Chapter 23

After having a deeper and more intimate exchange, the relationship between Jing Ke and Shang Siyu became even more harmonious than before.

Although Shang Siyu hadn’t shown it previously, deep in her heart, there had been a thread of uncertainty, a worry that Jing Ke couldn’t truly experience human emotions.

But Jing Ke’s performance in her emotional passion that night successfully dispelled Shang Siyu’s doubts. A Jing Ke who could have such moving reactions definitely wasn’t someone who didn’t understand feelings.

Taking a step back, even if Jing Ke truly couldn’t comprehend what love was, Shang Siyu accepted her anyway—for the experiences over these past few nights, for her unwavering loyalty that would never betray, and for her outstanding appearance.

“Director Wang, this is just a small token of my appreciation. If I can get through this difficult time, I’ll be sure to visit you often in the future.”

After being turned away at the door twice, Xue Fan finally met the man he wanted to see on his third visit: Deputy Director Wang of the Housing and Construction Bureau.

Deputy Director Wang glanced at the black bag. From Xue Fan’s usual gift-giving habits, he quickly guessed what was inside, and a subtle shift crossed his expression.

“Your matter is a bit difficult to handle. For the sake of our past acquaintance, I won’t beat around the bush with you,” Deputy Director Wang said slowly.

“Please, Director Wang, do enlighten me,” Xue Fan, who was quite good at gauging people and adapting his behavior, could adopt a sufficiently humble posture when he needed a favor.

“Someone is targeting you. This person submitted extremely concrete evidence in the system,” Deputy Director Wang unscrewed his thermos and took a sip of hot water.

“There are directives from above. Any messages or letters left by the public on the platform, we must provide a lawful and compliant response.” Deputy Director Wang cast a casual glance at the black bag placed on the table.

“I’ll be frank. The solution is simple. Either you find this person and get them to abandon their intent to target you,” Deputy Director Wang said, “or you must rectify your construction site until no flaws can be found, until everything is perfectly legal and compliant.”

Xue Fan’s hands, resting on his knees, clenched tightly. A suspect came to mind almost instantly.

If my guess is correct, then getting the other party to voluntarily give up targeting me is absolutely impossible.

“Director Wang, does the person reporting me have the surname Shang or Jing?” Xue Fan asked, fist clenched, wanting to confirm his suspicion.

“According to regulations, we are not allowed to disclose the identity of a reporter.” A troubled look appeared on Deputy Director Wang’s face. “I’m not really at liberty to answer that question directly.”

“Director Wang, I just got a new batch of tea. How about I send some over to you the day after tomorrow?” Xue Fan said tactfully. “I have ten tins in total; I can send eight over to you.”

“Leaving only two for yourself? Isn’t that a bit improper?” Deputy Director Wang raised an eyebrow, his tone taking on a slightly more personalized touch.

“Director Wang, as you know, I’m a rough man. I don’t really have a taste for tea. Good things shouldn’t be wasted in my hands,” Xue Fan said with an ingratiating smile. “Good tea should only go to those who truly appreciate it.”

After some back-and-forth, Deputy Director Wang gave Xue Fan an answer. The reporter’s surname was neither Jing nor Shang, but based on the real-name report information and the contact address left behind, it was most likely someone from New Life Technology.

“I’ll do my best to manage the construction site work. For the other aspects, I’ll have to trouble Deputy Director Wang to help keep an eye on things for me,” Xue Fan said, suppressing his fury. “If there are any inspections, I hope Director Wang can send someone to give me a heads-up, so I can make preparations in advance.”

In consideration of the black bag on the table and the eight tins of ‘tea’ to come, Deputy Director Wang nodded. He gave Xue Fan the contact information for a Section Chief under him, telling him to contact that Section Chief for matters.

Xue Fan was somewhat dissatisfied that after accepting such a gift, he was being fobbed off on a mere Section Chief. But his personal connections could only reach as high as Deputy Director Wang, so he had no choice but to accept this outcome.

A lover’s embrace can indeed make one indulge, but Jing Ke and Shang Siyu wouldn’t let their enthusiasm for nighttime activities affect the matters they had to handle during the day.

Ten days after Xue Fan’s site was shut down, Jing Ke and Shang Siyu arranged for some media outlets to report on the matter.

They weren’t pursuing nationwide attention, only aiming to generate some local buzz, causing those planning to buy pre-sale housing to slow down.

Most ordinary people wanting to buy an apartment in the city basically had to put down their entire life savings and shoulder a mortgage for the rest of their lives. A home they bought was meant to house several generations. If they paid money and didn’t get their apartment, or received a defective one, the entire purchasing family would be affected.

So, after seeing the related news and media reports, Wanshen Real Estate’s daily transaction volume immediately dropped to zero. Even some clients who had already placed deposits grew hesitant, finding excuses to stall for time.

