Chapter 406: 346: Instigate Division (1) Renegotiate Cooperation

Chapter 406: 346: Instigate Division (1) Renegotiate Cooperation

Translator: 549690339

Four Seasons Hotel.

Rooftop restaurant, VIP private room.

Together, Ji Baijian, Lu Yicheng, and Xu Weimiao are having dinner.

At the dinner table.

Lu Yicheng begins, “Why didn’t you invite your wife?”



“There are some things I don’t want her to know about for now.”

“It’s not necessarily a good thing to have secrets between husband and wife.” Lu Yicheng smiles, but he knows when to stop.

Ji Baijian nods slightly.

“Last time you came to Beixia Country personally to talk about the James Group. My sister-in-law happens to have a charity dinner with the James Group soon. If all goes well, there should be no problem.”

“Thank you.” Ji Baijian takes the initiative to pick up his glass.

Lu Yichang raises his glass for a toast.

Xu Weimiao politely raises hers as well.

The three enjoy their red wine.

Lu Yicheng is right. When Song Zhizhi was in prison, he left Jin City to track down the so-called culprit, went to Beixia Country in fact just to avoid prying eyes and asked Lu Yicheng in secret to negotiate with the James Group. For Yanshang Country, losing such a large economic zone was a huge loss. As the only heir to Commercial Management by right, he cannot regret the loss of such an institution because of this. More importantly, the huge economic loss caused by Commercial Management, coupled with reputation-related issues, made it easy for the official family to use as a weapon against Commercial Management. Losing more than they’d gain.

His duty was to minimize the loss and protect the reputation of Commercial Management, following the eternal teachings of the Ye family.

Luckily, Lu Yicheng and he were on good terms, and unless it was something against his principles, Lu would not generally refuse him.

“This time, on the one hand, I’m here to resolve the issue of the James Group’s entry into your country’s economic circles, and on the other hand, your country has never participated much in charitable endeavors. My sister-in-law also wants to assess whether your country is interested in joining global charitable organizations” Lu Yicheng initiated.



Xu Weimiao smiles gently, “Indeed, your nation’s economy always ranks among the global upper-middle echelons, and its national economy is also a standout. However, we rarely hear your nation’s voice in charity work. As a representative of an international charity organization, I sincerely hope that your nation can join us and become a permanent MC for global charity work.”

“I’m sorry, but for now, I don’t have the ultimate say.” Ji Baijian replied reluctantly.

“I had previously met with your country’s economic representative, Mr. Ye Taiting, who politely declined me. I also had a meeting with Mr. Jun Minghan, the son of your country’s Dean Mr. Jun. He said that all economic matters in Yanshang Country are handled by Commercial Management, so he can only suggest and not forcefully demand, so he couldn’t give me a definite answer. Therefore, we’ve never been able to reach a consensus with your country on charity work.” Xu Weimiao said, looking at Ji Baijian, “Yicheng said that no matter what your status is now, you are the right person to talk to. And I always trust Yicheng’s judgment.”

“I am grateful.” Ji Baijian smiled slightly, “Since Mrs. Mo values me so highly, I will do my best to ensure that Yanshang Country joins the charity MC.”

“Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.” Ji Baijian said, “I should be thanking you for your help with the James Group.”

“It’s a bit embarrassing to say that I was just helping you out as a favor, which was just a drop in the bucket for me. It seems like it has become a transaction.”

“Mrs. Mo, you’re too serious. It’s not just you who wants Yanshang Country to join the charity industry, but it’s also my idea. It’s unfortunate that my current status is awkward and I can’t agree to Mrs. Mo’s proposition outright.”

“People trusted by Yicheng are definitely not simple.” Xu Weimiao initiates by raising her glass, “Mr. Ji, I drink first to your success.”

“Please, Mrs. Mo.”

Over the table, it’s polite with harmony mixed in.

During dinner.



Xu Weimiao’s phone rings.

Xu Weimiao looks at the caller ID and smiles, “I’m sorry, I have to take this call.”

“Please.”

Xu Weimiao heads away from the table to answer the call.

Leaving Lu Yicheng and Ji Baijian at the table.

Ji Baijian drinks from his glass and says, “You old fox.”

“Takes one to know one.” Lu Yicheng reciprocates by raising his glass for a toast.

They appreciate each other and have common interests that they can use to their advantage. They hit it off and it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

That’s why Ji Baijian says Lu Yicheng just cares about business, not individuals.

Because businessmen can always find points of interest.

