Chapter 79

Chapter 79

The details of the negotiations that day were unknown to the public; only that UA ultimately lost in this contest and was forced to retreat. The image of Lunaer being helped into a car by his bodyguards was humorously dubbed "The Drowning Dog on the Stake" by the media.

In fact, Chen Mo never believed that Lunaer would return home in disgrace.

Sure enough, two days later, led by Chuanxing Technology, a consortium of companies that had introduced foreign investment initiated a so-called technical innovation seminar under the banner of technology sharing and mutual benefits, aiming to promote cooperation between emerging small enterprises and venture capitalists.

At the top floor of CM's office building in Huajing.

Han Qian pushed the picture on his phone towards the person sitting behind the desk and said, "This is a photo of Lunaer meeting Ren Xiansen at the airport. Take a look."

Xi Siyan glanced at it casually, "Have we got any evidence yet?"

"Not yet. Lunaer is being extra cautious this time," Han Qian said, bending down to retrieve his phone with a frown. "But it’s almost certain that Lunaer plans to make a big haul before retreating back to his base. It’s just a pity for those small businesses—some of them are just starting out after graduating from university. If Lunaer really does this, the market balance will be disrupted."

Xi Siyan turned his chair to look outside.

He said, "There are many people involved who won't stand idly by."

"For example, Chen Mo is one of them, right?" Han Qian said with a smile. "Lunaer took a big hit this time, his plans completely fell through, and he even ended up in the hospital for two days. Chen Mo is also Ren Xiansen's arch-nemesis. This is a battle for survival within the same circle. I've always said that your choices of rivals are consistently aligned."

Xi Siyan uncapped and recapped the pen in his hand.

"Book a flight for tomorrow morning at nine to Huajing."

Han Qian was surprised, "Are you going personally?"

"Mm."

"There's no need, is there?" Han Qian said, "You didn’t show up for the Yang meeting, our people can handle this."

As he spoke, Han Qian suddenly looked stunned, shocked: "Don't tell me you're trying to mix business with pleasure. Seeing your ex-boyfriend go, you can't bear the three days and two nights of longing and have to follow him?"

Xi Siyan threw the pen at him, "Book it if I say so."

"Angry and embarrassed." Han Qian caught the pen, ordering the secretary to book the flight while muttering, "Though I understand, right? President Chen is no less busy than you, running between school, company, and hospital. He just finished dealing with the Yang matter and is already on another trip. But we shouldn't push too hard; you know the principle of not seeming too eager..."

Han Qian's words were interrupted by the ringing of Xi Siyan's phone.

He thought his words had summoned someone, but it turned out to be Xi Siyan's mother, Jiang Jing, known as the eldest daughter-in-law of the Xi family.

To outsiders like Han Qian, Jiang Jing's life was legendary.

A happy marriage, a successful son, and a strong personality outside, she left the Xi family without hesitation when her husband decided to start his own business and used her connections to build their enterprise successfully.

Even if Xi Siyan did not inherit the Xi family fortune,

he could live off his parents' wealth for generations.

But now, none of the family members relied on each other.

On the phone, Jiang Jing's voice was unusually gentle when speaking to her son, asking, "Not in a meeting, right? Am I disturbing you?"

"No," he said.

Jiang Jing: "Good. You’ve been back for quite some time, try to come home for dinner."

"Okay," Xi Siyan did not refuse, "I’ll check my schedule."

The conversation was brief, a few sentences and then silence.

After a few seconds, Jiang Jing spoke again, "By the way, I heard you’re looking for a famous doctor skilled in internal medicine?"

Xi Siyan paused, "Do you know someone?"

"I do know someone, and recommending them isn’t a problem," Jiang Jing said. "But you must tell me, are you doing this for him?"

"Yes," Xi Siyan replied straightforwardly, "And he has a name, not 'him.'"

"Don’t get defensive every time you mention him," Jiang Jing seemed a bit helpless. "What happened was due to circumstances; the old man merely went along with it, hoping you two would break up. Now, the Xi family can’t control you, nor do they have the power to do so. But honestly, if the family wanted to stop it, there are ways."

This was a soft approach to reconciliation and a clear statement of intent, which Xi Siyan understood.

Jiang Jing brought the topic back, "I heard the child has leg problems. Didn’t you have Old Pang treat him in high school? Why are you looking for an internal medicine doctor now?"

At this, Xi Siyan frowned.

"Low-grade fever," he said, "Persistent."

Jiang Jing: "What caused it?"

Xi Siyan rubbed his temples, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Sexual activity. Are you sure you want to hear this?"

Jiang Jing: "..."

Han Qian, who had been waiting nearby, also: "..."

Xi Siyan didn’t care about their reactions or what they were thinking.

Whenever he mentioned Chen Mo’s condition, he couldn’t help but frown.

Several days had passed since that night.

After having a fever in the morning, it subsided but then persisted as a low-grade fever, recurring and not improving.

Even on the day of the Yang negotiation, his temperature remained around 37.8 degrees.

Xi Siyan consulted many doctors and prescribed him medication.

