The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 505 - 508. Turncoat (3 more updates)

"However, I’m not sure if Jun Ze is willing to come out," Yaqin hesitated, as Jun Ze was now even unwilling to meet her, his mother.

"You can give him a call now. If he’s willing to answer your call, he will definitely be willing to meet you," Jincai advised her.

Yaqin felt Jincai’s suggestion made a lot of sense, so she took out her cell phone and called Jun Ze, but he hung up immediately.

Yaqin looked at the disconnected call on her phone and sighed deeply, "Brother, let’s forget about that matter," Jun Ze was not willing to deal with her at all.

Jincai was surprised to see Jun Ze act so decisively, even ignoring his mother’s call. Yet, he was still somewhat unwilling to let it go, "Try calling him again."

Yaqin tried three or four more times, but Jun Ze hung up each time, and then turned off his phone. "Brother, I’m afraid I can’t help you with that thing you mentioned," she said with a wry smile.

"Like this, you go to his company tomorrow, take some soup and say it’s for him," Jincai continued to give suggestions, with Yaqin hesitating.

"Yaqin, you can’t avoid Jun Ze for the rest of your life, after all, he is your only son."

"But..." Yaqin hesitated. If she went to the company and Jun Ze kicked her out, it would be so embarrassing.

Jincai immediately knew what she was thinking and reasoned with her, "What’s more important, your pride or your son? What’s important now is to win back Jun Ze’s heart. Have you thought about why he’s become estranged from you to this extent?"

"It’s probably because the Shen Family said something to him," Yaqin said, her son used to listen to her the most, and now this change must have been instigated by the Shen Family.

"If that’s the case, then you have even more reason to mend your relationship with Jun Ze. He’s already close to the Shen Family now if they say anything about you in front of him, he’s sure to take it to heart and grow distant from you. By hesitating now and not getting close to him, how can you mend this relationship?"

Yaqin, of course, understood this reasoning, but she feared it might backfire, "Brother, give me some more time to think."

Jincai’s expression darkened, "I’m advising you for your own good. If you weren’t my sister, why would I care how you and Jun Ze get along? At the end of it all, you need to think this through yourself. I don’t mind either way; Jun Ze can hate me if he wants. After all, I have my own sons, someone to care for me in my old age, but it’s different for you, Yaqin."

Yaqin turned pale, staring blankly at Jincai.

Realizing he might have spoken too harshly, Jincai sighed and softened his tone, "Yaqin, you are my only sister, and we are the closest kin in this world. How could I possibly harm you? I just can’t bear to watch you and Jun Ze become more distant. After all, you are mother and son, not sworn enemies with deep-seated hatred."

Convinced by Jincai’s words, Yaqin agreed, "All right, I’ll go to Jun Ze’s company tomorrow."

"That’s the spirit," Jincai was satisfied, "Remember to bring him some chicken soup tomorrow. Young people work so hard, their bodies can’t take it without proper nourishment."

Yaqin nodded, contemplating how to speak to Jun Ze tomorrow.

That night, Fan Yanghong also gave Yaqin a long talk, echoing Jincai’s sentiment, "Yaqin, I don’t have children, and since we’re together, Jun Ze is also my child. When we get old, we will need someone to look after us. Even if not for this, it’s rather lonely with just the two of us at home. If you mend things with Jun Ze, and he comes to visit us often, this house will feel like a complete home."

"I also know that Jun Ze objects to me being with you, thinking that I am Jincai’s person, but I wouldn’t share anything with Jincai. At the end of the day, Jincai is my boss, and Jun Ze is my kin. Rest assured, if Jun Ze comes home, I will talk to him properly and get him to accept me."

With this, Yaqin became even less apprehensive.

**

Bokai Real Estate.

"President Shen, there is a lady outside who claims to be your mother and wishes to see you," the secretary walked into Jun Ze’s office and said.

Jun Ze looked up from his papers, frowning, "My mother?"

The secretary nodded, "She said her name is Lu Yaqin."

Jun Ze’s expression was inscrutable as he recalled the calls Yaqin made last night.

"Let her in," Jun Ze said indifferently.

When Yaqin came in, she saw Jun Ze busy writing something on a document. She pursed her lips and spoke softly, "Jun Ze."

Shen Junze lifted his head from the documents, "Mom, take a seat."

Lu Yaqin did not sit down but walked over to place the thermal container she had in her hands on the table, "Jun Ze, this is the chicken soup I got up early to stew for you today. Give it a try."

"Let it sit for now, I’ll have some when I’m free."

"Ah, alright." Lu Yaqin responded with her voice laced with concern and a touch of a smile finally surfaced on her face, "Jun Ze, have you been very busy with work these past few months?"

"Just say what you have to say, Mom."

