The first one is the International Trade Building located on Financial Street, with a prime location, convenient transportation, and complete supporting facilities nearby, but the rent is also relatively high.
The second is the Global Financial Center located in the CBD area, also a landmark building, with a broad view and a beautiful environment, and the rent is slightly lower than that of the International Trade Building, but the transportation is slightly inferior.
The third is an office building located in Wangjing SOHO in Chaoyang District. Although its location is not as good as the first two, the rent is relatively lower, and the Wangjing area is a cluster for internet companies, creating a more active atmosphere.
"Well done," Chen Cheng said while reviewing, "All three places are decent, each with its own pros and cons."
"So Mr. Chen, which one do you lean towards? I’ll help you arrange a time."
Chen Cheng closed the document, "What do you think?"
"I think..." Chen Donghai pondered, "It should be Financial Street."
Chen Cheng affirmed Xiao Hai’s judgment, "The atmosphere in Financial Street suits us better, although it’s more expensive, you get what you pay for, and we should spend where necessary."
"I understand, Mr. Chen." Xiao Hai immediately grasped Chen Cheng’s meaning, "Then I’ll contact the property management at International Trade tomorrow to see if there are suitable floors available."
"Good." Chen Cheng nodded, pointing to a stone bench beside him, and then Xiao Hai sat down.
"Have a cigarette," Chen Cheng said.
Chen Donghai handed over a cigarette and a lighter, and Chen Cheng lit it himself.
"Mr. Chen, is there another problem?" From Chen Donghai’s perspective, every time Chen Cheng smoked, it meant he faced a difficult issue.
Chen Cheng shook his head, exhaling a ring of smoke that quickly dissipated in the cold air. "Nothing serious, just some family matters."
Chen Donghai read the situation and knew Chen Cheng didn’t want to elaborate further, wisely refraining from asking more, and quietly kept him company smoking.
To him, although Chen Cheng appeared successful on the surface, he also carried many private troubles and pressures.
After about half a cigarette, Chen Cheng spoke again, "Xiao Hai, you’ve been with me for a while now, what do you think of me?"
Chen Donghai blurted out: "Mr. Chen, you are a very capable person, decisive, visionary, and loyal to your brothers. I’ve learned a lot from following you."
Chen Cheng smiled, "You, my boy, always say the most agreeable things."
"I’m speaking the truth, Mr. Chen."
Chen Cheng stubbed out the cigarette, "Then absolutely, what about them?"
Chen Donghai, the only person who had seen all of Chen Cheng’s women, knew well the stories that transpired in the back seat, the tears that flowed, the promises made.
Hearing Chen Cheng ask this, Chen Donghai didn’t respond as quickly as before and after contemplating for a while said, "Mr. Chen is very affectionate towards them."
"Affectionate..." Chen Cheng repeated, his gaze drifting, seemingly pondering the meaning behind the words.
"Do you think... am I fair to them?"
Chen Donghai fell silent.
This was a question he couldn’t answer.
He had seen Meng Wanning’s timidness in front of Chen Cheng, Mei Xiang’s infatuation, Liu Zhiya’s passion, Liu Zhiying’s innocence, and Su Liya’s madness.
He had seen Xia Yubing’s restraint, Tong Jialu’s playfulness, and Yu Xinwei’s longing.
He had witnessed Wen Shulin’s recklessness and Xiao Meier’s sweet happiness.
He knew Chen Cheng held feelings for each of them, but whether these feelings were love, possession, or obligation, he couldn’t differentiate, nor was it his place to judge.
"Mr. Chen, matters of the heart are hard for outsiders to comment on. Like drinking water, only the drinker knows whether it’s warm or cold."
Chen Cheng pointed at him with a smile.
Chen Donghai slightly bowed, "If there’s nothing else, Mr. Chen, I’ll be leaving."
Chen Cheng waved his hand, "Go on."
He gazed towards the warm light spilling from a distant restaurant, hands clasped behind his back, muttering to himself, "Indeed, like drinking water, only the drinker knows whether it’s warm or cold."