The human heart senses differently.
At this mont, within the vast office, three people occupied different corners, each harboring thoughts from distinct perspectives.
Just as Chen Ningxi ntioned earlier this morning, his overseas assignnt was a setup, and he was the sword with which Cheng Xiangheng cut down others.
He was eliminating so uncontrollable factors and burdens holding him back.
But being thrust into the forefront, Cheng Xiangheng beca the manipulator behind the scenes. If the endeavor succeeded, the credit would not land on him, but if it failed, he would certainly bear the responsibility.
When it ca to patience, Cheng Qiaobei had no less than the others, and currently, he was not the one feeling anxious.
Zheng Rongxi kept her gaze fixed on Cheng Xiangheng, her eyes showing restraint mixed with frustration and anger. She had already made her stance clear; she could allow Cheng Qiaobei temporary managent of the three hotels, but relinquishing ownership was out of the question.
Cheng Xiangheng’s deep gaze shifted between the two of them, his tightly set jawline outlining an authoritative mien. If it weren’t for Cheng Qiaobei being present, he likely would have already had another heated argunt with Zheng Rongxi.
In this ga of wits, soone was bound to give in first.
"Old Cheng," Zheng Rongxi couldn’t hold back any longer, "what do you think?"
Cheng Qiaobei clearly noticed the displeasure furrowing between Cheng Xiangheng’s brows, and he found himself compelled to speak up.
"Rongxi, you’re well aware of the hotel’s issues. Fixing them isn’t sothing that can be accomplished overnight. If you want CEO Cheng’s help, you need to show so sincerity. Otherwise, who would spend ti and effort managing the hotels? What do you think?" Cheng Xiangheng once again tossed the issue back to Cheng Qiaobei, the latter inwardly laughing, this Old Fox was indeed cunning.
Now even the way Zheng Rongxi looked at him changed, as if by agreeing, he would be openly snatching the hotels from her.
Cheng Qiaobei said, "Chairman Zheng, what we’re discussing now is not about sincerity, but my lack of competence. The final determination has to be decided by the two of you. You both know I’ve hardly been involved with overseas operations, from the establishnt, construction, completion, to the eventual opening of over a dozen hotels, I haven’t been part of any of them. Mr. Cheng, I’ll follow your lead."
Cheng Xiangheng squinted his eyes, this kid was just like an eel, impossible to grasp, showing no flaw. Was this trying to force him to outright say he wanted the hotel ownership?
And amid this persistent back-and-forth dialogue, Cheng Qiaobei finally saw Cheng Xiangheng’s true intent.
It turned out he was not only a sword for cutting people down but also a blade for weeding out overgrowth.
Cheng Xiangheng intertwined his fingers on the desktop, speaking to Zheng Rongxi, "I’ve had my secretary organize all the information about the overseas hotels. Currently, managent is rather fragnted, leading to inconsistency in our company’s brand image. The service and treatnt guests receive at the overseas hotels vary greatly. To better address these common overseas hotel issues, I’ve decided to fully integrate the overseas shares before redistributing them." His tone softened, "Rongxi, there’s no need to hurry. What belongs to you will still be yours, but for the ti being, we need to avoid self-interest."
His ambiguous response made even Zheng Rongxi, who started to feel suspicious, and Cheng Qiaobei silently took a deep breath.
If the restructuring was successful, all the overseas hotels would be consolidated under Cheng Xiangheng.
"Rongxi," Cheng Xiangheng donned a mask once more, "your role and Chairman Xu’s are different. You’re my wife; we’re family. Ultimately, the hotels are under our family na. Whether it’s you or Qiao Bei, why concern yourself with that? You should pay attention to who’s controlling the bigger picture. Don’t let Chairman Xu’s influence cause upheaval in our family, allowing an outsider like him to take advantage. It would spark disputes we could otherwise avoid."
"..." Zheng Rongxi’s expression barely changed.
Inside, Cheng Xiangheng was satisfied, knowing she had taken his words to heart. He continued, "Rongxi, the show I’m putting on is for the other shareholders to see. If I don’t first reclaim ownership from you, how can I negotiate with them? You should have seen the investigation report Qiao Bei sent. You know the data better than I do, how much share and profit the overseas branches lose annually. Doesn’t it make you heartache? Jade Jiali was a brand we built together, akin to raising a child together. Now, with the overseas efforts barely expanded, loss due to managent and other issues is leading to a looming bankruptcy—surely that’s not what you want to see?"
Zheng Rongxi’s eyelashes quivered lightly, a look of regret flowing in her eyes. Her lips moved slightly, seemingly touched within.
"Rongxi, at a critical juncture like this, you need to stand behind , supporting , for Jade Jiali’s future. If you truly can’t agree, forget it, I’ll speak to the other board mbers and see whether they’re willing to hand over the hotels, sigh..." Cheng Xiangheng shifted his tone, "But I fear that the mont I utter those words, the board mbers would retort asking if Chairman Zheng’s hotels have been handed over yet, leaving speechless."
Cheng Qiaobei watched everything unfold, the deception, the cold-hearted family dynamics.
Now, seeing things clearly, it wasn’t just him as an illegitimate child being exploited, even his legal wife was being sched against. Suddenly, he understood why Ding Yuan had left Danjiang for Ningkou, so far away.
Aligning with soone like Cheng Xiangheng ant you lived constantly under intense ntal pressure, never knowing when you would be used as a pawn in his ga.
"Rongxi," Cheng Xiangheng stood up, sat beside her on the sofa, and poured a glass of water, offering it to her. "Have a drink, take your ti to think, no rush."
He said no rush, but Cheng Qiaobei could see he was internally burning with urgency.
Zheng Rongxi looked at the glass before her, contemplated for a mont, then glanced towards Cheng Xiangheng. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, she finally nodded right in front of him.
She said, "Alright, I agree."
"That’s it," Cheng Xiangheng placed the glass in her hand, holding onto Zheng Rongxi’s hand, "at the end of the day, we’re husband and wife, true feelings erge in adversity."
Cheng Qiaobei felt a wave of disgust, wondering what Ding Yuan’s reaction would be if she saw this scene.
The paperwork was completed swiftly. After signing, Cheng Qiaobei was about to leave when Cheng Xiangheng called him back.
With Zheng Rongxi no longer present, Cheng Xiangheng regarded Cheng Qiaobei with a sinister gaze, "You did that on purpose, didn’t you?"
Cheng Qiaobei maintained an innocent deanor, "What do you an?"
Cheng Xiangheng eyed him coldly, "Don’t think I don’t know your little sches. You’re still far from outsmarting ."
Cheng Qiaobei averted his gaze, speaking nonchalantly, "Mr. Cheng, I’m aware of my own position, but there’s a mutual benefit agreent between us. I help you, you help , there’s no maneuvering involved, don’t overthink it. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. Chairman Xu relies on you now."
With that, Cheng Qiaobei stood up and left.
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