Chapter 26

Chapter 26

The spacious chairman’s office was equipped with soundproof glass, and the only sound inside was Nan Anru eating his meal.

At Nanyuan, project approval processes exceeding a certain amount were all sent to the chairman’s office for signature. Only after the signature would the finance department release the funds for the subsequent steps.

The marketing department was always a big expense; any product launch required marketing, especially for a big brand like Nanyuan, which needed extensive marketing.

Assistant An placed the latest plan from the marketing center on Nan Anru’s desk.

While sipping his soup, Nan Anru asked Nan Shuyi, noticing that he was staring at one of the plans for a while.

He casually found a reason to chat with Nan Shuyi: “Got a plan you’re interested in?”

Holding up the “Candy Plan,” Nan Shuyi said sarcastically, “This plan really interests me. A company this big, with so many people, and no one even knows who wrote it, yet it ends up here? Nanyuan’s people really aren’t very thorough.”

Nan Anru narrowed his eyes, savoring the soup, finding it unexpectedly good, and praised, “This soup is nice. Has our Chef Liao’s soup-making skills improved dramatically?” He then turned to the plan matter. “What’s wrong with the marketing department’s plan? Did they directly copy from a competitor?”

Nan Shuyi sneered, “No wonder so few young people stand out these days. The marketing department at Nanyuan just keeps circling the same old folks, and the plans lack any originality.”

As Nan Shuyi’s father, Nan Anru was used to his sharp tongue. “So, do you have new insights? Or did you notice something fishy about the plan in your hand?”

Nan Shuyi gave a cold laugh. “Haven’t you read this plan yet?”

Nan Anru: “I have. It’s pretty good, with a fresh direction, but it feels like something is missing.”

Nan Shuyi: “Well, that’s exactly it. It’s missing more than a little. It’s not the original at all—just a patchwork.”

Nan Anru paused mid-sip. “How do you know?”

“Because I personally edited it,” Nan Shuyi said, tossing the plan onto the desk, unwilling to read further. He was the first to see this plan.

Now, the person credited as the plan’s lead was Jin Huanxin, head of marketing, and an employee named Tan Ping.

Nan Anru quickly figured out what had happened.

The only possibility was that Jiang Yicen had created the plan, and Nan Shuyi had seen it. He knew Nan Shuyi’s character well enough; there was no way he would or needed to take a peek at Nanyuan’s documents, especially since they didn’t even live together.

Nan Anru thought for a moment. “Call Anxin in here. I remember asking him to help Yicen. What’s going on here?”

Nan Shuyi asked impatiently, “How do you plan to solve this? I had a hand in this plan too, and now someone’s stealing the credit. It’s really annoying.”

Nan Anru took the matter seriously. “What do you want to do?”

Nan Shuyi forwarded him the email Jiang Yicen had sent. “This is what he wrote. See for yourself.”

Assistant An, who had finally found time to eat a quick meal, received an internal call and immediately put down his chopsticks, quickly stuffed a few more mouthfuls.

In the office, he saw Nan Shuyi, who rarely appeared there, and noticed the unusual anger on his face—normally, he wore that lazy expression that usually drove Chairman Nan crazy.

Anxin guessed they must have been fighting again and wanted him to mediate. He really didn’t want to get involved in the Nan family’s father-son issues.

-

Jiang Yicen was about to have lunch with colleagues when he received a message from Jin Huanxin asking him to come to the office for a chat.

This was the first time he’d been called to an office for a talk; in the past, he was the one calling employees in.

Now the roles were reversed—a novel experience.

Jin Huanxin’s office was spacious and bright; he hadn’t drawn the curtains, making it even brighter than the outer office.

Jin Huanxin waited for Jiang Yicen. He noticed that this second-generation guy was different from the others. When subordinates were summoned by their boss, they typically showed nervousness or awkwardness in their body language, but Jiang Yicen sat down casually in the chair opposite, placing his hands on the desk, looking at Jin Huanxin.

“President Jin, you wanted to see me?” Jiang Yicen casually observed Jin Huanxin’s desk.

On the desk were two photos with his children, and even the computer screensaver showed pictures of two laughing children. The family atmosphere seemed pleasant, but since there were only children and no trace of their mother, that impression might be a bit flawed.

Jin Huanxin didn’t beat around the bush with Jiang Yicen. “Do you know why I called you here?”

He knew Jiang Yicen was respectful to him, but sitting face to face, it felt as if they were on the same level, and Jin Huanxin even had the illusion that Jiang Yicen had a stronger presence once he sat down.

Jiang Yicen crossed his legs, relaxed. “I’m not sure. Please explain, President Jin.”

Jin Huanxin felt that Jiang Yicen didn’t seem like his subordinate, but rather like a client he was doing a deal with.

Actually, the only thing they could discuss was the candy marketing plan. After Jiang Yicen submitted it last Friday, he had given no positive feedback, and he had been patiently waiting, not rushing to ask if his plan had been approved. However, he had noticed Tan Ping frequently going into Jin Huanxin’s office in the past two days.

