Chapter 1078: Blossoms Along the Journey

Hua Zhuyue wasn’t exactly resistant, but she was worried that if she couldn’t control herself and cried out in public, her persona as an arrogant and formidable CEO would collapse tonight. After all, she had personally experienced how incredible Xu Chunliang’s foot massage was; his ten fingers definitely had the power to make her lose control of her emotions on the spot.

Noticing Xu Chunliang’s fingers rubbing and pressing on her foot, Hua Zhuyue almost pleaded, “Don’t…”

Xu Chunliang smiled slightly, choosing not to tease Hua Zhuyue further. He gently squeezed her foot and then picked up her high heels to help her put them on.

Hua Zhuyue bit her cherry lips, her star-like eyes half-open and half-closed, and said softly, “That’s more like it, sister loves you.”

“Words are not enough, let’s have something real.”

Hua Zhuyue gave a seductive look, “I was just about to say something.”

Xu Chunliang said, “You said you were looking for me for something.”

Only then did Hua Zhuyue remember her purpose for coming over; she was so enticed by Xu Chunliang that she almost forgot her real business. After adjusting her sitting posture, she said, “Last time, I mentioned to you that I have a script that’s very suitable for Su Qing, see if she’s interested.”

“Why not go directly to her? You know each other too.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “She told me she’s not interested in the film industry, and I don’t want to face rejection again. The script is really good, perhaps you can pass it on to her; she might show some interest.”

Xu Chunliang nodded, and Hua Zhuyue shared the electronic version of the script with him, which he immediately forwarded to Su Qing. Su Qing said she’d reply after looking at it.

Hua Zhuyue inquired if the contract for the new hospital by Kangjian Investment had been finalized. Xu Chunliang briefly recounted his experiences that night.

Hua Zhuyue also felt that Zhai Pingqing surely had ulterior motives and whispered, “Have you ever heard the story of buying the box and returning the pearl?”

Xu Chunliang nodded.

Hua Zhuyue said, “Perhaps what’s truly valuable is the box.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I think so too; whether it’s Lexus or Kangjian, what they really care about is that piece of land. That’s the crux of the entire matter.”

Hua Zhuyue said, “That I can’t understand, is there a golden mountain hidden beneath the new hospital?”

Xu Chunliang smiled with narrowed eyes and said, “Maybe you really hit the nail on the head.” Remembering what Bai Lan had previously mentioned, he became increasingly convinced that a secret was hidden in the old mining area, and everyone was targeting the underground secret there.

Hua Zhuyue stood up, “I’m leaving now; I have to go to Dongzhou with you tomorrow, must conserve my energy.”

Xu Chunliang said, “Leaving already?”

Hua Zhuyue bit her cherry lips and said with a soft smile, “It’s too dangerous not to leave.” She picked up her handbag and waved at Xu Chunliang. She admitted she liked Xu Chunliang, but she wasn’t ready to take the final step. The distance between men and women in their relationships was important; the current feeling was quite good. She couldn’t give Xu Chunliang any promises, and she knew Xu Chunliang couldn’t either.

Xu Chunliang complained, “I’ve never seen someone like you who flirts and then leaves, so irresponsible.”

After finishing the drink in front of him, preparing to return to his room, he passed by the bar when a lady with red-dyed hair and exaggerated makeup said to him, “Have a drink together.”

Xu Chunliang examined her, touched his nose, and inhaled deeply. Her perfume was strong, but still couldn’t mask a familiar scent.

Xu Chunliang took a seat on the bar stool beside her, and the lady ordered whiskey. Xu Chunliang, under the light, studied her beautifully curved profile and said meaningfully, “Have you been in Capital City all this time?” He judged from the orchid-like scent on the lady that she was Bai Lan.

Bai Lan said, “Do you chat up everyone like this?” She also ordered a drink for Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang said, “Clearly, I was chatted up.” If it weren’t for his keen sense of smell, it would be hard to recognize Bai Lan from her appearance.

Bai Lan said, “You have ambiguous dealings with the boss here; seems like you’ve completely come to terms with not wanting to strive hard anymore.”

Xu Chunliang laughed heartily and clinked glasses with her, “Nothing difficult to understand; I don’t like living off others.”

Bai Lan said, “Thank you.”

Xu Chunliang understood she was referring to how he helped her sister Jin Xin Hui and Che Shixiong out of trouble and smiled calmly, “Between you and me is mutual use and satisfaction; I’m not expecting thanks.”

Bai Lan handed him a prepared file bag, “Take your time to read it later; consider it repayment of a favor.”

Xu Chunliang patted the file bag and said, “I’m somewhat looking forward to it.”

Bai Lan said, “Do you know about the transfer of Jingfu Building?”

Xu Chunliang hadn’t heard of it, “Are you saying Mingde Group pulled out?”

Bai Lan took a sip of her drink, “Primarily, Jingfu Building has had several incidents lately, and it’s caught the attention of the safety department. Although, on paper, Jingfu Building belongs to Huang Youlong, the real backer is still Lexus. Huang Youlong decided to transfer Jingfu Building shortly after returning to the Peninsula.”

Xu Chunliang nodded. Even before Chen Jianxin’s fall, the safety department led by Liu Haiyu had been keeping an eye on the place; Huang Youlong must have sensed the danger, hence terminating the risk promptly.

“Guess who’s taken over Jingfu Building?”

