CHAPTER 27: 024 THE GOLDEN BOY AND JADE GIRL

"Minister Yan truly lives up to his reputation from the Capital City, dignified and accomplished at such a young age. Under your planning, the economy of Jiangzhou has made significant progress over the past couple of years. I believe it won’t be long before Jiangzhou becomes the most perfect achievement on your resume."

Yun Shen had the ability to offer compliments without losing dignity, as if both were on equal footing and his words came from the heart.

Yan Nanmo’s peach blossom eyes twinkled, and a smile deepened on his lips, "Mr. Yun is the one who’s genuinely accomplished. Elder Ji founded the Ji Kingdom, and he is known for his integrity, which is vividly displayed in the business world. As a philanthropic entrepreneur, he commands respect, yet as a businessman..."

He shook his head, "He is a failure."

Yun Shen’s gaze narrowed slightly.

"However, since Mr. Yun joined Ji’s, the series of changes and breakthroughs you’ve brought, although contrary to Elder Ji’s philosophies, have compelled me to say that you are a successful businessman. I’m very much looking forward to witnessing the rise of a business kingdom."

Yun Shen suddenly laughed, giving Yan Nanmo a profound look.

He was sending him a signal.

"It seems that Minister Yan understands me best. We could become friends."

Yan Nanmo swayed his wine glass towards him, "The pleasure would be all mine."

With a drink downed, the two men exchanged smiles.

Yun Shen ventured, "I hear there’s a batch of land going up for auction tomorrow, do you happen to be privy to any insider information, Minister Yan?"

"Oh, are you referring to that plot of land in the east of the city?" Yan Nanmo said nonchalantly.

Yun Shen studied Yan Nanmo’s face, which was smiling cynically, giving nothing away.

"Indeed. I won’t hide it from you, Minister Yan; I’ve analyzed that area in the east. It used to house a chemical plant, and a considerable amount of chemical pollution has accumulated underground, causing many residents to move away, leaving it as wasteland. However, its location is prime, with mountain and water nearby. I plan to clean up the chemical pollution first and then transform it into an amusement center, creating Jiangzhou’s second business district."

Yan Nanmo raised an eyebrow, "Your move is indeed for the public good, Mr. Yun, not bad at all."

Yun Shen smiled, "It’s your achievement, Minister Yan..."

Two clever people don’t need to say much, a hint is enough.

"My secretary will contact you tomorrow, Mr. Yun; don’t disappoint me."

Su Dingyong glanced at Yun Shen’s departing figure, "Do you really plan on collaborating with him? He is no simple man; he’s quite ambitious. I think the Bai Family would be easier to control. I had thought about introducing Bai Lun to you."

Yan Nanmo’s eyes twinkled with humor, his tone casual and indifferent, "Ambition is good; at least we know what he needs. It’s all about mutual benefit, after all."

Su Dingyong always felt it wasn’t that simple, "I’m leaving next month, and the new appointment notice will come through. Jiangzhou is not as simple as it seems on the surface. You should be careful."

Yan Nanmo gave a faint hum in acknowledgment, "I’ve already notified the Capital City; don’t worry about it."

Su Dingyong squinted his eyes and smiled.

——

Unaware of the previous drama, when Yun Shen returned to the banquet hall, Bai Ran approached him with some ambiguous words. Yun Shen knew right away what was going on.

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Bai. Let me take you out to dinner when I have the time."

The smile in Bai Ran’s eyes flowed, "President Yun, make sure you keep your word, and I will certainly be there."

Watching the man’s retreating figure, considering her brother’s words, her gaze narrowed slightly.

Yun Shen spotted Kang Jinse sitting on the sofa at a glance, surrounded by contemptuous and disdainful looks. Her head hung so low, as if she wished she could flee in panic.

She clenched her fists tightly, her back ramrod straight, unable to flee...

A pair of black leather shoes appeared before her, and Kang Jinse’s heart trembled slightly. She slowly raised her head, with a smile that was pale and fragile.

"Brother Shen..." she looked incredibly wronged.

Yun Shen’s handsome face was indifferent, and his gaze was as persistently dark as ever. Yet, Kang Jinse still keenly sensed his displeasure and couldn’t help feeling a bit frightened. She reached out to grab him, but Yun Shen had already moved past her, saying indifferently, "Where is Yun Ya?"

Kang Jinse’s face stiffened, and she awkwardly retracted her hand. The mention of Yun Ya seemed to grind her teeth, but she masked it well: "She was taken upstairs by Lady Yan. Brother Shen, I didn’t expect Yun Ya to... to dislike me so much, and for a five-year-old girl to have such deep schemes, it’s truly terrifying..."

It seemed he was already aware of what had just occurred.

What she needed to do now was to strike first.

Yun Shen’s expression remained nonchalant as he glanced at his watch: "In twenty minutes, I’ll wait for you at the main entrance. You bring Yun Ya out." With that, he left without looking back.

Kang Jinse bit her teeth. What did he mean? Did he trust her or not?

——

Five minutes earlier, Yun Ya had been taken upstairs by Zhuang Xiyue. Zhuang Xiyue brought alcohol and cotton swabs to disinfect the wound on Yun Ya’s arm. Seeing the blood-red patch, she felt an unbearable heartache. Yet, Yun Ya did not even frown from beginning to end.

"If it hurts, yell out. Aunt Zhuang won’t laugh at you."

Yun Ya smiled, "It doesn’t hurt, not at all."

She had long been numb to pain.

Zhuang Xiyue thought she was pretending to be strong, and affectionately touched her hair: "Don’t hold it in front of Aunt Zhuang. From now on, Aunt Zhuang is your mother, okay?"

Yun Ya was silent for a moment, then hugged her.

Zhuang Xiyue felt the delicate body in her arms and somehow it was completely different from hugging her two naughty boys. If only she were her daughter, she would make her the happiest little princess in the world.

"Aunt Zhuang, you are so kind."

She was the second woman, besides Ji Die, to give her warmth.

"Silly girl, you have no idea how much Aunt Zhuang likes you. If you ever feel wronged, just tell Aunt Zhuang, and I’ll get revenge for you." Her tone carried a sense of straightforward vindication.

"Your wound hasn’t been taken care of yet. Wait here, I’ll go get the gauze." Zhuang Xiyue stood up to look for the gauze.

Yan Ke popped up from somewhere and ran to Yun Ya’s side, "Pretty sister, I’ll blow on it for you, whoo whoo..." Puffing up his cheeks, he blew a cool breeze on Yun Ya’s wound.

Yun Ya smiled and patted his head: "What a cute little brother."

Yan Ke’s eyelashes fluttered, looking like a loyal dog waiting to be petted.

When Zhuang Xiyue entered through the door, she happened to see this scene – the two little ones sitting together, like a golden boy and a jade girl, a feast for the eyes.

She couldn’t help but smile, an idea taking shape in her mind, her eyes tinged with a layer of excitement.