Like this time.

Beixia Country has always been a leader in charity, but it has never been able to break into Yanshang Country, which is still considered a friendly nation.



Ji Baijian took the initiative to find Lu Yicheng, who had already calculated that this was an excellent opportunity.

So.

It was done in one go.

Xu Weimiao was on the phone for quite a while.

She returned to her seat with a radiant smile, and courteously said, “I apologize for keeping you waiting.”

“It was my brother, wasn’t it?!” Lu Yicheng blurted out.

Xu Weimiao’s face reddened a bit, “He was just asking if I am getting accustomed to this place.”

“You two have always been spending more time apart than together. You travel all around the world, and he knows you can handle it. He just wanted an excuse to call you.” Lu Yicheng teased.

Xu Weimiao chuckled, embarrassed. In that moment, she had essentially admitted it.

“My brother, who is typically clueless about emotion, has also sprung into bloom for you.” Lu Yicheng laughed.

“People are emotional beings. Given enough time, feelings will develop.”

“That might not hold true for everyone else.”



“Yicheng.” Xu Weimiao felt a bit helpless.

“I mean you two are often separated by distance, sometimes for half a month at a time. Don’t you miss my brother?” Lu Yicheng asked.

As Xu Weimiao savored her steak, she shook her head.

She gracefully wiped her mouth and said, “Given his position, we have no other choice.”

“That makes sense. Otherwise, in deference to my mother, my father would have retired early.”

“Hmm.”

“Do you ever resent it?” Lu Yicheng asked.

“No.” Xu Weimiao quickly denied, “I completely understand. Ever since I met Zixi, I’ve been prepared for this.”

For people like them, having feelings for each other is the best-case scenario. Even without feelings, they would still go on.

Luckily, they have feelings for each other.

Most of the time, those feelings are just kept inside, unspoken.

“No wonder my father said my brother is the best successor.”



His father was not.

HIs father was more emotional, whereas his brother was more rational.

“Has my brother ever taken you out for leisure trips during the time you’ve been married?” Lu Yicheng asked.

Xu Weimiao smiled, “We did once or twice, early on. In recent years, even just spending a day at home, tranquil and peaceful, is a luxury. We don’t even have time for outings.”

Thus...

The more power one holds, the more one might have to sacrifice.

“Let’s not talk about him.” Xu Weimiao changed the topic, “I assume you don’t know much about Mr. Ji.”

“As the youngest leader ever to become Dean, it’s difficult to not know him.” Ji Baijian said, “Of course, that’s not his only title. The brilliant achievements he made during his tenure as the Dean of Beixia Country are known by people all around the world.”

Being complimented about her husband made Xu Weimiao feel a bit shy.

“Yet one couldn’t imagine that behind all that brilliance lies a lot of struggle and lack of control over one’s life.” Ji Baijian seemed quite reverent.

“Actually, once habituated, it’s not so bad and certainly not as illustrious as what outsiders usually perceive.”

What matters is...

To do their jobs well.

To be faithful both to themselves and their citizens.

The entire dinner went very smoothly.

After the banquet, Ji Baijian excused himself.

Lu Yicheng escorted Xu Weimiao back to her room.

“Sister-in-law.” Lu Yicheng called her all of a sudden.

“Hmm?” Xu Weimiao looked at him.

“Would you like my brother to come over and be with you?” Lu Yicheng asked.

Xu Weimiao paused for a moment, then immediately responded, “No, we can’t disrupt his work. He is very busy. If he has some spare time, he should take a break. He doesn’t sleep enough.”

“Hmm.” Lu Yicheng nodded.

“It is getting late, you should get some rest too.”

“You should too.”

Lu Yicheng returned to his room.

Although he understood that running a country was a busy job, he also believed that no matter how busy one was, they should have time to spend with their spouse.

Mo Zixi is way too rigid.

Ever since his father handed over the entire country to him, he has been entirely immersed in national affairs, unable to extricate himself.

Even though Xu Weimiao is indeed a thoughtful and virtuous wife...

However, just because she’s good, he shouldn’t disregard her feelings.

He shouldn’t ignore her inner desires because she always thinks about him in everything she does.

He picked up the phone and sent a message, “Brother, are you busy?”

It was Zixi’s private number given by Lu Yicheng.

It took until after he had taken a shower and then called his wife, son and daughter for Mo Zixi to reply.

“Doing some work. What’s up?”

“Do you remember Ji Baijian?”

