C21 Not Knowing Each Other

Ye Feng had spent the entire night poring over research and the result was a meticulously crafted document—a strategic plan for the project at hand.

The system had imparted a wealth of knowledge to him, and it was with this knowledge that Ye Feng had constructed the document. Initially, the concepts were foreign to him, too abstract and distant for his immediate comprehension. Yet, with the responsibility of the Ye family's legacy on his shoulders, it became imperative for him to grasp these concepts thoroughly.

Moreover, Ye's father had entrusted him with a project, and Ye Feng was determined to execute it flawlessly to earn his father's respect. The hurtful words of Wei Zecheng still echoed in his mind; he was no fool and his competitive nature wouldn't allow him to accept such criticism without a fight.

Upon arriving at the company, Ye Feng presented his document to Ye's father, who scrutinized it with a discerning eye. Ye Feng had invested considerable time in this document, having started it when he first took on the project, despite the pressing timeline.

His father, after a careful review, expressed his satisfaction—a sentiment Ye Feng could only hope for, as he was uncertain of his own performance.

"There are some issues here," Ye's father pointed out. "This approach won't suffice for the project. You need to rethink how to maximize your profits."

"Yes, Father," Ye Feng replied, addressing his father formally for the first time, which stirred an unexpected emotion in the older man.

Despite the need for critique, Ye's father continued, "While there are problems with this section, the rest is without fault. For a first attempt, this is commendable."

The praise from Ye's father filled Ye Feng with joy. To receive such acknowledgment on his first strategic plan was no small feat.

Initially, Ye's father had his reservations about Ye Feng, having been aware of his past actions. His investigation into Ye Feng's capabilities had revealed no extraordinary talents, yet he also noted that Ye Feng was not without merit.

Now, reviewing Ye Feng's document, Ye's father was reassured of his judgment. He saw in Ye Feng a fierce ambition and a sharp intellect.

The next crucial step was to properly cultivate Ye Feng's talents, enabling him to fully harness his abilities.

Upon receiving praise from his father, Ye Feng was thrilled, yet he managed to temper his exuberance, maintaining a composed demeanor.

After work, Ye Feng encountered his Fifth Sister, Ye Zhiyao. It was her first time meeting her brother, having been unaware of his existence. She had assumed the family's mention of a long-lost brother was merely a jest.

To her surprise, a brother was indeed found, but upon laying eyes on Ye Feng, she was underwhelmed. Ye Zhiyao had expected her brother to be more imposing or strikingly handsome, not someone who looked like him.

Consequently, Ye Zhiyao harbored no fondness for Ye Feng, believing he didn't belong in the Ye family. She was aware of his past deeds, but reasoned that such events only unfolded because of his association with the Ye family—otherwise, who would extend him such courtesy?

With no affection for Ye Feng, Ye Zhiyao resorted to playing tricks on him.

"Feng, got any plans lately? I'm thinking of visiting a park in the western suburbs. How about you take me along?"

"I'm actually quite busy. I need to revise this document and then present it to Father."

"It's a straightforward document. You could finish editing it in three minutes, so it won't interfere with our trip to the park."

"Fifth Sister, maybe you could wait until I'm done with the document, and then we'll go?"

"Never mind, I've lost interest in going now."

Ye Feng watched as Ye Zhiyao walked away, feeling a touch of helplessness. He knew she had no intention of visiting the park; her aim was merely to distract him from his document editing.

But now that she was gone, he resolved to concentrate on his editing.

"Feng, this coffee is quite good. I brewed a special cup just for you. Give it a taste."

Ye Feng eyed the coffee Ye Zhiyao offered. Its deep black appearance gave him the impression of a culinary concoction from the darker side of the menu.

Since he had already brought it over, I had no choice but to take a sip.

The moment the coffee touched Ye Feng's lips, he was hit with a bitterness that seemed to reach his soul. He nearly spit it out as his face contorted in discomfort.

"What's the matter, Feng? Too bitter for you? But I added so much sugar. Surely, you've never tasted coffee this good before, have you?" Ye Zhiyao asked with concern.

With no other option, Ye Feng forced himself to swallow.

"I told you this coffee was delicious. Go on, keep drinking. I'll watch over you. If you like it, I can brew you another cup," she offered cheerfully.

"No, thank you, Fifth Sister. I'm not in the mood for coffee right now. I'm not sleepy, either. Just let me finish editing the document."

"Okay, then. I'll bring you a cup of tea instead."

True to her word, Ye Zhiyao returned with a steaming cup of tea.

"Feng, I brewed this tea especially for you. It's made from the finest leaves; I hardly ever indulge in it myself. Please, give it a taste."

Ye Feng glanced at the tea and could tell it was incredibly strong; one sip and he'd be up all night.

But the look in Ye Zhiyao's eyes left him no escape. He braced himself and took a sip.

Just as he suspected, it was like drinking four cups of tea concentrated into one.

"Feng, what's wrong? Isn't it delicious? I put my heart into making this tea. It can't be that bad. I've tried it myself. Don't tell me you've never had tea this fine," she prodded.

Ye Feng remained silent. Despite Ye Zhiyao's veiled criticisms, he couldn't protest—she was his Fifth Sister, after all. But her playful torment was giving him a headache.

Finally, after Ye Feng had finished editing the document, he promptly handed it to Ye's father.

With the document complete, there were no further issues. All that remained was to execute the plan and demonstrate Ye Feng's capabilities.