Additional Inheritance - Chap 13
Chapter 13
Shao Qun surveyed his surroundings; there weren’t many people around today and since they were both sitting in a corner, he didn’t expect that anyone would be able to overhear their conversation. He whispered, “You need to be tight-lipped about the matters that I’m about to tell you.”
Wen Xiaohui found this sort of tense environment difficult to stomach. “Maybe you shouldn’t tell me.” He didn’t know how he could help Shao Qun, not to mention that he didn’t want to help him either.
Shao Qun glared at him in the mirror.
Wen Xiaohui whispered, “Please tell me, I promise not to mention it to anyone.”
“Are you aware that Juxing is in discussions about an investment?”
Wen Xiaohui nodded.
“Coincidentally, at the charity event the other day, the boss of one of the investment companies was chatting to me and asked if I’d be interested in a joint venture.”
“Oh.” Wen Xiaohui waited for him to continue.
“I feel optimistic about this project, but your bosses are asking for too much money.” With a blank face, Shao Qun said, “Not only that, they change their minds practically every day. They seem to have clashing opinions.”
“Yeah, our three bosses definitely have differing opinions.”
“Is there still room for negotiation despite the difference in opinions, or is it the case that they would be unable to reach an agreement?”
“Huh? I don’t really know much about our bosses’ matters.” He didn’t dare to tell Shao Qun even though he had some knowledge about it. He was curious about Shao Qun’s reasons for seeking him out.
Shao Qun chuckled, “I’ll be honest with you, I’m not too familiar with your studio and I need someone who can understand it on my behalf. Juxing is currently owned by three people but in the end, we’ll only be able to take into account one opinion and only one person can sign the contract. Are you willing to help me with the selection process?”
Wen Xiaohui finally understood that Shao Qun had sought him out to act as a mole. Helping with the selection process? That was a nice way of phrasing it. He only needed him to keep an eye on the three partners of Juxing and provide him with useful information.
Wen Xiaohui was about to speak when Shao Qun interrupted to say, “Your reward is 200,000 yuan1, with an advance of 100,000 yuan. In addition, you’ll be guaranteed a role at the new Juxing.”
With hesitation, Wen Xiaohui responded, “Young Master Shao, could I please ask why you chose me?”
“You’re ambitious and you have the opportunity to get close to the bosses.”
“But I’m not brave.” Wen Xiaohui ran his hand across Shao Qun’s scalp and watched the fragments of black hair being brushed off like falling rain. He didn’t dare look at Shao Qun. “Young Master Shao, I don’t know what to do and I daren’t do anything either. I’ll go with the flow when it comes to Juxing’s future. I’ll pretend that this conversation never happened. I’m done.”
Shao Qun’s lips curled into a grin. “You’re very cautious.”
Wen Xiaohui forced out a laugh, his only thought was to send away this God of Pestilence and he had a bad feeling about Shao Qun’s words. Was his first workplace since he left school really going to fall to pieces? He still felt like he owed Raven for recognising his worth and hiring him, regardless of his harsh and materialistic personality. Juxing also allowed him to learn lots and he felt sentimental about the place. Although he didn’t know what Shao Qun wanted him to do, it definitely wouldn’t be anything good and he didn’t want to get mixed up in these messy affairs.
Shao Qun took out his mobile phone and handed it over to him. “Give me your number.”
Wen Xiaohui slightly hesitated.
“Type it in.”
Nevertheless, Wen Xiaohui didn’t dare reject Shao Qun because the princeling had a domineering aura that didn’t allow others to reject him. He had no choice but to provide his mobile number.
Shao Qun returned the phone to his pocket and said softly, “Have a think about it.” He closed his eyes after he finished talking and he began to rest.
Wen Xiaohui breathed a sigh of relief since he no longer had to look directly into Shao Qun’s eyes. He quickly trimmed Shao Qun’s hair, and then politely sent him on his way.
Once Shao Qun left, Raven came over and nervously asked, “What did Shao Qun say? Did you say anything by mistake?”
“Nothing really.”
“Then what were you two talking about just now?”
Wen Xiaohui’s expression looked normal. “He asked me how I normally care for my hair, his hair sticks up when he wakes.”
Raven squinted. “He wants to ask you out, he even asked for your number.”
Wen Xiaohui laughed, “Maybe.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but Shao Qun isn’t someone that you can deal with. This kind of person is heartless. You should decide for yourself. And tell him to bring his friends over to the studio.”
“Okay.”
Heading home after work, Wen Xiaohui sent Luo Yi a text message while he was on the bus. In order to spend his commute chatting with Luo Yi, he deliberately took the bus instead of the more convenient and faster subway. Every day, he had to report to Luo Yi and complain or gossip about what happened at work. There were a lot of things that he couldn’t tell his friends or his mum, so he could only tell Luo Yi about it all. He felt especially relaxed when chatting to Luo Yi, who was his favourite person to talk to since he had the ability to say the right thing at the right time. He felt like something was missing if he went a day without speaking to Luo Yi.
