Plunder-Chapter 228: Playing a Big Game

Cheng Lu’s efficiency was exceptionally high; she had understood An Corporation’s movements over the past three months in just two days.

A comprehensive list appeared in front of Zhou Jin’an.

He leaned back in his chair, squinting his eyes, and meticulously reviewed the list once more.

Because of the severe blow from Nanchen, it was now impossible for An Corporation to revert to its previous state. Over these three months, aside from dealing with some unfinished projects, An Jinhua focused primarily on building a trade network.

"The commercial body created by An Corporation, once completed, will be the largest commercial complex in Rong City. President An has invested heavily. The preliminary construction has been completed, and the phase of attracting businesses and operations has already begun," Cheng Lu briefly reported to Zhou Jin’an.

Zhou Jin’an put the list down, pondered for a few minutes, picked up a pen, picked up the list, and began to mark it for a while before handing it back to Cheng Lu.

"Acquire everything I’ve circled here."

Cheng Lu was bewildered. The projects that Zhou Jin’an had marked were almost considered worthless.

"Director Zhou, why would you want to do this?"

He didn’t understand and was eager to know the reason.

Zhou Jin’an did not explain, "Just arrange for the Merchant Department to negotiate."

"Yes."

Cheng Lu took the order and left.

But just as he reached the door, Zhou Jin’an seemed to remember something; "Come back."

Cheng Lu turned back.

"Director Zhou, what is it?"

Zhou Jin’an stood up and paced around the room for a while.

An Jinhua was an old fox, and Nanchen’s aggressive acquisition of his worthless projects could easily arouse his suspicion.

If An Jinhua understood his intentions, then all his efforts would be in vain.

"Forget it, I’ll handle this matter."

Having said that, he went straight out the door.

Qiao En was in a meeting with Zhou Chucheng when Gong Xuanzhi came in and quickly sat down next to Qiao En.

"Assistant Xu, Director Zhou has arrived."

She lowered her voice, yet it still reached Qiao En’s ears.

She was slightly startled, not quite comprehending.

Gong Xuanzhi’s voice grew louder, "Your husband is here."

Despite her attempt to control her volume, it was slightly louder just as the meeting table fell quiet, making her words stand out awkwardly.

Zhou Chucheng also heard the commotion and glanced sideways at Qiao En.

Qiao En was somewhat embarrassed; she was now slightly annoyed by Zhou Jin’an’s disregard for boundaries between public and private matters.

"You should go."

Zhou Chucheng said softly.

Gong Xuanzhi also nudged Qiao En with her elbow, "Assistant Xu, you better hurry, I think Director Zhou is quite anxious."

Without further thought, Qiao En stood up.

In the company lobby, Zhou Jin’an was standing tall.

He was in a linen suit, which made him look even more handsome.

Qiao En came out fuming, grabbed Zhou Jin’an’s arm, and started dragging him outside, "Zhou Jin’an, why won’t you listen? Didn’t we agree? You shouldn’t come here. Right now, it’s working hours, and I’m in a meeting, you better leave."

She pushed Zhou Jin’an towards the elevator entrance, urging him to go.

However, he grabbed the doorway of the elevator, "Wife, I’m not here to see you, I have business with your boss."

"What do you need Director Zhou for?"

Qiao En was alert.

Although Zhou Jin’an was Zhou Chucheng’s brother, based on her understanding of Zhou Jin’an, he was most likely there for her.

"Private matter."

Zhou Jin’an intentionally kept her guessing.

Private matter?

It seemed Qiao En’s guess was not wrong; this matter was related to her.

She grew anxious, "I’m fine, you really don’t need to ask for special treatment from him. Can you just go back? I still have work to do."

Qiao En was eager to get Zhou Jin’an to leave.

He laughed, a smug laugh, and lightly scratched the tip of Qiao En’s nose.

"Just kidding, what personal matter could I possibly have with him? If I’m here during working hours, it must be work-related, of course."

His eyes twinkled with mirth, and seeing no one around, he leaned over and kissed Qiao En on the cheek.

"Zhou Jin’an!"

Qiao En blushed furiously and quickly looked around.

"There, there, I remember our agreement not to disrupt your work. And you, take care not to overwork yourself."

"Director Zhou, our Director Zhou invites you."

In the hallway, Gong Xuanzhi came out.

