Chapter 63

Chapter 63

The evening engagement was at a private Chinese restaurant with high standards and elegant decor featuring various traditional Chinese elements. According to Old K, it was purely for show. The current head of the investment firm claimed to be a cultured individual, aloof and proud, as if he only bothered to organize this meeting because he saw potential in their innovative company.

Chen Mo had initially been puzzled. Logically, such a person should not be easily swayed by ordinary incentives.

But when he saw the man, he understood.

A large private room that could seat twenty people was filled with round tables laden with extravagant dishes like abalone, ginseng chicken soup, and Australian lobster—typical fare for the wealthy. Around seven or eight people were already seated, representing various stakeholders.

The man in the main seat held a fan in his hand, with the phrase "Heaven rewards diligence" written on it in calligraphy.

In his forties, bald, with two shiny walnuts spinning in his hand.

As soon as they entered, Old K whispered to Chen Mo, "He talks about heaven rewarding diligence, but he ditched his original wife for a rich woman, got a bit of packaging, and now he's a highbrow cultural figure. Tsk."

Chen Mo glanced over, "Biting the hand that feeds you? Aren't you here to ask for something tonight?"

"Speaking of which, it makes me angry," Old K said quickly. "If it weren't for Huanshang's internal strife and the initial head leaving, we wouldn't have to deal with him putting on airs. Be careful tonight. I just found out that his wife originally didn't get along with President Zhu at Huanshang. We're bound to face some trouble. Follow my lead."

Chen Mo remained silent. President Zhu, the vice president of Huanshang, had been instrumental in establishing their partnership.

As the latest tech company, their core principle was to foster innovation while giving capable young individuals the freedom to excel. They needed investors who had money, caused little trouble, and did not meddle unnecessarily.

President Zhu had indeed fulfilled that role.

Over the past two years, their collaboration had been smooth, successfully launching the R2D project.

But last month, President Zhu was reported for misconduct and sent back to the overseas headquarters for investigation.

As soon as Chen Mo and Old K appeared, everyone in the room turned to look at them.

A representative from the largest medical equipment distributor partnered with Huanshang called out, "They're here! Come sit down."

"Brother Liu," Chen Mo nodded and took the empty seat next to him.

Chen Mo had known him for quite some time, not through any business context but because he was an alumnus from the same school who had worked in this field for years.

Brother Liu, still in his late twenties, was already showing signs of baldness. Seeing Old K heading straight for the main seat to toast the bald investor, he shook his head and said, "Old K is really adaptable. With the current situation at Huanshang and rumors that his wife Lu Yi might have reported President Zhu, many are watching closely."

Chen Mo turned his head, "Is President Zhu okay?"

"Not sure," Brother Liu shook his head. "They say he's involved in embezzlement, but I doubt it. You started proposing the R2D concept two years ago, right? It was President Zhu who supported it."

"Yes, it was him," Chen Mo confirmed.

Brother Liu tapped his glass against Chen Mo's. "It's just a formality. I won't make you drink."

After all, being an alumnus, Brother Liu knew what kind of person his junior was.

Even sitting here today, accompanying a pretentious investor for dinner, Chen Mo, with his young age and remarkable achievements, would always be highly sought after elsewhere.

Suddenly, a voice from the main seat boomed, "I want him to drink!"

Due to the loudness, everyone looked towards where the bald man was pointing.

There stood a young man in a suit, but unlike others, his suit was unbuttoned, giving him a relaxed appearance. His expression was calm, and after hearing the demand, he glanced at the main seat before standing up.

Old K stepped in front of him, saying, "President Xu, this is our technical leader at New Edge. His job requires constant focus, and every detail needs his review. He genuinely can't drink."

"Can't drink?" The man named Xu waved his fan, sizing up Chen Mo, and sneered, "Young people being arrogant, I understand. Everyone knows New Edge's core technology comes from a Q University graduate. Q University, yes, has reason to be proud, but remember, no investor's money comes easy. R2D went public, true, but I hear your Phase Two project is also in production. If you don't want the remaining fifty percent, at least show some respect."

