Some words, when spoken plainly, might serve to deter.
However, before she could finish, Chenchen interrupted her, taking Yanran's small hand and running forward.
“Yanran, let’s hurry. See how Shuoshuo is progressing with his research.”
“You two…” Shen Xi, angered, raised her hand to point at them, but the two children had already run far ahead.
Taking a deep breath, she turned to Jian Fan, “Why isn’t Shuoshuo out with you?”
“He’s at home, diligently engrossed in his Rubik’s Cube,” Jian Fan replied with a smile.
The Rubik’s Cube was his favorite. He was so obsessed that he sometimes forgot to eat.
Shen Xi was well aware of this.
As they continued walking, Jian Fan glanced at her, changing the subject, “We’ve made some headway in investigating Hongrui Group. I found a former financial director who worked there.”
“Oh?” Shen Xi stopped, “What’s his name?”
A financial director held a high position within the group and should be very clear about Hongrui Group’s financial dealings back then.
Shen Xi felt it was necessary to meet this person.
“Zhou Maoda. He’s currently employed by a new energy company. I heard that company is facing cash flow problems, and the boss is scrambling to raise funds…” Jian Fan paused, reporting the information he had gathered to her.
“Good. Make arrangements. I want to meet him personally.” Shen Xi’s eyes sparkled.
At the time her father's company ran into trouble, she was also at a low point in her life and was not capable of investigating the matter.
Now, five years later, she had transformed and was determined to uncover the truth.
“Understood.” Jian Fan said, handing her the bag he was holding, “I won’t accompany you back to the villa. These are all snacks the children love.”
Shen Xi took it and glanced down, “You’re spoiling them. How much is it? I’ll transfer it to you later.”
“Who told me to like them? No need, it’s a small thing.” Jian Fan raised his eyebrows slightly at her and turned to leave.
Shen Xi watched his receding figure, smiled, and raised her voice a bit, “That won’t do, I’ll give you extra compensation.”
*
In a private room on the third floor of the Landuo Hotel, over a dozen people sat around a large round table, exchanging pleasantries and compliments, clinking glasses and drinking heartily.
Within half an hour, Zhou Maoda was already feeling the effects of the alcohol.
He slowly stood up, swaying as he walked towards the restroom.
Just as he emerged from the restroom, he was intercepted by Jian Fan at the corner of the corridor.
“Excuse me, who are you? You… this is not appropriate,” Zhou Maoda looked at him with hazy eyes.
“Director Zhou, I don’t mean anything by it, I just wanted to ask you to step aside for a moment,” Jian Fan said, one hand in his pocket, the corners of his lips curling upwards slightly.
Zhou Maoda shook his head and looked at him, “Do we know each other?”
“Whether we know each other or not is irrelevant. Someone wishes to meet you, and they can also help your company out of its urgent situation.”
Jian Fan’s last sentence undoubtedly struck a chord with him.
Kaifeng Company had recently encountered severe financial difficulties, and he was here tonight, following Director Qi’s instructions, hoping to attract some investment.
However, after several rounds of drinks, when investment was brought up, everyone either feigned ignorance or deflected, and not a single person was genuinely willing to cooperate with their company. Director Qi had been putting immense pressure on him lately, and his blood pressure was constantly rising. If someone were truly willing to invest, it would be a huge help.
With these thoughts, Zhou Maoda readily followed Jian Fan into a private room.
Upon entering, he saw a young woman sitting inside and immediately felt he had been tricked, turning to leave.
“Director Zhou, I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Why are you leaving without saying a word as soon as we meet?
Do you look down on me? Are you afraid I can’t afford to invest in your company?”
Shen Xi stood up unhurriedly, her tone calm and collected.