C20 Success

Regardless of whether Lee Shengfeng was a mole from another company or not, he had genuinely worked hard for our company over the past month. He's shown real ability, and we've offered him shares, so I believe his loyalty isn't in question now.

"Director Zhang, this is too generous. I'm hesitant to accept it."

Lee Shengfeng mulled it over. Five percent seemed excessive. Since joining, he hadn't made any technological contributions or financial investments; he'd simply done his job well. Wasn't accepting the shares akin to getting something for nothing?

"Exactly, Zhang Yang, I can't accept it either. Sure, the three of us started this company together, but you're the one who brought in the technology and the capital. We've only contributed our time and haven't tackled any significant tasks yet. It doesn't feel right to take shares."

The thought made Fatty uneasy. Even among close friends, clear financial boundaries were important. Accepting such a gift could make things awkward later on.

"Director Zhang, please reconsider the share distribution. Our company is just getting off the ground. If we start handing out shares as rewards now, what will we do later? Let's focus on growing the company first. Once we've made substantial contributions, we can then use share ownership as a form of motivation."

Zhang Yang, deep in thought and silent, listened as Lee Shengfeng shared his perspective. After careful consideration, Zhang Yang found the reasoning sound.

"If that's the case, we'll proceed as you suggest. Let's make a pact: if we all pull together, I guarantee that within a year, both of you will have a net worth exceeding one hundred million."

Lee Shengfeng breathed a sigh of relief. Holding those shares felt like holding a hot potato; accepting them could lead to future conflicts.

"Wow, Zhang Yang, feeling confident, are we? Now you're in a position to guarantee others a net worth in the hundreds of millions?"

Bai Ling entered the room just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. She was surprised to see Zhang Yang at the Five Province Hotel, a place even pricier than the Tang Pavilion. While the Tang Pavilion was known for its ambiance, the Five Province Hotel was all about luxury.

Business deals are often sealed at the Five Province Hotel, while the young crowd and the Second Rich Generation prefer to mingle at the Tang Pavilion. Each establishment has its unique appeal, yet both are among the finest restaurants in Clear Water.

"Ling Ling, you're here! Please, take a seat," came the warm invitation.

Zhang Yang disregarded her question, knowing he owed her an apology to avoid her usual complaints.

"Hmph, first explain why you vanished for a month, or I won't sit down," Bai Ling demanded, ignoring Zhang Yang's eager welcome, curious to hear his explanation.

"Ling Ling, it's quite a tale. A man like me needs to have his own ventures, right? I've recently started a company and have been swamped with work for the past month, barely able to catch my breath. Look at me, don't I seem much thinner?" Zhang Yang had always seen Bai Ling as a sister, which made it easier to appease her. With anyone else, given his current fortune, he wouldn't bother as much.

"Really?" Bai Ling asked, her skepticism evident.

"Absolutely, truer than pure gold. We're here to celebrate our first big success, and you were the first person I thought of," Zhang Yang confessed, his tone more earnest than it had ever been, even when he was pursuing Xiaoxuan.

"Fine, I'll forgive you. But you have to let me work at your company," Bai Ling said with a cunning glance as they took their seats.

"Ah? There's really no suitable job for you at our company. Maybe you should talk it over with your sister?" Zhang Yang thought, not keen on the idea of having to entertain her at work every day, and he was quick to try and deflect.

"Hmph, Zhang Yang, are you hiding something again? They say men turn bad when they get rich. I'm going to be your secretary, and you better not betray my sister," Bai Ling said, her gaze accusatory, as if branding him a betrayer of trust.

"Mr. Yang, what's this all about? When did you start seeing a new girl? How come I'm out of the loop?"

Sunn Pang was puzzled. Over the past month, he hadn't noticed Zhang Yang on any phone calls or dates. How did he suddenly end up with a beauty? This girl was quite striking; her sister must be just as attractive.

Lee Shengfeng watched the scene unfold with amusement but kept silent. Their friendship had grown over the month, but he knew better than to speak out of turn and risk giving Zhang Yang a bad impression.

Sunn Pang, being a college classmate, had his own standing. He had accepted shares, but Lee Shengfeng couldn't do the same. In the company's trio, he was still the outsider.

"Fatty, zip it. And Ling, you can't just say whatever you want. I don't mind the rumors, but what about your sister? If we're not a match, isn't spreading such talk tarnishing her reputation?" Zhang Yang gave Sunn Pang a stern look and then turned to Bai Ling, urging her to keep quiet.

"Wuwu~ Zhang Yang, I've misjudged you. Now that you've got some money, you're forgetting my sister. I'll beat the daylights out of you, you jerk. I'm calling my sister right now, and I'm done with you after this." Bai Ling burst into tears, recalling the TV dramas where men with newfound wealth ditch their loyal partners for younger, prettier ones. Now that Zhang Yang was starting his own business and not allowing her to be part of it, she was convinced he was going to leave Bai Ya.

"Okay, okay, I promise. I'll take you to work tomorrow, so please stop crying, will you?" Zhang Yang was feeling overwhelmed. Bai Ling was a handful, and without a proper role for her at the company, he was reluctant to bring her on board.

