Chapter 27: Seeing Through Without Exposing

The National Day holiday was unremarkable and simple. Aside from occasionally going downstairs for a walk, dining out, or grocery shopping, it was mostly spent at home studying and preparing for the financial analyst certification, aiming to improve professional expertise.

Having a pair of mutated eyes didn’t mean one could just relax and rake in easy money—necessary knowledge and skills were essential.

The more skills, the better; preparation wards off trouble.

...

“Phew, it’s decided,” Zhan Yi let out a deep breath, looking at the documents in his hands that could prove Tengda and several other firms had intentionally delayed final payments. He would file a lawsuit after the holiday.

Some disputed orders had already been settled between the renovation clients and Tengda, but Tengda hadn’t passed down the payments. Instead, they nitpicked trivial issues to deliberately withhold funds. If the clients hadn’t paid the full amount, it would be understandable—but they had already paid.

This is what it’s like to take outsourced work. As the third or fourth party, both the first and second parties act as overlords.

“Honey, I support you,” Zhang Lizhen said firmly. “Even if in the future our company only takes small independent orders, that’s fine. I’ll try to earn more in the stock market to provide a safety net for our family.”

“Mm, you’re amazing,” Zhan Yi smiled softly. Despite having recouped 800,000 yuan in September from the stock market—a seemingly good outcome—bear markets aren’t so easily profitable. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have previously been trapped and lost two million yuan; it’s far too unstable.

Playing the stock market is gambling.

Still, he didn’t want to dampen his wife’s enthusiasm. Profit or loss, as long as mother and child are safe, that’s enough.

Two months left until the baby’s due date—it would be soon.

“Mr. Chen, about Zhan Yi…” In a leisure club, Zhao, responsible for home renovations at Tengda, was reporting, “We’ve investigated with some renovation clients and are collecting evidence for a lawsuit.”

“Should we negotiate?” At this, Chen Youwei looked up coldly. “If not for your seniority and contributions, the company wouldn’t cover for you. Using company funds to support a woman is one thing, but losing twice as much as me in the stock market? That’s something else.”

“Let’s be clear: if Zhan Yi sues, you’ll be the one taking the fall. You have time to remedy the situation; if there’s any risk of losing the case, the company won’t protect you.”

“Tengda’s reputation cannot be tarnished.”

...

“Be good, don’t be afraid.” In an amusement park, Zhang Long boarded the Ferris wheel again with Luo Man. As they rose higher, a strange sense of fear crept in and wrapped around him.

“A few more rides and you’ll be fine.” Luo Man, who hadn’t been seen for a few days, seemed even more radiant. She was enjoying herself and relaxing, but also determined to cure Zhang Long’s acrophobia—whether physical or psychological—at least to the point he could take a plane without issue.

“Uh, actually…” Zhang Long gripped Luo Man’s hand tightly. “I think I’ll be fine on a plane, as long as I don’t look out the window. No need to cure it.”

“It’s just so scary.” His face was a bit pale, though better than last time, though he still trembled.

“Just scare yourself a few more times and you’ll be fine.” Luo Man leaned on his shoulder. “If we only play low-altitude rides in the amusement park, it’s pretty dull. We can’t spend every date eating, shopping, and watching movies. I checked online—acrophobia can be cured by facing your fears, trying more, and eventually returning to normal.”

“I’ve always wanted to go skydiving. When you’re no longer afraid of heights, let’s go together. Plunging thousands of meters—it must be thrilling.”

Oh dear god.

Zhang Long’s face went even paler and he trembled more. Even holding Luo Man’s soft hand and breathing in the fragrance of her hair couldn’t distract him.

If a Ferris wheel at several dozen meters was already terrifying, skydiving from thousands? He’d die of fright.

One mistake, and it’s certain death.

“Tch, coward.” Zhang Long trembled even more, and Luo Man, sensing it, teased him before wrapping her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly to share strength.

When men and women join forces, they’re unstoppable.

...

“Not bad, eh?” In a villa estate in the magic city, Qian Caiying was showing her best friend her stock trading gains for September. With 5.5 million in capital, she’d made it to 6.7 million—a nearly 22% return.

“Heh, just average.” Qian Caiying grinned smugly. “With me managing your marketing department, you can rest easy.”

“Performance will double instantly.” Her cool friend chuckled, knowing exactly what kind of person and skills her friend possessed. The record of profits far outweighed losses—such results were impossible without someone guiding from behind, but she couldn’t be bothered to expose it.

“My dear Qingqing…” Qian Caiying knew her tricks wouldn’t fool her friend, but seeing and not exposing was the way. “Why did you take over a failing finance company? The Ling family has so many branches, and they gave you the least valuable one. Such blatant favoritism—little jacket’s situation is truly miserable.”

Ling Zhiqing shook her head. “I chose it myself. When the bull market arrives, finance companies are the most lucrative. Its value is hardly lacking.”

“Market analysis says the bull market will arrive at the latest by May or June next year. We need to prepare.”

“While there’s still time before it starts, we need to build a strong sales team.”

“You’ll be carrying a heavy load.”

At this, Qian Caiying grimaced. “Why work so hard as a girl? We have houses, cars, and plenty of pocket money every month—why struggle?”

“Isn’t making money for enjoying life? We’re already at the finish line.”

“Oh, really?” Ling Zhiqing’s eyes gleamed. “Then why come help me? If you keep living carelessly, your family will force you to marry soon, you little rascal.”

Ugh, so annoying.

Qian Caiying looked up at the sky, thinking, Work is wonderful, I’m contributing to the nation, oh yeah.

...

“The holiday went by so fast.” After dinner, Zhang Long and Luo Man didn’t watch a movie or go shopping. Instead, they sat side by side on a park bench, holding hands, talking and sharing their thoughts.

These past days, aside from chatting via micro-messages, they occasionally video-called, but this was their first face-to-face meeting.

Tomorrow, work would resume after the holiday.

“Holidays always go like this.” Zhang Long savored Luo Man’s warmth and softness, as well as the subtle fragrance of her hair and skin. His thoughts began to drift, but the environment wasn’t right—too many people in the park for them to embrace and kiss.

Next time, when alone—cough, cough.

“Did Fan Lu block you?” Suddenly, Luo Man changed the subject. “I didn’t mention it before since I didn’t want you to think I was stirring trouble. On October 1st, Fan Lu got married. She cursed me on micro-message then blocked and deleted me. It made me furious.”

“She blocked my phone too.”

Zhang Long’s mouth twitched. Fan Lu’s looks and figure were average, yet she was so petty. Even if she blocked and deleted him, she wouldn’t dare curse—she wouldn’t risk it.

With those passionate photos and short videos in hand, Fan Lu would have to hold her tongue, even if she wanted to curse. Amitabha.

“I don’t know, didn’t notice.” Zhang Long turned and gently kissed Luo Man’s forehead. “If she didn’t block me, she probably muted me. If you’re still annoyed, why not use my account to curse her back?”

“Forget it, I’m over it.” Luo Man pouted. “Out of sight, out of mind. Fan Lu won’t be happy.”

“My intuition is always accurate.”

Well then, Zhang Long said nothing more. When girls are rivals, it’s like needle tip to wheat awn—especially when the current and former know each other. Silence is best.

As night deepened, they parted with a gentle kiss.

Home to sleep, and at dawn, the journey begins!