"You..." Old K almost lost his temper.

Chen Mo pulled him back and stepped forward.

He picked up a glass of red wine, observing its blood-like hue under the room's light.

Then, seeing President Xu's smug smile waiting for his capitulation, he slowly put it down and said, "Drinking isn't impossible, but it depends on who's asking. You, who are you?"

The man's smile froze, his lips twitching, his face turning red.

Everyone else in the room was stunned.

Old K tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to go too far.

Chen Mo remained calm throughout, even walking to the side of President Xu's seat, leaning against the table. His hand resting beside him made his leg appear longer.

"What are you doing?!" The bald middle-aged man lost his composure and backed away.

Chen Mo tapped the table, "President Xu, so nervous? Don't worry, I don't hit people. Let's just chat."

The other person looked skeptical. "What do we talk about?"

"Let's chat. Is it because of Chuanxing Technology, or is it simply an internal issue within Huanshang?"

Chuanxing Technology is a tech company that has risen in the past two years.

It is also the biggest competitor of New Edge.

Not only because of their company structure, product research direction, and various investment competitions, but also due to their astonishing similarities and overlaps. This company is backed by the foreign UA Group, with substantial funds. In the past two years, they have competed fiercely with New Edge. Competition isn't scary, but malicious competition is. Unfortunately, Chuanxing has been using improper means for quite some time now.

Sure enough, as soon as Chen Mo said this, Xu's eyes flickered.

He bluffed, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just reasonably mitigating risks. On the contrary, your attitude as the service provider is so poor. You really don't know your place!"

"That's true," Chen Mo nodded and stood up. "We don't know our own weight, but President Xu certainly does. As far as I know, Huanshang can no longer secure additional funding. The smart technology sector is your lifeline. Does the boss of Huanshang know that you've taken bribes from others behind his back? Or is Vice President Lu Yi willing to cover for you?"

Xu's face turned red, then white, then red again, a colorful display.

He slammed out of his chair, his hand holding the fan trembling. He didn't care that there were others present and threatened, "Aren't you afraid that your New Edge Phase Two project will fail?"

"President Xu, I think you haven't understood yet."

Chen Mo patted Old K on the shoulder, who already had a resigned look of "it's hopeless, go ahead." "This boss came from humble beginnings and truly believes in the principle of hard work. We accept investments and collaborations for the healthy development of New Edge, not because we're poor, understand?"

It was almost as if he was saying, "I'm not short on money, and I can afford to wait."

They barely ate during the meal.

Coming out hungry, Chen Mo and Old K squatted at a roadside snack stand and ordered two bowls of noodles.

"I was prepared to get drunk," Old K slurped his noodles and pointed at Chen Mo, who had barely touched his food. "Back when I used to go out with President Su, I almost forgot that you're not one to be intimidated."

Chen Mo glanced at him, "He clearly took a bribe. He's too stupid; it was obvious."

"I'm not like you," Old K sighed. "You know how hard it was for New Edge to get here. So many people depend on us for their livelihoods. I can't take risks. Honestly, if you hadn't invested all your money to save the company in your first year, I would have thought you were a rich second-generation."

Chen Mo wiped his fingers with a napkin, "I grew up in the countryside. Being a first-generation rich isn't bad."

"Not saying it's bad. I know you're filthy rich now. Those patents you got in your senior year were worth a fortune, not to mention your other investments." Old K excitedly leaned forward, his eyes shining. "Give me a hint. Let me know where we stand."

Chen Mo threw the napkin at him, "Get lost. If it weren't for that disgusting Xu, I wouldn't have to deal with this."

"No need, no need," Old K laughed. "Who would put up with this nonsense? Even if you didn't act, I'd find a way to get Huanshang to replace him. Want another bite?"

Chen Mo: "No."

