CH 21

After walking out of the company building, Shen Zhen stood in front of the glass and looked at his reflection. He never cared about his appearance, but at this moment, he was suddenly hit by the thought that he didn’t want to appear sloppy in front of Qin Xing.

The figure reflected by the glass was still quite visible, Shen Zhen straightened his collar and gave himself a compliment in his heart.

The weather was getting colder and colder. After the beginning of autumn, it was like jumping to winter in an instant. When exhaling, there was white fog in front of him. Shen Zhen’s constitution was not good, and he was very afraid of the cold. In winter, his hands and feet were always cold. No matter how much he wore or how high the heat was blasting.

Fortunately, it hadn’t snowed during this time, and Shen Zhen walked straight to the car parked on the side of the road.

The temperature inside the car was about ten degrees higher than outside. Shen Zhen took off his coat as soon as he sat in the car. Qin Xing sat next to him, holding a newspaper in his hand. Shen Zhen stretched his neck and looked over: “The Chen Group won’t cooperate with the Jiang Group?”

These two were considered to be big corporations in China. The Chen Group made their wealth from casinos and had been whitewashing all these years, focusing on the entertainment industry. And the entertainment company they started could be considered an industry giant. On the other hand, the Jiang Group was a well-respected old entertainment company. These two companies have cooperated for five years. This year, the cooperation broke down, and many people watched the show.

Qin Xing smiled and handed the newspaper to Shen Zhen: “Something happened within the Chen family.”

Shen Zhen was a little curious: “Chen Jiahe is dead?”

Qin Xing was amused by Shen Zhen. His voice was low and full of magnetism, his tone was gentle and slightly smiling: “A stroke, he is paralyzed.”

The world was impermanent.

Shen Zhen sighed.

Shen Zhen reached out to get the thermos cup, which was filled with hot tea. As soon as his hand moved over, he met the back of Qin Xing’s hand.

Qin Xing frowned slightly, and took advantage of the situation to hold Shen Zhen’s hand: “Why is your hand so cold?”

Shen Zhen watched Qin Xing hold his hand, the joints of the other’s fingers distinct. Qin Xing’s palm, who was used to living finely all year round, was very warm. Shen Zhen didn’t know whether he should take his hand back. He felt that the temperature in the car was too high, causing him to heat up and his face to redden.

“It’s been like this since I was a child.” Shen Zhen said somewhat illogically, “It’s been like this since I was a child. The doctor said it is a physique problem.”

Qin Xing asked disapprovingly, “Why don’t you wear gloves?”

Shen Zhen explained: “The company has central air conditioning, and I don’t usually stay outside, so I don’t wear it.”

Qin Xing retracted his hand. He pulled open a car drawer and took out a pair of gloves. These were the white gloves Qin Xing often used and were even lined with fleece. But Qin Xing used thin gloves himself, and wouldn’t use fleece even in winter.

It was like…..the gloves were specially prepared for someone.

A matching couple gloves to boot.

It was a pity that Shen Zhen didn’t think of this, and he was just overwhelmed with favor. After accepting the gloves, his face and ears were red. He bowed his head and said obediently, “Thank you, Uncle.”

Qin Xing: “Tomorrow, Uncle will ask a private doctor to come over and see if it could be treated.”

Shen Zhen looked at Qin Xing with confusion in his eyes: “It’s not a big problem, I’ve always been like this.”

Qin Xing did not ask for Shen Zhen’s opinion: “Come to my office tomorrow afternoon.”

Shen Zhen said dazedly: “Okay, Uncle.”

In addition to shocking Shen Zhen, Qin Xing’s concern was more of an indescribable feeling. He had never experienced the concern of his elders.

In addition to emotional factors, Mama Zhang’s concern for him was also due to work. Shen Zhen still remembered how envious he was when he saw Qin Xing touching Qin Yue’s head when he was a child while he stood on the side.

At that time, Qin Yue would be led to Qin Xing’s side every New Year’s day, Qin Xing would ask him some questions gently, and Qin Xing would pat his head before leaving.

Perhaps at that time, not just Shen Zhen, but all the juniors of the Qin family were envious of Qin Yue.

That was an honor that only Qin Yue had.

Qin Li had also been hostile towards Qin Yue since he was a child.

At that time, the children didn’t understand what it meant for Qin Xing to be the head of the Qin family, they just longed for this person’s attention.

Shen Zhen still remembered how he felt at the time.

At that time, for the first time, he became jealous of Qin Yue.

