Chapter 34 The First Typhoon

Chapter 34 The First Typhoon

The first two calls went unanswered; the third finally connected.

Tan Youming paused, then asked, “Still out?” The distant roar of wind and waves carried through the line.

“Mm,” Shen Zongnian replied, having stepped out of a work function to take the call. “What is it?”

Tan Youming’s initial irritation gave way to concern for the other’s safety: “Let’s talk when you get back.” A Typhoon Signal No. 1 was still a typhoon warning, after all.

The sea breeze ruffled Shen Zongnian’s hair: “Not sure when I’ll be back. You can tell me now if it’s important.”

Tan Youming could only ask, “Is your tablet acting up? I’ve tried the password several times, but it’s not working.” He tapped at the screen, muttering, “One more try and it’ll lock up.”

Shen Zongnian said, “I changed the password.”

Tan Youming’s hand stilled. His blunt, decisive answer was like a sword to the throat, cutting off all of Tan Youming’s conjectures.

He had suspected a network issue, a system malfunction, or that he had simply misremembered.

This possibility, however, had never crossed his mind.

Tan Youming stood frozen for a long moment, a mix of hurt and disbelief on his face. He frowned, confused: “Why… why?”

“I’ve been using it to send confidential files recently,” Shen Zongnian explained. “Official documents can’t be leaked.”

Tan Youming’s heart, which had plummeted, rose a few degrees but didn’t fully return to its place. Though the reason was valid and justified—devices for confidential material shouldn’t be connected to external networks—he still felt a strange unease. He asked pointedly: “You don’t trust me?”

“No,” Shen Zongnian said. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Tan Youming; he didn’t trust himself. He didn’t want to, nor should he, pry into Tan Youming’s private affairs with Wang Simin or anyone else. He fingered the cigarette pack in his pocket and added, “Your games, mods, and saved games have been transferred to your tablet. The data has been adjusted too. If anything doesn’t suit you, you can reconfigure it yourself.”

Tan Youming retrieved his own tablet and checked everything. The game copies, music players, and office tools were all the ones he usually used. Shen Zongnian had been thoughtful, even setting up the background and font for him.

Yet Tan Youming didn’t feel happy about it and remained silent for a moment.

The night sea looked calm but hid strong undercurrents. Hearing no response, Shen Zongnian asked: “Anything else?”

His tone was so cool and matter-of-fact, as if this were the most ordinary matter. Tan Youming was annoyed but couldn’t find grounds to be angry. He asked directly: “When are you coming back?”

Shen Zongnian said, “Day after—”

Tan Youming suddenly interrupted him: “Who’s that talking?”

Shen Zongnian hadn’t even noticed. He glanced back and said, “They’re calling me back inside.”

Tan Youming understood they couldn’t talk much longer and said, “Then I’ll meet you at the dock when the time comes.”

“No need,” Shen Zongnian rubbed his forehead. “I’ll be returning with the partners.”

“Alright, then… don’t overdo it with drinks. Bye.”

“It’s already off.” After saying this, Tan Youming didn’t hang up. The line hummed like a hidden tide, calm yet restless on this typhoon night.

Both fell silent for a moment before Shen Zongnian hung up first, leaving Tan Youming alone in the typhoon night.

He zoned out for a bit, then picked up his own tablet to get used to it. The model, color, and configuration were identical to Shen Zongnian’s, but it still felt awkward and unfamiliar in his hands.

He found himself picking up Shen Zongnian’s tablet again. Changing the password was like being given a new key—he could no longer open the door to his old home. Even if all the furniture had been moved to the new house, the new house still wasn’t the original home.

After a few frustrating rounds of games, Tan Youming drifted off to sleep clutching the tablet whose password he no longer possessed, unaware that outside his dreams, the typhoon had quietly made landfall.

Shen Zongnian’s return was delayed by two days due to the weather, and his desk was piled high with documents awaiting approval.

The overseas energy project team’s preparations were in full swing, with meetings large and small running from morning till night. Every time Tan Youming called, Zhong Manqing answered on Shen Zongnian’s behalf—phones were generally left outside during confidential meetings.

After finishing a meeting at Jianxin, Tan Youming decided to head straight to Huantu.

“Mr. Tan.”

“President Tan.”

Tan Youming casually acknowledged the greetings from Huantu’s employees. When he reached the thirty-second floor, Shen Zongnian happened to be stepping out of a conference room.

He didn’t seem surprised to see Tan Youming and walked over from the group of executives to ask, “What’s up?”

