Chapter 26 Stars On The Sky(26)
“How do you know that the Cloudroad Map’s involved?” On the way to Mr. Gao’s working place, Zhai Chen can’t help himself, asked.
Gao Yusheng looked at Zhai Chen, who seemed completely harmless with pomade-less hair and a typical kindergarten teacher’s suit, said: “It’s complicated.” Mr. Gao doesn’t want to talk about commercial wars at all in front of a man like this.
“I’ll stop asking, if it’s about business secrets.” Zhai suddenly realized that Gao Yusheng had been such a gift from god for him that he had automatically let down his guard and talked too much. He almost forgot the bodyguards’ code of practice, No. 9 of which is to say and ask only the things needed.
An explanation from Gao was absent, showed his acquiescence in Zhai’s words. He glanced at Zhai Mengmeng through the rear view mirror, who was reading a children’s book in a children’s chair. “Is officer Fang adopted by your family?” Gao asked.
Zhai Mengmeng’s ears moved, with the head down.
In case that the kid feels more related to one uncle than another, Zhai Chen has nothing but the truth to say in front of Mengmeng: “ We are both adopted, Fang and I.”
Zhai entered the family earlier than Fang so he got the family name. Fang Chuyang’s real father was one of Zhai Jian’guo’s colleagues. After his father’s death, Zhai Jian’guo adopted him. Zhai Xiyue, the daughter, is the only one who has Zhai’s blood.
After this, Zhai Chen caught a glimpse of Gao’s face while Gao had nothing for him, except for a nod. “Was this little as not trying to get a few words about my identity so that he could make sure whether we’ve met in childhood or not?” Zhai thought.
“Uncle! Uncle! Your phone’s ringing!” The silence was broken by Mengmeng’s soft and cute voice. Gao turned back his head, only to find out that the kid in the backseat was focus on the book and didn’t make a sound. Zhai Chen’s phone, on the other hand, was vibrating on the rack.
“Funny, isn’t it? My new ring tone.” Seeing Mr. Gao getting pranked, Zhai Chen chuckled, thinking childishly that this time is him for the win.
Kids’ yelling is annoying and can giving people headaches, what kind of person Zhai is to record it and use it as ring tone! Gao Yusheng couldn’t understand Zhai’s fancy taste of this sort. He got the phone and it showed that the incoming call was from Xu Jiao. Gao’s lips were squeezed into one line: “It’s from Xu Jiao. I’ll put it on speaker, is that ok?”
Zhai Chen was driving, no hands were available.
“Yeah, sure.” This person works in punctuation map so Mr. Gao knows her, and there’s no secret relationships between Zhai Chen and Xu Jiao. With nothing shady, Zhai Chen said yes without thinking about it.
“Chen (translators note: Zhai is addressed as “brother bodyguard” in the original text, his first name is used to show the intimate feeling the original text indicates), boohoo…” upon coming through, Xu Jiao started to cry, and began to tell the story before Zhai Chen’s consolation: “I was conned by Ting Ting’s parents!”
As Li Ting’s best friend and the only person beside Wang Jinghang who stayed in touch with Li Ting’s parents before that thing happened, she had been helping the two elderlies and going everywhere with them until until Li’s parents got interviews hither and thither and started to blackmail Punctuation Map. But since her best friend Li Ting died, she had tried her best.
“I thought they had no money for a hotel room, so I gave them my money for food and a room. But not only had they been taking money from Wang Jinghang , but also from Cloudroad! How can they do that!” Xu Jiao’s voice sounds a bit coarse, she must have cried for several times these days.
“Then go asking them to return your money, I’ll go with you.” Zhai thought that she called to ask for help, this easy a job Zhai won’t charge for his relationship with Li Ting.
“That’s not the point! The point is the police are investigating their source of money and it will no doubt leads to me. At that point, I’m afraid I won’t be able to make a good explanation!”
“So? You’ve done nothing shady, nothing to be worried about.” Zhai’s eyebrows twitched a little, an odd feeling came to him.
“You’re right.” Xu Jiao snuffled, barely stop crying: “Are you going to drive Mr. Gao to work? Sorry for bothering, I’m gonna hang up now.”
Before Zhai’s goodbye, Gao hung up. “She said the same thing to secretary Zhen yesterday.”