Jin Huanxin realized Jiang Yicen wasn’t easily fooled.

He had read the plan Jiang Yicen wrote and liked its fresh approach—bolder and more innovative than traditional marketing plans. It even replaced conventional celeb endorsements with non-human characters, reducing risks.

Jin Huanxin: “Do you think you’re suited for the marketing department?”

Instead of answering directly, Jiang Yicen asked the most pertinent question, demonstrating his competence.

He countered, “President Jin, does that mean you think my plan is no good?”

When it came to professional matters, Jin Huanxin really couldn’t give a negative answer with a clear conscience.

Jin Huanxin: “Your plan is good, but it lacks some depth in thinking, as well as a bigger-picture view of the product and the company.”

Jiang Yicen suddenly smiled slightly. “So?”

Jin Huanxin’s scalp prickled at that smile. For the first time, he wasn’t so confident; his logic was flimsy.

“I’m just letting you know in advance, in case you have any concerns. I’ll combine your plan with Tan Ping’s, and then assign Tan Ping to execute it. As for you, you’ll have new tasks next.”

He hadn’t inquired about Jiang Yicen’s background, but he didn’t deny that Jiang Yicen was talented. However, he trusted his own people more. Tan Ping was the one he wanted to mentor, and he needed to give Tan Ping opportunities. As for Jiang Yicen, if he wasn’t comfortable, he could leave. And it wouldn’t be a problem—if anyone asked, he could easily explain that merging the plans was for the company’s benefit.

Jiang Yicen’s face lost some of its warmth. “When you combine the two plans, will Tan Ping’s part or mine take a larger share?”

Jin Huanxin: “Fifty-fifty, but he has more experience. You just graduated, so you might not coordinate as well with the various departments.”

Jiang Yicen didn’t lose his temper on the spot. “Who executes it isn’t a big issue, but I need to know which parts of my plan were removed and which will be used, so I can avoid the same mistakes in the next marketing plan.”

Jin Huanxin hadn’t expected Jiang Yicen to be so hard to deal with. “You’ll know once the budget for the new plan is approved.”

Jiang Yicen pressed further. “Why can’t you tell me now? President Jin, if you’re going to modify my plan and give it to Tan Ping to execute, I have no objection. Just be straightforward with me; no need to hide things.”

He already had a rough guess and understood Jin Huanxin’s attitude toward him.

Jin Huanxin hadn’t intended to give Jiang Yicen much explanation anyway, and now he was getting annoyed by the questioning. After all, he was the superior; there was no need to explain himself. Other employees would have just let it go. He really didn’t understand today’s young people—they have no clue about workplace etiquette.

He disliked Jiang Yicen’s confrontation and said impatiently, “You’ll be informed. Head back and wait for word.”

Did this young man not understand how things work around here? Once a plan was submitted, it was his to handle.

Just then, Jin Huanxin’s phone rang.

He glanced at the caller—Assistant An—and felt a strange jolt. He waved Jiang Yicen off.

"Go ahead and have lunch first. This afternoon's meeting will put you in charge of the new product promotion plan."

Jiang Yicen knew he was being treated unfairly, but before he could even think of what to do, he received a message from Nan Shuyi.

"Nan Shuyi: I'm at Nanyuan. Want to have lunch together?"

Jiang Yicen replied with a "Sure."

"Nan Shuyi: I'm waiting at the elevator entrance. Just come over."

Nan Shuyi was waiting by the elevator in the marketing department. Jiang Yicen grabbed his phone and went straight to the elevator.

At that time, Jin Huanxin received a call from Assistant An, who asked him to go upstairs for a chat.

They both headed for the elevator at the same time.

Jin Huanxin naturally recognized Nan Shuyi—how could he not know the young master of Nanyuan Group?

He dropped his cold and distant demeanor toward Jiang Yicen and warmly greeted Nan Shuyi.

"Young Master Nan, why are you at the company?"

Nan Shuyi's mood brightened at the sight of Jiang Yicen, but since Jin Huanxin spoke first, he didn't look pleased.

He directly taunted, "Can't I come? Manager Jin has already made Nanyuan your own home."

Jin Huanxin didn't know how he had offended the young master, so he apologized with a smile, "I must treat the company as home and give my all for Nanyuan."

Nan Shuyi said flatly, "No need for that. If you give your all, I'd be scared."

Jin Huanxin was momentarily confused—did Nan Shuyi want him to treat the company as home or not? The words sounded like mockery.

However, he had never liked the young master Nan. As a senior executive who had climbed from the bottom, he envied the background of these rich kids while simultaneously despising how they squandered their excellent opportunities and resources, loafing around all day.

Jin Huanxin saw the elevator for his floor arriving. "I'll go up first."

When the elevator doors closed, he realized he might have missed something.

