the crowd.

 

Zhan Shili hadn’t come with He Mingzheng. He Mingzheng was dissatisfied with him in all sorts of ways now and wouldn’t bring him along to show his face at an occasion like this. Regardless, Zhan Shili was capable enough to have connections even within the chamber of commerce and had obtained an invitation on his own.

 

At that moment, Zhan Shili was off to the side drinking and chatting with several friends from the chamber. When he turned his head, his eyes landed on Xu Shen and lingered there for a moment.

 

Xu Shen looked away, completely ignoring him, and took a glass of wine towards the chamber of commerce president who had organized the party. The man had a close relationship with Xu Shiji and was presiding over an event as chamber president for the last time before retirement, so Xu Shen took the initiative to go over and greet him.

 

While they were talking, He Mingzheng and the others came over. In front of everyone, Xu Shen very graciously reached out and shook He Mingzheng’s hand.

 

The previous turmoil had only just passed, and countless pairs of eyes at the reception were fixed on them, whether to watch the spectacle, enjoy the drama, and others for various miscellaneous reasons.

 

After a few pleasantries, the chamber president had to go prepare for the speech he would give later and left first.

 

Xu Shen was just about to leave too when Ma Shouliang, that scoundrel, spoke up: “Young Master Shen, how come the dog by your side has been replaced again? Makes sense. The last one suddenly bit you without a word; if it were me, I’d have kicked him away too.”

 

Xu Shen originally had no intention of paying him any attention, but then he caught sight of Zhan Shili not far ahead, who had probably heard it too. Xu Shen smiled and asked Ma Shouliang, “If the people following me are dogs, then what does that make you, Young Master Ma, since you follow Uncle He in and out every day?”

 

Ma Shouliang’s face darkened: “You’re still defending that brat even now?”

 

“No,” Xu Shen said. “I’m just telling the truth.”

 

Gao Yongcheng also mocked him: “We haven’t seen each other for so long, but Young Master Shen is as sharp-tongued as ever. Young people really don’t have the slightest humility.”

 

Xu Shen did not want to deal with this person even more.

 

“Oh, right.” He suddenly said to He Mingzheng, “I heard Uncle He is planning to sell the Zhaoqi shares in your hands. We’d actually be very willing to buy them back. If Uncle He can’t find a suitable buyer, you can come to Zhaoqi and talk. The price is negotiable.”

 

He Mingzheng looked at him coldly and said in a deep voice, “This is Zhuosheng’s business. There’s no need to trouble Young Master Shen with it.”

 

“Then do whatever makes you happy,” Xu Shen said indifferently. Zhuosheng was now a major shareholder of Zhaoqi, yet couldn’t even get onto Zhaoqi’s board. In any case, he wasn’t the one feeling stifled.

 

There was nothing more to say when they couldn’t see eye to eye, so Xu Shen left them with an “Excuse me,” then turned and went to socialize with other people.

 

He didn’t stay for long. Once the chamber president finished his speech and Xu Shen had done his part by showing support, he prepared to leave.

 

Brandon called and told the driver to bring the car around to the entrance. Xu Shen had been drinking and felt a little dizzy, so he went to the lounge and sat down to wait for a while.

 

There were other people in the lounge too. Ma Shouliang and Gao Yongcheng were smoking and talking there, separated from him by a folding screen. They hadn’t noticed him, and Xu Shen couldn’t be bothered to make a sound.

 

Young Master Ma was currently badmouthing him and Zhan Shili, spewing endless vulgarities from his mouth.

 

“A bastard born of a whore, strutting around showing off every day. Just seeing him is bad luck. With him here, I don’t even feel like drinking anymore.

 

And that dog by his side too, an ungrateful wolf through and through. He really thinks he’s somebody now. He Mingzheng invited a wolf into his own house, and now even if he wants to drive him out, it won’t be that easy.”

 

I think sooner or later He Mingzheng won’t be able to handle them either…”

 

Gao Yongcheng smiled and said, “Young Master Ma, He Mingzheng is He Mingzheng, and you are you. Why bother worrying about him? He Mingzheng hasn’t given you that many benefits either. You used to be chairman of Ma Group yourself, and now you can only make a living under He Mingzheng. Isn’t that frustrating too? And you’re still worrying on his behalf. I think what you really need to do is start planning for yourself as soon as possible.”

 

Having his sore spot hit, Ma Shouliang cursed under his breath, his mood worsening further.

 

A few minutes later, Brandon came in and quietly reminded Xu Shen that the car had arrived.

 

Xu Shen, who had been resting with his eyes closed against the sofa, opened them and sat up: “Let’s go.”

 

As they walked into the elevator, Xu Shen suddenly asked, “If someone insulted you, what would you do?”

