blueteamnovel Chapter 583 - 567: Care Against Care?
Chapter 583 - 567: Care Against Care?
The elevator goes straight to the top floor -1.
President Lu’s office is spacious and cold, with the colorful view of Upper City visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
"Ma’am, you’re here?"
Wang Cong stood up with a gourd on his back, quickly bowing to Li Hanyu, his previous arrogance at the hospital replaced by utmost humility and submission.
Like a good dog wagging its tail again in front of its master.
Li Hanyu’s reaction, however, was entirely different from the hospital, where she feigned friendliness; here, she spoke coldly:
"Is the Second Prison so idle now? Allowing you to visit President Lu every day?"
Wang Cong rubbed his hands with an awkward smile:
"Ma’am, you misunderstand. I’m here for the ’Octagonal Cage’ project, I need President Lu’s support for some new ideas."
His eyes rolled slightly, then he cautiously added:
"By the way, has Prison Director Qian’s condition improved recently?"
Li Hanyu sneered through her nose: "What, do you want to become the prison director?"
Before Wang Cong could defend himself, she unceremoniously scolded:
"You’re still too young, I advise you not to harbor such futile dreams. I believe I told you a few days ago that Mr. Wang has already chosen a suitable candidate."
She sneered, warning him word by word:
"Let me teach you something: in life and work, you must be steady and cautious, don’t think you can soar to the sky with a little cleverness or have thoughts you shouldn’t have, be wary of falling to pieces."
Li Hanyu stared intently at Wang Cong, in her heart, Wang Cong’s recent behavior deserved utter condemnation.
The enemy is hateful, but traitors are more so, especially one like a vicious dog dreaming of surpassing its master.
However, Li Hanyu is calm by nature, her desire for Wang Cong’s demise never sways her emotions, let alone prompt her to tear off the facade publicly.
The anger and loss of composure she displayed today were largely performative.
There are no walls that do not let out the wind, even if it’s just the three of them in President Lu’s office right now, she believes the dispute here will inevitably reach the ears of Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa later.
This isn’t related to whether Hou Wendong can catch up, or rather, precisely because Hou Wendong is not present, when this news reaches Wang Xinfa’s ears, it will appear even more genuine.
Sometimes, the absence of witnesses makes things seem more credible!
As for how Wang Xinfa can know about the office’s situation despite the lack of a fourth party, that’s an unfathomably deep matter.
Li Hanyu both trusts Member of Parliament Wang Xinfa’s capability, believing he has countless ways to know if he wants to.
Additionally, she trusts President Lu Chenjia’s shrewdness. Wouldn’t President Lu want this dispute here to reach Wang Xinfa’s ears?
Maybe not!
Perhaps taking a step back, what plans does the most embarrassed Wang Cong have? Perhaps, he more than anyone else wants the word to get out.
In a play, some want to watch the fire from the shore, slow cook with a small flame;
Others want to fan the flames, simmer on medium heat;
And some want to snatch chestnuts from the fire, boiling the oil in fierce fire;
But no one should underestimate anyone else, and no one should feel they can truly see through another. After all, the human heart is hidden, who among those standing before you isn’t an old actor wearing a [Mask]?
Wang Cong’s expression darkened slightly, but he did not react, instead bowing deeply to Li Hanyu, placing himself in a very low posture:
"Ma’am, you have a deep-seated prejudice against me.
I, Wang Cong, swear I have never entertained thoughts I shouldn’t have. During these days, all my efforts have focused entirely on the ’Octagonal Cage’ project, without any second thoughts..."
Seeing that Li Hanyu still wore a mocking expression, he sighed bitterly and turned to Lu Chenjia:
"President Lu, there’s still urgent business at the Second Prison, I’ll take my leave now."
Lu Chenjia maintained her smile throughout, only slightly nodding in response.
After Wang Cong left, Lu Chenjia’s smile faded slightly, and she looked at Li Hanyu with a sigh:
"What was the point of putting on this act for me today?"
Li Hanyu remained silent, seemingly calming her agitated emotions.
Lu Chenjia slightly furrowed her brows:
"Wang Cong is smart, a talent, and we still cannot do without him for the ’Octagonal Cage’ project."
Li Hanyu sneered:
"He is clever, then just keep his brain, just like my son Qian Huan, find an aquarium to put it in..."
The office fell into an eerie silence.
Lu Chenjia actually thought for a moment, then eventually shook her head:
"The human brain, without the body, loses a lot of its spontaneity, significantly reducing its collectible value. I am the general manager of Bright Group, I won’t make such a losing deal."
Li Hanyu’s expression turned grim. She dared to mock Wang Cong but would not dare to ridicule President Lu, not even in an act.
Lu Chenjia squinted, then kindly reassured:
"I heard that Member Wang has recalled Du Changle; have you had any contact with him, and how do you feel?"
Li Hanyu replied solemnly: "I met him once. He’s a trusted aide of Member Wang, always smiling like a Maitreya Buddha, seemingly much more capable than Wang Cong."
Lu Chenjia squinted: "Do you support Du Changle?"
Li Hanyu avoided the question: "Member Wang favors him a lot."
Lu Chenjia gave Li Hanyu a meaningful look:
"If the group and the Member have differing opinions on this person, which side do you stand on?"
Li Hanyu’s opinion isn’t crucial, but it’s also not irrelevant; she does hold some shares.
Li Hanyu stood up and earnestly replied:
"Sorry, President Lu, even though Celestial Light Investment has been separated from the group, there are reasons for this. Over the years, when Qian Tong was still around, he secretly helped the group complete the renovation of the Second Prison. My heart has always been with the group, and even before Qian Huan fell into a coma, he always hoped to join the group someday."
This speech, rehearsed repeatedly by Li Hanyu before coming, is laden with implications.
It mentions her family’s contributions and loyalty to the group, revisits Qian Tong’s death, and subtly hints at the secrets of the Second Prison.
All in all, she believes President Lu will understand her meaning without provoking him.
Li Hanyu sighed with carefully chosen words:
"But now with Qian Huan like this, I live in constant fear. Fortunately, Member Wang is compassionate, promising to take care of us in the future, so in the matter of the Second Prison..."
With a long sigh, Li Hanyu hesitantly said:
"President Lu, I’m sorry, but this time I fear I must support..."
Implied throughout Li Hanyu’s words are helplessness and sentiments, emphasized by Member Wang’s "care," though how this is interpreted is up to Lu Chenjia.
Regardless, the suggestions, "threats," requests for "assistance," and appeals for sentiment, Li Hanyu has expressed all very clearly today.
Lu Chenjia, on the surface, showed little ripple. She waved her hand, not allowing Li Hanyu to finish, but kindly said:
"You’ve had it tough. Rest assured, your family has contributed blood and sweat for the group. The group won’t forget and will take good care of you in the future. When Qian Huan wakes up, if he wants to come, he can work at the group."
Li Hanyu’s eyes welled up with tears, and she thanked profusely before turning to leave.
After she left, the secretary entered the room.
Lu Chenjia smiled and instructed the secretary:
"Send a security team to the hospital to provide 24-hour protection and care for Li Hanyu and her son. We shouldn’t let Wang Xinfa ridicule Bright Group for being too cold-hearted."
The secretary’s heart fluttered with trepidation, bowing:
"Rest assured, President Lu, I’ll arrange it right away."
Can Wang Xinfa take care of Li Hanyu while Lu Chenjia cannot?
Responding to care with care?
Responding to "care" with "care"!