Chapter 17: Meng Qiaoyuan Pays a Visit

Zhou Lichuan had spent the entire morning coaxing Jiang Zao, finally managing to soothe her mood. The two lingered in the studio, wrapped up in each other—one painting, the other lost in thought—occasionally exchanging words, each more tender than the last.

Suddenly, Hui Jie knocked on the door, announcing a visitor.

As they entered the living room, they found Meng Qiaoyuan sitting on the sofa, dressed in a pale blue shirt and white trousers.

Jiang Zao hadn’t expected her; she reached over to tug Zhou Lichuan’s sleeve, quietly telling him who had arrived.

Zhou Lichuan patted her arm in reassurance after hearing this.

Meng Qiaoyuan rose as they approached and greeted them, “Mr. Zhou, Miss Jiang, I hope you don’t mind my sudden visit.”

Jiang Zao helped Zhou Lichuan to a seat on the sofa and nodded toward Meng Qiaoyuan.

Meng Qiaoyuan wasted no time, getting straight to the point. “Mr. Zhou, you must be wondering why I’m here.”

Zhou Lichuan nodded, “My father gave you the address.”

Meng Qiaoyuan replied, “Yes, I asked him for it. I’ve come to see you because there are some matters I hope to discuss.”

She glanced at Jiang Zao, who understood her intention and was about to excuse herself when Zhou Lichuan pulled her back.

He said, “Miss Meng, please be direct. Jiang Zao is not an outsider; she hears everything concerning me.”

Meng Qiaoyuan smiled, said nothing more, and took a document from her Hermès bag.

“Mr. Zhou, perhaps it’s not convenient for you right now, so I’ll be direct. There are three documents here, all given to me privately by Deputy General Manager Zhou Kuan. They detail three hotel projects—not too large, not too small, but together worth just over two hundred million.”

Zhou Lichuan leaned back on the sofa as he listened. “So? You wish to profit from the Zhou family’s internal struggles, Miss Meng?”

At these words, Jiang Zao caught a flicker of discomfort on Meng Qiaoyuan’s face. Her bag seemed worn, showing signs of friction—hardly fitting for someone of her privileged status.

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Meng Qiaoyuan spoke, “Mr. Zhou, you’ve dominated the business world. How could you not know my second brother was recently set up and lost two projects? Those projects together are worth three hundred million. The resulting issues with liquid funds and loans have left the Meng family in urgent need of viable projects to keep our capital afloat.”

Zhou Lichuan raised his brows. “So Zhou Kuan came to you, offering these projects as bait to get you close to me?”

Meng Qiaoyuan nodded, “Yes. But his target isn’t you—it’s Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Zao, listening all along, was suddenly mentioned.

Hui Jie brought in a tray of black tea and set it in the center of the table.

During this brief interlude, Jiang Zao pieced together the situation. After Hui Jie left, she spoke on Zhou Lichuan’s behalf, “Zhou Kuan wants a reason for me to keep working for them? Why me?”

Meng Qiaoyuan, surprised by Jiang Zao’s insight, shook her head, “I don’t know. I only know he’s very interested in you—I overheard him telling his subordinate that you were sent to Mr. Zhou by him.”

Jiang Zao was puzzled, “My father sent me; what does it have to do with him?”

Meng Qiaoyuan shook her head again; she truly didn’t know.

Zhou Lichuan took the black tea Jiang Zao offered and asked Meng Qiaoyuan, “You’re being so candid—are you hoping to negotiate a deal?”

Meng Qiaoyuan pushed the documents toward Jiang Zao. “I want these three projects. If you can give them to me, I’ll help you. If you think I’m of no use, I’ll help Zhou Huai instead. The Meng family may not have the deep roots of the Zhou clan, but we’re not just lambs waiting to be slaughtered. The business world is unpredictable, but we still have a place.”

Jiang Zao took the documents and scanned their contents. These were genuinely worthwhile projects. Having followed Zhou Lichuan for some time, she’d learned much by example, and with all the real-world cases she’d seen, it was easy for her to assess them.

She leaned close to Zhou Lichuan, whispering in his ear, and he nodded, “Looks like Zhou Kuan is making a real move. He’s held onto these projects for a long time—though the scale isn’t large, they’re stable, straightforward, and profitable. Such good projects, and instead of doing them himself, he gives them away as favors—truly magnanimous.”

Jiang Zao nudged him to keep his remarks in check and looked up at Meng Qiaoyuan, “Miss Meng, I personally admire your candor. But I have a question: given the same terms, why choose us and not the Deputy General Manager?”

Meng Qiaoyuan sat upright, “After observing for a few days, I found Mr. Zhou more suited as a partner than Deputy Zhou. Mr. Zhou is willing to defy Chairman Zhou’s arrangements for Miss Jiang time and again—a man of genuine feeling. I respect you, and I believe a person like you would never betray those who stand by you.”

Her words struck a chord with Zhou Lichuan. See? Even outsiders can tell this young master’s devotion runs deep. That little girl didn’t believe him before and even thought of running away?

Jiang Zao, as if sensing his thoughts, gave his thigh a firm slap and smiled at Meng Qiaoyuan, “I agree to your proposal. What do you say, Zhou Lichuan?”

He quickly responded, “If Jiang Zao agrees, I have no objection. She calls the shots. Take these three projects, and I’ll have Zhou Kuan believe he gave them to you. Later, I’ll send two more similar ones, on the condition that you keep in contact with Zhou Kuan and inform us of any news promptly.”

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“Of course,” Meng Qiaoyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief, sipping the now-cool black tea. She’d taken a risk coming here, but Zhou Lichuan had been unexpectedly easy to negotiate with, and Jiang Zao impressively sharp and poised—not at all the “gold digger” Zhou Kuan had described. Clearly, seeing for oneself is far better than relying on hearsay.

Jiang Zao walked Meng Qiaoyuan to the door, and as they reached it, Meng Qiaoyuan paused, “Miss Jiang, aren’t you jealous? If I keep dealing with Zhou Kuan, I’ll certainly be in frequent contact with Mr. Zhou.”

Jiang Zao smiled, “Miss Meng, who do you think is more indispensable to whom—me or Zhou Lichuan?”

Meng Qiaoyuan nodded as if waking from a dream, “I thought you were naive and sweet, but it turns out I’m the one who’s rigid and unadaptable.”

...

After Meng Qiaoyuan left, Jiang Zao hurried back to Zhou Lichuan, throwing herself into his arms, “She’s gone.”

Zhou Lichuan stroked her long hair, “You play the innocent so well—your acting is superb.”

Jiang Zao looked up at him, “Heh, you heard that?”

“That depends on whether President Jiang allows me to hear it.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist, “Why call me ‘President Jiang’? I’m not a manager in your corporation.”

He whispered in her ear, “You’ve only studied for a few days, and you already analyze project files so thoroughly, distilling the key points perfectly. If you keep learning, I’ll have to step down and hand over the reins—I’d better start currying favor now.”

Jiang Zao laughed, “That’s wonderful. Maybe I’ll try being the modern Wu Zetian.”

“I think it’s a good idea. I could be your consort—just remember to feed me, President Jiang.”

Jiang Zao tilted his chin, “With looks like yours, being a consort is beneath you. Be my official partner—I’ll escort you in with all the pomp and ceremony…”

They strolled back to the studio, laughter filling the house, the air light and brimming with love.