"It’s nothing, Mom just worries that you’re too busy with work and not taking good care of yourself, so I came to see you."

"Mom, if there’s nothing else, you should head home. I’m quite busy today," Shen Junze said indifferently.

Lu Yaqin’s face, which had just begun to smile, stiffened instantly; she spoke with a hint of helplessness, "Jun Ze, Mom... It’s not... I didn’t come here for anything else..." She struggled for words, not quite sure what she wanted to say.

"Mom, I have a meeting in a bit."

"Jun Ze, do you dislike your mother that much?" Lu Yaqin’s face drained of color.

"I don’t dislike you, I really do have things to take care of." His remaining feelings for his mother were nothing but calm.

"Jun Ze, you haven’t come to see your mother in several months. Can you join Mom for a meal today?"

Shen Junze put down his pen, "Did Lu Jincai come to see you?" With Lu Yaqin’s nature, she would normally have left if he had spoken to her like this, but today she was reluctant to go, which was somewhat strange.

Lu Yaqin’s eyes flickered, "No, I haven’t seen him in several months."

Of course, Shen Junze did not believe this, "Mom, if you came here today to be a mediator, then you can save your breath, there is no possibility of reconciliation between Lu Jincai and me. Also, I really am short on time. If you want to stay here, then feel free to sit, but I must leave." Shen Junze stood up, preparing to leave the office.

Lu Yaqin held onto him, "Jun Ze, can’t you truly forgive your mother?"

Shen Junze gazed at her with deep-set eyes, "I have never hated you, so there’s nothing to forgive." They simply chose different paths, that’s all.

"But you refuse to come home, isn’t that blaming me?"

"I thought I made myself clear last time. I will send your living expenses on time. Anything beyond that, don’t mention it." Shen Junze brushed off Lu Yaqin’s hand and walked out.

Lu Yaqin stood still, her face etched with sorrow. After a long time, she left in a daze.

"Has my mom left?" Shen Junze, sitting in the conference room, looked down, his eyes dark.

The secretary nodded, "She’s gone. I watched her get into a taxi before I came back."

"Alright, go back to work."

"Yes, President Shen."

Shen Junze felt irritable. He didn’t want to be so harsh on Lu Yaqin, but his mother was too easily influenced by others, especially Lu Jincai’s words, which were practically imperial edicts to her. If he were to mend ties with his mother, she would surely speak for Lu Jincai again, only to worsen their relationship further. It was better to cut off that possibility from the start. Maintaining some distance like this was actually for the best.

Shen Junze was certain that Lu Jincai had indeed visited his mother; otherwise, Lu Yaqin wouldn’t have come looking for him today.

Over the past few months, with Shen Junyu’s help, he had significantly expanded Bokai Real Estate, taking a lot of business from Lu Jincai, who must have been desperate to resort to contacting his mother.

With this thought, Shen Junze’s lips curled into a cold smirk. Lu Jincai, this is just the beginning. You’d better hold on, or the show I’ve prepared for you won’t go on.

"Help me make a call to President Wang from Lu Real Estate before I leave the company, and say I’d like to invite him out to eat," Shen Junze said to his secretary.

"When would President Shen like to schedule it?"

"The sooner, the better. Let me know once the time is set."

"Alright."

The secretary was highly efficient and soon gave Shen Junze a call, telling him that he had arranged a meeting for seven o’clock in the evening.

"Is the private room booked?"

"It’s already booked, President Shen."

"Good. Also, help me prepare two bottles of fine liquor, with exquisite packaging, to put in my car."

"Alright, President Shen."

**

At seven o’clock in the evening, at the restaurant’s private room.

When Shen Junze arrived at the private room, there was no one inside. The other party had not yet arrived, but he was not in a hurry, sitting there waiting, without a hint of impatience. Half an hour later, Wang Fu arrived, late and unhurried.

"Uncle Wang, you’ve finally made it." Shen Junze greeted him with a smile as he saw the person walking in.

Wang Fu, with his belly protruding, beamed, "There was a traffic jam on the road. Have you been waiting long?"

"Not long. The traffic in Beijing is always bad. It’s normal to get stuck. Besides, as the junior here, it’s only right for me to wait a bit longer. Please, have a seat." Shen Junze pulled out a chair, inviting Wang Fu to sit down.

Shen Junze was very humble in his demeanor, which Wang Fu greatly appreciated, the smile on his face becoming more genuine.

"Uncle Wang, it’s been a while since we last saw each other, hasn’t it?" Shen Junze poured wine for Wang Fu. "This is specially prepared for you, knowing you enjoy it."

"Yes, it’s been two years since we last met." Wang Fu took a sip from his glass, squinting his eyes, "Ah, excellent liquor."

"I’m glad you like it, Uncle Wang. I have two more bottles here for you to take home later and enjoy whenever."