Tan Youming raised a hand to greet Shen Zongnian’s subordinates, then returned his gaze to Shen Zongnian’s face: “Nothing. I had a meeting at Jianxin this afternoon and thought I’d drop by to have dinner with you.”

Shen Zongnian checked his wristwatch: “It might be a while. I have two more meetings after this.”

“No problem, go ahead.” As he turned to leave, a figure emerging last from the conference room caught Tan Youming’s attention: “Qiao Rui?”

It came back to him then—the familiar voice he’d heard on Shen Zongnian’s phone a couple of days ago.

The man was handsome and refined, raising a hand enthusiastically to greet him: “Young President Tan? Oh, no, it should be President Tan now.”

Tan Youming glanced calmly at Shen Zongnian, then put on a flawless smile and extended his hand first, taking the initiative: “When did you get back? You should’ve given me a heads-up.”

Qiao Rui was the youngest vice president at Huantu and the only son of Qiao Hong, one of Huantu’s founding members. Back when most executives were watching from the sidelines, Qiao Hong was the first to openly support Shen Zongnian’s rise to leadership. After Qiao Hong stepped down, Qiao Rui followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming Shen Zongnian’s right-hand man.

During several rounds of power shifts and restructuring at the core, Shen Zongnian pushed through opposition to promote Qiao Rui to vice president and stationed him in the South American division.

In Huantu’s most turbulent years, Qiao Rui held down the fort at the company’s origin base. Over the years, he managed the home front exceptionally well, even expanding their reach multiple times.

Qiao Rui reached out and shook Tan Youming’s hand warmly: “It was a last-minute decision, too rushed. But we must find time for President Tan to host a welcome dinner for me.”

Tan Youming smiled: “Sure, definitely.”

Qiao Rui: “Then we’ll get back to work now.”

“Mm.” Tan Youming watched as Qiao Rui and Shen Zongnian disappeared together down the long corridor. Instead of going to Shen Zongnian’s office, he went downstairs to find Tan Zuyi.

Outside the high-rise glass windows, another layer of rain and mist had settled, and the clouds looked weary. The atmosphere at Huantu was more intense and busy than usual.

While the boss attended to countless matters, the employees were run off their feet. Tan Zuyi, who had been working overtime for over half a month, moved on unsteady legs, sneaking into the break room to make coffee for her brother.

Tan Youming chuckled: “Why are you so swamped?”

The grinning ID badge on Tan Zuyi’s chest no longer looked as spirited as before. She said miserably, “The higher-ups are going all out to set up the overseas energy project team. They even recalled Vice President Qiao. Here, the coffee beans you’re using were a gift from him.” Qiao Rui knew how to handle people—he’d brought gifts for every department.

Tan Youming set down his cup and nodded: “I saw him.”

Tan Zuyi, new to the workplace, was getting a taste of office politics: “Everyone’s been competing like crazy since last month. They all want to go abroad for the prestige and to earn pounds.” She glanced outside the door and lowered her voice: “There are rumors that Zongnian-ge might personally lead this project in Northern Europe. My senior, who works at the Energy Association, said the higher-ups are taking it very seriously.”

Although it was Huantu’s project, it involved infrastructure, international cooperation, and industry barriers. The association had offered many incentives and support policies, hoping for a leader who could protect interests and oversee the big picture.

But the final decision on personnel would be made by Huantu itself.

“The Felipe Family has also sincerely invited Zongnian-ge. I heard they went straight to the board to poach him. If it’s true, being selected for this project would mean instantly becoming the president’s trusted aide—cutting at least five years of grinding. Now every department is fighting tooth and nail for it.”

"But there are also rumors saying Vice President Qiao will be assigned there, which is why he was specifically recalled," Tan Zuyi stirred her coffee, not noticing her brother's expression. "After all, Vice President Qiao’s capabilities are evident—he has extensive experience in overseas construction and is also Shen Zongnian’s right-hand man. It seems he’s known Shen Zongnian even longer than you’ve known him, right? Brother?"

She turned her head only to find Tan Youming expressionless.

"Is that so."

"..." Tan Zuyi backpedaled. "Maybe... maybe not?"

Tan Youming gave a cold smile. "Personally overseeing the expansion in Northern Europe?"

"Uh, it’s just speculation. But," Tan Zuyi conceded, "isn’t it normal for the top leader to personally expand overseas markets?"

Tan Youming looked at her quietly. Having worked for only a short time, Tan Zuyi had already learned to read people’s expressions. She had no choice but to say, "It’s not even confirmed yet. You know how long the preparation work takes—there’s bidding for roles, field assessments, evaluations, deployments, and layers of approval to gather feedback."