“Don’t have a strong impression of him, I think you mentioned him before, said he’s an important figure in Yanshang Country.”

“Right, quite a handsome guy.”

“Just letting you know that Ji Baijian will be spending a lot of time with sister-in-law these days.”

“Yicheng, you’re not young either.” Meaning: stop making such jokes.

“Yeah, that’s why your youth is also running out.” Lu Yicheng typed a new message, “So is sister-in-law’s.”

Mo Zixi didn’t respond for a long time.

Lu Yicheng didn’t say anything more.

Sometimes he really felt that his brother’s way of life was too mechanical.

Lacks spontaneity.

The next day.

Song Zhizhi received a phone call from Lu Yicheng.

Song Zhizhi went straight to the hotel where Lu Yicheng was staying.

The Presidential Suite had a dedicated meeting room.

Lu Yicheng spoke bluntly, “I read the information you gave me yesterday. I have a good understanding of the James Group’s settlement, and the key point now is your ability to schedule a new meeting with the person in charge of the James Group, right?”

“Yes.” Song Zhizhi nodded.

Indeed, this is the advantage of dealing with smart people, they get straight to the point.

“I can schedule another meeting with Mr. Kiru of the James Group in Jin City, and you will join us to meet him. You can discuss the rest with him privately.”

“Where is Lu Yicheng? I want to see him in person.”

“I’ll arrange it for you.”

Ye Wenhan hung up the phone.

Time and time again he was crushed by Song Zhizhi, he didn’t believe that he couldn’t defeat her!

Four o’clock in the afternoon.

Song Zhizhi took Ye Wenhan to meet Lu Yicheng and Xu Weimiao.

Qian Guanshu naturally followed suit.

Without Qian Guanshu, Ye Wenhan couldn’t handle such important meetings on his own.

After exchanging pleasantries.

Ye Wenhan appeared very warm, “I heard from Zhizhi that you have come to Yanshang Country. I’m sorry I wasn’t informed sooner.”

“Mr. Ye is too polite. You are so busy, we are just here to visit your country, you needn’t make any special arrangements.”

“You’re the one who’s being polite. When I visited Beixia Country for a study tour with Song Zhizhi, you extended your warm hospitality to me. I have yet to express my gratitude properly. I need to treat you well in any case.”

“Then, we will take your offer. I also want to communicate more with Mr. Ye and enhance the economic and trade relations between our two countries.”

“You’re always welcome.” Ye Wenhan was very straightforward.

After another round of courtesy.

Ye Wenhan got to the point, “Mr. Lu, I asked Song Zhizhi to find you because the necessity had arisen.”

By saying “I asked Song Zhizhi to find you,” he had successfully taken all the credit.

Song Zhizhi sneered, seeming very calm.

Lu Yicheng glanced at Song Zhizhi, smiling faintly.

Ye Wenhan said, “Due to some internal issues, the construction of the James Group’s business circle had failed. Mr. Lu must have heard about it. I heard that your country’s mother has a deep friendship with the James Group. I had to come and ask for help despite the shame.”

“Mr. Ye needn’t feel that way. Ms. Song and I have a good private relationship and as friends, we should help each other. We have had a preliminary communication with the James Group. While they understand the true reasons for your internal issues, they still have a lot of reservations and do not want to consider settling in Yanshang Country for now. Fortunately, my sister-in-law and the James Group are starting a global charity project, which requires the joint advocacy of multiple countries. If your organization can take the initiative to join the charity organization, I believe the James Group will owe you a favor.”

“I heard from Secretary Qian that my father had once turned down a charity cooperation proposal from Mrs. Mo. On behalf of my father, I would like to apologize to Mrs. Mo.” Ye Wenhan appeared genuinely sincere.

Xu Weimiao replied with a smile.

Ye Wenhan said, “I didn’t grow up by my father’s side, so I’m not exactly clear on his considerations at that time. But from my perspective now, I fully support charitable activities. Even if you hadn’t invited us this time, I believe I would have taken the initiative to join within half a year.”

“Does Mr. Ye mean to agree?” Lu Yicheng asked.

“Yes, I not only agree, but also feel very honored to receive a personal invitation from Mrs. Mo.” Ye Wenhan was extremely courteous.

Xu Weimiao laughed, “I didn’t expect Mr. Ye to be such a straightforward person.”

“You flatter me, Mrs. Mo.” Ye Wenhan said, “In order to form a consensus and create an international effect, I’m holding a press conference to announce my organization joining the World Charity Organization. We sincerely invite Mrs. Mo to join us if it’s convenient.”

