Chapter 8: 08. I Can Drive, But You Can't Serve.

Chu Zhichen meticulously read through the document multiple times, carefully examining the provided information. 

This particular project focused on enterprise application integration. Party A, a large pharmaceutical company, aimed to integrate various systems such as customer resource management, insurance, and billing. 

The integration aspect was complex and challenging, more so than building a single system. There were not many similar cases in the market, making it difficult to find relevant references. 

However, the completion of this project would have immense growth potential. Through pilot implementation and expanded coverage, the company could enhance its competitiveness. 

Chu Zhichen pondered over these thoughts, knowing that Yisi had extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry and had a solid technical foundation. However, the company's past years' loss of old customers indicated operational issues. 

He immersed himself in writing and sketching throughout the night. At dawn, his phone beeped, bringing him back to reality. 

Xiang Mingzhang had sent a message, asking, "What kind of soup did you send?" 

[T/N: "A soup of love, made with the finest ingredients." Rofl.] 

With it only being half past five in the morning, Chu Zhichen couldn't ask Sister Xiu. He wondered why Xiang Mingzhang would inquire as soon as he woke up. 

Chu Zhichen replied, "If you enjoy it, I can bring some another day." 

After Xiang Mingzhang finished showering, water was still dripping from his hair. He read the reply and responded with a furious expression on his handsome face. 

The words burned like acid, 

Eroding his patience and goodwill. 

He clenched his fists, 

And his eyes flashed with anger. 

He called and reserved the rock climbing room at the club, intending to expend his excess energy. 

Chu Zhichen waited for a while with his phone, feeling sleepy. He decided to simply turn off his phone and go to sleep. 

The following morning, Chu Zhichen arrived at the company half an hour early. He had prepared the meeting report from last week, but he couldn't access the internal system, so he had to print it out and hand it to Peng Xin. 

"You did this?" Peng Xin was a bit surprised. After all, Chu Zhichen was temporarily stationed there, only required to handle translation tasks. 

Chu Zhichen replied, "Despite being given this task under duress, it's better to have a complete start and finish." 

Peng Xin opened the report, initially planning to skim through it casually. However, as he delved into the content, he couldn't help but read it thoroughly. The report was detailed and concise. 

Curiosity getting the best of him, Peng Xin asked, "Have you written reports before?" 

Fearful of delving too deep into the subject, Chu Zhichen simply nodded without providing further details. 

After submitting the report, Chu Zhichen temporarily left the sales department. 

After a period of rapid development, Xiangyue maintained a steady growth trajectory. During the initial construction of the park, ample space for an office building was reserved. Several floors had been designed with versatile functions, allowing for adaptable usage. 

Yisi and Xiangyue had essentially completed the integration, and the sales department was the first to move in to facilitate business consolidation. 

Chu Zhichen took the elevator to the twelfth floor. While the hardware was mostly in place, everyone was still in the process of settling in. He offered his assistance and took the opportunity to familiarize himself with Yisi's team. 

The entire project team was present, and after the meeting, the project was under the direction of the sales director of Yisi, with two project managers overseeing sales and pre-sales consultation. The sales team leader and several senior planners were responsible for the sales aspect. 

Xiangyue had already informed them that Chu Zhichen would be joining, and although everyone appeared disgruntled, they decided to remain silent. In their minds, this "young boss" seemed clueless, and bringing him in would only complicate matters. 

Furthermore, now that Chu Zhichen no longer held any shares and had no real power, his former title as "Chu Zhe's son" no longer held any sentimental value. 

It was a familiar dynamic of the emperor and his courtiers, and the dissatisfaction among the team members was palpable, a slow-burning fire, waiting to ignite. 

The courtiers whispered among themselves, their faces grim. 

The atmosphere at the conference table grew uncomfortable as Chu Zhichen surveyed the room. Nearly everyone seemed to be avoiding him like a hot potato, afraid that involving him would lead to trouble. 

There was a brief silence, and then the sales team leader spoke up, saying, "Why don't you come with me? I'll show you your work area." 