Xu Chunliang thought for a moment. Wang Jiancheng and Mingde Group had collaborations previously; could it be the Wang Family? He cautiously voiced his guess, “Zhengdao Investment?”

Bai Lan smiled and shook her head, “You should be quite familiar with them. Speaking of which, they’re still your old flame.”

Xu Chunliang was taken aback, “Mo Han?” This was the most likely choice he could think of, but Bai Lan’s words contained a small trap; whether guessed correctly or not, it would imply he was admitting Mo Han was his old flame.

Bai Lan nodded.

Xu Chunliang secretly thought, Mo Han had already exited Equatorial Capital; her previously publicly shown identity was just an employee. Yet now she directly acquired Jingfu Building, proving her capability.

Bai Lan, with meaningful undertone, said, “Your old flame isn’t simple; Jingfu Building has transformed into Mo Han East. The specific business direction is unclear. What? You have no information at all?”

Xu Chunliang said, “There’s no relationship between her and me as you imagine.”

Bai Lan laughed, “I know a bit about what kind of person Xu Chunliang is. I’m leaving; consider it my treat tonight.”

Xu Chunliang chuckled and nodded, “How do you see me then?”

Bai Lan said, “Anyway, not a good person.”

Early in the morning, Xu Chunliang packed his luggage and arrived outside the hotel, seeing Hua Zhuyue already waiting by the car. She had sent the car for maintenance yesterday and brought it over today.

Xu Chunliang laughed and said, “Good morning, Sister Hua.”

Hua Zhuyue replied, “It’s not that early. Let’s hurry up and set off, aiming to reach Dongzhou by afternoon.”

Xu Chunliang put the luggage in the trunk.

Hua Zhuyue volunteered to drive, mainly considering that Xu Chunliang wasn’t familiar with the roads in Capital City.

By noon, they had entered Lu Province, and the two of them stopped at a service area for a simple meal. Hua Zhuyue was constantly on the phone—being the company president, people were calling her for instructions one after another, even when she was travelling.

By the time she finished her calls, the noodles had already gone soggy.

Xu Chunliang said, “If you want, I can order another bowl for you.”

Hua Zhuyue replied, “No need, I’ll make do. It’s not like I haven’t had tough times before.”

She buried herself in her noodles, while Xu Chunliang, having finished eating, sat across from her watching. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Hua Zhuyue said, “Stop watching me. Go take a walk.”

Xu Chunliang said, “You look pretty when you eat.”

Hua Zhuyue almost burst out laughing, “Get lost! You’re so annoying.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “Alright, I’ll wait in the car then.”

As Xu Chunliang stepped outside, Mo Han happened to call.

Xu Chunliang answered the call, “Hey there, President Mo.”

Mo Han said, “I heard you came to Capital City.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “Your information is a bit outdated. I’ve already left and am about to reach Dongzhou.”

Mo Han said, “I just got back from a business trip. I only recently heard about Director Ye’s situation. Please accept my condolences.”

“Thank you.”

Mo Han asked, “How’s the progress with the Kangjian collaboration?”

Xu Chunliang replied, “I thought you had lost interest in that matter.”

Mo Han said, “Even if I’m not concerned about your hospital, I need to care about you as a friend.”

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, you have ulterior motives; it’s not just about seeing me as a friend. “I’m really touched.”

Mo Han said, “I know what you’re thinking. If I truly considered you a friend, I wouldn’t cancel on you.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “It seems you don’t understand my perspective. I really didn’t care much about Equatorial Capital halting its investment; I’m not lacking in investors.”

Mo Han said, “I know you have many girlfriends.”

“Hey, that’s uncalled for—personal attack! I’m in the establishment, and I hate it when people write about my lifestyle.”

Mo Han replied, “Innocent people remain innocent, no need to explain.”

Xu Chunliang said, “If I explain, people might think there’s something unusual between us.”

Mo Han replied, “Don’t you smear my reputation. Would I ever fancy someone like you? Don’t insult my taste.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “You haven’t even tried to know my taste.”

“You have no shame!”

Xu Chunliang said, “You’re allowed to belittle me, but I’m not allowed to be tough?”

“You’re only tough with your words.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “You really don’t understand me.”

“There’s no point in continuing this conversation. Goodbye!”

“Wait, I have something to pass on to you.”

“Speak quickly or let it rip!”

“Could you be a bit ladylike?”

“Being ladylike isn’t worth wasting on a rogue like you.” Mo Han realized that Xu Chunliang had provoked her without reason, and he did it intentionally, enjoying it, while she was aware yet couldn’t resist falling into his trap.

Xu Chunliang relayed Huang Wanglin’s advice to Mo Han, noting that Master Huang San meant well.

Mo Han said, “Thank Master Huang San for me. I understand the bigger picture.”

Xu Chunliang replied, “I know you’re smart.”

“The ‘smart’ you speak of isn’t exactly a compliment.”

Xu Chunliang said, “I heard you’ve started a new venture called Mo Han East?”

Mo Han replied, “I’m young; I can’t just do nothing.”

Xu Chunliang asked, “When is the opening?”

Mo Han replied, “Still in preparation, maybe in two months. I’ll definitely invite you. By the way, what do you plan to gift me?”

“I’ll give you a piece of calligraphy, in Oracle Bone Script, saying ‘Mo Han East, Unbeatable!'”

Frustrated, Mo Han took a deep breath and decisively cut the call without saying another word.