Chapter 316: 315: The Purpose of the Official Family

Translator: 549690339

Song Zhizhi truly didn’t expect Jun Mingyu to agree to her request so readily.

The only reason she explained the situation to Jun Mingyu was because she knew that if she didn’t, Ye Wenhan would definitely not speak up. And she wondered why she didn’t reveal everything beforehand, especially when Ye Wenhan was still using the progress of this project to threaten her!

Her goal was to leverage the official power of Jun Mingyu to make the project progress more smoothly. Although they could handle the matter with their Commercial Management power alone, just as Song Zhizhi mentioned at the meeting, re-entry into Jinghe Village would require slow and steady persuasion of the villagers. This wouldn’t happen overnight, and with the deadline given by Ye Wenhan, she was worried that Ye Wenhan might deliberately sabotage things so she couldn’t complete the task. However, if the officials were to step in, Ye Wenhan would have to restrain himself.

Naturally, she didn’t foresee that Jun Mingyu would personally participate in the project.

At most, she thought that Jun Mingyu, reluctant to refuse, would assign someone for support.

Before Song Zhizhi could speak, Qian Guanshu took the initiative to say, “This generosity from the Third Young Master is truly surprising to us in Commercial Management. We appreciate the goodwill, Third Young Master. As Song Zhizhi just stated rightly, providing a better life for the citizens of Yanshang Country is a shared responsibility between us and the official family. However, the essence of economic development lies within Commercial Management. We appreciate the attention you are paying to this, Third Young Master, but your personal involvement in the project is not necessary. I believe Song Zhizhi wouldn’t want to impose either.”

Song Zhizhi pursed her lips slightly.

Of course, Qian Guanshu didn’t want Jun Mingyu involved.

On one hand, he probably didn’t want her project to succeed smoothly. On the other hand, he probably didn’t want the official family extending their reach into the jurisdiction of Commercial Management. Simply put, they were overstepping their authority.

In the current situation, the official family has been itching to move against Commercial Management, looking for opportunities to exert control. Any potential intervention from the official family could be the beginning of trouble. Qian Guanshu really wasn’t simple, his considerations were thorough.

Jun Mingyu wasn’t a pushover either. He replied, laughing, “The Jinghe Village project is not merely about economic development or improving the living standards of the villagers. It’s also about advancing ideological education. As Song Zhizhi just spoke so wisely, you undertake to improve their living standards, and we will ensure they receive better education, enjoy better medical services, and, importantly, at this stage, we can help out by placating some of the disquiet among the villagers, enabling a smoother progress of the project. Of course, I believe the power of Commercial Management can surely complete this task without us. Regardless, the economy of Yanshang Country is continuously leaping forward, and our living standards are among the highest in the world, which is plain for everyone to see. I just thought that since we share the same objective and hope for an even better development of Yanshang Country, why not collaborate for greater efficiency?”

Jun Mingyu had made his intentions clear..

He wanted to participate in this project and cooperate with Commercial Management.

Qian Guanshu had something else to say..

Jun Mingyu preemptively said, “Secretary-General Qian, no need for further formalities. My father has instructed me to handle the Jinghe Village matter. On one hand, it’s to make things right for Elder Ye. Elder Ye’s contributions to Yanshang Country shouldn’t be innocently sacrificed, and my father deeply regrets this. On the other hand, it’s to seize this opportunity to possibly cooperate with Commercial Management. Over the years, the official family and Commercial Management have been two separate administrations, having the same goals but never helping each other. My father believes that if we could work together, the development of Yanshang Country could be further advanced. I hope Secretary-General Qian and Mr. Ye will not reject my request.”

Song Zhizhi’s request had turned into Jun Mingyu’s request.

Qian Guanshu’s face subtly changed.

Jun Mingyu was overtly threatening by bringing up his father, clearly indicating his intention to interfere in the project.

Qian Guanshu realized that Jun Mingyu’s dinner invitation for the official family wasn’t merely an apology. The official family really wanted to the extend their claws into Commercial Management, taking advantage of Ye Wenhan’s youth to make a move against them?!

Qian Guanshu silently scoffed.

The leader of the official family was surely too fanciful. For so many years, the official family has failed to do anything against Commercial Management. Did he really think he had the ability?!

He said, “If Young Master Jun has made his intentions clear to this extent, rejecting him would reflect poorly on Commercial Management. It might give rise to the perception that we hold ourselves too high.”

Jun Mingyu continued to smile amiably, waiting patiently for Qian Guanshu to reach a conclusion.

Qian Guanshu said, “The Jinghe Village project will burden you then, Third Young Master.”

He had effectively agreed.

Jun Mingyu’s smile broadened. He said, “I thank Secretary-General and Mr. Ye for your trust. I hope our cooperation will pave the way for a new era in Yanshang Country.”

“Certainly,” Qian Guanshu agreed.

Ye Wenhan also said a few words.

The atmosphere at the banquet appeared to be harmonious.

But everyone had their own thoughts.