Chu Zhichen turned his attention toward the sales team leader, whose name was Zhai Feng. Zhai Feng had a gentle and kind-hearted demeanor, carrying an air of intelligence and a friendly temperament. 

Chu Zhichen nodded in appreciation, expressing his gratitude to Zhai Feng. 

As they discussed the project, the looming promotion meeting, the short bidding cycle, and the tight timeline and a heavy workload were brought up. The director aimed to boost morale, saying, "It's all the same. We have less time and fewer competitors. Don't worry, take each step steadily." 

Chu Zhichen had identified two rival companies, one being a foreign company and the other being Du Heng. 

Remembering that Li Zangqiu had a son named Li Heng, Chu Zhichen raised his head and inquired, "Who is Du Heng..." 

"Ah, that's Li Heng's company," the director smiled faintly. "No matter, in business, there are no familial ties. Mr. Li always keeps a clear line between personal and professional matters. He highly values this project and has repeatedly emphasized the importance of doing everything possible to win it." 

Chu Zhichen hadn't anticipated this and pondered for a moment, saying, "Mr. Li must be in a difficult position." 

"Mr. Li is certainly interested in Yisi," the director, being a long-time employee of the company, was aware of the Chu family's situation. "Perhaps Li Heng is as well. He and Shihui are in a relationship, and your families will be connected from now on." 

Chu Zhichen was slightly taken aback to learn that Chu Shihui and Li Hang were dating. 

The director inquired, "Any further questions? We can exchange ideas together." 

Chu Zhichen wore an expressionless face, making it difficult to discern his thoughts, and replied, "With Mr. Li attaching such importance, will he come to oversee the work?" 

The director shook his head, saying, "Mr. Li is on vacation and won't be involved in this project." 

After the meeting, Chu Zhichen, alone, made his way to the calligraphy and painting exhibition hall in the west building. He strolled around with two cups of coffee in hand, as if he was in a small art gallery, displaying works created by the company's staff. 

Soon, Zhai Feng arrived as planned. "Chu..." 

Chu Zhichen handed Zhai Feng one of the cups of coffee and said, "Just call me by my name, Group Leader Zhai." 

Zhai Feng had been working in Yisi for over ten years, possessing strong business acumen. However, compared to others at his level, his communication skills were weaker. He wasn't adept at beating around the bush, so he straightforwardly said, "If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to ask. I'll help you get acquainted as quickly as possible." 

Chu Zhichen asked cheerfully, "What are the odds of Yisi winning?" 

Zhai Feng was momentarily stunned. A layperson would be curious about superficial details, yet Chu Zhichen already presumed the outcome, displaying typical forward-thinking and visionary leadership. 

"It's too early to tell," Zhai Feng replied. "But I have confidence in our team's capabilities. The director and others have been in many battles and have successfully won larger contracts." 

Chu Zhichen made a playful guess and said, "You must be exceptional." 

Zhai Feng smiled, his expression tinged with a hint of loneliness. "I wouldn't dare to say that. My position is low, and I'm not part of the company's management circle. I simply follow orders." 

The two continued their conversation as they walked around. Chu Zhichen typed up a draft in advance, asking comprehensive questions and discussing various ideas. Zhai Feng realized Chu Zhichen had valuable insights and offered numerous suggestions, collaborating with him. 

Unbeknownst to them, time flew by, and Zhai Feng's phone suddenly rang. The screensaver displayed a photo of an adorable little girl. 

Chu Zhichen asked, "Is that your daughter?" 

Zhai Feng replied happily, "Yes. Primary school students are very curious and always ask me what I eat for lunch." 

Chu Zhichen bid farewell at this point and jokingly remarked, "Xiang Yue's restaurant is excellent. You should try it sometime, so your little girl won't worry about her daddy being hungry." 

After Zhai Feng left, the exhibition hall gradually emptied. Chu Zhichen lingered in the quiet atmosphere for a while, his mind not on the calligraphy and paintings. He continued wandering until he came across a particular piece of calligraphy. 

