Nearly a sleepless night.
As dawn approached, Jiang Nan Fang finally drifted into a hazy sleep.
When she woke up, no one was beside her.
Needing to return to the small town to retrieve her ID and buy a plane ticket back to Nancheng, Jiang Nan Fang tried to hypnotize herself into not overthinking, quickly got up, and washed up.
Unexpectedly, as soon as she opened the room door, a well-dressed staff member in a suit stood outside.
"Miss Jiang, right? Mr. Zhan asked me to wait here."
Jiang Nan Fang couldn't help but be surprised.
He had already left, so why would he ask someone to wait here?
"Where is Mr. Zhan?"
"He has already returned to Nancheng. I am the captain of our flight. I will take you back to Nancheng. Please follow me."
She decided to treat this as Zhan Bei Jue's last gesture of tenderness.
Jiang Nan Fang did not refuse and returned to Nancheng without a word.
The first thing she did upon returning was to visit the long-unseen Ke Teng at the hospital.
Knowing that Ke Jing Yu could not eat anything right now, and that flowers and fruit baskets would go unappreciated, Jiang Nan Fang went empty-handed.
In fact, Ke Jing Yu's condition was worse than she had imagined.
In his middle to late age, having lost his beloved son, he aged twenty years at a visible rate.
Although his attire was elegant, clean, and tidy, exuding an air of nobility, the former vigor was gone.
He looked every bit like a distinguished, albeit downcast, elder.
Then, looking at Ke Teng on the hospital bed, so young, so handsome.
Yet, his eyes remained closed, his frame emaciated.
Mother and son seemed separated by different worlds, and the entire Ke family had been shattered because of her.
Jiang Nan Fang was consumed by guilt.
Ke Jing Yu, as usual, did not utter a single word of blame. He only asked about her work.
Jiang Nan Fang spoke only of the good aspects.
At the end, Ke Jing Yu handed her a business card.
"Ke Teng always told me he liked Nancheng and didn't want to stay in Shangcheng, wanting to establish himself here."
"I always thought he was being reckless and never allowed it."
"Only after living here for a period recently have I suddenly begun to understand his feelings."
"I regret not listening to him sooner. If I had shifted the focus of our business to Nancheng years earlier, allowing him to meet you sooner, perhaps none of this would have happened."
Jiang Nan Fang didn't know how to respond and could only remain silent.
Ke Jing Yu continued.
"I plan to acquire New Vision Technology Electronics Company as the first step for Ke's Group to move to Nancheng."
"Hand over your current work and go find their President Li. He intends to transfer the company. This is a golden opportunity. Negotiate the acquisition well."
Acquiring a company was a major undertaking, and it seemed she would be busy again.
But what else could Jiang Nan Fang say, other than to work tirelessly for the Ke family?
She agreed and left the hospital.
Fortunately, her work had already been organized. The national grid project would proceed smoothly with everyone continuing their tasks.
Two days later, Jiang Nan Fang managed to find time and scheduled a meeting with the assistant to the president of New Vision Technology Electronics Company.
Today was the formal discussion about the acquisition.
She was still in professional attire, with light makeup.
At nine in the morning, she arrived punctually at the New Vision building.
The assistant informed her that President Li was currently meeting with someone and asked her to wait outside for a moment.
After the assistant went in to announce her, Jiang Nan Fang sat in the lounge with a cup of coffee in her hand.
She waited for an hour.
An hour later, the door to the president's office finally opened, and two tall figures walked out together.
Jiang Nan Fang hurried to meet them.
To her surprise, she saw Zhan Bei Jue, whom she had parted ways with just a few days prior.
He and President Li, dressed in black and gray suits respectively, were both young and tall, standing together like brothers.
The scene was quite pleasing to the eye.
But Jiang Nan Fang felt that Zhan Bei Jue did not seem to be in good spirits.
When he wasn't smiling, he already had an air of aloofness. Now, with a tired expression, diligently discussing business, he easily gave the impression of being on the verge of an outburst.
Meeting him so unexpectedly, countless emotions surged within her.
The well-prepared speech Jiang Nan Fang had rehearsed suddenly got stuck in her throat.
It was Zhan Bei Jue who spoke to her first.
"What a coincidence. President Jiang, what brings you here today?"
His tone was strictly professional.
Very good.
He wasn't as reluctant to part as she had imagined. She had been overthinking.
Jiang Nan Fang quickly composed herself, extended her hand with a smile to President Li, and introduced herself.
She also presented Ke Jing Yu's business card.
"Mr. Ke asked me to come."
"Since we've all met and know each other, I won't beat around the bush."
After Jiang Nan Fang spoke, President Li spoke frankly.
"Our New Vision Technology Electronics is a leading smart electrical brand in China, with very mature products and excellent prospects. This is undeniable."
"If it weren't for some force majeure issues, I absolutely wouldn't be transferring it at this time."
"I am in talks with more than one or two companies. While Mr. Ke and Mr. Zhan are giants in the industry, I cannot afford to offend other companies."
"For the sake of fairness, we have decided to hold a public tender. I hope President Jiang can truthfully convey my message back to Mr. Ke and ask him not to be upset."
Jiang Nan Fang understood.
A mature brand that had been painstakingly built would naturally be sold for a good price if it were to be sold.
Since so many people were vying for it, it was only right for him to play hard to get.
"Alright, President Li. Let's exchange contact information. Please call me once the specific tender time is announced."
"Mr. Ke genuinely admires the products your company has created. I hope our future discussions will be pleasant."
With that said, she could take her leave.
Zhan Bei Jue seemed to have discerned her intention and said faintly to President Li beside him.
"After this matter is settled, I'm afraid it will be difficult to see you in Nancheng. While there's still time, let me make up for my past busyness and treat you to a meal."
It seemed the two were quite familiar.
President Li smiled and said, "It's rare for a busy person like you to invite me for a meal. I can't refuse if I can fleece you."
Then, he glanced politely at Jiang Nan Fang.
"I wonder if President Jiang has any prior engagements? If you have time, perhaps you could join us."
Zhan Bei Jue did not object, instead looking at Jiang Nan Fang with him.
Although Jiang Nan Fang wanted to get closer to President Li to increase her chances of winning the acquisition,
their close relationship was evident, and they clearly didn't want to be disturbed. Why would she join the fray?
"Thank you both for your kind invitation. However, I have some matters to attend to and am afraid I don't have time today."
President Li had only been being polite. Upon hearing this, he nodded and said no more.
Zhan Bei Jue, however, suddenly spoke again.
"President Jiang, are you deliberately avoiding me?"
"??"
"There's really no need. I said I wouldn't bother you, and I absolutely won't in the future. It's just a meal, nothing more."
"..."
"We're both in Nancheng, and we're in the same circle. We'll likely see each other often from now on. Are you going to hide from me every time you see me?"
His words instantly made the relationship between the two seem ambiguous.
President Li cast a curious glance.
Zhan Bei Jue appeared at ease, with an expression that seemed to say, "Exactly what you're thinking."