C18 Working Book

Cao Jiang noticed Qin Danfeng enjoying her meal and felt the urge to join in. His grandfather called out, "Jiang, don't just stand there. Come and join us for the meal."

His grandfather was aware that Cao Jiang hadn't eaten and wondered what he had been up to these past couple of days, looking so thin and pale.

Unbeknownst to him, Cao Jiang was concerned about his grandfather's health, lying awake at night pondering treatments.

With a weight lifted from his heart, Cao Jiang glanced at Qin Danfeng.

The situation seemed more complex than it appeared. Cao Jiang grabbed his chopsticks and began to eat heartily.

Qin Danfeng, hearing the sounds of Cao Jiang's enthusiastic eating, didn't mind at all; in fact, she smiled warmly.

"It's great to be young; your digestion is so robust, unlike us older folks," Qin Danfeng mused, reflecting on how quickly time flies.

Shortly after they finished their meal, Cao Jiang tidied up swiftly and stepped out to wash the dishes.

His grandfather and Qin Danfeng remained in the room, their conversation unknown to him.

Cao Jiang returned shortly after. "Grandfather, please rest. I'd like to have a word with your grandson," Qin Danfeng said with a smile, gesturing to her grandfather.

Seizing the opportunity, Cao Jiang quickly wheeled out the chair. "Elder Qin, here is the antique you entrusted to me."

Qin Danfeng examined the pristine relic in Cao Jiang's hands with deep appreciation.

"Come on, push me to the back garden for a stroll," Qin Danfeng suggested with a smile, preferring the quiet company of the garden to conversation.

Indeed, Cao Jiang had been so preoccupied with work that he rarely had time to eat, only finding respite when illness forced him to slow down.

Cao Jiang felt indebted to Qin Danfeng, not just emotionally but financially as well, and it weighed heavily on him.

He knew he needed to find a way to repay her. "I've noticed you're looking much better these days, and your appetite seems hearty," Cao Jiang commented.

Qin Danfeng burst into hearty laughter. "The credit goes to your delicious cooking. I really must thank you for the huge favor you've done for me."

Qin Danfeng was truly humble. Cao Jiang quickly responded, "Oh, I couldn't possibly take credit. You've already helped me..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Qin Danfeng interjected, effectively silencing Cao Jiang as if something had lodged in his throat.

"To show my gratitude, how about you come work at my company?" Qin Danfeng turned to Cao Jiang, her gaze contemplative.

It seemed he had been anticipating this moment for quite some time. This was merely a formality; he had long wanted Cao Jiang to join his company, and now the perfect opportunity had presented itself.

It was up to Cao Jiang to make his choice, but he was known for his pleasantly surprising decisions.

This time, Cao Jiang shed his usual hesitancy and accepted the offer with enthusiasm. "I can't thank you enough, Elder Qin. It would be an honor to work in a role I love."

Cao Jiang was also a humble man, particularly in the presence of his elders. Any previous discord between the two seemed to have dissolved into nothingness.

The assistant listened intently, astonished. It was the first time in many years he had seen the old man smile so joyfully.

Cao Jiang's desire was to repay Qin Danfeng, yet he lacked stable employment. The matter of the jewelry was significantly connected to his arrival in this world.

Thus began the treasure hunting adventure. Along the way, Cao Jiang pushed Qin Danfeng's wheelchair through the gardens, their conversation and laughter suggesting a deep kinship of spirits.

In that moment, as if fireworks had erupted, the beauty of the surroundings captivated them, making them forget all trivial concerns.

Qin Danfeng requested Cao Jiang to take her back to her room, as he was particularly sensitive to the cold due to his broken leg, and a chill breeze had begun to blow.

Cao Jiang quickly wheeled him back to the ward and closed the door behind them. "Would you like some tea? I can pour it for you," he offered, unsure of Qin Danfeng's preferences.

Qin Danfeng, unbothered by formalities, shook his head to decline. Cao Jiang was just about to leave.

To Cao Jiang's surprise, Qin Danfeng pulled an envelope from her drawer and handed it to him. "Here's the appointment letter I prepared earlier. Take it with you."

Qin Danfeng had clearly put a lot of thought into it. Cao Jiang was torn between happiness and sadness, feeling a bittersweet pang in his heart. It seemed that no one but his grandfather had ever shown him such care. He quickly composed himself and accepted the appointment letter with both hands. "I will certainly live up to your expectations, Elder Qin. Thank you."

Cao Jiang spoke with conviction, and he did not forget to express his deep gratitude to Qin Danfeng with a generous gift.

Qin Danfeng was thoroughly impressed by Cao Jiang's demeanor. She became even more convinced that individuals like him were essential at the pinnacle of the corporate hierarchy.

Deciding there was no time like the present, Cao Jiang bid farewell and, with the appointment letter in hand, made his way to Phoenix Jewelry to apply for a position. The thought that much of the treasure hunting information might be tied to jewelry made him wonder if his next discovery could be within the towering Phoenix Building.

Before arriving, Cao Jiang had researched the latest trends in jewelry on his phone, ensuring he was well-prepared.

Regrettably, the first sight that greeted him was less than pleasant. Fate had a way of bringing adversaries together, and there was no one Cao Jiang despised more than Huang Zhongtian. He had already warned him that their next encounter wouldn't end well.

Huang Zhongtian, catching sight of a familiar figure, instinctively retreated, while the lackey by his side caught a glimpse of Cao Jiang in the corner of his eye.

Those who recognized Cao Jiang were visibly shaken, but the new lackey was unaware of Cao Jiang's formidable reputation. Huang Zhongtian and his group were gathered at the entrance of Phoenix Jewelry, pleading to join the company with a fervor that rivaled the roar of thunder.

Cao Jiang's furrowed brow eased. Unbeknownst to Huang Zhongtian, Cao Jiang was about to become an employee there.

Phoenix Jewelry Group was a titan in the city, offering not only a prestigious annual salary but also an enviable working environment that set it apart from the rest.

Huang Zhongtian curled his lip, assuming Cao Jiang was merely passing by and unlikely to interfere, so he continued to block the doorway.

Unbeknownst to him, Cao Jiang had already whipped out his phone and captured their brazen behavior on video.

Cao Jiang's casual attire, a simple sports outfit, accentuated his rugged masculinity.

He strode up behind Huang Zhongtian and commanded, "Stop right there!"

At his authoritative tone, everyone spun around, staring at Cao Jiang with confusion.

Unfazed, Cao Jiang declared, "You're causing a disturbance. I've got it all on video."

As he spoke, Cao Jiang brandished the video for all to see, and Huang Zhongtian's eyes nearly bulged with fury.

Huang Zhongtian loathed Cao Jiang deeply but lacked the power to challenge him.

Repeatedly crushed, Huang Zhongtian was on the verge of collapse, cursing his luck for facing such a formidable adversary as Cao Jiang.

Quickly, Huang Zhongtian tossed aside his stick and stormed off, his underling trailing behind, torn about whether to follow suit. Cao Jiang, seizing the moment, grabbed the stick and hurled it at Huang Zhongtian, who narrowly avoided it.

The once leisurely crowd was jolted into action by a shout, "Run!"

In an instant, they scattered. Cao Jiang dusted off his hands and allowed himself a chuckle.