The bold calligraphy strokes belonged to Xin Qiji's "Po Zhen Zi," written with incredible vigor. 

Chu Zhichen had always admired regular script, its beauty, and grace a thing to behold, so he couldn't help but read it for a while. The more he read, the more he sensed an indescribable indignation embedded in every stroke. 

The characters seemed to writhe in pain, their lines spoke of injustice and oppression, of a world that was not fair. 

Curious, he searched for the signature, three words: Xiang Mingzhang. 

Chu Zhichen chuckled abruptly, remarking on the coincidence. With his index finger, he lightly tapped twice on "Xiang Mingzhang" through the glass. 

Returning to the sales department, Chu Zhichen noticed that all his colleagues had gone to lunch. He washed his hands and locked the project information in a drawer. 

As he looked up, he saw someone entering. 

Xiang Mingzhang had been stuck in the first-level computer room all morning, and now, in the afternoon with no plans to go out, he had taken off his suit, loosened his tie, rolled up his shirt cuffs, and held a box of sandwiches in one hand. 

Chu Zhichen's thoughts remained fixated on the events of that night, the "letting go of the past." He decided to take the initiative and greet Xiang Mingzhang: "Mr. Xiang." 

The lingering memory of that bowl of soup weighed on Xiang Mingzhang's mind. He couldn't comprehend how this man had the audacity to feign ignorance. With an expressionless face, he simply said, "Follow me." 

Chu Zhichen followed him into the CEO's office and closed the door securely. He had a serious discussion in mind, intending to refrain from mixing work with their lunch break. 

As Xiang Mingzhang settled on the sofa, Chu Zhichen began, "I had a meeting with Yisi's project team this morning." 

Xiang Mingzhang squeezed some hand sanitizer into his hands but remained silent. 

Chu Zhichen got straight to the point, saying, "One of the competitors this time is Du Heng. Li Zangqiu has taken a vacation to avoid any appearance of favoritism." 

Xiang Mingzhang opened the box, picked up a sandwich, and took a bite. 

Chu Zhichen analyzed further, "I believe Li Zangqiu genuinely regards this order as a demonstration of loyalty to Xiang Yue. If he were to lose to his son, he wouldn't be able to save face and his reputation would suffer." 

Xiang Mingzhang chewed quietly, showing no sign of responding. 

"Thus, the person in charge must be someone Li Zangqiu trusts," Chu Zhichen continued. "The director has been his right-hand man for years, so he should be highly competent." 

After laying out his analysis, Chu Zhichen concluded, "Do you have any questions?" 

Xiang Mingzhang still engrossed in his lunchtime business, felt slight indigestion coming on. "Let's discuss it after the introductory meeting, and we'll provide daily reports. Do you think we're children handing in our homework?" 

Suddenly feeling ridiculous, Chu Zhichen asked, "Then why did you call me here?" 

Xiang Mingzhang tilted his chin towards the decoration cabinet, where a paper bag sat. He said, "I want you to bring me the thermos." 

Chu Zhichen turned to retrieve it, saying, "Well, take your time, I'll be leaving." 

Xiang Mingzhang responded, "I haven't given you permission to leave yet." 

Chu Zhichen couldn't quite comprehend. Was Xiang Mingzhang deliberately finding fault, trying to agitate him? 

After all, hadn't they both implicitly turned the page after their argument that night? 

He maintained his patience and asked, "What else?" 

Xiang Mingzhang swallowed the last bite of his sandwich, finding the pastrami a bit dry and the cheese overpowering. He said, "I'm thirsty. Peel an apple for me." 

Frowning, Chu Zhichen retorted, "Do you take me for a servant?" 

Xiang Mingzhang replied, "I can be your driver, taking you home, but can't Young Master Chu peel an apple for me?" 

Chu Zhichen realized that this was Xiang Mingzhang seeking a small measure of revenge. In the end, he hailed from the twentieth century, when people from later generations were akin to younger family members. It was apt to show more tolerance. 

