Qi Yun followed Secretary Wang back to that familiar office.

Contrary to the anticipated tense atmosphere, Old Hou was not sitting behind the desk but was rather leaning on the sofa in the reception area, holding a cup of tea, his expression calm.

"Director, President Qi is here," Secretary Wang whispered a reminder, then tactfully withdrew, gently closing the door.

Only Qi Yun and Old Hou remained in the office.

Old Hou pointed to the sofa opposite, "Have a seat."

Qi Yun nodded and sat down on the opposite sofa.

Old Hou didn’t speak immediately. He took a slow sip of tea and, after a moment, put down the teacup and looked at Qi Yun, "Comrade Qi Yun, calling you so late, must have been tiring for you."

"Director Hou, you’re being too polite," Qi Yun replied expressionlessly.

"I heard that Mr. Wei Zhe is flying out tomorrow afternoon?" Old Hou asked bluntly.

"Yes, President Wei is heading to Shanghai tomorrow."

Old Hou nodded slightly, not showing any obvious disappointment or anger as before, just sighed lightly, "What a pity."

"Such a leader in the semiconductor industry, it’s rare for them to visit, yet we didn’t even have the chance to play host."

The remarks sounded like a lament, yet also like some kind of probing. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Qi Yun remained silent, simply listening quietly.

Old Hou glanced at him, seeing Qi Yun playing dead, and continued, "Qi Yun, between us, there might have been some misunderstandings before, or perhaps some communication wasn’t very smooth."

"But those things are in the past, and I hope you won’t take them to heart."

Qi Yun was slightly surprised inside, as it was unexpected for someone of Old Hou’s position to say such words.

"Director Hou, you’re overthinking it. We all have different views for the sake of work, which is normal."

Old Hou, being extraordinarily astute, naturally detected the perfunctory tone in Qi Yun’s words.

His smile remained unchanged, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, although he concealed it well.

"It’s good you think that way."

Old Hou nodded, naturally transitioning the topic, his tone sounding somewhat sincere, "Qi Yun, I’ve observed you for a long time; without a doubt, you are a very capable person."

"For capable people, it’s even more important to have a platform and space to showcase their abilities."

"To strongly support the development of our J province, the country is about to allocate us 3 trillion in construction support funds, which is a significant historical opportunity for all enterprises rooted here."

"We have always placed great emphasis on outstanding young entrepreneurs like you and are willing to offer maximum support. As long as it benefits development and the local economy, we can give it priority and act on special circumstances."

He paused here, asking with seeming deeper intent, "Qi Yun, do you understand what I mean?"

With such an obvious hint, how could Qi Yun not understand, it was almost like saying "come here quickly"...

He met Old Hou’s gaze and smiled, "Yes, I understand."

However, Old Hou seemed unsatisfied with this response because he didn’t see a trace of greed on Qi Yun’s face, there was only calmness.

And this calmness represented refusal.

He couldn’t understand why Qi Yun, as a businessman, would refuse such enormous benefits; he believed that even if the richest person in J province, Liu Guangxin, had heard what he just said, they would be deeply moved.

Old Hou’s smile faded somewhat, the sharpness in his eyes resurfaced, "Heh, it seems President Qi... isn’t very interested in these matters."

He no longer called Qi Yun by name, but instead used President Qi.

This subtle change indicated a nuanced shift in his attitude, Old Hou was losing patience.

Qi Yun heard this change, but his expression didn’t change, maintaining a perfunctory attitude, just as Zhang Dayong suggested, not refusing but not committing either.

"Director Hou, the 3 trillion fund is indeed astronomical, concerning the overall development of S, of course, there is a comprehensive consideration within S. As a company, our primary task is to do our own job well, operate legally, and not cause trouble for S."

"As for other matters, I believe S will naturally have its own considerations."

Seeing that he was still so oblivious, Old Hou could hardly suppress the anger in his heart.

Someone like him, offering face repeatedly, and you just don’t take it, indeed proving the phrase "doesn’t know how to appreciate favors."

Old Hou’s face completely darkened, putting down the cup, the bottom of the cup made a crisp sound as it hit the tea table, exceptionally clear in the quiet office, as if expressing his anger.

"Qi Yun."

He no longer used any polite forms of address, his voice was firm, "Do you think that relying on some people, you can really ignore the place?"

Qi Yun squinted his eyes, this remark already carried a clear threat, it was apparent that Old Hou was really anxious.

If it were anything else, he might have agreed, after all, he still had to operate here in the future and didn’t want to completely fall out with the other party.

But since he had promised Wei Zhe, he wouldn’t break his word.

"Director Hou, I don’t know what you mean by this, I’ve never thought so."

"The fact that I, Qi Yun, have reached where I am today, is inseparable from the nurture of my hometown and a relatively stable business environment; I am always grateful to S."

After these words, Qi Yun remained silent.

The office fell into an indescribable dead silence.

Old Hou’s expression completely froze, the last trace of patience vanished from the depths of his eyes, leaving only cold anger.

He understood, the person in front of him was impervious, hell-bent on his own path.