The conclusion was similar: this persistent low fever was not only due to overexertion during an intense romantic encounter but also closely related to his relentless schedule. However, the root cause lay in his childhood.

Premature birth, poor digestion.

He almost missed the entire period when he could have properly adjusted his health. Instead of adjusting, those first dozen years were like repeatedly cutting and patching a thin piece of paper, leaving it tattered and scarred.

Xi Siyan never sought excuses for this matter.

Because he had also been absent for five whole years.

During these five years, Chen Mo managed to take care of himself while continuously overexerting himself.

The hidden dangers planted in his childhood now manifested in his body, like a boomerang that had lodged itself deeply into Xi Siyan's chest five years ago, growing deeper and more painful with time, rusted and hard to heal.

Whenever this topic came up, it caused a dull ache.

Xi Siyan spoke directly to Jiang Jing, "If you find any suitable candidates, send them to me. I'll arrange the contacts."

Jiang Jing hesitated for a moment before saying, "Son, although Mom knows you've always been proud and now hold a high position with no lack of power or money, you shouldn't bully others just because of that. I heard that Chen Mo is also young and successful. The Xi family doesn't do things that humiliate others. You..."

Xi Siyan sighed, "You're overthinking it."

"Really?" Jiang Jing clearly didn't believe him.

In her eyes, her son, who was like a prince among men, had never faced much adversity. Five years ago, he missed out on someone he liked, and now that he's back, if the other party showed any reluctance, she wouldn't doubt her son doing something unreasonable.

Despite being suspected by his own mother, Xi Siyan's expression didn't change.

After a few words of reassurance, he hung up.

Han Qian finally found a chance to speak, "Really got back together? When did this happen?"

"Do I need to report to you?" Xi Siyan closed the signed file and handed it over, "You're coming with me on this business trip."

Han Qian pointed at himself, "What am I supposed to do there? Are you bringing a luggage boy along while chasing your husband across the country? I can't exactly observe you two sleeping in the same bed at night, can I?"

Xi Siyan changed from handing the file to slapping it down.

With a deadpan expression, he added, "Get lost."

After having his fun, Han Qian took the file and left quickly.

Outside the office, the chief secretary approached, peeking into the office and asking, "Mr. Han, is Mr. Xi in a bad mood? Should I bring him a cup of coffee?"

Han Qian patted his shoulder, "I'd advise against it. Someone has to sleep alone tonight, so his mood is terrible."

The chief secretary was stunned.

"Is Mr. Xi married???"

Han Qian replied mysteriously, "Not quite, but he does have someone."

The chief secretary looked excited yet hesitant, "Who is it?"

"Don't pry," Han Qian said seriously, "Go prepare the documents. Some people work as a side gig, but we're born workhorses."

CM's presence in Huajing was relatively new, and most employees were recruited from various sources. They were always curious about this young president with a legendary aura.

His capabilities were evident; he had decisively invested in Huanshang upon returning to the country and played a key role in the Yang family's internal strife, showcasing his composure and stability.

Moreover, he had severe OCD.

Even the cleaning staff rarely entered his office, and colleagues with strong perfume could see his displeasure.

Such a boss, seemingly suited for celibacy, was rumored to be in love.

Even if the rumor originated from the secretary's office, some still doubted it.

"Can't be true. It's hard to imagine the Xi President, who usually says nothing more than 'Please come in,' 'Continue,' and 'Redo,' being in a relationship."

"So it must not be someone from our company."

"Exactly. Maybe he calls his partner 'baby' privately."

"Stop it. Admit it, 'baby' is me."

"Dream on! All bosses only say, 'Such a simple task, darling, you're fired.'"

...

Receiving the screenshot from Han Qian, Chen Mo had just landed.

Huajing was experiencing a cold spell, and the temperature was low.

Yuan Hao, Old K, and two other colleagues from the sales department walked beside him. Seeing him use his phone, they offered to carry his luggage.

Han Qian asked in the message, "I'm curious too. Does he really call you that privately?"

Chen Mo thought Han Qian must be bored out of his mind, raised an eyebrow, and replied, "Jealous?"

Han Qian sent a vomiting emoji.

"Definitely not. I'd have nightmares, thanks."

Chen Mo thought about it; indeed, he and Xi Siyan mostly called each other by their names.

It seems like having nightmares is more interesting than listening to someone complain about sleeping alone.

He opened the chat with Xi Siyan. Their last conversation was just two hours ago, when he asked if Xi Siyan had boarded the plane yet.

At this moment, Chen Mo was walking alone at the back of the group.

Without thinking, he typed two characters.

"Baby."

He clicked send.

The other side replied instantly: "?"

Silence is not golden, it's your grandpa, "Just calling out."

Silence is not golden, it's your grandpa, "Isn't that how people in relationships talk? Can't I call you that?"

With his name, even Chen Mo got goosebumps and couldn’t help laughing as he looked at his phone.

The next second, his phone displayed an incoming call.

Chen Mo hesitated before answering: "Hello?"

Xi Siyan: "Go on, I’m listening."

At the airport, facing the inquiring looks of several colleagues, Chen Mo: "… I was wrong, don’t do this. I’m getting old and need to keep my dignity."