He was in the middle of recounting the incident with Shao Qun when he received Luo Yi’s call.
“Hi, what’s up?”
Luo Yi asked, “Is Shao Qun, the one from the Shao family?”
“Yeah. How did you know?”
“Hmm, I’ve heard about it. What did he say in particular?”
Wen Xiaohui recounted what had happened from memory.
Luo Yi was silent for a while after listening to Wen Xiaohui, and then said, “You were right to reject his offer, but the way you rejected him wasn’t too appropriate.”
“I didn’t think too hard at the time. Besides, I don’t think I can do the things that he mentioned.”
“Your bosses are professionals when it comes to styling, but none of them are savvy at business, otherwise they would have expanded the business by now. They definitely won’t be able to deal with real businessmen. From what I can tell, Shao Qun and his group only want Juxing’s brand name and not your studio. Most of what he said today was so he could obtain information from you, and to use your words to analyse how your three bosses disagree. He stands to make more money if he can make Juxing completely fall apart.”
Wen Xiaohui became stunned after listening to his words, and his scalp began to feel numb as he thought back to Shao Qun’s unfathomable smile. Shao Qun was only in his early 20s, and was a few years older than him. Was he really stupid or were there too many clever people in this world?
“Xiaohui-ge, are you listening?”
“Yeah, keep talking.”
“From your description, Raven is smart when it comes to trivial matters, Xiao Yan is arrogant and dumb, but Liu Xing is the one who is the wisest. He’s wise because of his self-awareness, this manifested when he insisted on prohibiting franchises to preserve the integrity of the brand name2 and his own reputation. Unfortunately, this is the age of commercialism so he can’t be in charge. Why do you think that Director Luo is closest to Raven? It’s because Raven is the most ambitious and he doesn’t have a bottomline. He’s easily persuaded and Shao Qun can tell, which is why he approached you. Raven took you to the charity event, so he assumed that you must have a good relationship with him.”
“Then… Then what’s he trying to do?”
“You must obey his every word if you accept his money. He plans to use you to drive a wedge between the three partners, so they can’t even part on good terms. He wants to create chaos at the studio, then he will be able to significantly lower the asking price. That’s what he’s trying to do.”
These words gave Wen Xiaohui shivers down his spine and his voice trembled. “It’s good that I didn’t agree to it…”
“Yeah, you were right not to agree to it, because Shao Qun will push the blame onto you if need be, so he can sign the contract with the last partner standing. When the time comes, you wouldn’t even be able to stay in the industry.”
“Shit, it’s so shady. We don’t have any grievances…”
Luo Yi said indifferently, “That’s what business is like. It’s good that you didn’t fall for it. In future, you must tell me these sorts of things and don’t try to make your own decisions.”
“Yeah, I’ll definitely discuss it with you. So what did you mean when you said my method of rejection was inappropriate?”
“You originally had the opportunity to turn the tables and take advantage of him, and bag yourself a good position at the new Juxing. It’s a bit late now, but that’s not certain because he asked for your mobile number. Let’s wait and see what his next move is. In summary, Juxing is one of the best brand names in the industry and it’s crucial to your career development, so you should continue to stay there as long as there’s hope. I’ll teach you what to do if Shao Qun tries to contact you.”
“Okay…” Wen Xiaohui literally wanted to bow three times to Luo Yi to pay his respect, as this kid’s brain was so impressive that it was scary. It would be fairly normal if he were a grown-up, however, he was only an adolescent and it was difficult not to be in awe of him.
Luo Yi chuckled, “Try not to be nervous. Even if you reject Shao Qun’s offer, he won’t do anything to an apprentice like you.”
“You don’t understand, this person gives off a very domineering vibe. My guess is that it’s because of his superior background and to be completely honest, I felt a bit scared when I was talking to him.”
“He’ll think that you can be easily persuaded if you act like this, and he’ll continue to harass you. You need to be firmer next time you see him.”
“Okay, I’ll do my best.” Wen Xiaohui laughed, “Oh, have I told you before? Shao Qun is really handsome and has an amazing body. Do you think it’s possible that he likes me and he’s using this as an excuse to get close to me?”
Luo Yi laughed.
Wen Xiaohui felt slightly humiliated. “Why are you laughing? I’m at least a 9/10.”
Luo Yi continued to laugh. “What would you do if he’s actually interested in you?”
“Tsk tsk, I haven’t thought about it at all.” Wen Xiaohui deeply pondered, “Shao Qun’s appearance is to my taste…” Although he wasn’t aggressive in pursuing carnal pleasures, he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage if he could lose his virginity to a high quality specimen like Shao Qun.
