Chapter 170 - The Boss' Offer (2)

"How is your father's condition?" Ye Huizhong changed the topic after exhaling more smoke from his mouth.

"Thanks to you, my father has been receiving his treatment well."

"Did he ask you where did you get the money for his medical treatment from?"

Dai Zhiqiang clenched his hand into a fist behind his back before replying, "I told him I got some funds from the government, and the borrowed the rest from my uncle."

Ye Huizhong snorted. "The uncle who ran away after cheating your money from you? I'm surprised your father even bought that shit."

"My father didn't know about what my uncle did, so he wasn't suspicious when I told him that."

"A man who got a chronic illness and never got a visit from his blood-related brother, yet he still trusts that kind of person? Sounds like your father is a happy-go-lucky person."

Dai Zhiqiang's corner of brows twitched when he heard that. He could never stay calm whenever someone talked badly about his family. However, since his boss was talking right now, he restrained himself.

"Your uncle isn't in this country anymore. If yes, my subordinate would have found him by now. You should forget about finding him and focus on repairing your life instead. Do you really intend to live for your family forever?"

"Of course not. However, I don't think I need to go abroad for that. There are still many things I can do here."

"Fufufu. I already told you I would be responsible for your father's medical treatment. You don't have to worry and just focus on yourself. I'm saying this because I thought it was such a waste for a talented youngster like you to spend his time taking care of his family forever. A man needs to have ambition if they want to fly higher than anyone else."

"With all due respect, Boss, but my aim is not to fly high to the sky but to walk far on the ground. I can't leave my family behind, and that's final." Dai Zhiqiang replied calmly with a firm gaze.

Ye Huizhong heaved a sigh of exasperation. Judging from the young man's resolve and determination, it seemed pointless to continue this conversation anymore, so he decided to come clean with him.

"You might have suspected this, but actually, there is another reason I want you to go abroad."

Dai Zhiqiang didn't answer but waited for him to continue his explanation instead. Ye Huizhong stared outside the window with a distant gaze, like he was reminiscing about the past. However, that fleeting vulnerability soon disappeared.

"As you know, the Ye family has been doing several businesses abroad. I want you to stay there and manage one of those businesses. This is also a good chance for you to be integrated into the group. Do you understand what I'm trying to say here?"

Dai Zhiqiang knew it would be about this. At his current position, Dai Zhiqiang actually hadn't officially joined the group yet and was the only de facto member of the group who was recommended directly by the boss. His position was unstable and unclear. 

Ye Huizhong probably wanted to officially make him one of his subordinates this way. Although Dai Zhiqiang owed a significant debt to this man, he knew his life wouldn't be the same anymore once he crossed the last line.

It probably wouldn't be a problem if he had no other place and no one whom he had to protect, but he still had his father and brother behind him. 

Also, there was Li Caiyi too. He felt like he would ultimately lose his chance to be beside her if he accepted his boss' offer, and he didn't want that. 

"I understand your intention, Boss. However, I'm sure there are a lot of other seniors who are worthy of that position. I'm sorry, but I must politely decline it."

"I'm a person who knows how to repay a debt, but I'm not a charity worker either. If you decline this offer, there won't be a second time."

"Yes, I'm sure. I have my reason not to leave this place, but I'm really thankful for your consideration." Dai Zhiqiang bowed his head respectfully. 

"Very well. I have heard your opinion, so you may leave now." Ye Huizhong waved his hand nonchalantly, as though he was tired looking at Dai Zhiqiang. "Don't forget to be ready at your station once you finish tucking little Zhong in his bed."

"Of course, Boss. Then, I'll leave first." Dai Zhiqiang said before he turned away. 

It didn't matter as long as he could help his father this way. Dai Zhiqiang had received his schedule for tonight, so he probably wouldn't be home after midnight. He had to inform his brother about this. There was also dinner to think about…

Just then, Li Caiyi's bashful figure while giving him his dinner box this afternoon flashed across his mind. He still remembered how thrilled he was, knowing she paid attention and cared for him to that extent. It was as if he could ascend to heaven then.

Dai Zhiqiang covered his mouth with his hand and tried to think moderately about Li Caiyi's care for him. He couldn't mistake her kindness as something more because the gap between him and Li Caiyi was too wide. He didn't want to hope too much, only to be disappointed in the end.

Although he knew it was a cowardly move to retreat before advancing, Dai Zhiqiang didn't want to break whatever little connection he had with Li Caiyi. His family background was too complicated, and there were many things he had to think about. The current Dai Zhiqiang didn't have any luxury to pursue his love or dream. 

The only thing he could do was to struggle as best as he could while occasionally enjoying the friendship she kindly offered to him. He had to be careful to not let his greed consume him, though, because his need for her made him lose control of his actions sometimes. 

Dai Zhiqiang used to believe that Li Caiyi was out of his reach, and he didn't deserve her time and attention. But after she saved his brother, and they became closer, he found himself falling even deeper for her. He kept hoping to spend more time with her and receive her care. 

As long as he could be by her side, he didn't mind, even if they stayed as friends forever. 

For him, Li Caiyi had become an irreplaceable existence in his heart.