“Sure.” Xu Weimiao agreed at once, and added, “The James Group is the business sponsor of the charity organization. Would Mr. Ye mind inviting them to join as well?”

“It would be great honor.” Ye Wenhan was a bit excited, and had to adjust his emotions slightly, “Thank you, Mrs. Mo.”

Xu Weimiao gave a slight smile and said righteously, “Each country will have a charity ambassador, firstly to positively promote charitable causes, and secondly to facilitate the communication and connection of charity-related matters. After comprehensive consideration, I suggest nominating Miss Song Zhizhi. I wonder if Mr. Ye would agree?”

Ye Wenhan’s expression froze slightly.

Xu Weimiao feigned not noticing it, she said, “I’ve met with Miss Song several times, she has a deep understanding of charity work and is very suitable to be a charity ambassador. Additionally, she is the daughter of Minister Song of the Commercial Management department. Minister Song, as a diplomat, has extensive social connections. Charity is a global organization that needs such human relations. I wonder, what does Mr. Ye think?”

Ye Wenhan reflexively glanced at Qian Guanshu.

Qian Guanshu slightly nodded.

Ye Wenhan said, “The candidate Mrs. Mo recommends is naturally the best choice. I, of course, fully agree.”

“Good. At the press conference that day, we will announce Miss Song Zhizhi’s role as a charity ambassador, so we hope Mr. Ye will attend with Miss Song.”

“Of course.”

“When is the press conference tentatively scheduled for? I need to discuss matters with James Group in advance.”

“It is tentatively scheduled for this Friday at 3 pm, of course, the final call is with Mrs. Mo.”

“Once I confirm the time, I will inform Mr. Ye immediately.”

“Thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome.”

With the negotiations concluded.

Ye Wenhan and his party took their leave.

Feeling grateful, Xu Weimiao said to Lu Yicheng, “Yicheng, thanks for this. If not for you, I don’t know how long it would have taken us to secure Yanshang Country. Yanshang Country is one of the most unique countries in the world; it’s the only country where politics and economy are separated. To settle anything, it’s never easy.”

“Dealing with businessmen is the easiest,” Lu Yicheng chuckled.

Xu Weimiao did not think it was easy at all.

Business people are too cunning, sometimes negotiating charity funds with capitalists left her feeling drained both mentally and physically.

“Find a common interest, and it’s a match made in heaven.”

“It’s not as simple as you put it,” Xu Weimiao sincerely stated, “Your brother said you are a genius with high IQ, he claimed many of his achievements are due to his efforts, while you...”

“Have it easy?” Lu Yicheng laughed.

He was indeed capitalizing on his parent’s fortune.

“No,” Xu Weimiao chuckled, “he means in addition to making efforts, you are naturally gifted. It’s a pity your father wants you to do business.”

“No regrets. My father, that old fox, is wiser than anyone else.” Lu Yicheng never doubted any decision made by his father.

Xu Weimiao couldn’t help but smile again.

Before she joined the Mo Family, she always thought they were a reserved family.

Only upon joining did she realize, no family could be this happy.

It was as if they were blessed by heaven.

Only very few knew, how hard it was to secure this happiness!

After leaving the hotel, he returned to the commercial management department.

Ye Wenhan dragged Song Zhizhi straight to his office.

“Song Zhizhi, you never stop trying to create advantages for yourself, huh!” said Ye Wenhan, with clear sarcasm.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The role of a charity ambassador!” Ye Wenhan ground his teeth.

Usually, a charity ambassador of a country is a prominent figure, a direct relative of the dean, or the dean’s wife. How could Song Zhizhi, a woman of unclear background, come into play!

“That’s what Mrs. Mo said, not me.”

“Don’t pretend I don’t know what you’ve been up to behind my back.”

“You overestimate me, you think I have control over Mrs. Mo?”

“Song Zhizhi, don’t act so self-important!”

“It’s simply about Mr. Ye’s lack of magnanimity.”

“Song Zhizhi!” Ye Wenhan ground his teeth.

“If Mr. Ye is here merely to vent his dissatisfaction rather than work-related matters, I’m afraid I can’t oblige.” Song Zhizhi left abruptly after saying that.

Ye Wenhan was so mad he wanted to kill Song Zhizhi.

This woman was increasingly disregarding him!

Song Zhizhi returned to her office.