Old K: "Have a few more bites. If you keep losing weight, Lao Gou will probably scold me again for exploiting you."

Chen Mo: "When did he scold you?"

Old K hesitated, "Last year, when you led the team on a business trip, the health checkup showed malnutrition..."

Chen Mo: "That was a digestion issue, and I've been treated for it. I've told you many times, it wasn't hunger. Thank you."

...

Across the ocean, it was eight in the morning.

A skyscraper stood prominently in the heart of the city.

In a spacious and quiet office on the 32nd floor, the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows encompassed a vast expanse of the city.

A blonde, modern woman in high heels approached the office door and knocked twice.

A voice came from inside, "Come in."

"These are the documents that need your signature," the blonde woman smiled as she handed over the files.

The man sitting behind the desk was young, his height of nearly six feet making him stand out anywhere. Broad-shouldered and long-legged, with deep black eyes. This boss, who had completed all his degrees from a prestigious university two years ago, had earlier established his foothold in this financial center with his family's industrial backing. In just five years, his empire had risen like this building, unshakable.

Many remembered the Xi surname.

And the youngest decision-maker of that family, Xi Siyan.

His assistant, Jian Ni, was personally promoted by Han Qian, known for her fiery red lips and stunning figure.

Many speculated that this was Han Qian's way of winning hearts and finding a bed partner for his young superior. In reality, Jian Ni knew better than anyone that her position was secured because she was a woman, discreet, and capable.

Because Han Qian had said that President Xi was gay.

Though Jian Ni found it hard to believe, she was smart enough never to cross that line.

The boss spoke perfect English, with a gentlemanly elegance. His habit of regular exercise made his muscles visible under his suit as he uncapped his pen.

His voice was low, "Jian Ni, has Zhu Zhengtao landed yet?"

"He has," Jian Ni replied. "He arrived at three last night. The investigation team formed by PY has already started investigating him."

Xi Siyan capped his pen and handed the documents back.

"Find a way to protect him."

Jian Ni was surprised.

Zhu Zhengtao's company had conflicts with the Xi family's enterprises. She assumed there was another plan, but it turned out to be about protecting him.

Jian Ni asked, "Is it because he's Chinese?"

"Of course not." The young boss got up from behind the desk and fastened the buttons on his waist. "Don’t ask more; just do it."

"Understood." A qualified secretary wouldn’t pry.

When Jian Ni stepped out of the office, she happened to overhear her boss on the phone.

She didn’t understand Chinese, but she heard Han Qian’s name.

In her memory, the man who always spoke decisively and acted with firmness was using such a low voice for the first time, as if subconsciously changing his tone when mentioning someone.

Han Qian: "Still having dreams lately?"

"Mm-hm." Xi Siyan looked out the window. "Although I’m reluctant to believe it, I’m worried that Zhu Zhengtao’s incident might be an omen, Han Qian. I need to return home immediately."

Han Qian’s voice carried a hint of helplessness.

"Ever since you were hit on the head three years ago, why have you started believing in these so-called prophetic dreams? And you keep dreaming about Chen Mo disappearing." The more Han Qian spoke, the more absurd he found it. "Three years ago, you recommended Chen Mo’s Rising Tech to Zhu Zhengtao. Zhu Zhengtao also said that Chen Mo is dedicated to research and rarely ventures into business. What could possibly happen to him? I think you can’t accept the fact that you two broke up long ago."

Xi Siyan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Book a flight, no more nonsense."

"You’re the boss, so you get to decide." Han Qian didn’t persist in stopping him but changed the subject. "But haven’t you two been in contact much over the past few years?"

He added, "What if an ex-boyfriend shows up saying he dreamed you were going to die? Isn’t that like those people who curse their exes to death right after breaking up?"

Xi Siyan’s tone turned icy.

"Don’t use that word."

Han Qian was speechless. "I’m going to die too, from exhaustion. Can you show some sympathy for me?"