C17 Collaboration

"Xiao Qu, I won't interrupt your meal with Yang Xue. I'm heading out now."

"Alright."

After parting with Zhang Zhiwen, Qu Ningyuan made his way to a nearby restaurant by himself. Since it wasn't quite lunchtime, the place was sparsely populated. The restaurant's tranquil atmosphere and scenic view provided a welcome respite, allowing him to unwind as he sat there.

Qu Ningyuan reflected on the day's events, considering that once the Hainan project was over, he should probably visit this area less frequently to avoid making Chen Huan jealous by being seen with Yang Xue.

Back at the office, Zhang Zhiwen doubled back, intent on learning more about the woman who had picked up the documents. As luck would have it, Chen Huan emerged from her office with paperwork in hand. Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Zhiwen approached her.

"Excuse me, could you direct me to the manager's office? I seem to have left something behind."

Chen Huan glanced up to see a tall man with a sun-kissed, bronze complexion, suggesting he was no stranger to the gym. His smile was quite charming, lending him an air of grace.

Zhang Zhiwen and Qu Ningyuan were distinctly different in their appeal. Zhang Zhiwen exuded a robust, masculine vibe, while Qu Ningyuan had more of a delicate, youthful charm. With his fair, smooth complexion, he radiated an aura of gentle sophistication. His consistently mild manner further accentuated his refined demeanor.

Zhang Zhiwen, with his type, was quite popular among women, who often felt a protective fondness for him. He, in turn, was quite adept at charming the ladies.

As Zhang Zhiwen discreetly sized up Chen Huan, he found himself increasingly captivated by her beauty. Her light makeup only enhanced her natural features, and she carried the look of effortless elegance.

"You're headed the wrong way. The office is on the other side, right at the end of the hallway."

"Is that so? I haven't visited your company very often, and these office buildings can be quite maze-like. Without paying close attention, I easily lose my bearings."

"I'm actually heading that way. I can take you there."

"Sounds good."

Chen Huan unsuspectingly guided Zhang Zhiwen, oblivious to the fact that he had already taken a keen interest in her. To him, she was a valuable pawn in his game.

"I'm not sure how to address you, Miss."

"There's no need for formalities. Just call me Chen Huan."

"Chen Huan, is it? That's a lovely name. I was just discussing business here with Qu Ningyuan. You two seemed quite familiar with each other."

"No, I don't know him."

"Well, this is where I leave you. I've got to run."

He dares to act nonchalant, but his expression changed at the mention of Qu Ningyuan. So eager to leave, Chen Huan? Now that I have a name, it will be much easier. Zhang Zhiwen pulled out his phone and made a call.

"Little Li, I need you to look into someone for me. Chen Huan from Radiant Enterprise. I need the information quickly; you have three days."

In this era of rapid development, information is ubiquitous. Tech-savvy introverts, preferring not to venture out into the workforce, earn their living from the comfort of their homes by hacking into personal data. Nowadays, anyone who has ever been online and registered their details is easy to track down.

Such tactics are sometimes employed by major companies to secure a deal or outmaneuver a competitor. While some strategies are underhanded, they're hardly secret within the industry, which is rife with subtle manipulations and tactics. However, investigating someone isn't cheap, so it's not a resource that's tapped into lightly. Moreover, it typically takes at least three days to gather information on someone, making it a considerable effort.

Chen Huan could never have imagined that her past romance with Qu Ningyuan would one day be weaponized against him, turning into his Achilles' heel. Had they never met, had there been no heroic rescue, she might have continued her life as a diligent student, following her own path.

Zhang Zhiwen pondered the possibility that if Chen Huan were willing to collaborate with him, he would gain an informant within Radiant Enterprise, making future dealings much smoother. More importantly, it would provide the perfect opportunity to topple Qu Ningyuan, eliminating a significant obstacle.

Zhang Zhiwen had ventured too far down this path to turn back now. He was past the point of no return, ready to use any means necessary. Every situation was an opportunity, every detail a stepping stone for his ascent. Nothing was off-limits for his exploitation.

Chen Huan sensed that something was amiss. Zhang Zhiwen seemed all too familiar with the company, and the supervisor always handled his visits. It didn't make sense that after all this time, he would still be unclear about the layout. Moreover, he appeared more interested in her than in finding whatever he was looking for, bombarding her with questions.

Fear crept into Chen Huan's thoughts. Initially, she had seen him as a man of integrity and had let her guard down somewhat. But now, his probing questions about her relationship with Qu Ningyuan seemed to have an ulterior motive. What was he really after?

She couldn't risk letting it slip that Yang Xue and Qu Ningyuan were dating. Yang Xue, a wealthy heiress, would surely become jealous if she found out about Chen Huan's past relationship with Qu Ningyuan. Good jobs were hard to come by, especially with such generous benefits. She couldn't afford to be fired or have her reputation tarnished.

Chen Huan resolved to clear the air with Qu Ningyuan at the first opportunity. She had to keep quiet about his relationship with Yang Xue. After all, it was none of her business, as long as it didn't affect her.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Zhiwen left the company. With Qu Ningyuan out on a date, he had to return to report back to the office alone. Exiting the building, he noticed a steady stream of representatives from various companies arriving to discuss plans, likely for the same high-profile project that was causing a stir in the industry.

The competition was fierce, and it seemed he'd have to work even harder to secure his share. Qu Ningyuan was too preoccupied with romance, mistakenly thinking that winning over Yang Xue would secure the project. Yang Liguo was known in the industry for his ruthlessness; Qu Ningyuan's strategy was flawed. He'd be better off investing time in meeting with Yang Liguo directly.

Lately, the weather has been quite hot, and it seems to be getting on everyone's nerves. Qu Ningyuan was idly scrolling through his phone in the restaurant, squinting against the harsh sunlight streaming in through the window. Despite the heat, he found comfort in the warmth of the sun on his skin; it felt cozy and genuine, a stark contrast to the coldness he had come to associate not just with the body, but with the heart as well.

After spending so much time in the metropolis, Qu Ningyuan felt his once passionate heart cooling down. He often dreamed of the day he could retire to the countryside, leaving behind the exhausting hustle and bustle of the city. The idea of settling down in a rural area and becoming a schoolteacher seemed increasingly appealing.