How long had Jiang Shao been standing there?
However, Qi Mu’s furrowed brows soon relaxed. After what had happened last night, he did not believe Jiang Shao intended to make trouble for him now. In other words, as long as Qi Mu did nothing excessive, Jiang Shao would likewise refrain from acting against him. They could maintain their current balance.
That was good news for Qi Mu.
After all, dealing with someone whose behavior followed discernible rules was clearly better than dealing with a temperamental tyrant.
As long as Jiang Shao continued working here, Qi Mu would simply treat him like any other employee.
Qi Mu’s gaze swept indifferently over Jiang Shao before he stepped into the elevator.
Jiang Shao did not follow him inside.
He remained leaning lazily against the wall with his arms crossed, watching Qi Mu’s retreating figure as the corner of his lips curled faintly.
This incident was hardly enough to change his opinion of Qi Mu. On the contrary, he found Qi Mu’s behavior exceedingly affected. Pick any so-called renowned entrepreneur, and they would put on a more convincing performance than Qi Mu. Every one of them cultivated an image of loving their country, their people, their wives, and their families, but reputations manufactured with money would eventually vanish like smoke. Jiang Shao had grown tired of watching such performances.
Still, he had to admit that Qi Mu was skilled at winning people’s loyalty. No wonder he had Zhan Xiao Hui and the others utterly devoted to him.
Yet rather than watching Qi Mu perform the role of a gentle, generous, and responsible entrepreneur, Jiang Shao looked forward to the day his mask shattered and he fell from his pedestal.
At the thought, Jiang Shao developed a rare interest in something and even felt somewhat eager to try his hand at it.
It appeared that his time working here would not be boring after all.
…
After returning to his office, Qi Mu removed his juice-soaked jacket and casually draped it over the sofa. He lowered his head and inspected himself. The juice had not only soaked his jacket but also stained a large section of his shirt. It seemed he would have to change both. Fortunately, he kept spare clothing in the office.
He loosened his tie and pulled it off, then began unbuttoning his shirt. He had only undone the buttons at the collar when a knock suddenly sounded at the door.
Qi Mu was about to tell the person to wait, but the door was pushed open from outside.
Jiang Shao strode in as though it were only natural. He closed the door behind him, his frank gaze settling directly upon Qi Mu, apparently seeing nothing improper about entering without permission.
Qi Mu frowned slightly.
Ordinarily, no one would enter his office without permission, so he had forgotten to lock the door before changing.
Had it been anyone else, he might have ordered them out immediately… but the person who had entered was Jiang Shao.
Qi Mu stopped what he was doing and calmly asked, “What do you need?”
Jiang Shao stopped two or three steps away but said nothing. Instead, he lowered his gaze and studied the man before him.
The man had removed his silver-gray jacket, and two buttons of his shirt collar were undone, revealing a small patch of fair skin beneath the neck that was usually tightly concealed, along with the elegant contours of his collarbones. The section of shirt soaked with strawberry juice had turned a translucent red and clung closely to his skin, outlining the smooth lines of his waist. Even the faint sweetness of strawberries seemed to have permeated the man himself…
Yet Qi Mu appeared entirely unaware of how enticing he looked at that moment. His straight, elegant brows were slightly lowered, and a rare trace of displeasure colored his eyes, lending a solemn edge to his usually gentle features. His self-restraint kept him from losing his temper, and he continued to maintain a proper, composed demeanor.
But that very air of restraint and dignity only made one want to delve more deeply into… the true self concealed within.
It would have been better if Jiang Shao had entered one minute later.
The thought abruptly flashed through his mind. With a trace of regret, Jiang Shao said, “I came to request leave.”
Qi Mu fell silent for a moment.
Jiang Shao had stared at him in such a manner that despite still being fully dressed, Qi Mu had felt as though he were being scrutinized while completely naked. An inexplicable irritation had risen within him, and he had assumed Jiang Shao had deliberately come to pick a fight…
Yet the man had merely come to request leave?
The words request leave actually existed in this formidable ancestor’s vocabulary?
Qi Mu agreed without hesitation. “That’s fine.”
Jiang Shao raised a brow. “You’re not going to ask how many days?”
Qi Mu replied, “…How many days are you taking?”
Jiang Shao considered briefly. “Let’s start with one day.”
Qi Mu only wanted to send him away as quickly as possible and did not mind his arrogant attitude. Instead, he said gently, “Very well. There’s no need to come to me over something this minor in the future. Just inform the department manager.”
Jiang Shao gave Qi Mu a long, searching look.
His damp clothing clung uncomfortably to his body. Qi Mu reminded himself to lock the door later. Seeing that Jiang Shao still had not left, he patiently asked, “Is there anything else?”
Jiang Shao confirmed that he could not see even the slightest displeasure in Qi Mu’s eyes over his leave request. Qi Mu genuinely appeared not to mind that a newly hired employee had come to ask for leave in this manner…
He had not even asked why Jiang Shao wanted the day off before readily granting it.
Heh. As expected, Qi Mu was skilled at buying people’s loyalty.
Jiang Shao shrugged and turned away. “Nothing else.”