 

Brandon thought for a moment and said, “That depends on what they said, and who the person was.”

 

“I’ll teach you,” Xu Shen said coldly and ruthlessly. “The simplest way is to dislocate their jaw and knock out their teeth so that they can never open that filthy mouth again.”

 

Brandon was taken aback, but Xu Shen’s eyelids were lowered, not the slightest ripple of emotion visible in his eyes as he spoke.

 

“…I understand.”

 

Brandon complied and said nothing more, pressing the button to close the doors.

 

Just as the elevator doors were about to shut, someone outside pressed the button and opened them again.

 

Xu Shen raised his eyes and looked at Zhan Shili, who appeared outside the door, without any reaction.

 

Zhan Shili was alone. He walked straight in, moved to the side, then pressed the close button again.

 

As the elevator descended, Brandon said it seemed to be raining outside. Xu Shen casually responded with a hum.

 

Sensing Zhan Shili’s scrutinizing gaze, Brandon remained composed and kept his eyes straight ahead.

 

Zhan Shili’s expression was somewhat cold.

 

When the elevator reached the first floor, Zhan Shili stayed where he was while Xu Shen and Brandon walked out together.

 

Just as Xu Shen stepped out, Zhan Shili suddenly extended a hand, forcefully pulling him back inside before quickly pressing the close button, shutting Brandon outside as the elevator continued down toward the underground parking garage.

 

Xu Shen frowned slightly, but didn’t struggle much, merely signalling at his displeasure to Zhan Shili: “Let go.”

 

When the elevator reached the next level and the doors opened, Zhan Shili remained unmoved, still gripping his arm tightly, refusing to release him.

 

Xu Shen glanced down at his ’dilemma‘ and said: “You plan to keep doing this? If someone comes down in a moment and sees us all tangled up like this, how are you planning to explain it to your boss?”

 

Zhan Shili said flatly, “If Young Master Shen, acting chairman of Zhaoqi, doesn’t care, then neither do I.”

 

At the shareholders’ meeting that day, the final look Xu Shen had given him had been deliberately meant for He Mingzheng to see.

 

He Mingzheng was deeply suspicious by nature and had never trusted him.

 

But Zhan Shili didn’t actually care. From the very beginning, he had never expected He Mingzheng to genuinely consider him as one of his own.

 

Xu Shen tilted his head slightly, looking at him with mockery in his eyes: “Nic, are you posing as a pervert this time?”

 

Zhan Shili tightened his grip on his hand and asked in a deep voice, “Are you coming with me or not?”

 

“Do I have any other choice?” Xu Shen’s voice was devoid of emotion.

 

Zhan Shili said, “No.”

 

After getting into the car, Zhan Shili didn’t start it immediately. He asked Xu Shen, “Was that your new assistant?”

 

“You already know, so why ask?” Xu Shen leaned back in the seat and looked out the window lazily: “Yeah. I’m planning to hire him.”

 

Zhan Shili’s gaze darkened: “What do you see in him?”

 

Xu Shen said, “His résumé is impressive, he looks good, he’s obedient, and he doesn’t make me angry, much better than my previous assistant.”

 

Zhan Shili looked at him: “Just an assistant?”

 

Xu Shen smiled enigmatically: “Otherwise? Actually, not necessarily. If I’m interested, he could be my new toy too.”

 

Zhan Shili tried to find some trace of a lie in his expression, but it was difficult.

 

“You’re willing to play with anyone as long as you’re interested?”

 

“Why not?” Xu Shen said matter-of-factly. “What, am I supposed to give my sincerity to someone who could betray me at any moment?”

 

After a brief silence, Zhan Shili looked away and started the car without another word, then stepped hard on the accelerator.

 

As the car drove out of the underground parking garage, Xu Shen’s car, which had been waiting at the exit for a long time, suddenly rushed over and braked sharply, blocking Zhan Shili’s car.

 

Zhan Shili’s expression turned ugly. Brandon got out of the car and came over to knock on the door.

 

Xu Shen unfastened his seat belt. Before getting out, he thought for a moment, then turned back to Zhan Shili and said, “Nic, this is where it ends.”

 

He pushed open the door and got out. Brandon opened an umbrella and held it over him, shielding him from the rain.

 

Zhan Shili watched the two of them walk back toward the car together, his gaze shifting from Xu Shen’s back to Brandon, who had turned his head to speak to him, eyes turning icy.

 

Xu Shen’s car drove away.

 

Zhan Shili lowered his eyes. After a moment, he expressionlessly shifted gears, pressed the accelerator again, and drove into the night.

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t/n: Tsk tsk (reconciliation countdown: 9)

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