“You’re saying…” After all these years’ witnessing the rat race, Zhai understood and disapproved with a sneer: “ I’m only a bodyguard, why would she think that i can be close to the top-class?”
Gao didn’t answer but checked the schedule for today, said: “ If you want to be a part of it, be my bodyguard for one more day.”
“Am I the kind of person who puts a finger in every pie?” Zhai felt that his professional ethic has been questioned and was about to turn down the offer, but Gao interrupted by asking Mengmeng: “How about the 17th floor today?”
ZhaiMengmeng close the comic book version of “the Romance of the Three Kingdoms” and said : “ I thinketh ‘tis good.”
Zhai Chen: “… ”
Finally, the vibe in Punctuation company turned from depressed to easy. During a tea break, some people gathered, discussing about pressing charges on Cloudroad excitedly.
“Mr. Gao is so cool! This is a perfect plan!” The legal staff knows the best, their boss had been doing this for quite a while. People were asking when did he start but the girl from the ministry of law just kept her mouth shut, shook her head like an old monk to tell them that this must be kept a secret.
“I was so pissed last week. You have no idea how bad the attitude of cloudroad staff’s is. They posted an article to make us look ugly by saying that they can bring their cats to their company and have snack in the office and that they are the most loving cyber company, bullshit!” A commercial guy was also exasperated, that was stepping on their faces. He even had a dozen of works to get it back at Cloudroad, but the director just wouldn’t say yes.
“Now I see it, Li Ting’s parents were bribed, that’s why they didn’t listen to me.” Xu Jiao said.
“That’s damn right! We hr guys sent three man to explain it to them, even
an idiot should understand, but they just didn’t believe, saying that we were conning.” Li Ting’s parents are really a pain in those HR people’s asses.
They went back to their desks, laughing and talking, only to found Hao Xue,the secretary of the President, waiting in Xu Jiao’s position with a package. Delivering packages is a job for administration department. It’s not like that you can see the secretary of the President delivers packages by himself everyday, even though secretaries are from administration department.
“Your package.” Secretary Hao gave it to Xu Jiao.
“Thanks.” Xu Jiao put it on the desk with a touch a smile on her face, sat on her chair. “ Anything else I can help you?” Xu noticed that Hao wasn’t leaving.
“You’re not gonna open it?” Hao adjusted his spectacles, a flash of light ran through the lens, the incandescents in the office reflex on it.
People around looked this way curiously.
Xu Jiao froze for a second, then she looked at the package. Suddenly, her face turned pale. In the bag is a “case filing instruction” from the court, which is a copy of the indictment of punctuation company for suing Xu Jiao for business espionage. A colleague nearby saw it over the tailgate, surprised.
“Pack your stuff and leave in an hour, the demission certificate and the follow-up will be done by hr. If you have any complain, you can apply for labor arbitration, “Secretary Hao explained the situation in a robotic voice, then turned around and left, “see you in court.”
“I haven’t done it! I haven’t!” Xu Jiao burst into tears, she held Hao’s arm tightly and didn’t want to let go at all: “None of the accusation is real! Why are you doing this to me!”
“Is there a possibility that they got it wrong?” The colleagues came around, trying to see what was on the paper, and helped to say some good words for her.
Zhai Chen was sitting on the sofa in the CEO’s office playing games with his legs up while the door was suddenly pushed open and hit the door stopper with a “bang”, which made him jumped up, stopped the one who rushed in.
Xu Jiao was on the shoulder by Zhai Chen’s hand, she struggled: “Mr. Gao, I didn’t betray the company, why do you sue me? All I’ve done was looking after Tingting’s parents and give them some money to buy food. How can I be a business spy? ”
Taking a deep breath, Zhai Chen made a skillful push to force her away and made a sign of no passage: “please stay back.”
“Chen, won’t you help me? You know I’m not a criminal! ” said Xu Jiao with tears all over her face
“Let her in and close the door.” Gao Yusheng looked up from the papers.
Zhai Chen closed the door and with a gesture he asked Xu Jiao to stand at a safe distance while talking to Gao Yusheng, keeping her from anywhere near the desk. People can be crazy to do everything after a suddenly the dismission. Things like a boss got beat up by fired employees did happen before.