"Ha ha, then I won’t be polite, Uncle Wang."

"Why be polite with me? You watched me grow up since I was a boy." Shen Junze spoke with a smile, "I still remember when I used to go to the company with my dad, and when he had no time for me, it was you who took care of me, buying me toys and snacks."

That conversation quickly narrowed the distance between them, and Wang Fu laughed heartily, "Back in the day, you were quite the rascal. Now you’ve really grown up. Although I haven’t seen you in two years, I’ve heard a lot about you. You’ve come into your own, haven’t you? I’ve heard that you recently started a company?"

Shen Junze smiled slightly, "It’s just a small venture, nothing compared to Uncle Wang. I remember when you and my dad started the company together, you were the backbone. My dad often spoke of you, saying that without you, the company wouldn’t have developed so quickly."

Mentioning Shen Rang, a hint of nostalgia flickered in Wang Fu’s eyes, "Yes, those were the happiest days of my life. Even though we suffered hardships, we were all joyful, especially seeing the company gradually grow and expand—I can’t express how thrilled I was. When your dad and I founded the company, I was about your age. Thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye, and now I’m old. And your dad... it’s been many years since he passed. The company... things have changed."

Wang Fu’s tone carried a hint of sorrow, Shen Junze filled Wang Fu’s cup again, "Uncle Wang, the past is the past, and we need to look forward to living."

"You sure are open-minded, young man. Let’s not dwell on it. What made you think of inviting me to dinner today?"

"Look at what you’re saying, Uncle Wang. As my elder, isn’t it only right for me to invite you to a meal, without needing a special reason?"

"Ha ha, alright, let’s eat first. We can talk business after dinner."

They chatted idly as they ate.

"A few years have passed and I must say, you deserve a second look. Especially your company—it’s been gaining momentum lately. Not bad at all, you have your father’s flair, a true case of ’like father, like son,’ you haven’t let your dad down." After three drinks, Wang Fu became more talkative.

"Uncle Wang, I really can’t compare to my dad. My achievements are still far from his," Shen Junze said as he served food to Wang Fu.

"Now you’re being modest. I’ve been paying attention to your company for a long time. It’s growing faster than ours did back in the day. Your dad didn’t have what you’ve achieved at your age. You’ve truly surpassed your teacher, as the proverb goes. If your dad could see you now, he’d certainly be proud."

"Uncle Wang, did you come here today just to praise me?" Shen Junze laughed out loud, and the two enjoyed a convivial evening, raising their glasses to each other.

"The drinks have been drunk, and the meal is over. Now, tell me, what did you want to discuss with Uncle Wang today?" Wang Fu asked with a smile, his tone warm, as if chatting with a younger family member.

"Uncle Wang, I really came today purely for..."

Wang Fu waved his hand, cutting him off, "Let’s skip the pleasantries and get to the point. Uncle Wang knows you’ve invited me to eat because you have something on your mind."

"I can’t hide anything from Uncle Wang. Since you’ve said as much, then I’ll speak frankly. Uncle Wang, have you been comfortable working under Lu Jincai these past two years?"

Wang Fu wasn’t the least bit surprised when he heard Shen Junze bring up Lu Jincai; clearly, he had anticipated this conversation about Lu Jincai. He gave a small smile, "What’s there to be comfortable or uncomfortable about? I just do my job. I’ve also aged; I’ll retire in a few more years."

"Uncle Wang, that’s not the right way to look at it. No matter what job you do, being comfortable is what allows you to do it long-term and live a bit more relaxed."

Wang Fu sighed without speaking, but his facial expression betrayed his true inner thoughts. It had been, after all, an uncomfortable two years. Lu Jincai was an arrogant and overbearing man with a deeply suspicious nature. He always harbored distrust towards them, the company’s veteran shareholders.

Back then, to gain the support of the company’s shareholders, Lu Jincai had made many promises to them, the veteran shareholders. But once he took power, he didn’t fulfill a single one of those conditions.

Take him, for instance; initially, Lu Jincai had promised to give him the company’s most important position of Chief Financial Officer. Once he took power, he did indeed occupy the CFO position, but it wasn’t long before Lu Jincai promoted a so-called Deputy CFO, allegedly to assist him in his work. In reality, it was to monitor him out of fear he might embezzle the company’s finances. Over these two years, his power had even been completely undermined. Wang Fu understood but chose not to speak out.

Or consider those shareholders who had remained neutral and did not support Lu Jincai’s rise to power. Over these two years, he used various means to reclaim the company’s shares from them and pushed them out of the company.

Incidents like this were countless. In fact, the company’s shareholders had already developed significant grievances against Lu Jin.