Luo Yi suddenly became more serious. “You mustn’t have anything to do with him.”
Wen Xiaohui was startled. “I-I was only considering it, I won’t actually do it.”
“What I’m saying is the truth. He’s definitely trying to use you, so stay away from him just to be safe.”
“Okay, I understand.”
Luo Yi’s tone became softer. “Xiaohui-ge, you don’t have any experience in dealing with these things and you’re gullible, so I’m really worried about you. Could you please promise me something?”
“Tell me.”
“You must tell me immediately whenever you meet a guy that you like, or when someone’s interested in you. I’m worried you’ll meet someone indecent.”
Wen Xiaohui chuckled, “You’re treating me like a child. I’ll be fine.”
“Remember your first boyfriend?”
“Eh…” Wen Xiaohui was speechless.
“Promise me.”
“Okay, I promise you.”
Appearing satisfied, Luo Yi said, “That’s the right thing to do.”
Wen Xiaohui sighed, “How come our roles have reversed, you seem more mature than me? You act like the guardian – you know everything and you’re perfect. I-I haven’t done anything for you.”
The tone of Luo Yi’s voice felt as soft and gentle as a feather. “All I need is you by my side.”
Wen Xiaohui couldn’t help but smile.
When he returned home, mother and son ate dinner accompanied by banter3. After he helped his mother clear away the dishes and the chopsticks, they both sat down on the sofa to watch TV.
Feng Yuehua stared at the TV and she suddenly asked, “Xiaohui, you’ve been in a good mood lately. Tell the truth, are you dating?”
“Of course not,” he drawled.
“Hmm, every couple of days you stay over at someone’s house and you’re as happy as an idiot. Yet you tell me that you’re not dating?”
“Mum, am I really your child? What kind of mother calls their son an idiot?”
“Tell the truth. “Feng Yuhua pinched the flesh on Wen Xiaohui’s thigh.
“Owww!” Wen Xiaohui shielded his thigh and scooted to hide in the corner of the sofa. “I’m not. I’ve already told you that I’d let you know when I’m seeing someone. How easy do you think it is to find a macho man with an eight-pack and 18 centimetres?”
“Hmm, even if you can find someone that fits the bill, they might not like you.”
Wen Xiaohui whispered while pouting, “I’ll meet someone.”
“Your mobile phone’s ringing.”
Wen Xiaohui hopped off the sofa and headed to his bedroom to grab his mobile phone. When he unlocked his phone, he realised that the ringing was a reminder, one that he’d set a few months ago – Sydney-jie’s birthday.
Wen Xiaohui had completely forgotten about it and he smacked himself on the forehead in response. After clearing the reminder, he started to pace back and forth in his modestly-sized bedroom, wondering if he should give Sydney a call.
Sydney was really angry with him and he expected her to ignore his calls again. He didn’t know what to do to make it up to her and he regretted standing her up. After some contemplation, he decided to make the final call to her to send his best wishes. There was really nothing he could do if Sydney continued to ignore him.
Inhaling deeply, he dialled the number.
Contrary to expectation, the call was connected after a couple of rings and Wen Xiaohui became very excited. He was about to shout ‘Happy Birthday’ when he suddenly had a bad feeling about the lack of sound coming from the other side of the line.
It was way too quiet; why was it so quiet when she was supposed to be celebrating her birthday? Moments later, he heard a shaky and sobbing voice.
Wen Xiaohui’s heart was thumping and he cautiously asked, “Sydney-jie?”
The hoarse but trembling voice on the other side of the line responded, “Xiaohui…”
“Sydney-jie? What happened to you?”
Sydney sobbed, “Xiaohui, please help me! I…”
“My… My ex-husband came over. I’m in the living room, but I’m too scared to leave. I daren’t call the police either; if I call the police, my career will be over. What should I do?” She sounded petrified through her sobs.
Wen Xiaohui clenched his mobile phone and responded in a serious tone, “Wait for me, I’m coming over now. Don’t open the door.”
He hung up the call and left his room.
“Oh, are you heading out?”
“Mum, one of my friends is drunk, so I need to help him drive home. I’ll be back in a bit.”
“It’s so late, can’t he just call a taxi?”
“He’s so drunk that it’s a miracle he remembered to call me. Go to bed first, I’ll be back soon.” Wen Xiaohui slipped on his shoes, and he closed the door and left.
Footnotes:
Equivalent to £24,000/$31,000 at the time of translation.
The raws use the term ‘not smash the signage of the shop’ i.e. not to destroy the business. Wooden signs were used back in the day (see the link for an 19th century example of a tea shop sign), which could in theory be taken down and smashed by disgruntled customers.
The Confucian quote “不亦乐乎” which is typically used to mean that something is done to the extreme is used to describe their unusual banter.
