Zhao Dong had only heard of Xie Jinghu’s name but never met him in person.
Xie Jinghu, wary of attracting unwanted attention, avoided public interviews, a choice that showed some consideration for the Xie family’s reputation.
Zhao Dong’s knowledge of the Xie family stemmed largely from Jiang Youjia’s loose lips, with the rest from his own relentless networking, seizing every opportunity.
Allowed upstairs to meet Mr. Xie, Zhao Dong rehearsed his pitch the whole way. To his surprise, Xie Jinghu was more affable than rumored. When Zhao Dong stated his purpose, Xie Jinghu dismissed it as trivial.
“He’s just a kid. What offense could he cause? I don’t want him getting special treatment outside. Mr. Zhao, with a sister his age and experience abroad, should have advanced educational ideas and understand my perspective.”
Xie Jinghu’s words were polished, leaving Zhao Dong grasping at his true intentions.
In foreign countries with stark class divides, rich parents teaching their kids kindness or encouraging mingling with commoners would be seen as naive.
Zhao Dong suspected sarcasm but apologized repeatedly. When Xie Jinghu showed mild impatience, Zhao Dong began to believe he was sincere—the Xie family’s upbringing was indeed unique. He saw his chance.
“Mr. Xie is magnanimous. I’m at a loss for words. I misjudged a gentleman with my petty assumptions!”
Xie Jinghu canceled a meeting to inquire about Zhao Dong’s ventures in Rong City. Learning Zhao Dong treated it as his base, Xie Jinghu was pleased.
“No need for apologies. As the saying goes, no acquaintance without a clash. Without this misunderstanding, I wouldn’t have met a promising young talent like Mr. Zhao.”
After mutual flattery, Xie Jinghu hinted at potential collaboration.
Zhao Dong’s cultural and tourism business aligned with a company under Xie Jinghu’s name, which he didn’t personally manage but was profitable, employing renowned Beijing directors and notable actors.
Xie Jinghu advised Zhao Dong that Rong City’s foundation was weak for cultural tourism. If bold, he should expand to Beijing or Shanghai.
These two cities, China’s political and economic hubs, offered policy support for such industries.
He suggested splitting culture and tourism. Building cultural ventures would establish networks, reputation, and influence, easing tourism approvals.
Xie Jinghu’s words ignited Zhao Dong’s ambition.
This explained his struggles since returning to China with capital.
Foreign methods didn’t translate domestically.
Through Jiang Youjia, Zhao Dong had consulted Jiang Xuekun, who offered vague advice, unlike Xie Jinghu’s clarity.
In hindsight, Jiang Xuekun might’ve held back or lacked the insight.
Xie Jinghu’s words cemented Zhao Dong’s resolve to align with the Xie family.
A big tree offers great shade, and the Xie family was his chosen tree.
Sensing the moment was ripe, Xie Jinghu steered the talk back to Xie Qian. “My son, spoiled by the family, never faced hardship. He’s stubborn about those he dislikes. Mr. Zhao needn’t cater to him. The Xie family doesn’t support him throwing weight around outside.”
Zhao Dong mulled this over, sensing something off.
It almost sounded like encouragement to cross Xie Qian.
Wasn’t Xie Qian supposed to be Xie Jinghu’s only son, the family’s darling?
Instead of returning to Rong City, Zhao Dong stayed in Beijing to dig into the Xie family.
His inquiries uncovered a bombshell: Xie Jinghu’s extramarital affair.
It wasn’t a well-kept secret in Beijing. The Xie family suppressed it, but Xie Jinghu had housed his mistress and illegitimate children in the city. Over time, sightings were inevitable.
Old Madam Xie tried to preserve the family’s face, but rumors swirled. Xie Jinghu’s son with his mistress was older than Xie Qian!
A loving father earns a filial son.
With Xie Jinghu’s actions, a harmonious father-son bond was unlikely.
It wasn’t Zhao Dong’s imagination.
He’d found a crack in the Xie family’s facade, too excited to sleep, and flew back to Rong City overnight.
Zhao Qian thought she’d join the provincial key school, but Zhao Dong planned to send her back to Beijing, to her originally chosen high school.
“Brother?!” Zhao Qian was confused.
Suppressing his excitement, Zhao Dong said, “Listen to me. Have I ever led you wrong? Haste makes waste. Remember my words: the more precious the prize, the greater the cost. You don’t need Xie Qian to notice you now—his memories of you are negative. Let time fade his bad impression.”
That wouldn’t do!
Xie Qian would spend three years in Rong City. Wen Ying, being close, would gain the advantage. By the time his impression softened, it’d be too late!
Zhao Dong smiled cryptically. “Charging ahead and making a mess is for fools. Don’t worry, I have plans.”
Zhao Qian was skeptical, but Zhao Dong wouldn’t elaborate.
After sending her off, Zhao Dong remembered a pawn he’d nearly discarded and called Cai Youlun. “Is Shu Guobing still detained?”
“Still locked up. Whether he stays or goes depends on you,” Cai Youlun flattered.
Zhao Dong had investigated. Shu Guobing’s false accusation didn’t quite reach entrapment.
Wen Dongrong did own two properties in Rong City, easily misunderstood by outsiders as tied to corruption.
Shu Guobing, misled, wrote the report.
The report’s main evidence was the properties. Beyond that, it was baseless. Shu Guobing lacked the means to forge evidence against Wen Dongrong.
Detention was certain; jail was unlikely.
“Don’t let him out yet. This weekend, arrange for Shu Guobing’s daughter to meet me.”
Cai Youlun was surprised by Zhao Dong’s request.
Initially, Zhao Dong stayed behind the scenes, using Cai Youlun as a front to “support” Shu Guobing.
Meeting Shu Guobing’s daughter exposed him.
What had happened to make Zhao Dong so brazen? Cai Youlun was curious.
—
Shu Lu was unaware she’d meet the real boss that weekend.
Under Wen Dongrong’s pressure, she timidly attended school.
Her father’s arrest at the school gates left her fearing ridicule from new classmates. For the first week, she avoided Wen Ying.
By Friday, Wen Ying asked Xie Qian what he wanted to eat. After thinking, Xie Qian countered, “Can we change the simple meal to a day of touring plus eating?”
“Where’s fun in Rong City? You’re the local—show me around for a day.”
