Chapter 21: The Fleeting Leaf

Chapter 21: The Fleeting Leaf

For a long time, Tan Youming had been in a foul mood. Chen Wan had stopped showing up at the gatherings of the young masters, but his name was often mentioned, and people would talk about his recent situation. Later, Zhao Shengge also stopped attending.

He wasn’t someone particularly important, like a leaf that had accidentally drifted in through the window, unable to take up much space or stay for long in Zhao Shengge’s heart.

Gradually, it seemed he was truly no longer remembered.

Zhao Shengge was swamped. He kept a low profile but acted decisively. The Baoli Bay dock project was kicked off swiftly. It was said that close to a hundred firms in the city were interested in investing, but in the end, only the Shen, Jiang, and Xu families managed to get a share. Even the Zhuo family couldn’t get involved.

Among them, there was a lot of buzz about the Xu family, with people saying that the Xu family’s young lady was absolutely captivating.

Zhao Shengge had always been wary of the city’s economy. If possible, he preferred to cooperate with the mainland.

The mainland’s economy was stable, backed by policies, and had strong control when necessary.

The three of them wrapped up a meeting at the Minglong Building and walked out of the conference room together. Shen Zongnian looked at his phone and said, “He Shengyuan is on board. Next Wednesday at 9 PM, Xiaotan Mountain.”

He Shengyuan was the city’s shipping tycoon, who later went to the Netherlands to develop European routes.

Zhao Shengge was looking to develop a dock and port at Baoli Bay, and he couldn’t avoid dealing with this man.

Shen Zongnian said, “From what he said, he’s planning to bring some people along.”

That’s how informal meetings usually went. Having shared connections or seasoned industry players present made it much easier for both sides to talk, and there was more room for negotiation.

“We’ll need to bring some folks along as well,” Tan Youming said. If the other side came with a crowd, and they only had a few, it wouldn’t look good in terms of presence. Moreover, “He Shengyuan thrives on a lively vibe.”

“Too bad—” Tan Youming crossed his legs, “No matter how lively he gets, can he top me?”

Shen Zongnian: “...”

Zhao Shengge had been back in the country for quite some time now. Unlike the beginning when he was aloof and solitary, he only requested, “Don’t bring anyone sketchy.”

Tan Youming was the center of attention in the city, with a diverse crowd of friends, some good, some not so much. Zhao Shengge, with his high standards, wasn’t impressed.

“Tsk,” Tan Youming didn’t know what Zhao Shengge’s standard for “reliable” was. In fact, he thought he himself was quite reliable, but the other would surely object. He directly asked, “Who do you think is reliable?”

Zhao Shengge looked at him and said quite seriously, “I thought inviting people was your job.”

“...”

Shen Zongnian, who rarely voiced his opinion, glanced at Zhao Shengge and suggested to Tan Youming, “How about Chen Wan?”

Wherever Chen Wan was, the vibe was always just right. Any naked negotiation or conflict would be shrouded in a friendly and cooperative veneer. This facade was very useful, making many things easier to discuss.

Chen Wan didn’t talk much, but he had this magical effect.

Zhao Shengge hesitated briefly and asked, “Are there any other options?”

Tan Youming immediately leaned out from behind Shen Zongnian’s shoulder, echoing the suggestion, “No, I don’t know anyone more reliable than him.”

Zhao Shengge neither agreed nor disagreed. After a moment of silence, he said gently, “If he’s busy, consider someone else.”

Forcing others or making things difficult for them was pointless.

Tan Youming looked at him inexplicably, feeling that he was once again putting on a show of false benevolence. Tan Youming didn’t waste time calling anyone else. He first called Chen Wan, but the secretary said Chen Wan was in a meeting.

Tan Youming then directly called Zhuo Zhixuan, who was at his own hotel. Zhuo Zhixuan said, “I’ll check with him later, but he’s been swamped lately. He might not be able to make it.”

Chen Wan seems like someone who’s at your beck and call, but that’s only because he’s willing; otherwise, no one can force him to do what he doesn’t want to do.

Tan Youming asked with concern, "Busy with what? Do you need any help?" There was genuine sincerity in his tone. He initially treated Chen Wan out of respect for Zhuo Zhixuan, but later, he genuinely recognized and accepted him.

Tan Youming doesn’t care about one’s background or status when making friends; he only cares if the person is interesting and suits his taste.

Zhuo Zhixuan didn’t know that Tan Youming was with Zhao Shengge, nor did he know that Tan Youming had put the call on speaker. He always spoke to Tan Youming without much reserve and said sarcastically, "Busy with blind dates, preparing to become the son-in-law of an oil tycoon."

Tan Youming laughed heartily, "Oh, that old fox Xu Qihua has a good eye." He made it sound like a done deal, "Don’t say, his daughter was my classmate in German class. That girl’s quite interesting and a great match for our Wan. When the time comes, let Wan send us the invitation, I’ll definitely send a hefty red envelope."

Zhuo Zhixuan said, "I will convey your message faithfully."

Tan Youming hung up the phone and looked up to ask Zhao Shengge what to eat for lunch. Zhao Shengge seemed deep in thought.