But that wasn’t all. Many homeowners waiting for their units used personal connections to hire inspection agencies and rushed to the construction site nearing final inspection and handover, launching all sorts of checks and reports.

There was no help for it; finding problems before completion was always easier to resolve than finding them after the handover.

“You said what? Director Wang returned my things? What does he mean by this?” Frantic and exhausted, Xue Fan was unshaven and hadn’t slept well for several days in a row.

If only one person had reported him, he could have spent some money to smooth over relationships, made a token effort at rectification, and more or less overcome this hurdle.

But after the public opinion erupted on a small scale, many homeowners who had already been waiting one or two years for their apartments tried every means possible to get to the site. Problem after problem was successively uncovered.

These homeowners, who had pooled two generations of family savings to buy their homes, didn’t know how to turn a blind eye. Not only did they file real-name reports, but they also formed chat groups to defend their rights collectively, even preparing banners and slogans.

As the homeowners stirred up trouble, demanding Wanshen Real Estate pay compensation and rebuild, the construction workers who hadn’t yet received their wages also began to worry. They feared Wanshen Real Estate would use this as an excuse to delay their pay, so they too joined the commotion, demanding their wages.

“President Xue, Director Wang can’t cover this anymore. The matter has already been reported to the City Government. The relevant departments and the Mayor attach great importance to it. Plans are underway to form a Special Investigation Team to appease the homeowners and workers.”

The General Assistant reported with his head down. Upon discovering his boss was in deep trouble, not only was he not panicked, but he felt a sense of finality.

It seemed inevitable that a man like Xue Fan would be finished. So, it meant he didn’t need to hang on for the year-end bonus after all.

The question was, should he find a way to make the company fire him before the money ran out, to get an extra severance package?

The General Assistant didn’t agonize over it for ten minutes before Xue Fan resolved that troublesome problem for him.

After scolding the General Assistant with a dark face for seven minutes, Xue Fan directly threw the documents onto the floor. “Get out! You’re fired! No need to come to work tomorrow.”

“Yes, President Xue.” The General Assistant’s reply was exceptionally loud and clear.

As if afraid Xue Fan might change his mind, the General Assistant immediately strode towards the door of the CEO’s office—opened it smoothly, exited, closed it—all in one fluid motion.

Seeing this slick, seamless sequence of actions, even the furious Xue Fan couldn’t help but freeze for a moment.

What’s wrong with the General Assistant? When I threaten him by telling him to get out of the company, shouldn’t he be crying and begging, swearing he’ll find a way? How could he just leave like that?

He really just left without looking back? Does he not want this job anymore?

Xue Fan was dumbfounded, completely bewildered. Suddenly losing a useful assistant threw him into an even more passive situation.

After the first batch of equipment was successfully installed, the prices for the second and third batches were quickly negotiated and finalized. Everything was officially completed in early November.

The high-level talent recruited with high salaries had been familiarizing themselves with the equipment during installation, so they got up to speed very quickly. It didn’t take long for the first batch of products to be successfully manufactured.

Compared to Xue Fan, who was always looking for ways to make trouble for New Life Technology, Kangxin Group showed far more foresight. Even before the first batch of equipment was fully installed, they had sent management personnel to discuss cooperation with New Life Technology.

Perhaps because the Kangxin Group had previously made things difficult for New Life Technology, their representative this time was exceptionally friendly at the start, and the cooperation terms offered were very attractive.

If Shang Siyu hadn’t had Jing Ke, a partner who would absolutely never betray her, she would likely have been tempted by the initial terms Kangxin Group proposed.

The connections of an established enterprise were formidable, especially since the Kangxin Group representative had done their homework thoroughly, hinting that after a partnership, they could contribute a portion of their research progress and results.

“We will not deny anything we have done, but I also hope President Shang can understand certain actions of ours,” the Kangxin representative said with a smile.

“I’ve heard that President Shang’s advisor, Professor Lin, once suffered some unprovoked calamity. If President Shang is willing to cooperate with us, Professor Lin’s reputation can certainly be restored. Perhaps a step further in a few years wouldn’t be out of the question.” The Kangxin representative paused thoughtfully before adding this.

Hearing the other party mention her advisor, Shang Siyu’s hands paused their motion. She looked up, casting the representative a glance.

“Once New Life Technology promotes the neural connection technology, my teacher’s reputation will be restored naturally. There’s no need to rely on external forces,” Shang Siyu said, her expression visibly cooling.

The Kangxin representative’s attitude and sincerity appeared ample, but that didn’t mean Shang Siyu had forgotten the previous incident.

The Kangxin Group had immediately chosen to suppress them solely to monopolize this patent.

A conglomerate like this was no benevolent entity. The fact that they were willing to offer so much meant they had definitely done a detailed analysis beforehand, confirming that doing so would yield even more benefits down the line.

If she relented and let them help, Kangxin Group would be highly likely to seize the opportunity to get some leverage that could threaten her, or even her advisor—something she was unwilling to see.

