Chapter Fifteen: An Unexpected Delight

On the other side sat a figure of legend. In this moment, attitude was everything—sycophancy was absolutely out of the question, while arrogance was even more forbidden. Shu Yiming adjusted quickly; he needed to show enough respect without being obsequious, to maintain composure without being haughty. Yet, almost at once, Shu Yiming abandoned this strategy. A person of such rank would certainly possess a discerning eye, able to pierce any pretense—no matter how well he hid his thoughts, they would be exposed.

Ouyang Zhuo was nearly beside himself with excitement, nudging Shu Yiming repeatedly, but Shu Yiming made no response. Thoughts raced through his mind before he finally decided to act with equanimity and hurried forward a few steps.

But then—

Shu Yiming was stunned. Zhao Tianguang actually beckoned to him, signaling for him to come over. It was all so coincidental it felt unreal. Zhao Tianguang’s gaze swept over Shu Yiming, then he nodded and said, “Come with me.”

Shu Yiming hadn't expected it to be so simple, so easy, almost dreamlike. It wasn't until Ouyang Zhuo bumped his shoulder as a reminder that Shu Yiming snapped out of his daze and quickly followed along.

The layout of the room was identical, but here there was no incense burning. The air was clear and fresh, a world apart from the other room. Behind Zhao Tianguang stood a young woman with crisp, short hair, just past twenty, her face adorned with a perfect, polite smile. She looked straight ahead, exuding a quiet composure, yet her presence was unmistakable.

This was the true Baywan.

Sitting before Zhao Tianguang, Shu Yiming couldn't help but feel a bit ill at ease, rubbing his hands nervously. He blamed his past life, when he had been so flattered and coddled that he'd seen little of the world; even now, reborn, he found himself lacking in experience.

As he struggled to find the right words, Zhao Tianguang asked calmly, “What is your name?”

“Ah? My name is Shu Yiming.” He had planned to introduce the Mingtai Group as well but, in the end, swallowed the words. Before such a figure, his tiny company was hardly worth mentioning.

“Shu Yiming—a fine name. What is Shu Zucheng to you?” Zhao Tianguang asked slowly.

Shu Yiming hesitated. Zhao Tianguang’s tone was even, yet his intuition screamed that Zhao Tianguang knew Shu Zucheng. Whether as friend or foe, he couldn’t tell. So he simply replied, “He’s my uncle. He’s always been especially kind to me.”

Whether that kindness was genuine or not, Shu Yiming did not say.

“Oh, is that so? But there are two things I still can’t figure out.” Zhao Tianguang suddenly looked at Shu Yiming, his eyes sharp, as if he could see straight through him.

Shu Yiming nodded and replied, “Please ask. If I know the answer, I won’t hold anything back.”

“I know about this man, too. At first, I was just watching, expecting a show, but nothing came of it. I wondered what kind of clever person he must be, but turns out he’s just a straightforward fellow. Tell me, how did such an honest man see through the intricacies here?”

“Or perhaps my eyes have deceived me, and hidden behind this honest facade is a cunning fox?” Zhao Tianguang smiled with interest.

Shu Yiming paused, wiping the sweat from his brow. This man truly was a master—he’d seen at a glance that there was a trap within the trap. Yet, if he hadn’t been honest, he wouldn't have suffered so terribly in his previous life.

“Uncle, truth is, I’m a fan of Miss Baywan. Not many people know about her cutting her hair, but I did! That’s what made me suspicious, so I examined the contract carefully. Uncle, you were right—I’m not a bad person, just a bit slow sometimes.”

Shu Yiming chuckled, feeling less tense. The legendary greats were just ordinary people, after all. He had always imagined them to be lofty and untouchable; now he realized they too were only human. Shu Yiming’s resolve to become a powerhouse himself grew ever stronger.

He would make the Mingtai Group flourish and never disgrace his parents.

“Mm, I can see that. Not much of a liar. I like your directness. Here’s what we’ll do: go with Baywan. She has full authority over the contract,” Zhao Tianguang said, narrowing his eyes and sitting cross-legged, no longer paying Shu Yiming any mind.

Shu Yiming wondered if he'd misheard, stunned for a moment and nearly bursting with joy. But with others present, he forced himself to remain calm, leaving the room in high spirits.

Zhu Baywan stood at the door, having heard Zhao Tianguang’s words clearly—after all, this was her domain.

Leading Shu Yiming to the next room, she couldn’t help but ask, “Kid, are you really my fan? I never told anyone about cutting my hair.”

Shu Yiming grinned, “Of course, Miss Baywan. You don’t know me, but I know you. That’s just how charming you are!”

“You little rascal, all you do is flatter. I think the boss was wrong about you—you’re not honest at all, more like a sly fox,” Zhu Baywan said, though her heart was delighted.

“Miss Baywan, you’re teasing me. If I were sly, the boss wouldn’t have given me the contract,” Shu Yiming said, catching her expression and relaxing further.

“Still, it’s odd, isn’t it? The boss was supposed to work with Shu Zucheng. Shu Zucheng is an old classmate of his, just started a new company, came begging here. The boss rarely lets personal ties sway him, but this time he made an exception.”

“Oh? A new company? Do you know its name?” Shu Yiming asked, suddenly alert.

“Yes, of course. Jizhen Group,” Zhu Baywan replied, already sorting through the documents.

Shu Yiming nodded, saying nothing, but inwardly he was shaken to the core. No wonder they had risen overnight after his company collapsed—they had already begun paving the way. Jizhen? Emergency? The name suited his uncle’s temperament—crass and tasteless.

When Zhu Baywan handed him the contract, he thought it was just a small job, a favor from the boss. But when he saw the figures, he rubbed his eyes hard, hardly daring to believe it. “This? Really?”

“What’s wrong? Surprised? This contract was meant for Jizhen, but before you even spoke with the boss, he’d already decided—it’s yours.”

Zhu Baywan smiled and continued, “Seems you do have some skill. The boss has never looked at anyone with new eyes before.”

“Alright, where’s the pen? Tell me, this is real, isn’t it? Miss Baywan, pinch me, quick!” Shu Yiming was elated—this deal could feed him for a year. How could he not be thrilled?

Zhu Baywan laughed and stepped forward, giving his ear a playful tug. “You’re just lucky, that’s all! Look at you, so easily satisfied.”

“Heh heh, you’re right, scold me as you like. I’ll make sure to live up to your expectations and amount to something!” Shu Yiming grinned from ear to ear, hastily signing his name as if afraid the contract would slip away.

Meanwhile, in the president’s office of Mingtai Group, Shu Zucheng reclined in his executive chair, squinting with satisfaction, utterly unaware that his scheme had already fallen apart—or that a uniformed figure had just stepped into the office outside…