"You said it, no take-backs. I'm calling my sister right now; she's sure to agree." Bai Ling didn't wait for a response and dialed Bai Ya's number.

"Hey, sis, Zhang Yang's starting a company, and I'm going to work there tomorrow."

"No way, I'm not going to your company. There's nobody there to keep me company."

"I'm at the Five States Hotel. Come if you want to."

Bai Ling hung up the phone and turned to Zhang Yang with a smug look. "Humph, I managed to get my sister to come out again today. How are you going to thank me?"

Zhang Yang was inwardly groaning. Nothing good ever happened when he was with Bai Ya, and here Bai Ling was, intent on playing matchmaker. But you can't force a connection, right? Wouldn't her presence just make things more uncomfortable?

Feeling downcast, Zhang Yang wished he could just wrap things up quickly. If he had known it would come to this, he would have never let Bai Ling find out he had started his own company.

Bai Ya arrived in no time, reaching the venue within two minutes.

"Ling, what's this all about? Why are you meddling in Zhang Yang's company instead of going to your own family's business?"

Bai Ya, clad in a business suit, had a slight flush to her cheeks, likely from a bit of alcohol. As soon as she walked in, her expression soured, and she exuded an icy demeanor.

Bai Ya had thought that since Zhang Yang hadn't reached out to Bai Ling for a month, he had finally gotten the message and stopped trying to connect with her. But now, here they were again. Although Zhang Yang didn't seem like a bad guy, Bai Ya couldn't forget how awkward she felt every time they were together and wanted nothing more to do with him.

"Sister, your company is just full of old-timers. It's way more fun here with Zhang Yang. I don't want to go to your place!" Bai Ling retorted with a pout.

Lee Shengfeng, upon seeing Bai Ya enter, noted her striking presence and cool aura. He quickly deduced that she and Zhang Yang were like oil and water, which probably meant they were 'frenemies'. If the boss was trying to woo her, why would he stick around to be a third wheel?

"Director Zhang, ladies, I just remembered I have some urgent business to attend to at the company. I'll take my leave now."

Without waiting for a response, he made a swift exit. Sunn Pang, although regretful about missing the meal, wasn't one to overstay his welcome. He shot Zhang Yang an encouraging glance and followed Lee Shengfeng out.

Zhang Yang was at his wit's end, feeling an urge to cry without tears. What was this mess? His feelings for Bai Ya were nothing more than admiration. Sure, Bai Ya was as stunning as a movie star, but admiration was where his feelings ended. Yet, somehow, everyone seemed to think they were an item. How had he managed to get himself into this situation?

"Please, take a seat. Let's take our time to talk this over," he said, gesturing awkwardly for Bai Ya to sit. Despite his billionaire status, Zhang Yang couldn't help but feel uncomfortable around her. Bai Ya was a formidable presence, her beauty as cold and intimidating as her demeanor, leaving few who weren't somewhat afraid of her.

"To be honest, I'm also against the idea of Bai Ling joining my company. It's still in its infancy, and I'm swamped. I won't have the time to look after her or entertain her," he explained, pausing before turning to address Bai Ling directly. "Ling Ling, please listen to your sister and go home. I promise I'll make time to hang out with you later. You need to be good and follow her advice."

Bai Ya's expression softened slightly. Zhang Yang had a way of saying the right thing. "Ling, you've heard what Zhang Yang said. As an adult, you should respect everyone's opinions and try to understand their challenges," she advised.

Bai Ling's mood, which had been improving, plummeted once again, and she began to sniffle quietly. "You all treat me like a child, but I'm not a child anymore. Especially you," she said, turning to Bai Ya. "You always claim to treat me like an adult, but when have you ever truly respected my opinion?"

Zhang Yang couldn't help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. So, the ice queen, Bai Ya, could be challenged too? It must not be pleasant being on the receiving end of criticism from your own sister.

"And you, Zhang Yang, you clearly don't want me at your company. There must be some unsavory secret you're hiding. I despise you! I'm done with you from now on," Bai Ling declared, her emotions raw.

With a wry smile and a rub of his nose, Zhang Yang thought to himself, What an undeserved disaster! Why drag me into a sibling squabble?

"Ling, enough of this stubbornness. We're going home now. I will not allow you to work at Zhang Yang's company. Come with me," Bai Ya said firmly, signaling an end to the discussion.

Bai Ya's expression grew frostier. Bai Ling's words had put her in an awkward position, and with Zhang Yang present, it wasn't the time to make a scene. She decided it would be best to have a proper conversation with Bai Ling at home.

"I won't go back. I won't. I want to work at Mr. Zhang Yang's company."

Bai Ya reached out to pull Bai Ling back, but Bai Ling twisted and turned, struggling to break free. Suddenly, she stumbled forward from the momentum and hit her head on the table with a loud bang. Bai Ya and Zhang Yang were both shocked as Bai Ling suffered a gash on her head.

"Sister, Mr. Zhang Yang, my head feels so dizzy..." Bai Ling swayed and then collapsed. Zhang Yang quickly regained his composure and caught her in his arms.

Together, they hurriedly brought Bai Ling to the car and rushed her to the hospital. Bai Ya wept continuously on the way, murmuring over and over, "Ling Ling, please wake up. Don't frighten me like this."

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