…
There was an undeveloped old district in the center of City C. Because demolition and relocation costs were too high, redevelopment had been postponed indefinitely. Its roads twisted and turned, surveillance-camera coverage was incomplete, and the area was relatively chaotic.
The owner of one of the small courtyards in the old district had converted it into a private teahouse. Its location was so secluded that anyone who was not a regular customer would have difficulty finding it.
Jiang Shao moved familiarly through the narrow alleys. He pushed open the door and entered the teahouse, looked up at the man in the courtyard, and sat opposite him without a word before pulling down the hood of his black sweatshirt.
The man appeared to be around thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old. His features were composed and refined, and he wore a perfectly fitted suit. Every movement carried the bearing of a successful businessman.
Lu Jin Wen smiled. “You’re still as cautious as ever.”
Jiang Shao leaned back in a rocking chair woven from bamboo and rattan and glanced at him. “I don’t intend to let a moment of carelessness ruin everything. How are the preparations on your end?”
Lu Jin Wen rinsed the teacup with hot water, then lifted a small purple-clay teapot and leisurely poured Jiang Shao a cup. The clear tea streamed through the strainer, glowing a golden amber as it gently rippled inside the cup.
Lu Jin Wen pushed the cup toward him. “This year’s freshly harvested tea. Give it a try.”
The corner of Jiang Shao’s lips twitched. “You know I don’t like this stuff. And… stop putting on an act in front of me.”
Lu Jin Wen sighed. “Sorry. I’m accustomed to behaving this way. The burden of maintaining my CEO image is rather heavy, so bear with me.”
Jiang Shao sneered.
One look was enough for Lu Jin Wen to realize that Jiang Shao was running out of patience. He stopped maintaining his refined pose and said with a smile, “Don’t worry. They’ve already taken the bait according to our plan. All that remains is to draw in the net.”
Jiang Shao straightened and looked at him. All trace of laziness vanished from his features, while a keen light flashed within his dark eyes. “We must seize the timing properly. Take them down in one decisive strike and do not give them the slightest opportunity to recover.”
Lu Jin Wen sighed with emotion. “Understood. You still leave people no room whatsoever when you handle matters.”
Jiang Shao took it as a compliment.
The two discussed several more details. Once they finished discussing business, Lu Jin Wen studied the young man before him. When arranging and deploying such plans, Jiang Shao possessed a maturity and ruthlessness beyond his years. At times, even Lu Jin Wen felt inferior to him. Yet this was also the young man who had appeared before Lu Jin Wen at his lowest point and given him the opportunity to rise again.
“Why did you choose Qi Mu’s company for me?” Jiang Shao tapped his fingers against the table, pulling Lu Jin Wen back from his wandering thoughts.
Lu Jin Wen keenly detected something unusual. Previously, Jiang Shao had not cared in the slightest which company he worked for and had never asked for any information about it. Yet now he had suddenly raised the subject. Such behavior was highly unusual for Jiang Shao.
What had caught his interest?
Lu Jin Wen regarded Jiang Shao thoughtfully. “Qi Corporation has always had a good reputation. It is a rare conscientious company. Both Qi father and son are generous people who do not treat their employees harshly, making it very suitable for you to spend your days doing nothing.
“Besides, didn’t you say that if we were putting on an act, we had to make it convincing? You refused to stay in the apartment I found for you, so I investigated and learned that Qi Corporation’s employee dormitories were fairly comfortable. I thought you would probably find them barely acceptable.”
Jiang Shao frowned. “That’s all?”
Lu Jin Wen nodded. “That’s all.”
Jiang Shao was silent for several seconds before abruptly asking, “Are you certain Qi Mu doesn’t know my identity?”
Lu Jin Wen replied, “Based on a comprehensive analysis of the information I obtained through various channels, there is a ninety-nine percent chance that Qi Mu does not know.”
Jiang Shao repeated, “Ninety-nine percent?”
Lu Jin Wen displayed a proper, refined smile. “You know I have never liked making absolute statements.”
Jiang Shao: “…”
For some reason, Jiang Shao suddenly thought of Qi Mu. Although Qi Mu likewise always dressed impeccably in suits and maintained a gentle, proper manner, he was nowhere near as irritating as Lu Jin Wen.
Ignoring the cold and hostile gaze directed at him, Lu Jin Wen picked up his cup and took a sip of tea. Only then did he grow somewhat more serious. “Of course, the most important consideration was that I believe Qi Mu is a good person. While you work there, you should be able to get along peacefully with him. I certainly don’t want unnecessary complications or for you to create trouble for yourself for no reason…”
He paused, recalling the research report he had rushed through overnight, and abruptly began to doubt his own judgment.
Jiang Shao had assigned him work on his very first day. Would Jiang Shao’s employment there truly remain free of complications?
A faint sense of foreboding rose in Lu Jin Wen’s heart…
Jiang Shao, however, gave a derisive snort. “A good person?”
After that entire explanation, those were the only words you took note of?
Lu Jin Wen looked at Jiang Shao speechlessly before offering some rare, earnest advice. “There is no need to be so suspicious. Why can’t he be a good person?”