"Don’t worry about it, Brother. I’ll treat you to a meal later. By the way, to welcome Vice President Qiao and his team back to headquarters, the company cafeteria has been serving South American dishes these past couple of days. The Argentinian empanadas and Peruvian roast chicken are really good."

Tan Youming wasn’t in the mood for South American food. "You eat by yourself. I’m going upstairs."

"..."

The meeting on the thirty-second floor didn’t end until after 8 p.m. During that time, Zhong Manqing came in twice to convey Shen Zongnian’s message—to order food for Tan Youming first—but Tan Youming declined both times.

When Shen Zongnian returned, Tan Youming wasn’t playing games or looking at his phone. He seemed lost in thought. Shen Zongnian took off his tie and asked, "What do you want to eat? The cafeteria has—"

"Not eating," Tan Youming cut him off flatly. He remained leaning back on the sofa, legs crossed, calmly watching him.

Shen Zongnian didn’t know what had set him off this time. He frowned but still said, "Then we’ll cook at home. Just don’t complain about being hungry halfway."

He picked up the car keys, but Tan Youming didn’t stand up. Instead, he draped his arms over the back of the sofa, tilting his head. "You didn’t tell me Qiao Rui was back."

Shen Zongnian gave him a puzzled look, unsure why Huantu recalling an executive required special notification to him. He raised an eyebrow and asked pointedly, "Are you the chairman?"

Tan Youming choked back a retort, but just as he was about to snap back, the office door knocked.

Qiao Rui was surprised to see Tan Youming still there. "President Tan, you’re still here?"

Tan Youming smiled faintly.

Shen Zongnian asked what he needed.

"Nothing, just wanted to see if you’d like to go to the cafeteria together," Qiao Rui spoke to Shen Zongnian much more casually and familiarly than with other executives. "I also wanted to discuss the cooperation with Hengtai." He then turned to Tan Youming. "President Tan, care to join? I heard the chef made Argentinian-style barbecue today."

Too many people had already recommended South American food to Tan Youming today. "Vice President Qiao, haven’t you had enough of it in Mexico?"

Qiao Rui laughed. "The taste here and abroad is naturally different. Whether it’s authentic or not, President Tan, would you like to try Huantu’s take on it?"

*Our Huantu.*

Tan Youming smiled, tilting his head. "I’ll do whatever Shen Zongnian decides."

Shen Zongnian glanced at him and said to Qiao Rui, "Let’s talk tomorrow."

"Alright," Qiao Rui didn’t push it. Noticing the car keys in Shen Zongnian’s hand, he said, "Heading out? Let’s go down together."

Shen Zongnian picked up Tan Youming’s coat and grabbed one of his own scarves for him. Tan Youming didn’t reach for them, so Shen Zongnian draped both over his arm and closed the office door.

The three of them went downstairs together. Qiao Rui chatted with Shen Zongnian about unfinished business from the meeting until they reached the cafeteria floor, where they went their separate ways.

The elevator descended to the parking garage. Tan Youming said, "I’ll drive."

Shen Zongnian looked up. "Planning to hit the greenbelt again?"

Tan Youming, already irritated, had no outlet for his frustration. "Yeah, and I’ll aim for the trash cans too."

Shen Zongnian didn’t feel like arguing. He tossed the keys over and got into the passenger seat. His phone, placed on the center console, vibrated several times, but Tan Youming ignored it.

Shen Zongnian’s attention was drawn to the screen, where the same woman’s profile picture he’d seen on Shen’s tablet flashed. Shen Zongnian averted his gaze to the window.

A Level 1 typhoon warning wasn’t strong, but the chinaberry blossoms in Cherry Street Park had shed all over the ground—pink stamens and purple petals, run over by the Bentley.

Tan Youming navigated steadily through the flooded tunnel, the congested overpass, and Pok Fu Lam Road, which was under repair. Shen Zongnian realized only then that Tan Youming was actually pretty good at driving. He wondered if he had been too strict with him before.

Tan Youming hit the gas and was the first to speak. "Shen Zongnian."

"Is there anything you need to tell me?"

Shen Zongnian was confused. "What?"

Tan Youming’s three-out-of-ten anger shot up to a ten at Shen Zongnian’s acting like it was nothing. "Are you getting stationed in Europe?"

Shen Zongnian thought for a moment. "Did Tan Zuyi say that?"

Tan Youming couldn’t believe how calmly he was taking this. "Well, who else would’ve told me? Should I wait for you to send me an international text from Rotterdam?!" He honked the horn, scaring the Audi that had cut him off into backing down.