There was a slyness in her eyes; Qiao En now understood that it had been her who had intentionally caused mischief.

"See you after work, I’ll be busy now."

Zhou Jin’an said to Qiao En indulgently.

As soon as he turned around, his face regained its seriousness, and a cold frost instantly covered his face.

He walked in expressionlessly behind Gong Xuanzhi.

"Big brother, how come you’re here? I’m sorry, I was in a meeting and didn’t come out to meet you. Please, don’t be upset with me."

Zhou Chucheng strode towards Zhou Jin’an.

"I’m here because I have something to discuss with you."

Zhou Jin’an got straight to the point without beating around the bush.

Zhou Chucheng gestured for him to sit down at the tea table.

He started to boil water and prepare tea, moving smoothly and fluidly.

"I had no idea you could prepare tea."

Zhou Jin’an remarked.

Zhou Chucheng’s face flashed a hint of shyness, "I learned it from you, big brother. I used to watch you sit there alone, brewing and drinking tea. I thought to myself, when I grow up, I must learn to brew tea so I can join you."

Zhou Chucheng said naturally.

Zhou Jin’an kept his eyelids lowered and didn’t respond, his thin lips tightly shut, saying nothing.

The room was quiet, Zhou Chucheng prepared the tea earnestly, and Zhou Jin’an silently watched.

Soon, the pot of tea was ready, and Zhou Chucheng got up to start pouring.

The teapot was scalding hot; he reached for it with bare hands, but Zhou Jin’an stopped him.

"It’s hot, let me do it."

He wrapped the teapot handle with a cloth, then poured two cups of tea and calmly took one cup, sipping it gently.

"The flavor is sweet and mild, more suited for women. I have a few good teas back home, I’ll let you try them when you have time."

Zhou Chucheng’s eyes gleamed with a hint of surprise.

It was the first time he’d been this close to Zhou Jin’an.

"Alright, thank you, big brother."

After finishing his cup of tea, Zhou Jin’an began to speak about more serious matters.

"Right now, I have a task for you, and no one else should know about our connection in this matter except you and me."

His gaze was intense as he looked at Zhou Chucheng.

Hearing that Zhou Jin’an wanted him to take on a task, Zhou Chucheng felt an immense trust; he set down his teacup and immediately responded, "Brother, rest assured, the task you assign me is only known to heaven, you, and me; no third person will ever know."

"Good."

Zhou Jin’an hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

He was a member of the Zhou family but had never trusted the Zhou family members; Zhou Chucheng was the first person he chose to take a step towards trust.

Zhou Jin’an handed over a list to Zhou Chucheng, "I want you to acquire the items circled here in your name, I’ll provide the funding."

Zhou Chucheng immediately complied, "Rest assured, big brother, I’ll handle it right away."

Perhaps because he agreed too readily, or perhaps because Zhou Jin’an always harbored doubts, a strange expression spread across his face.

Zhou Chucheng, sensing this, said, "Big brother, I know there are many misunderstandings between us that can’t be fully cleared, but rest assured, I will never let you down."

He promised solemnly.

Zhou Jin’an put down his teacup and stood up, "I hope it’s as you say."

He walked straight towards the door, pausing at the entrance, "I’ll have Cheng Lu coordinate with you on the specifics. I hope you’ll keep her out of this."

He didn’t mention her by name, but Zhou Chucheng understood.

"Sister-in-law is brother’s wife and also my family member. I will protect her just as you do."

Zhou Jin’an was not a man who trusted in promises; he valued actions.

When he left, Qiao En did not know.

She stayed in her office, her mind somewhat in turmoil.

After a while, Gong Xuanzhi came back and immediately reported to Qiao En as soon as she saw her.

"I just went to Director Zhou’s, and Director Zhou has already left."

"Oh."

Qiao En responded indifferently.

"Aren’t you curious about what they talked about?"

Gong Xuanzhi’s mind was buzzing with gossip; she hadn’t heard a word of the conversation in Zhou Chucheng’s room earlier.

"What did they talk about?"

Qiao En asked, feigning ignorance.

Gong Xuanzhi pouted, "He’s your husband, if you don’t know, how would I know?"

"You’re better off not knowing things you shouldn’t know."

Qiao En said sternly.

Gong Xuanzhi immediately switched to work mode, "Got it, Assistant Xu."