“My apologies, I misspoke,” the Kangxin representative said quickly when he saw the situation turning unfavorable, swiftly changing the subject.

“The assistance we can provide goes far beyond this. If we cooperate, we can help you rapidly expand into the national market. Some of our long-standing clients will become yours. We can make you profitable within a year.”

The Kangxin representative continued, “If our cooperation deepens, regarding the government sector and even overseas markets, we can provide considerable help.”

Shang Siyu appeared to be listening earnestly as the Kangxin representative painted a rosy picture, but her real attention was focused on her and Jing Ke’s hands, hidden beneath the table.

Since learning how to use her fingers skillfully, Jing Ke had paid particular attention to the care and exercise of her hands. Whenever she had free time, she would practice with a grip strengthener.

If carrying a grip trainer wasn’t convenient, Jing Ke would do exercises without equipment.

Seeing Shang Siyu seemingly indifferent to her own hands, Jing Ke, aiming for a better experience, not only trained herself but also pulled Shang Siyu into it, massaging her finger joints.

Like just now—neither of them was really focused on what the Kangxin representative was saying. Instead, they were touching each other’s hands, rubbing fingertips, like a little game of playing house with their hands.

After the Kangxin representative finished a round of persuasion and the meeting room fell silent, Jing Ke, who had been quiet all along, spoke with an indifferent expression.

“Sufficiently advanced technology and equipment need not worry about finding a market. If this is the extent of Kangxin Group’s sincerity in cooperation, then please leave. We have no need for such a collaborator.”

Jing Ke added: “As for connections in government circles, New Life Technology is very happy to benefit patients. Low margins but high volume sales are not out of the question.”

As her words fell, the smile on the Kangxin representative’s face involuntarily faded somewhat. “President Jing, if I recall correctly, aren’t you merely one of the shareholders? You don’t hold an official position within New Life Technology, do you?”

“You don’t seem to have any actual management authority?” The Kangxin representative furrowed their brow slightly.

“Correct, but I have veto power. If I disagree, you cannot join,” Jing Ke retorted directly, her tone growing even colder.

However, Jing Ke’s hand hidden under the table was utterly unoccupied with such matters—it gently kneaded the joints of Shang Siyu’s fingers, stroking up and down.

The Kangxin representative picked up their water glass for a sip, then looked back at Shang Siyu. Clearing their throat, they said, “President Shang, I still hope you’ll consider this carefully. Cooperating with Kangxin Group offers New Life Technology many benefits.”

“Whereas, going against Kangxin Group will certainly bring about a great deal of trouble,” the Kangxin representative hinted, attempting a velvet-glove-over-iron-fist approach.

Jing Ke laughed without a trace of politeness. “Is that so? Like preventing us from cooperating with factories, which then prompted me to cooperate with Little Yu, ultimately leading New Life Technology to have its own production line?”

“If this is the kind of trouble that allows New Life Technology to grow better and better, then bring more of it. I very much hope New Life Technology can go further and higher,” Jing Ke said.

When Jing Ke was silent, she looked like a quiet beauty, but the moment she spoke, her words could transform into sharp blades dealing damage to the enemy, lethally piercing.

“To my knowledge, Kangxin Group isn’t powerful enough to dominate everything yet. The trouble you can cause New Life Technology is likely quite limited.”

“I know Kangxin Group has extensive and deep connections, but for us, the worst-case scenario is simply moving from River City to another city.”

“Although I don’t have an exorbitant amount of money, establishing several more production lines isn’t beyond my means. The absolute worst outcome would just be your so-called ‘established enterprise,’ Kangxin Group, forcing us abroad,” Jing Ke said, pausing.

“However, if New Life Technology were to become a major corporation overseas, I wonder what domestic public opinion would become. Would anyone criticize Kangxin Group for bullying others with its influence, suppressing small and micro enterprises, thus causing a national brain and technology drain?”

Jing Ke was only so-so at painting rosy pictures, but making reasonable predictions about the future was something Jing Ke excelled at immensely.

While speaking, Jing Ke didn’t show a mocking expression, and her tone was merely a bit cold.

But the more blandly Jing Ke reacted, the more the Kangxin representative could taste the deeply sarcastic flavor within her words.

“President Jing, are you planning to stand in opposition to us?” The Kangxin representative was slightly losing composure, their tone no longer as calm as at the beginning.

“That should be my question to you. Is this Kangxin’s sincerity?” Shang Siyu took over, delivering an extremely firm response.

“If that’s the case, then New Life Technology will stand in opposition to Kangxin from now on. Let’s see whether Kangxin Group can use its connections to shut us down, or whether our New Life Technology strides toward a better future.”

“I’d bet on the latter. Otherwise, a certain someone wouldn’t still be here by now,” Jing Ke added one final thrust. “Kangxin Group’s financial statements have been declining for three years straight. Their stock has also been falling during this period.”