Before that, he had never known what jealousy was like.

“Uncle.” Shen Zhen was a little dizzy, he suddenly said, “Pat my head.”

Qin Xing was not startled or confused by Shen Zhen’s request. Instead, he chuckled lightly, stretched out his hand, and placed his hand on Shen Zhen’s head gently. Shen Zhen had yet to recover his senses, and just sat there dazedly. When Qin Xing finished ruffling his hair, only then did he widen his eyes and couldn’t believe what he just said.

Shen Zhen looked at his knees dumbly.

His whole face was full of surprise and practically had “Wtf, what did I just say?” written on it.

Seeing that Shen Zhen didn’t speak for a long time, with his head bowed and his cheeks flushed, Qin Xing let out a low chuckle: “Xiao Zhen is shy?”

Shen Zhen didn’t answer, feeling embarrassed, why was he suddenly unable to hold back and say what was in his heart?

Qin Xing suddenly took Shen Zhen’s hand, the corner of his mouth raised slightly, and he looked like a very good and amiable elder: “Don’t be shy in front of Uncle, just tell Uncle what you want.”

Shen Zhen said quickly, “I’m fine now.”

He was indeed quite satisfied. He was learning basic things, and was slowly learning skills he needed. After leaving the Qin family, he would be able to support his livelihood.

Shen Zhen knew that the reason why he lost in his last life was because no matter how well he did among the upper class, in the end he had no confidence. He could not stand on his own, and even if there was someone to help him, he was basically inept and useless. 

Now, Shen Zhen was finally willing to admit that he was not as good as Qin Yue or even Su Shiqing in his last life.

At least Su Shiqing was willing to throw away his self-esteem and act as a pet in front of Qin Yue. Just towards this, Shen Zhen could admit to himself that he was unable to compare.

Before his love for Qin Yue, he was an independent person first. He could do many things for Qin Yue, but it did not include abandoning all his pride and dignity.

Pride and self-esteem were not wrong, but what was wrong was that he didn’t have the confidence and ability to back them up.

He lost himself in the upper class society, forgetting that a career was the cornerstone of one’s foothold in this world.

Qin Xing: “The day after tomorrow, come with Uncle to attend a meeting, don’t forget.”

Shen Zhen finally lost his sense of shyness and took a sip of tea.

As soon as the tea slid down his throat, Shen Zhen’s expression became a little stiff. He liked Mao Feng tea the most, and also remembered that Qin Xing liked to drink Yin Zhen, but the tea he drank at this time was the taste he was most familiar with, Huangshan Mao Feng.

Instead of Qin Xing’s favorite Yin Zhen.

Shen Zhen turned to look at Qin Xing: “Uncle, this tea…..”

Qin Xing said casually, “I heard from the servant that you prefer Mao Feng the most.”

Shen Zhen didn’t know how to react, nodded and said, “I used to like it very much.”

Because Qin Yue only drank Mao Feng.

Qin Xing: “Don’t like it now?”

Shen Zhen smiled with difficulty: “One’s taste will change, I will drink Yin Zhen in the future.”

Qin Xing smiled at Shen Zhen, his smile very gentle indeed: “Try it.”

To know whichever fits best one must always try them out first.

“Going home tonight?” Qin Xing said suddenly, “A new restaurant just opened.”

Of course Shen Zhen would not refuse: “Okay, is it a Chinese restaurant?”

Qin Xing: “It’s opened by your Uncle Lin, and coincidentally there is a chance to take you to try it today.”

Uncle Lin’s full name was Lin Hao, and could be considered Qin Xing’s childhood friend. But unlike Qin Xing, he didn’t seem to have much interest in the family business. When he became of legal age, he moved out of the family home, married a female doctor, opened several restaurants, and lived a contented life.

He was also one of Qin Xing’s few friends.

Shen Zhen sometimes felt fortunate for Qin Xing. Without such a friend, Qin Xing would really be considered a real loner.

Standing alone in a high position, with everyone staring covetously at his seat, all wanting to fish benefits from him.

But there was not even one with whom he could speak truly to.

“I heard that Xiao Zhen wants to take over those unfinished building projects?” Qin Xing suddenly said.

Shen Zhen answered honestly: “I have this intention. I talked to Yang Changsheng a few days ago, but the funds…..”

Qin Xing suddenly smiled: “Xiao Zhen, why do you want to take over the unfinished building projects?”

