Chapter Fourteen: The Personal Secretary

Qin Family.

Qin Sen had just returned from the government office and was immediately summoned to the main hall.

Seated at the head of the table, Qin Wenlang wore a cheerful expression as he asked, “Second Brother, how did the bidding for the old city district go?”

“Yes, Second Brother, Third Brother and I have been waiting for your news so we can send people over!” The eldest, Qin Bo, chimed in anxiously.

Qin Sen’s face darkened as he replied, “The old city project might be off this time.”

Recalling how Leng Shuang had pointedly mentioned that the Guanghua Group belonged to the Qin family, he realized the new spokesperson would not heed his advice and choose the Qin family as the winning bidder.

His words stunned everyone in the hall; their faces grew more solemn. This was a lucrative opportunity that everyone had been eagerly anticipating—how could it suddenly slip away?

“How—how did this happen?” Qin Wenlang could no longer sit still; he walked straight up to Qin Sen, perplexed. “Weren’t you saying this bid was guaranteed for us? You’re the spokesperson for East City!”

“I’ve been replaced,” Qin Sen admitted, his face reddening with embarrassment.

He hadn’t told his family before, thinking that even if he was replaced, he could still secure the bid. But before things could be settled, the new spokesperson arrived.

Seeing his father and brothers’ faces grow increasingly grim, Qin Sen had no choice but to recount everything that had transpired.

Qin Wenlang was even more bewildered, incredulous. “So you’re saying a new spokesperson parachuted in? And this person is very mysterious, with no clue as to their background?”

Qin Sen nodded and added, “Perhaps my abilities are limited, but Dad, your network in the capital should be able to uncover the origins of this new spokesperson. If we can’t find out, it’ll be difficult to respond properly.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Wenlang agreed it was worth a try. He motioned for everyone to be quiet, took out his phone, and after a brief exchange of pleasantries, got straight to the point.

“Old Leader, I wanted to ask if there’s anyone from the capital being transferred down recently?”

“Wenlang, why are you suddenly asking about this?”

“Well, a new spokesperson has suddenly parachuted in here at East City and replaced Sen. I just want to know what their background is, and how I should approach them.”

“Is that so? Let me check for you.”

The call was put on hold. Faintly, one could hear him get up and make another call on a different phone to inquire.

A few minutes later, the reply came, equally baffled. “I haven’t heard of any offspring from the capital coming down for training. But it seems the appointment was personally approved by the spokesperson.”

Qin Wenlang and everyone else were left speechless, disbelief written across their faces.

After a moment of shock, Qin Wenlang spoke again, “Sorry to trouble you, Old Leader. I’ll visit you in the capital for tea sometime soon.”

“You’re too polite, Wenlang. I’ll hang up now.”

After the call ended, Qin Wenlang looked grave. He pondered for a moment, then turned to Qin Sen. “Did you get a good look at the new spokesperson? Any photos?”

“He seemed intent on keeping things mysterious. He arrived wearing a mask and never spoke a word the entire time. All the handover was handled by his assistant,” Qin Sen replied, finally understanding why those two had been so arrogant—it turned out they were directly appointed by the spokesperson, and their background was significant.

At this moment, Qin Bo and the third brother, Qin Ming, walked over.

“Dad, what do you think this new spokesperson is here for—keeping such a low profile, planning something big?” Qin Bo asked.

“East City has been developing well in recent years. Even if there’s some minor misconduct, it shouldn’t be enough to attract the attention of a big shot, let alone warrant someone being parachuted in,” Qin Ming added.

Their words left Qin Wenlang even more confused. Even he couldn’t figure out what the game was this time.

But he quickly regained his composure and addressed everyone: “Let’s look at it differently. The redevelopment of the old city district is inevitable. If the new spokesperson doesn’t give it to the Qin family, it will go to another family’s company. When the results are announced, we can follow the trail and investigate—then we might uncover the new spokesperson’s identity.”

…

Meanwhile, in the president’s office at Meiting Group.

Usually, Xia Xin would fill her schedule to the brim every day, but today she had uncharacteristically spent almost the entire day idling—since she arrived in the morning, she had merely stared blankly at her computer, only signing a few documents.

“That infuriating Chen Fan really knows how to keep me guessing. It’s almost five in the afternoon and he still hasn’t called to discuss things with me. Does he really think he’s omnipotent?” Xia Xin grumbled, staring at her quietly resting phone.

No sooner had she spoken than her phone vibrated. Seeing that it was Chen Fan calling, Xia Xin’s face lit up with delight. She was about to answer, then paused, muttering to herself, “If I pick up too quickly, won’t that narcissist think I’ve been waiting for his call all day? No, I’ll let him stew for a bit.”

After about a minute, Xia Xin finally answered, deliberately sounding impatient. “Chen Fan, what do you want? I’m busy and don’t have time to play games with you!”

“Oh, is that so? I just wanted to say I found a friend who works at the government office. I thought we could invite her to dinner—maybe she could help with the bidding. But since you’re busy, we can do it another time,” Chen Fan replied.

“Wait—are you serious? You really have a friend in the government office?”

“Why don’t you come meet her and see for yourself?”

Xia Xin hesitated, then agreed, but couldn’t resist warning, “Chen Fan, if I find out you’re lying to me, you’ll regret it!”

After hanging up, Xia Xin took a moment to compose herself.

She couldn’t help but wonder why every conversation with Chen Fan left her feeling so agitated.

“Never mind that now—let’s see what Chen Fan is up to!” she muttered, shutting her computer and hurrying to the parking lot.

Ten minutes later, at Mengsheng Western Restaurant.

Upon entering, Xia Xin scanned the room and soon spotted Chen Fan waving at her. As she approached, she saw a woman beside him, and was instantly struck by her beauty.

Her features were exquisite, her figure tall and slender; even from ten meters away, Xia Xin could feel the cold and proud aura radiating from her. Ordinary people would find it impossible to stand before such a goddess.

Yet what intrigued Xia Xin more was how Chen Fan had managed to befriend such a stunning woman.

Lost in thought, she walked over.

Xia Xin greeted politely, “Hello, my name is Xia Xin, I’m, uh…”

She faltered, unsure how to define her relationship with Chen Fan.

Unexpectedly, the other woman answered for her.

“I’ve heard about you from Chen Fan. You’re his fiancée, and indeed, you’re quite beautiful. Your figure rivals mine,” Leng Shuang remarked, her lazy gaze appraising Xia Xin before giving her verdict.

After a few seconds, Leng Shuang introduced herself, “Leng Shuang, currently the personal secretary to the spokesperson.”