Even Song Zhizhi found herself thinking a lot at that moment.

At first, she might not have understood, but now it was crystal clear.

It turned out that Jun Mingyu wasn’t trying to help her but wanted to use this opportunity to get involved in Commercial Management’s project. It seemed the official family had long been eying Commercial Management.

She couldn’t help but take a closer look at Qian Guanshu and Ye Wenhan.

It wasn’t surprising that Ye Wenhan didn’t get it. After all, he was young and inexperienced in many matters. But Qian Guanshu must have known. The fact that he was so composed despite this – was it that he was really good at pretending, or was it that he simply didn’t take the official family seriously, didn’t think they could really control Commercial Management?!

Song Zhizhi thought pensively.

The dinner continued until 9 PM.

After the banquet ended, everyone left the high-end restaurant.

Personal cars for Ye Wenhan and Jun Mingyu were already parked at the entrance waiting.

“Mr. Jun, after you,” said Qian Guanshu in an overly courteous gesture.

“Tonight, I’m the host. It’s only fair that I see you off first,” responded Jun Mingyu, maintaining his excellent etiquette. “Mr. Ye, please.”

Ye Wenhan couldn’t help but glance at Qian Guanshu.

He hadn’t experienced such grand occasions often, and he was unsure how to manage many things. He feared a single mishap might become the object of ridicule.

At that moment, Qian Guanshu slightly nodded his head.

Only then did Ye Wenhan smile and say, “Mr. Jun was the host this time, next time it will be my turn.”

“Sure,” agreed Jun Mingyu without hesitation.

“It’s getting late. I won’t delay your rest, Mr. Jun, so I’ll get into the car first.”

“Mr. Ye, please.”

Ye Wenhan got into the car first.

Qian Guanshu also got into Ye Wenhan’s car.

Song Zhizhi, Chu Qin, and Li Sheng took another car.

At the moment everyone was preparing to get into the car, Jun Mingyu suddenly said to Song Zhizhi, “Miss Song, may I have a word.”

Song Zhizhi turned her head to look at Jun Mingyu.

Everyone else was also looking at him, those already in the car—Qian Guanshu, and Ye Wenhan—had their expressions change slightly.

“About the Jinghe Village project, Miss Song only mentioned a few generalities during dinner. I would like to understand more. If you don’t mind, may I escort you home.”

Song Zhizhi just looked at Jun Mingyu for a moment.

Jun Mingyu appeared very calm, behaving like a perfect gentleman.

Song Zhizhi smiled, “Then I shall impose on Mr. Jun.”

“Please,” Jun Mingyu opened the car door for Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi entered the car.

Ye Wenhan glared at Song Zhizhi’s movements, his face unreadable.

The expression on Qian Guanshu’s face wasn’t any better.

He turned to the driver and ordered, “Drive.”

The driver quickly started the car and drove off.

After the car had driven some distance, Ye Wenhan could no longer contain himself. “What’s so great about Song Zhizhi! She has the audacity to let Jun Mingyu drive her home. How presumptuous of her!”

Ye Wenhan’s thoughts were always too simplistic.

He couldn’t stand seeing Song Zhizhi’s smug expression.

He disliked her pretentiousness.

Of course, Qian Guanshu wouldn’t be rash. He said, “Just as I suspected, the official family is taking advantage of Ye Taiting’s death. They’re trying to seize control of the Commercial Management during your younger years when you’re not fully capable of managing it.”

Ye Wenhan’s body tensed, “Are you saying that the Jun Family is trying to take over our Commercial Management?!”

“Yes. Ye Taiting foresaw this. After his death, it was only a matter of time before the official family attempted to take over the Commercial Management. They wanted to gain economic control over Yanshang country! Unfortunately for them, they didn’t expect that Ye Taiting had an heir! But even with an heir, you are still young, and they believe it won’t be too hard to deal with you. They just didn’t anticipate Ye Taiting’s foresight; he had already prepared for this and set up arrangements for you. Besides, with me by your side, if the official family wants their plot to succeed, they’re delusional.”

“What does father mean?” Ye Wenhan looked at his father.

He always thought that once he had assumed the position of the helmsman, he could control everything. He had no idea that there were so many crafty schemes and dangers lurking behind this position.

He thought once he had the power, he could torment those whom he wished dead.

He never realized, he still had so much to consider.

Qian Guanshu did not answer directly. Instead, he said, “Ye Taiting was overly ambitious. He had high expectations of you and made many audacious plans for your future. However, I feel that he had become too inflated. Given our current strength, we are not suited to make even bolder plans. Thankfully, he is finally dead. The consequences otherwise would have been unthinkable, Wenhan.”

Qian Guanshu suddenly called his name very seriously.

Ye Wenhan looked at him.

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, your dad will not let anything happen to you.”

“I trust you, dad.” Ye Wenhan replied firmly.

“And you also have to learn more from me. After all, I cannot accompany you for a lifetime.”

“Don’t worry, dad. I’ll do my best,” he said.