Why would Nan Shuyi suddenly appear on the marketing floor? Who was he looking for?

Jiang Yicen followed Nan Shuyi into the elevator, then into the car, and finally arrived at a new fusion restaurant near the company.

This was an innovative dining model. Jiang Yicen was immediately drawn to the menu.

In their time, various cuisines were clearly defined, and he never imagined that people in the future would have such creative approaches.

Nan Shuyi: "Didn't know what to eat. Lunch will have to do for now."

Jiang Yicen flipped through the menu. "I think this restaurant is quite nice."

Although he might not be fully accustomed to the blend of Chinese cuisine with international dishes, trying it occasionally wouldn't hurt.

The server brought them drinks. Nan Shuyi ordered tea for himself, and Jiang Yicen had a fruit-flavored sparkling water.

Nan Shuyi thought Jiang Yicen acted like a kid—curious about everything when outside, probably because he had been a student and hadn't truly come into contact with society.

The restaurant recommended several signature dishes: black vinegar pork patties with steamed crab, Iberian ham with Shaoxing drunk, black truffle clay pot chicken, and braised fish maw in tomato sauce. Jiang Yicen didn't find them too hard to eat; they were quite distinctive.

But he seemed to prefer original, unadulterated local cuisine.

Nan Shuyi typically didn't disturb Jiang Yicen while he was eating. Eating was a joy for Jiang Yicen, and watching him eat was another kind of joy for Nan Shuyi.

Jiang Yicen finally put down his chopsticks and dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

Then Nan Shuyi said, "I took a look at the recipe you left for me this morning."

Jiang Yicen: "Hmm? Is it useful to you?"

Nan Shuyi: "Not sure yet; I haven't thought about how to use it."

Jiang Yicen thought he had been inconsiderate. Now, he was no longer the Sixth Young Master Jiang of the past, but an unknown nobody. A single recipe might not be convincing.

He suggested, "How about I accompany you to find Chef Liu again?"

Nan Shuyi mimicked his somewhat literary way of speaking: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Jiang Yicen: "Is this meal my travel expenses?"

Nan Shuyi chuckled softly: "If things work out, you can ask me for anything you want."

Jiang Yicen propped up his cheek and thought: "And if it doesn't work out?"

Nan Shuyi said decisively: "Then it's a wasted trip."

Jiang Yicen: "Then I won't go."

Nan Shuyi sighed: "It's me who makes the wasted trip, okay?"

Jiang Yicen: "Deal. When do we set off?"

Nan Shuyi stopped teasing him: "Which day are you free?"

Jiang Yicen checked his small notebook, which recorded his work plans.

"Saturday."

Nan Shuyi watched him seriously flipping through the notebook; the handwriting was the same as that on the recipe, written by him. In this day and age, still using handwriting for notes was quite cute.

"A good memory is better than a bad pen?"

"Huh?" Jiang Yicen didn't immediately understand his teasing. What was wrong with using a notebook? Even the best memory could fail sometimes.

"Isn't it more convenient to use the memo on your phone?" Nan Shuyi himself used the phone's memo for notes.

Jiang Yicen had spent a lot of time recently studying computers and hadn't had time to explore non-daily phone apps.

"Uh, personal habit." Jiang Yicen made an excuse.

"Just like an old man, all you need is a pair of reading glasses." Nan Shuyi always wanted to tease him.

Jiang Yicen snorted at Nan Shuyi: "You're the old man."

Nan Shuyi chuckled softly, subconsciously tightening his grip on the napkin. Jiang Yicen's light snort always made his heart itch, like a kitten scratching.

After lunch, Nan Shuyi did not delay Jiang Yicen in returning to the company. He drove him directly to the elevator entrance in the company's underground garage and went upstairs with him.

Jiang Yicen knew that Nan Shuyi was quite busy. Taking time out specially to have lunch with him made him feel warm inside.

Jiang Yicen asked curiously: "Aren't you going back to the company?"

Nan Shuyi smiled mysteriously: "I still have some unfinished business today."

The two parted ways in the elevator: "Brother Shuyi, see you tonight."

That one address made his head spin, and Nan Shuyi made a snap decision.

At two in the afternoon, Jiang Yicen attended the department team meeting. However, there were many more participants than expected.

Jin Huanxin couldn't help but wipe the sweat off his forehead.

Not only did Assistant An show up, but even Nan Shuyi showed up to spectate.

Jiang Yicen saw Nan Shuyi stride into the meeting room on his long legs and deliberately chose to sit next to him.

He pretended not to know Jiang Yicen: "Is this seat taken?"

Jiang Yicen, who had parted ways with him just ten minutes ago, nodded at him and tilted his head to look at him.

He arched a delicate eyebrow and said, "No, it's not, sir." He deliberately drew out the word "sir."

Nan Shuyi nearly twisted his ankle as he sat down: "..."

Little rascal, did that on purpose.

But what did that "sir" mean?