Especially in recent months, the rapid growth of Shen Junze’s company had stolen a lot of business from Lu Real Estate. The Head of the Business Department was publicly humiliated by Lu Jincai to the point of utter disgrace, and the managers under him fared no worse; they had their bonuses and salaries docked. The last time he dined with the Head of the Business Department, the latter had voiced great dissatisfaction with Lu Jincai and was already contemplating switching companies.

Shen Junze had come prepared tonight, naturally not ignorant of the situation at Lu Real Estate. He spoke slowly, "Uncle Wang, you were also one of the first to start up the business with my dad, an elder of the company, with your abilities well-acknowledged. But over these past few years, I’ve heard that at Lu Real Estate’s finance department, it seems like you are in charge on the surface, but in reality, it’s the Deputy Director who’s controlling everything. Is this true?" Shen Junze asked tentatively.

Wang Fu laughed softly, showing no sign of irritation, "You sure dug up quite a bit."

"Uncle Wang, since you agreed to meet me today, you must be clear about my intentions. So, I’ll speak plainly. Lu Real Estate was originally Shen Real Estate, founded solely by my father and the only legacy he left me. Lu Jincai used despicable means to swindle the company out of my hands, which is well-known within the company, and I’m sure you’re aware of it too."

"Of course, my intention in saying this isn’t to blame you for not supporting me back then. I know what I was like; even if the company had ended up in my hands, it would ultimately have been swallowed up by others, so I understand the actions of the other uncles and elders, including yourself. After all, I was too inept. You all are the elders who’ve built up the company with your own hands, and naturally, you wouldn’t want to see your efforts wasted by my foolhardy ways." His words were exceedingly polite.

Wang Fu felt a bitter taste in his heart upon hearing this. After all, Shen Junze was someone they had watched grow up since he was a child. Shen Rang was exceptionally kind to the company’s veterans; logically, after Shen Rang’s death, the company should have naturally passed on to Shen Junze, and these veterans should have helped Shen Junze to secure his position. But instead of doing so, they had not only failed to aid him but had also sided with Lu Jincai to drive him out of the company. When they really thought about it, they were in the wrong.

With a sigh in his heart, Wang Fu said, "Jun Ze, it wasn’t that your uncle didn’t want to help you back then, it’s just that...well, let’s not talk about the past. Tell me, what do you want your uncle to help you with this time? As long as I’m capable, I’ll definitely help you." It was a form of compensation for Shen Junze, in a way; today, as Shen Junze brought up Shen Rang, Wang Fu was reminded of many past memories, and his feelings towards Shen Junze grew more complex.

"Uncle Wang is indeed straightforward. I want to take back my father’s company, and I need your help," Shen Junze said, stating his purpose for the evening.

"What can I do? I’m just a nominal director in the company now, with no real power. My position sounds good, but that’s all it is."

"Uncle Wang, I know you are a capable person. It’s just that you don’t want to clash with Lu Jincai, otherwise, how could the company’s finance deputy director be a match for you?"

"Haha, alright, alright, stop flattering me. I know my own worth," Wang Fu said modestly, but his face was filled with a smile. After all, no one dislikes hearing praise.

"But Jun Ze, I don’t mean to belittle you, the company you’re running is indeed growing rapidly, but it’s probably still difficult to reach Lu Real Estate’s level in a short period of time. Even with Junlan Group backing you, as long as Junlan Group doesn’t take overt action, your small company can’t swallow Lu Real Estate."

Upon hearing this, a glint of deep light flashed in Shen Junze’s eyes as he spoke softly, "Normal means certainly won’t work, but what if Lu Family encounters a significant financial crisis?"

At these words, Wang Fu’s expression changed, and his eyes filled with shock as he looked at Shen Junze, "You..."

Shen Junze smiled faintly, "Uncle Wang, there’s no need for such surprise; this is not a whim, but something I’ve considered for a long time."

He didn’t want to wait until Bokai Real Estate became strong enough to then take over Lu Real Estate. That would take too much time, and he couldn’t wait.

"Back when I was driven out of the company by Lu Jincai, you also heard about how he treated me, right Uncle?"

Wang Fu nodded. What Lu Jincai did was excessively cruel. Putting everything else aside, Shen Junze was Lu Jincai’s own nephew. Without Shen Rang, Lu Jincai would not be where he was today, but as soon as Shen Rang died, Lu Jincai immediately turned on Shen Junze. All the shareholders were chilled by what they witnessed. So later, when Lu Jincai treated them similarly, they felt not an ounce of surprise. What could be expected of someone who was willing to strike his own nephew?

"Uncle Wang, you’ve been in the company for many years. I believe you understand the company better than I do. If you wanted to do something with the company’s accounts, it wouldn’t be too difficult, right?"

Wang Fu narrowed his eyes, clasping his hands and leaning back in his chair, his face one of contemplative thought.