Qian Guanshu nodded.

In the end, they should have never allowed Ye Taiting to send Wenhan away that year.

While Ye Taiting’s considerations were indeed comprehensive, and he smartly manipulated everyone, making all watch and wait for the Commercial Management, waiting for Ye Taiting to die before making a move. This long period of waiting allowed Ye Taiting to consolidate his position and plan bigger ambitions discreetly, while also ensuring Wenhan’s safety! But fundamentally, the education Wenhan received abroad was not as good as what he would have received close by, which was a significant loss. And to truly hone his skills, it would not be a matter of a day or two.

Over these three months, he had truly come to understand where Ye Wenhan’s abilities lay. He had a long way to go.

But the good news is that Qian Guanshu was only over 50 years old this year. He still had a long time to stay beside Ye Wenhan. He still had time to personally cultivate him!

As for the people of the Jun Family.

Qian Guanshu sneered.

What waves could a single Jun Mingyu stir?!

And that Jun Mingyu, whom Qian Guanshu didn’t consider a threat, was driving his luxurious vehicle, taking Song Zhizhi home at that moment.

The car was somewhat quiet.

Song Zhizhi wouldn’t initiate a conversation.

She didn’t know what schemes Jun Mingyu might be planning.

But for her, it’s a good thing anyway.

Ye Wenhan was set on suppressing her now. If she didn’t have a strong backer for this project, she guessed she wouldn’t be able to complete it smoothly. She guessed Ye Wenhan must be churning with anger now.

“Miss Song.” Jun Mingyu broke the silence.

Song Zhizhi looked at him.

She didn’t believe that Jun Mingyu would discuss the project with her late into the night.

A small smile appeared on her face, “Mr. Jun, just say if you have any questions.”

“About the project, let’s not talk too much tonight. I will come to see you alone tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

“Tonight, I hope that we can come to understand each other better in order to ensure smooth cooperation in the upcoming project.”

“Mr. Jun is here to help me, I’m immensely grateful. On the other hand, Mr. Jun, you’re being so polite that I am truly embarrassed.” Song Zhizhi laughed.

Jun Mingyu also smiled.

Ji Baijian’s wife, she isn’t that simple after all.

She didn’t say anything, like she knew a lot.

At this moment, her words seemed to remind him, the project is still Commercial Management’s project. He was not here to develop the project in collaboration, but only to help her solve some difficulties she was currently facing.

He laughed, “Well, I won’t be so polite then. In the future, you don’t have to call me Mr. Jun, since I’m here to work for you, just call me Jun Mingyu.”

“Mr. Jun must not say so. Mr. Jun is the Third Young Master of the Jun Family. I am just an ordinary employee of Commercial Management. Now that I happen to be in charge of a project that requires the support of the Jun Family, I hope Mr. Jun won’t make it difficult for me.”

“You’re not just an ordinary employee.” Jun Mingyu muttered practically to himself.

At that moment, it seemed as if he was not speaking to Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi had a flicker in her eye.

She felt that there were some hidden meanings in Jun Mingyu’s words.

“Since Miss Song insists, I won’t say any more. In any case, I will do everything I can to assist with anything that Jinghe Village needs.” Jun Mingyu stated his position clearly.

Song Zhizhi expressed her thanks again.

Then.

The car fell into silence.

Song Zhizhi really didn’t know what to say to someone from the official family.

No matter how democratic the Yanshang Country is now, they are rulers after all. Being close to them is as dangerous as sitting next to a tiger. She was not foolish enough to provoke them.

As for whether or not they are coming to initiate a conflict with the Commercial Management.

She felt, at least for now, it is a problem for Qian Guanshu to consider, and it hasn’t come to a point where her husband needs to intervene.

They soon arrived at her residential area.

Song Zhizhi opened the car door to get out.

Jun Mingyu also got out of the car with her.

Song Zhizhi expressed her thanks, “Thank you for driving me home.”

“Tomorrow I hope Miss Song can spare me some time to talk about the Jinghe Village project.”

“Of course.”

“Could Miss Song give me her contact information?”

“Sure.” Song Zhizhi gave him her number.

Jun Mingyu wrote it down.

Song Zhizhi expressed her gratitude once again, politely, “Safe journey, Mr. Jun.”

Jun Mingyu nodded, turned and walked back to his car.

The driver opened the car door for Jun Mingyu, being incredibly respectful.

At that moment when Jun Mingyu was about to sit in the car, he paused.

Song Zhizhi looked at him.

She saw him suddenly turn around, his gaze wasn’t upon her, but behind her.

Song Zhizhi furrowed her brows.

She turned to look, and found Ji Baijian standing behind her at some point.

She smiled.

Just looking at Ji Baijian always brought an inexplicable smile to her face.

She even thought, once Jun Mingyu leaves, she would throw herself into her husband’s arms.

At that very moment when she was fantasizing,

she heard Jun Mingyu’s voice, clear as a bell in her ear, saying, “Baijian, long time no see.”