She must have been inciting Ye Wenhan’s anger more and more.

She wanted to push Ye Wenhan to his limits.

At that time, Qian Guanshu would surely ask her to endure.

In this way...

She didn’t believe that there wouldn’t be any conflict between them, especially under deliberate instigation.

Friday.

Two-thirty in the afternoon.

As scheduled, the press conference was held in the highest meeting room of the Jin City’s Commercial Management Agency.

This large-scale conference attracted the attention of the world.

On that day, the reporters who came to the Commercial Management Agency, in addition to the domestic media, also included many well-known international media journalists, who crowded into the high-end conference room of the Commercial Management. The whole room was quiet, waiting quietly for the start of the press conference.

Almost three o’clock.

Ye Wenhan, Mr. Ruki from James Group, Xu Weimiao, and Song Zhizhi, the four jointly attended the event.

Ye Wenhan and Xu Weimiao sat in the middle, James sat next to Xu Weimiao, and Song Zhizhi sat next to Ye Wenhan.

By right.

Song Zhizhi didn’t have the qualifications to appear in such a grand occasion. Even if it was a press conference hosted by the Commercial Management, except for Ye Wenhan, such a high-level press conference could only be attended by the chief executives or CEOs. It was absolutely not for a small department head. Not to mention that Song Zhizhi appeared with the helmsman of the Commercial Management, not the chief, Song Zhizhi’s status rose several times, just like the remuneration of a star, which suddenly transformed from an obscure actor to a top-line superstar.

“I am very thankful for the presence of international media friends from all over the world and local journalists. Thank you all for attending the press conference where the Commercial Management Agency officially joined the World International Organization and became a permanent member of the MC.” Qian Guanshu began, and there was enthusiastic applause at the scene.

After the applause had died down, Qian Guanshu continued, “Please allow me to introduce important people who are attending this press conference today. First is Ms. Xu Weimiao from the World Charity Organization, everyone, please welcome her.”

The applause on the scene continued.

“Next is the CEO of James Group, one of the world’s top ten corporations, Mr. Ruki.”

“Then it is Mr. Ye Wenhan, the helmsman of our Commercial Management, and our country’s Ambassador of Charity, Miss Song Zhizhi.”

The atmosphere at the scene was very enthusiastic.

The atmosphere at the live press conference was very good.

After all the regular procedures were over, it was time for the press to ask questions.

More than half of the media present were international media, there was no rehearsal, and all the answers were given on the spot, so Ye Wenhan remained on his toes.

“Mr. Ye, may I ask you a question?” An international journalist asked in their international language.

“Of course,” Ye Wenhan’s English was excellent.

This was due to the high standards set by Nie Wenzhi for him in the cultural lessons he received.

“Your institution was initially reluctant to join the charity organization, what suddenly made you change your decision? Was it just to please the James Group so that they could continue to develop the economic and commercial circle with your institution?” The international reporter asked without mercy, his words were sharp.

Ye Wenhan was a bit nervous, he tried his best to stay calm, “Of course not, joining the charity organization has always been our idea, it was just delayed by a lot of things, so it has been postponed until now. I have always been very supportive of charity. I grew up in an orphanage, so I understand the importance of charity.”

“I heard that your institution was against it before?”

“My father did refuse initially, I’m not entirely sure why, I believe that he must have had his own considerations. But the deceased is gone, I hope everyone can respect him and don’t pursue it too much.”

“So Mr. Ye, the appointment of Song Zhizhi as the charity ambassador was also your decision?”

“It was a result of discussions between Ms. Xu Weimiao and me.”

“I heard that your relationship with Miss Song Zhizhi is not very good.”

“That’s just a rumor,” Ye Wenhan laughed, “If our relationship was not good, we wouldn’t be sitting together today.”

“What led to your breakup with Miss Song Zhizhi back then?” The reporter asked.

Asked that, the scene was suddenly silent.

The reporter persisted, “Your relationship with Miss Song Zhizhi has always been confusing, it’s also one of the ten unsolvable mysteries in the world, can Mr. Ye give us an answer?”

Ye Wenhan was somewhat embarrassed at this moment.

What he used to say about Song Zhizhi initiating the breakup was definitely not appropriate at this moment, he had just said that their relationship was good.

He was starting to sweat on his forehead.

In front of the international reporters, he was afraid of losing face.

Fortunately for Song Zhizhi.

At this moment, she said magnanimously, “It seems that journalists all over the world are one family, especially interested in gossip.”