“Mr. Gao, I was really just helping them. I didn’t expect that they were bribed by the cloudroad. I’m Tingting’s best friend. I’m more sad than anyone when she died. How can I do such a thing?” Xu Jiao took the tissue Zhai Chen passed to her and blew her nose.
So little a girl cried her eyes red and looked very innocent, making Zhai Chen wondered if there’s an mistake.
“To help them by giving them 10000 yuan everyday for a week?” Gao Yusheng folded his hands and looked at her calmly.
Xu Jiao opened her mouth slightly, took a breath, speechless and forgot to cry.
“Even if you are a billionaire and don’t care about the money, how did those mobs hired by Li Ting’s parents come up?”
When Zhai Chen saw her reaction, he couldn’t help sighing and went on for Mr. Gao who didn’t want to continue, “all the things of Li Ting’s had been in the hands of police, including her employee card. Whose cards did they use?”
On that day, those three mobs pretended to be Li Ting’s uncle went straight to the 23rd floor, it was incredibly smooth and successful.
“How do I know? Maybe it’s a temporary card.”
The management of fortune building is strict. If no one comes to pick up the visitors, they have to register their ID card at the security in the lobby for a temporary pass card that can only be used to enter the elevator once.
“The security guard didn’t register any temporary cards.” Zhai Chen shook his head. Gao had sent to do the checking already, those three mobs plus an unlicensed journalist applied for no temp cards.
Since all this had been found out, Gao Yusheng must have more sufficient evidence. There’s no point carrying on. Xu Jiao’s face went pale and she stopped crying. Her body trembled slightly.
Zhai Chen looked at her acquiescent expression and frowned: “Isn’t Li Ting your best friend?”
It’s difficult Zhai Chen, who has poor cognitive ability of graphic changes, to see the girl who cried for her good friend at the gate of the police station in the person in front of him.
“I was very sad at the beginning and really wanted to crack the case for Tingting’s sake. I sat on the side of the road and kept giving her parents advice for half an hour, but they just wanted to believe in Wang Jinghang. Later, people from Cloudroad contacted me…” Xu Jiao stopped, she did something against her will due to the temptation of money. After the HR Department explained the insurance terms to Li Ting’s parents, she promptly said that it was the company’s conspiracy to keep the premium.
Although Li Ting’s parents value boys more than girls, they still care about their daughters. They believed in Wang Jinghang, their fiance, and Xu Jiao, the “insider”. Knowing that Punctuation was an evil company and receiving the “funding” from Cloudroad, they began to spare no effort to worsen Punctuation company’s reputation.
“Mr. Gao, I am willing to testify in court, could you please not mention the commercial spy thing on my dismission certificate?” Xu Jiao cleaned her face, and her half-Beijing-half-Taiwan accent also became standard Mandarin.
The dismission certificate issued by the personnel department at the time of resignation must presented when she tries to find a new job. If the truth is written, she can’t find any job in any legit enterprise.
Gao Yusheng wasn’t sure. He raised his chin to show Zhai Chen to escort her out of the company.
As soon as they went out, the CFO knocked.
“Mr. Gao, the special funds for the “point finding” project is about to run out in two weeks. If new funds can’t be there within two weeks, the project will stop.” The CFO put the measurement report on the table and asked for solutions.
“Don’t worry about money. Keep it going as planned.” Gao Yusheng glanced at report, which was almost as he expected.
The CFO nodded, didn’t ask much, and went out.
“Director Yan, what does the president say?” The head of the project team came and asked.
“Continue.” The chief financial officer gave a positive reply.
“How about the money? Jinnan capital will not be investing, and other small investments are not going to suffice. The president’s move is brilliant, but the law suit needs at least half a year to close, with all those troubles, Cloudroad’s compensation cannot be counted on in a year.” The person in charge is so worried that they have to go bald. This project is their one year’s hard work. If the project is launched, the bonus they get is immeasurable. But being put on hold, we’ll have to start over again.
The CFO couldn’t answer the question, patted the person in charge on the shoulder and left.
The disconsolate person in charge grabbed Secretary Zheng passing by and began to complain. Zheng Jing understood the situation the person in charge was in. He was also worrying. But his boss was still steady. He vividly displayed the expression “back-seat driver”.
Zhai Chen helped Xu Jiao carrying a box of sundries to the elevator entrance.