Shen Zhen sat upright and said seriously: “The expressway and the subway are both being constructed and will be open next year. The development is originally already fast now. I think the real estate industry will continue to go uphill in the next ten years, and the current decline is only temporary.”

The financial turmoil in the past few years had caused the entire real estate industry to slump. Many small and medium-sized enterprises have gone bankrupt, and those still alive were leading ones in the industry, but even so, they were much less daring. Otherwise, if it was a few years ago, there would not be a lack of people wanting to take over these unfinished building projects.

“Xiao Zhen.” Qin Xing dropped a bomb, “Go back and write up a plan. If it is feasible, Uncle will give you the funds.”

Shen Zhen exclaimed lightly in disbelief, “Uncle.”

Qin Xing suddenly turned around and whispered in Shen Zhen’s ear, “Consider it a loan from Uncle.”

Qin Xing’s breath sprayed on Shen Zhen’s ear, and Shen Zhen’s ears twitched.

Probably because the movement was so obvious, Qin Xing reached out and touched it, with a strong doting tone: “Xiao Zhen is like a kitten.”

Shen Zhen was embarrassed: “I have sensitive ears.”

He didn’t know why, other people’s ears wouldn’t move, just his.

When he was a child, Mama Zhang liked to tease him very much, and only stopped when he grew up.

Shen Zhen suddenly reacted to what Qin Xing said. He looked at Qin Xing with a pair of wide eyes, stars seemingly in his eyes: “Uncle, don’t you worry about a possible loss? That’s not an investment of hundreds of millions of yuan, but tens of billions.”

Although he was not going to take over all the unfinished building projects in the country, the taking over of those in this city and several nearby cities was indeed worth tens of billions.

Qin Xing rubbed Shen Zhen’s ears, his eyes fixed on Shen Zhen’s lips the whole time, and said with a smile, “If I lose money, what will Xiao Zhen give to make it up to Uncle?”

Shen Zhen shook his head: “It won’t be a loss, I’m confident.”

In the last life plus this life, if he could suffer a loss, he would sign his surname upside down.

Qin Xing chuckled: “Really?”

Shen Zhen became more serious: “Uncle, I never fight a battle that I am not sure of.”

Qin Xing didn’t quibble either. He still held Shen Zhen’s ear in his fingers and said with a smile, “Then Uncle wishes Xiao Zhen a victory.”

Even after arriving at the restaurant, Shen Zhen was still thinking when he got out of the car.

Why did Uncle look like he was not at all optimistic, and why would he give him the money if he wasn’t optimistic?

Uncle’s heart, impossible to fathom. (TN: from expression, a woman’s thoughts are impossible to fathom)

The restaurant was located in the center of the city, the most prosperous and lively commercial area, but the restaurant itself was a small courtyard with antique flavor. There was no waiter outside to greet the guests and gave off a bit of a hidden corner of the city type feeling. In the restaurant, he followed Qin Xing. Just as he was about to say something, he saw a person hiding behind the potted plant at the door.

Shen Zhen felt a familiar feeling, so he took a second look. The man was wearing a blue bomber jacket, a pair of black jeans and sneakers. He didn’t even need to look closely to find out that it was Su Shiqing who was scolded back by Shen Zhen not long ago.

He actually still came to find him?

Shen Zhen felt a little incredulous.

But he soon understood that Su Shiqing was a skinless and shameless person. He didn’t know what it meant to not overdo it, and he didn’t know what shame was. In order to gain benefits, he could throw his face on the ground and let others step on it.

This kind of person was like a piece of gum, once it got stuck to you, it was difficult to get rid of.

Probably seeing Shen Zhen following behind Qin Xing, Su Shiqing did not step forward at this time. He watched silently, the jealousy in his eyes nearly about to turn into substance. Why was he so pitiful now, but Shen Zhen had it so free and easy now?

Just because Qin Yue was not the head of the Qin family, and because Shen Zhen hugged Qin Xing’s thigh.

Then why could Shen Zhen do this, but not himself?

Su Shiqing regretted so much, he shouldn’t have given Shen Zhen the drug that day, otherwise the person who was being brought along by Qin Xing now should be himself.

No, maybe Shen Zhen knew it all along, he just beat him at his own game, the wedding dress he made being worn by the other instead. (TN: expression for some else reaping the benefits of your hard work)

Once this thought appeared, it was difficult to kill, and the more Su Shiqing thought about it, the more he felt that it was like this.

It was Shen Zhen who took advantage of him! Shen Zhen was the one with deep and shrewd scheming!

