At the entrance of "Young Master Huang's" private kitchen restaurant, Sha Yongshan and Geng Liang saw Shen Yuan off into the backseat of a Maybach and then watched as the black sedan slowly drove away.
"Director Sha, do we need to have Old Gao keep an eye on Chairman Shen's itinerary in Shanghai, including the people he meets while he's here?"
Geng Liang asked. He was Sha Yongshan's absolute confidant; otherwise, he wouldn't have been sent to pick up guests at the airport or be accompanying them here.
"No need. If he truly intended to participate in management, he wouldn't have come to Shanghai in such a high-profile manner, nor would he have used the car I prepared for him."
Sha Yongshan had fought his way to his current position not only by taking advantage of the era's benefits but also by having his own set of methods for doing business.
Although Zhu Lei supported him openly and secretly, Old Sha did not blindly trust him, hence his initiative to invite Shen Yuan to Shanghai.
Even if Shen Yuan had been forthcoming this time, Sha Yongshan wasn't entirely convinced. Everything would have to wait until Zhu Lei's son joined the company next year to confirm whether his words were true.
"He doesn't act or speak like a 22-year-old at all."
Sha Yongshan watched the Maybach turn a corner and disappear from sight, offering his own assessment, then asked, "Geng Liang, what do you think of him?"
Geng Liang pondered a bit, "I have a 22-year-old cousin whose family is actually quite well-off, but he's very unsociable. He doesn't even greet guests when they arrive, nothing like Chairman Shen who's so young and promising."
Sha Yongshan said reflectively, "I've met quite a few capable young people as well, but they are generally in the 30-40 age bracket. The key is that Shen Yuan isn't just capable, he also has a background. If you make an enemy of someone like that, then you're really in for a headache."
"Don't worry, Director Sha. Chairman Shen's visit this time is a gesture of goodwill."
Sha Yongshan said and turned to head back into the restaurant, when suddenly he remembered something, "My damn son is the same age as Shen Yuan. If he could handle himself half as well, I wouldn't have to worry."
Geng Liang followed with a smile, knowing Sha Yongshan was his direct boss. The boss could speak candidly about his own son, but it was not his place to comment.
"Geng Liang, you have only one son right now, right? I suggest while your wife is still young, hurry up and have another one. Train two kids; even if one doesn't pan out, you still have the other."
Geng Liang responded with a laugh, "Director Sha, actually, my son Xiaoyu has a good foundation. Growing up always involves a process. Who knows? Maybe he'll come to his senses in a year or two."
Sha Yongshan scoffed, "Hoping he'll come to his senses? It would be good enough if he doesn't cause more trouble... This time he even had the house send a car to pick him up from the high-speed rail station. I couldn't be bothered. It's something he can easily handle with a cab."
"I know him too well; he probably wants to show off in front of some girl again."
Meanwhile, Shen Yuan was sitting in the backseat of the Maybach, resting with his eyes closed when his phone dinged twice with messages from Zhou Peiwei.
"Jerk, I'll be at the high-speed rail station in less than two hours. Remember to come pick me up."
Shen Yuan shook his head. He had just drunk some alcohol and hadn't taken a nap. He wanted to rest a bit longer.
Besides, you can't indulge women too much. If he picked her up this time, he'd have to do it every time. So he replied, "I'm still at a social event. I'll send a car to pick you up."
Zhou Peiwei: "Ah? But you promised to come get me!"
Shen Yuan: "I promised to have you picked up, but I never said I'd come personally."
Zhou Peiwei: "!!!! I fell for your lies again! If I could get off the high-speed rail now, I wouldn't look back!"
Shen Yuan: "Sorry about that. The day you go back to Yanjing, I will definitely personally take you to the high-speed rail station or the airport, okay?"
Zhou Peiwei: "That's not enough! You have to take care of my meals, drinks, and entertainment for the next two days!" ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⸺fire.net
Shen Yuan: "No problem."
After sending the messages, Shen Yuan looked over at the chauffeur driving and asked, "How should I address you?"
"Chairman Shen, you can just call me Old Gao."
The driver, about 50 years old, smiled a kind, simple smile, though the corners of his eyes and his face were lined with wrinkles from the years.
"Alright, Old Gao. I have a friend arriving at the high-speed rail station at 5 pm. I'll need you to pick her up. Her surname is Zhou. I'll send you her mobile number later."
"Sure thing, Chairman Shen."
Old Gao nodded in agreement.
Shen Yuan often rode in Alphard vans driven by Old Xiang, so he could easily feel whether the driving was smooth. He thought Old Gao also drove quite safely.
No aggressive acceleration, no sudden brakes, and a good distance kept from the vehicles in front and behind; overall, the ride in the backseat gave a secure and reassuring feeling.
It wasn't long before they arrived at the Bulgari Hotel lobby, contrasting with the quadrangle courtyard-style of the Waldorf Astoria, the lobby of the Bulgari featured architecture that blended Italian design with the distinctive charm of Shanghai style.
After reporting his reservation information at the front desk, it wasn't long before a lady clad in black stockings and dark professional attire, with high heels, approached gracefully.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Shen, and welcome to the Bulgari. I am your personal butler Wei Ya. Here's my business card. Starting now, I shall serve you wholeheartedly... I will now take you to your room."
Wei Ya presented a professional smile and handed over her business card, the meticulous makeup underscoring her efficiency.
Shen Yuan nodded, and Wei Ya conscientiously took Shen Yuan's rolling suitcase.
It was unclear whether it was deliberate or accidental, but as she took it, her smooth fingers lingered on the back of Shen Yuan's hand for a moment.
"Excuse me, Mr. Shen."
Wei Ya apologized with her mouth, but her face showed no sign of embarrassment as she led the way, "Mr. Shen, shall we go?"
Shen Yuan followed her, shaking his head inwardly. It seemed every outing was filled with 'fairies'.