"Zhao Shengge?" Tan Youming called again.

Zhao Shengge shook his head, passed by him, and said in a low voice, "You eat by yourself, I have work to do."

Tan Youming looked at Shen Zongnian in confusion, "You can’t just skip meals because you’re working, can you?"

Shen Zongnian glanced at Zhao Shengge and said nothing.

Zhao Shengge returned to his office, not feeling hungry, and planned to continue working, which was his normal state.

Chen Wan’s been swamped lately. Kexiang is bidding on a major project and has encountered significant problems. He needs to find connections to mediate.

As if troubles never come alone, Song Qingmiao’s been giving him trouble again lately.

Song Qingmiao met Xu Enyi in a flower arrangement room. Xu Enyi noticed the jade bracelet on her wrist and struck up a conversation, and the two quickly became acquainted.

Song Qingmiao is not very old and looks quite young. Women can hit it off quickly if they click.

"This was made during my son’s business trip." Chen Wan went on a business trip to the northwest and personally picked the jade at the raw stone field. It wasn’t the most expensive, but the craftsmanship was excellent.

Xu Enyi smiled, "He’s so thoughtful and has great taste. This isn’t a mold-made style."

Song Qingmiao didn’t bother to appreciate the effort and care Chen Wan had put into it. She just kept her smiling eyes on her and said with double meaning, "He is indeed a good kid, and quite handsome."

Once she realized Xu Enyi was from *that* Xu family, she started scheming.

Xu Enyi wasn’t shy either, "Really? Do you have a photo? Let me see." She’s an artist, and men with good taste are hard to come by these days.

Song Qingmiao took out her phone and flipped through the album to show her. Xu Enyi was straightforward, "Handsome and very polished."

"..." Song Qingmiao was overjoyed and just said, "Next time I’m free, I’ll have him pick me up. You young people can make friends."

Xu Enyi nodded generously, "Sure."

Song Qingmiao was very happy and told Chen Wan about it that night. Chen Wan paused for a moment. There were a thousand words, but Song Qingmiao probably wouldn’t listen. In the end, he just said, "Sorry, I might not have time."

This was the truth. The project was still in limbo, and Chen Wan was swamped and stretched to his limit.

Moreover, Song Qingmiao could be so absurdly naive that he didn’t know where to begin. There was no logic at all, and she was very stubborn, as if Chen Wan not getting to know Xu Enyi was a huge loss.

She didn’t consider what kind of family they were or what they might be after. They could see through any scheme with just a glance.

Recently, the Chen family has been in serious internal strife, with the second and third branches secretly exerting their influence. Song Qingmiao was starting to get anxious and snapped, "You always say you have no time to accompany me!"

Chen Wan has been working overtime until his eyes were red, biting a cigarette, and asked in a low voice, "Are you really asking me to accompany you?" He was happy to devote time and money to Song Qingmiao and had suggested more than once that she move out of the Chen residence and live with him or buy another property.

Even though Song Qingmiao is naive, absurd, and selfish, she’s the only family Chen Wan has left in this world, so he still wants to treat her well.

But Song Qingmiao always refuses him outright.

Song Qingmiao is quite skilled at manipulating men, including her own son. She softened her voice and spoke with unusual sincerity, "Sweetie, you know how my life was in the early years. You haven’t forgotten what happened when you were a kid, right?"

"I haven’t forgotten, but," Chen Wan felt both disappointed and heartbroken. After some thought, he still asked, "Do you want me to make the same mistakes?"

"What are you saying?" Song Qingmiao’s voice turned icy in an instant. "Are you looking down on me? Chen Wan, if it weren’t for me—"

"No!" Chen Wan interrupted her. "Of course not."

"I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that."

The grudges and rights and wrongs of the older generation’s conflicts were not for him, a younger person, to judge. As a son, he absolutely should not speak to his mother that way.

He just wanted to stand by what he believed was right. Chen Wan softened his tone and apologized again, "I’m truly sorry, I shouldn’t have said that."

Song Qingmiao let out a light hum.

Chen Wan carefully chose his words, "I just think that we could completely escape from that kind of life."

No more pretending to be polite or selling ourselves out for power and money, no longer living in constant fear of scheming and deceit. Life could be simpler and purer.

Song Qingmiao snapped, "Escape? You’re still so immature. What makes you think you can escape? All you do is run away."

Chen Wan gave a bitter smile for a moment and finally stopped holding onto any illusions about her. He said, "Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t live up to your expectations."

Song Qingmiao wanted to say more, but someone called Chen Wan on his end, and the call ended awkwardly.

One of his partners came in and said, "Shi Zhangmin has responded. He’s willing to have a meal with you."

Chen Wan finally showed a smile and said, "That’s great."

Han Jin frowned and sighed, "Cut back on the smoking. You drank way too much the other day and still haven’t recovered. Don’t take advantage of your youth; you’re going to ruin your health."

Chen Wan put out his cigarette and smiled, "It’s fine." The pressure was overwhelming; if he didn’t let off steam, he’d lose it.