That should have been his opportunity.

Shen Zhen and Qin Xing sat in the booth by the window, surrounded by green plants which separated them from other neighboring seats. The waiters wore ancient costumes, but not the style from film studios, but more close to modern life. Some improvements have been made to make it more convenient for working and walking, but still have a strong ancient time feel.

There was sandalwood burning in the restaurant, and at the tip of the nose, other than the aroma of the food, was that faint scent.

Shen Zhen felt very relaxed, the environment here was really good.

“Is Uncle Lin not here?” Shen Zhen asked.

Qin Xing spread out the menu. He was wearing gold rimmed glasses today, which greatly softened his intimidating aura: “It’s rare for him to come see the restaurant.”

Shen Zhen didn’t ask any more, just said, “Uncle, I’m going to the restroom to wash my hands.”

Qin Xing smiled and said, “Go, Uncle will order food for Xiao Zhen.”

Shen Zhen left his seat. The restroom of the restaurant was outside. There was a separate building, which was neat and beautiful, giving people the illusion of having transmigrated into the past.

There were not many people who came to the restaurant to eat. The positioning of this restaurant was very high-end, and it was impossible to dine without reservation.

Just as Shen Zhen walked to the sink, a person suddenly appeared behind him.

The person gritted his teeth and said, “Shen Zhen, did you get what you wanted? Are you happy? Do you think I’m particularly a fool?”

Shen Zhen was not frightened or surprised. He turned around and looked at the person standing behind him.

Shen Zhen: “Su Shiqing, why do you always humiliate yourself? You know I don’t like you, and I won’t help you. Yet you still want to spend time and effort on me, don’t you feel tired?”

“Don’t pretend!” Su Shiqing was so angry that he forgot his pretense. His emotions were on the verge of collapse, his eyes were red when they glared at Shen Zhen, “You already knew, didn’t you? You knew it was me who did it, you are taking revenge on me!”

Shen Zhen was a little confused, but he sneered and pretended to be inscrutable and said, “Yeah, I already knew it, you did it so obviously, why wouldn’t I know?”

Sure enough, it was like this!

He was used by Shen Zhen!

He was the victim here!

“You…..you are too treacherous!” Su Shiqing was so angry that he was speechless, and after a few seconds he continued, “That was clearly my opportunity, it should have been mine!”

Shen Zhen: “It’s because you can’t grasp it yourself, and you can’t blame others.”

Su Shiqing’s eyes widened and he took a few deep breaths: “No wonder, how could you not have discovered the drug in that glass of wine, you knew all along yet you made me feel guilty, you are actually such a person!”

Drug? Shen Zhen frowned.

However, he didn’t ask directly. Instead, he smiled and said, “So what if I know? Didn’t you give me that glass of wine?”

Su Shiqing: “You, you are going too far! You poured me that glass of wine, you put the drug in, I just gave you the wine.”

Very good, Su Shiqing actually learned to frame others.

“Don’t be gleeful!” Su Shiqing suddenly said, “Do you think others don’t know? As long as I tell, do you think Uncle Qin will still treat you well? You lied to Uncle Qin for so long. If Uncle Qin finds out, what do you think the result will be?”

What did it have to do with Uncle?

Shen Zhen scolded: “Speak clearly, what does it have to do with Uncle?!”

Su Shiqing suddenly raised his head and looked at Shen Zhen, he opened his mouth in disbelief, and then showed a mocking smile: “So you don’t know, Shen Zhen, you actually don’t know.”

“You don’t really think you slept with which family’s young lady that night, do you?”

Su Shiqing sneered: “I got up in the middle of the night to see you, do you know who was on top of you?”

“I know what you think of me.” Su Shiqing exaggeratedly said, “You think I’m willing to cheapen myself and went to climb Ah Yue’s bed, but what’s the difference between you and me? It’s just that you are more impressive than me, managing to climb Uncle Qin’s bed.”

“You schemed to drug yourself with Ah Yue as your target, right? But it turned out to be Uncle Qin who took the bait.”

Su Shiqing blinked his eyes, appearing innocent and naive: “If Uncle Qin knew that you drugged yourself to seduce Ah Yue, do you think Uncle Qin will still treat you well?”

AN: Qin Xing: “Of course.”

Everyone: “If this was the ancient times, you would be the King You of Zhou.” (TN: historical tyrant who neglected his duties for his consort Daji, a historically famous ‘source of calamity’ or in modern terms, a femme fatale)