Chapter 844: Chapter 840 Reminder
“It’s my pettiness, here’s a toast to you, Mr. Ye!” Xie Zhiyuan raised his glass, and before Ye Fan could say anything, he downed the entire glass.
After the meal, almost none of the dishes were touched. Xie Zhiyuan, however, was passed out drunk, slumped over the table, snoring one moment and babbling nonsense the next.
During his stay in Mingde County, he and his team stayed in the guest rooms above the Jinling Hotel. Ye Fan had a server help the unconscious Xie Zhiyuan back to his room upstairs, then walked out of the hotel with Mo Xiaoyan.
“Brother-in-law, where are we going now?” Mo Xiaoyan asked, holding onto Ye Fan’s arm.
It was already night by this time, and the streetlights of the county town were lit, with the shops on both sides brightly illuminated. Many residents were outside enjoying the cool evening breeze.
“After the evaluation of your company, besides giving suggestions for improvement, what else did Xie Zhiyuan do?” Ye Fan suddenly asked.
Mo Xiaoyan thought for a moment and replied, “Not much, why do you suddenly ask, Brother-in-law?”
“Like father, like son. In reverse, Xie Liping is sinister and ruthless, so Xie Zhiyuan might not be that good either. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone from a small fry to a regional business mogul,” Ye Fan said. “I’ll visit your company and take a look.”
Mo Xiaoyan got into Ye Fan’s car and had the driver take her back to the company.
Ye Fan started the modified Volkswagen, driving towards the planning district, and said, “You know a person’s face but not their heart. He fears me now and won’t show his true colors, but I can’t protect you forever. If one day I leave, he might think otherwise. Some things can’t be ignored.”
“Leave?” Mo Xiaoyan was suddenly stunned, “Even if you go abroad, Brother-in-law, coming back would only take a day or two, why can’t you protect me then?”
Ye Fan just smiled slightly and didn’t say anything.
“Brother-in-law,” Mo Xiaoyan stared directly at Ye Fan with her beautiful eyes and asked, “Are you hiding something from me?”
Thinking about his relationships with Lu Xiaoman, Tantai Wanrong, and Zhao Tianya, Ye Fan felt a bit confused and said, “Xiaoyan, it’s nothing, don’t overthink it.”
Mo Xiaoyan narrowed her eyes slightly and, after a long while, said softly, “Is it because of my sister?”
Her gaze was somewhat indifferent as she sat upright, looking ahead through the windshield, and said, “Before, Brother-in-law, you asked me to put myself in my sister’s shoes. But at that time, did you ever consider my feelings?”
Ye Fan was slightly taken aback, and in a low voice said, “Xiaoyan, you…”
“You would charge into our Mo family to save my sister, willing to risk your life in a contest. My sister has you—a man who would risk his life for her. But what about me? What do I have? Among those pursuing me, including Xie Liping, is there anyone not interested in my family background? Who truly loves me or genuinely cares for me?”
After a long pause, Mo Xiaoyan slowly exhaled, “I don’t really ask for much.”
Ye Fan didn’t say anything, as he didn’t know what to say.
He only hesitated, then gently patted Mo Xiaoyan’s hand.
It felt like comfort, like encouragement, and perhaps something more.
They continued without speaking further.
The car reached the planning district, stopping in front of the Mo Yan Group office building.
Mo Xiaoyan gathered her thoughts, smiled, and said, “Let’s go upstairs and have a look.”
She showed Ye Fan around the office building. Although working hours had long passed, the office building remained brightly lit and bustling.
“About a third of the people here were brought over by Uncle Xie. There are experienced planners, sales elites, risk assessment experts, and management trainers—a lot of people, covering almost every talent needed for a company’s development.”
Seemingly having forgotten the earlier discomfort in the car, Mo Xiaoyan introduced the company’s situation. The busy employees around looked over, either nodding or greeting her. Once Mo Xiaoyan responded, they turned back to their work.
After touring a few office areas, they arrived at Mo Xiaoyan’s president’s office.
A secretary brought in tea, glancing curiously at Ye Fan. It was the first time she’d seen someone receive such a warm welcome from President Mo.
Feeling the secretary’s gaze, Ye Fan looked back, but the secretary remained calm, smiling politely before saying to Mo Xiaoyan, “President Mo, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head out.”
Mo Xiaoyan acknowledged, and as the secretary was about to leave, she added, “Oh, right, remind the HR department about the worker recruitment and training matters.”
The secretary nodded, “Understood, President Mo, I’ll handle it right away.”
With that, she left the office, gently closing the door behind her.
In the president’s office, only Mo Xiaoyan and Ye Fan were left.
“The person who sold company intelligence to Xie Liping is her,” Mo Xiaoyan suddenly said.
Ye Fan was slightly taken aback but didn’t ask more. Since Mo Xiaoyan knew this person had betrayed the company yet kept her around, there must be a reason.
Seeing Ye Fan oblivious to her, Mo Xiaoyan felt a bit disappointed, “Aren’t you curious why, Brother-in-law?”
Ye Fan sat on the sofa, “Why?”
“You’re clearly just humoring me, Brother-in-law,” Mo Xiaoyan said with slight annoyance.
Seeing she had recovered from her earlier mood, Ye Fan said, “No matter the reason, someone who betrays you once can betray you a second time.”
He said seriously, “And those Xie Zhiyuan brought in, you can use them, but it’s best not to fully trust them. Always stay vigilant.”
Seeing Ye Fan serious, Mo Xiaoyan nodded earnestly, “I know these things. Coming from a big family, if there’s one thing we know, it’s intrigue.”
Ye Fan replied, “Don’t say it so harshly.”
Mo Xiaoyan just chuckled, like she was making a joke.
They talked a bit more about the company, then the conversation shifted to Lu Xiaoman. Things at Huayang Martial Arts School were looking up, and they decided to visit Huahai City over the weekend. Finally, Ye Fan stood up and said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave now.”
“I’ll see you off,” Mo Xiaoyan offered.
“No need, it looks like you still have a lot to do here. Although you have Xie Zhiyuan’s help now, reducing your burden, don’t slack off. This is the best time for you to learn—observe how they work and think more, it’ll benefit you greatly.”
Seeing Mo Xiaoyan trying to say something, Ye Fan smiled, “Achieve something, don’t let your family laugh at you!”
She beamed, “That’s a must!”
Ye Fan left the office. Not long after, he went downstairs and drove off in the modified Volkswagen.