After all, love for one's descendants and grandchildren mattered most. 

Chu Zhichen settled himself beside Xiang Mingzhang and selected a large apple from the exquisite crystal plate. 

As he pondered, he felt compelled to compliment Xiang Mingzhang, "I noticed your handwriting at the exhibition hall, and it's quite impressive." 

Xiang Mingzhang replied, "I excel in regular script." 

[T/N: Chinese regular script (楷書/kǎishū), also known as standard script, is the most common style of Chinese calligraphy. It is characterized by its clear and regular strokes, which are evenly spaced and well-proportioned. The regular script developed from the clerical script (隸書/lishu) during the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), and reached its maturity in the Tang dynasty (618 – 907 AD). The regular script is the most commonly used style of Chinese calligraphy for both formal and informal writing. It is also the most widely taught style of calligraphy, and is considered to be the foundation for all other styles of Chinese calligraphy.] 

Curious, Chu Zhichen inquired, "How many years have you been practicing?" 

"Since the age of five," Xiang Mingzhang recalled Ouyang Xiu's words, "'Those adept at calligraphy find it challenging to master true regular script.' How about you? Have you ever practiced it?" 

Chu Zhichen raised his gaze, narrowing his eyes, and responded, "I practice with smaller characters, as 'true script presents difficulties for lower scripts'." 

Xiang Mingzhang emitted a light chuckle and reclined against the soft backrest of the sofa. 

The sound of the blade against the apple peel was a soft, scraping noise like sand being rubbed against the glass. It was punctuated by occasional sharp twangs as the knife met the apple's core. 

Xiang Mingzhang couldn't see the progress from his vantage point, but he could observe Chu Zhichen's slightly hunched back and narrow waist as he worked. The muscles in his arms flexed and relaxed as he wielded the knife, and his concentration was evident in the set of his jaw. 

Chu Zhichen diligently hung his suit every night to ensure it remained wrinkle-free for the following day. He even burned incense in his room overnight, emanating a faint fragrance from his clothes. 

Xiang Mingzhang took a sniff and seemed to catch a whiff of the delicate scent. 

With his head lowered, Chu Zhichen found himself engaged in the menial task of peeling apples, which was quite unusual for him. He handled the knife cautiously, employing varying depths to avoid accidentally cutting his fingers. His movements were slow and deliberate. 

After a considerable amount of time passed, Chu Zhichen turned around apple in hand, only to discover that Xiang Mingzhang had already fallen asleep. 

Due to the peculiar fairy soup incident from the previous night, Xiang Mingzhang had endured a restless sleep. Furthermore, his energy had been depleted by a day of rock climbing, and he had been incredibly busy at work without a moment to catch his breath. 

Catching a whiff of the subtle Canaan incense emanating from Chu Zhichen's body, Xiang Mingzhang's muscles and spirits relaxed, lulling him into a peaceful slumber. 

As Chu Zhichen gazed upon Xiang Mingzhang's sleeping face, his sharp features softened. The lines on his forehead relaxed, and the corners of his mouth turned up in a slight smile. His eyes were no longer as cold and calculating, but instead held a warmth and tenderness that was rarely seen. 

However, the question remained about the apples. Should he dispose of them and allow them to oxidize, or would it be better to enjoy them as a midday snack after working for half the day? 

Chu Zhichen reasoned that the latter option made more sense and took a bite. 

The crispy sound, "kacha," startled Xiang Mingzhang from his rest. Though still in a dream-like state, he didn't forget to voice his concern, "Who gave you permission to eat that? Cut another one." 

Chu Zhichen declined the request and borrowed a trendy phrase he had once heard from Qian Hua, but unfortunately, he couldn't recall it precisely. He quipped, "You truly are an extreme refinement." 

Xiang Mingzhang sighed and rubbed the center of his brow, speechless but convinced. He responded, "Indeed. Now go and enjoy your apples while I take a well-deserved nap."