After the splendor, only loneliness remains.
Murong Feng, waiting for Li Zhengyi, didn't hurry to leave. Tang Qing stayed with him, sitting on the sofa in the corner of the hall, sipping wine and chatting. The upstairs meeting of the bigwigs dragged on, and as time went on, guests gradually began to leave. Eventually, only a few people remained, leading Murong Feng to such a reflection.
Li Suyan sat with Li Zhenjun, Li Zhenguo, Song Wenpei, and others, occasionally glancing in their direction. Murong Feng noticed and shook his head, smiling at Tang Qing. "The leader of my research group is Li Zhengyi's youngest daughter. Isn't that a coincidence?"
Tang Qing's charming smile was hard to describe. "I don't think it's a coincidence. It might be intentional." Murong Feng was taken aback. "Intentional?"
"You were granted permission by the Huaxia Group to conduct in-depth research. I think it's mainly because of Li Suyan, not just your research group." Murong Feng nodded thoughtfully. "Janney, what do you think Li Zhengyi wants to talk to me about?"
Tang Qing's expression turned teasing. "Maybe Li Zhengyi wants to recruit you as a son-in-law?" Murong Feng was dizzy and angry. "Janney, what are you talking about? Li Suyan and I are just ordinary classmates!"
Tang Qing, seeing his frustration, quickly patted his arm, laughing. "Just kidding!" But she thought to herself, that's what you think; who knows what she thinks.
Based on her understanding of Li Zhengyi, the previous comment was indeed a joke. As a leading figure in the Chinese business world, Li Zhengyi's low profile added an aura of mystery. However, those familiar with him knew he was determined, tenacious, brave, unafraid of difficulties, and valued responsibility and honor—a typical soldier's spirit. This was why Tang Qing, also from a military family, was highly regarded by him.
Would Li Zhengyi discuss personal matters with Murong Feng? Tang Qing knew it was impossible.
Frowning and thinking for a while, Tang Qing still couldn't figure out why Li Zhengyi would seek out Murong Feng.
Laughter from upstairs indicated that Li and Song were seeing off other business leaders. After brief pleasantries, they said goodbye and left.
Out of respect, Murong Feng stood up as Li Zhengyi and the others descended. Li Zhengyi, seeing him, nodded slightly and motioned for Murong Feng to come over. With a gentle smile, he said, "You must be Murong Feng. Do you have time to chat with this old man?" Murong Feng quickly nodded respectfully. "Chairman Li, it's my honor to receive your guidance." Having studied Li Zhengyi's thoughts on enterprise and management, Murong Feng felt a strong admiration for him, despite only having met once. Speaking to Li Zhengyi now filled him with respect.
Li Zhengyi chuckled. "I wouldn't call it guidance. You young people are much more flexible and advanced in your thinking. Let's go upstairs and talk." Murong Feng agreed, glancing at Tang Qing, who nodded in approval. He also noticed Li Suyan and the others' surprised expressions, clearly finding it unbelievable that he was conversing with Li Zhengyi.
The study on the third floor was luxuriously understated, exuding a grand atmosphere. Nearly a hundred square meters in size, it was lavishly decorated. The comfortable lighting, a large European-style mahogany desk in the center, adorned with gold trim and matching carpet patterns, showcased an air of elegance. Flowers, wine glasses, paper, and pens were neatly arranged on the desk. Several comfortable high-back chairs were scattered in a circle, indicating that the previous guests had been discussing matters here.
"Murong Feng, what insights have you gained from studying the corporate culture at Huaxia Group?" Despite sitting casually in the chair, Li Zhengyi's straight back reflected his years of military training. He motioned for Murong Feng to sit.
Murong Feng unconsciously straightened up and sat in a nearby chair. After some thought, he replied, "The most distinctive feature of Huaxia's corporate culture is that it embodies your personal characteristics: militarized goal management, the spirit of a soldier, patriotism, social responsibility, and dedication. This is completely different from other domestic enterprises that focus on modern foreign management systems."
Li Zhengyi nodded with a smile. "Indeed, my style has a significant influence on the company. Murong Feng, do you think you can truly understand the impact of corporate culture by studying documents in a conference room?" Murong Feng was taken aback and shook his head. "Of course not. Corporate culture summarized in documents is very abstract. How it is reflected in each employee's work and how they identify with it cannot be seen in the files."
Li Zhengyi, pleased with his answer, said, "Before you and Suyan arrived, Professor Chen and Director Wang both called me, asking me to take good care of you." Murong Feng felt a warmth in his heart, grateful for Professor Chen's kindness. He also remembered Wang Ruoyun's advice to observe, listen, and learn more. He realized he had been too focused on reading documents and hadn't lived up to their expectations.
Li Zhengyi continued, "Murong Feng, I heard you've invested in several companies yourself, including a value-added service company?" Murong Feng, unsure why this was mentioned, nodded in acknowledgment.
Li Zhengyi then said, "Since you're also running a business, I think the best way to understand is through practical experience. How about this? Huaxia Group has a base in Hangzhou's technology park. Our subsidiaries for mobile softswitching and mobile broadband are located there. From a business perspective, there are some connections with your company. I want to arrange for you to take up a position there to personally experience our corporate culture. Are you interested?"