Jiang Shao replied coolly, “You may know a person’s face, but not their heart. How do you know he truly is a good person?”
Lu Jin Wen knew a little about Jiang Shao’s past and understood why he was so guarded. The closer one stood to the center of the world of power, wealth, and status, the harder it became to encounter genuine sincerity. He could not be bothered arguing with Jiang Shao over the matter. In any case, what kind of person Qi Mu was did not matter. Qi Mu had nothing whatsoever to do with their plan…
Compared with that, Lu Jin Wen cared more about another matter. After some hesitation, he could not resist asking, “Were you satisfied with the research report from last time?”
His tone inevitably carried a trace of sarcastic grievance.
He was, after all, the president of a major company with countless responsibilities. Perhaps Jiang Shao could refrain from assigning him such tasks in the future? Even if Jiang Shao refused to do the report, Qi Mu could hardly do anything to him.
Jiang Shao glanced at him and said indifferently, “There was no need to take it so seriously. Next time, something perfunctory will be enough.”
Lu Jin Wen: ?
Why had Jiang Shao not said that before he did it? Why mention it only after he had finished?
And judging by those words, there would actually be a next time?
Lu Jin Wen was rendered speechless.
He was uncertain whether Qi Mu was a good person, but he was quite certain that Jiang Shao was not.
…
Qi Mu arrived at the company early that day.
It was Wednesday.
He had arranged to meet Vice President Liu of Song’an Group. Vice President Liu oversaw the group’s procurement and was not an easy person to deal with. Qi Mu treated this meeting with great caution and had instructed Zhan Xiao Hui to prepare an exquisite gift in advance.
Whether the company could successfully weather this crisis depended upon Song’an Group’s attitude. The meeting was scheduled for ten thirty that morning.
At nine, Qi Mu left his office. Thinking about other matters, he casually said, “Xiao Zhan, bring the materials and come out with me.”
Zhan Xiao Hui knew that Qi Mu was going to Song’an Group. She had already picked up everything and was ready to leave, but as her gaze swept across the office, she suddenly noticed Jiang Shao sitting alone in a corner, doing nothing and playing with his phone as though no one else existed.
An idea abruptly occurred to Zhan Xiao Hui.
She remembered that Qi Mu had specifically instructed her to look after Jiang Shao. However, Jiang Shao appeared to be a difficult troublemaker, so Zhan Xiao Hui generally kept a respectful distance from him. Still, accompanying President Qi to meet a client would be an excellent learning opportunity for Jiang Shao. Song’an Group was one of the company’s largest clients. Since President Qi intended to cultivate Jiang Shao properly, would it not be most appropriate to bring him?
Besides, Jiang Shao was doing nothing anyway.
Zhan Xiao Hui therefore changed what she had been about to say. “President Qi, I still have unfinished work. Let Jiang Shao accompany you instead.”
The instant she finished speaking, both men raised their heads and looked at her.
Zhan Xiao Hui noticed nothing improper. She looked toward Jiang Shao. Although he seemed unreliable and always wore that cold, aloof expression, he had submitted the previous report on time and had completed it exceptionally well. He was not quite as hopeless as he appeared.
Zhan Xiao Hui stuffed the document bag and gift bag into Jiang Shao’s hands and signaled to him with her eyes. “What are you standing there for? Hurry up. President Qi is waiting.”
This was his opportunity to perform well!
Qi Mu, who stood at the doorway: “…”
Qi Mu silently broke into a sweat on Zhan Xiao Hui’s behalf. Faced with a well-intentioned subordinate who had completely misunderstood him, he could hardly state outright that Jiang Shao needed to be treated like an ancestor and carefully worshiped. He could only hope that Jiang Shao would not become angry over such a minor matter.
For a moment, the atmosphere became strangely awkward.
Qi Mu quickly and calmly devised a response. He did not believe for an instant that Jiang Shao would agree. All he needed to do was wait for Jiang Shao to refuse, after which Qi Mu could smoothly say to forget about it and put an end to the matter…
At that moment, the man seated in the corner leisurely rose to his feet.
Jiang Shao neither tossed aside the bags in his hands nor gave Zhan Xiao Hui an unpleasant look. Instead, he glanced sideways at Qi Mu, an ambiguous smile playing upon his lips. “Sure.”
Qi Mu froze.
Even after Jiang Shao approached him carrying one bag in each hand, Qi Mu had not yet recovered.
He stared at Jiang Shao, who resembled an assistant or secretary, and his mind briefly stopped functioning. What did Jiang Shao mean by this?
Could he genuinely intend to accompany Qi Mu?
Had the esteemed young master grown tired of playing on his phone and become so bored that he wanted to go out for a stroll?
Seeing Qi Mu’s slightly dazed expression, Jiang Shao’s lips involuntarily curved upward. He shifted the document bag and gift bag into one hand, freeing the other to wave before Qi Mu’s face. Lowering his head, he leaned closer, teasing amusement glimmering deep within his dark eyes as he drawled, “Why isn’t President Qi leaving yet?”
Futile Devices Scans 
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