Murong Feng was genuinely stunned. He hadn't expected Li Zhengyi to want him to join Huaxia Group. Fortunately, Li Zhengyi's next words eased his concerns. "Of course, this position is merely to facilitate your integration into the company to understand its culture. You can leave whenever you feel your research is complete, without any restrictions."
After some thought, Murong Feng agreed, feeling this arrangement was indeed effective. He gratefully said, "Thank you very much for your support! I believe this experience will be very beneficial."
Li Zhengyi laughed heartily and waved his hand. "Don't be so formal. It's settled then. I'll have someone make the arrangements."
Murong Feng felt the conversation was concluded and respectfully took his leave.
Li Zhengyi watched his back with a thoughtful gaze.
Murong Feng and Tang Qing strolled back to Tang Qing's place. The night breeze was cool, and Tang Qing shivered slightly. Murong Feng silently took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Tang Qing turned back with a gentle smile, their mutual understanding evident.
"Why would Li Zhengyi arrange this? Could it be to separate you and Li Suyan?" Tang Qing suddenly joked.
Murong Feng frowned. "Janney, I told you not to joke about that." He continued, "But this is better. Seeing Li Suyan's cold face always made me uneasy. Now, going to Hangzhou, I can learn more about the business, conduct my research, and not have to see that ice queen. It's perfect!" Tang Qing smiled but said nothing.
Murong Feng recalled what Tang Qing had mentioned earlier and said, "By the way, Janney, didn't you say Song Kangnian has a game company in Hangzhou for sale? I can check it out while I'm there." Tang Qing nodded, smiling. "Sure, our company has an event in Hangzhou next month. I can help you meet Sun Xiaohong then."
The next day, Director Qin from the administrative department brought a letter of appointment to Murong Feng, looking surprised.
Murong Feng opened it and saw it read, "Murong Feng, Strategic Planning Department, Hangzhou Branch of Huaxia Communications Technology Co., Ltd." He marveled at the efficiency, and after accepting it, Director Qin warmly asked, "Murong Feng, when do you plan to leave for Hangzhou? I can arrange a car for you." Murong Feng smiled. "Thank you, but no need. Don't forget, I have my own car." Old Qin, recalling Murong Feng's extravagant spending, nodded and smiled.
On the way, Murong Feng called Li Suyan to briefly explain the situation and assure her that the research report would be delivered on time. Li Suyan's tone remained as cold as ever. She was disappointed in Murong Feng, thinking he was just another playboy like her second brother. No wonder her brother spoke highly of him.
After hanging up, Murong Feng felt relieved, whistling as he drove with the modified CD player in his car playing clear, layered music.
With his free schedule, he naturally decided to visit Ye Zi in Wuxi. Ye Zi had to take another day off.
After returning to Wuxi from the banquet, Gao Yang from Weifu Hi-Tech had a newfound respect for Ye Zi, treating her with exceptional politeness, leaving Ye Zi puzzled. When Ye Zi asked for leave, the team leader from Galaxy Securities, Manager Zhang, hadn't even spoken when Gao Yang laughed and said, "Miss Ye, feel free to take leave if you have something to attend to. I will arrange for someone to carefully verify the company's relevant data to lighten your workload." Ye Zi and Manager Zhang exchanged surprised glances.
Since it was already Friday and there wasn't much work, Manager Zhang happily granted Ye Zi's leave.
While visiting Liyuan Park with Murong Feng, Ye Zi casually mentioned it, causing Murong Feng to laugh.
He mentioned he had met Gao Yang at the banquet and had hinted at him a bit. Ye Zi, curious, kept asking how he had hinted, looking delighted at the thought of someone fighting for her. Murong Feng couldn't help but tickle her, making Ye Zi laugh and beg for mercy.
Liyuan Park, located by the scenic Li Lake, was said to be where Fan Li and the beauty Xi Shi once sailed during the Spring and Autumn period. The lake and the park are famous attractions in Wuxi.
Strolling through the Thousand Steps Corridor, the Southern Embankment Spring Dawn, and other Jiangnan garden landscapes, the ancient charm and picturesque scenery were captivating. Sitting on the carousel at Taihu Star Amusement Park, listening to Ye Zi's bell-like laughter, Murong Feng felt a deep sense of contentment.
Murong Feng, with a degree in Chinese literature, insisted on visiting Donglin Academy, despite it now being a small ancient courtyard with a few rooms. The stone archways and the Bao Gong Shrine maintained their Ming and Qing dynasty layout, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Standing in the Yiyong Hall, looking at the famous couplet, Murong Feng sighed, "Ye Zi, why has the spirit of ancient scholars become so rare in modern society?"
Ye Zi, holding his hand, replied while walking, "The spirit exists in some people and not in others, just as it did in ancient times." Murong Feng was taken aback, then praised, "Ye Zi, your words are profound..." Ye Zi pouted, "You're teasing me again!"
After touring Wuxi's attractions, they drove to Suzhou that night.