“I didn’t mean to do all that, I didn’t think those internet marketers would affect the company. The public relations ability of Punctuation company have been very strong.” Xu murmured.
She thought those reputation sabotage would not hurt or even itch the company. She thought that nobody cares about that ridiculous behavior. If she knew the consequences could be so serious, she would not take the money from Cloudroad. Unfortunately, she cannot undo what she’s done.
When the elevator arrived, Zhai Chen put the box into the elevator and took her staff card: “I don’t know any of your fancy words, but as a kindergarten teacher, even if I believe that the security measures of the kindergarten can completely protect the children, I won’t bring the traffickers to the kindergarten to show them the children.”
Xu Jiao stood in the elevator, speechless for a while, suddenly squatted, holding her knees and crying: “I’m wrong, I’m sorry, I betrayed Tingting.”
The elevator closed slowly, taking away the unfinished regret and confession.
There is some money that we don’t take, if we take it, our conscience will be torturing us for life.
“Ding” this elevator just went down, another one opened. A man dressed in casual clothes who looked like he was paying a visit to a friend walked out of the elevator. When he saw Zhai Chen, he asked, “Is this the Punctuation Map?”
Zhai Chen looked at the two tall young men in suits and shoes who were behind him and alerted right away. Are they here for troubles?
“Who are you?” Zhai Chen looked up and down at the man. Although Zhai didn’t wear sunglasses, and a white T-shirt with cartoon pattern was worn, but they was shocked by him and stopped.
The man in casual clothes has a good temperament. He looked under 30. But the shirt was so flamboyant that it destroyed the business atmosphere and made him look like a playboy.
“We are here for business.” The man is a bit confused. He looked at the Punctuation Map sign on the wall and took out his cellphone to make a phone call.
When the glass door opened, Gao Yusheng came out in person and shook hands with the man in casual clothes: “Why does President Ji come in person?”
He’s really a business partner, who’d thought! Zhai Chen stood quietly by the side, trying to be ignored.
“Ah, this is?” President Ji looked at the fierce but beautiful young man.
“Bodyguard.” Gao Yusheng said, standing between Mr. Ji and Zhai, invited him to come in and talk.
In the corner, the project leader and Secretary Zheng, who were sharing feelings, saw the boss went out in person to pick up a playboy character, both stretched their necks to have a peep.
“Secretary Zheng, who is that?” Now the project leader looked at anyone but only seeing financial supports. He looks at Zheng Jing with eager eyes.
“Well, I’ve never seen him. President Gao went out to talk about business without taking me again.” Secretary Zheng had no idea. His main responsibility is far too different from Secretary Hao’s,.
“It’s the boss of Xianyu venture capital, Ji Xianyu.” The chief financial officer suddenly appeared behind them and said quietly.
“Wow!” They were startled and hugged each other without realizing it, only to find that the place where they were standing and muttering was the door of the CFO’s office. The financial department of a company is usually located in the corner where it is difficult to be noticed, the Punctuation Company is no exception.
Xianyu venture capital is also an investment company. Although it can’t be compared with Jinnan capital, it still got 200 million yuan available. After listening to the CFO, the project leader immediately burst into tears: “Whether it’s Salted fish or solid food (translator’s note: the name of the company Xian Yu also means salted fish in the original text) , the one with the money is the best!”
The name is not very serious, probably because it was founded by some rich kids for joy. The enterprise advertising slogan is “Xianyu venture capital, a casual company”. Fortunately, as one of the most important man in Xian Yu company, Ji Xianyu is someone who can work hard so the company has lasted for two years with several major capital companies.
Although the man doesn’t look very reliable.
Zhai Chen stood behind Gao Yusheng, wondering when they got in touch. On the materials Ji Xianyu brought, it is clear that Gao Yusheng’s name had been signed, and all the details had been almost finalized. Today’s just a field trip for final confirmation.
“I want the money by Friday.” Gao Yusheng went straight to the point.
“This Friday? Sire, you think I’m a self-employed loan shark? There’s even not enough time for the procedure.” The investment of 200 million yuan is certainly a big deal for Xianyu venture capital, otherwise, Ji Xianyu won’t be there in person.
“I don’t care. I’m in a hurry.” Gao Yusheng showed Ji an email he just received. When the public relations crisis ended, Jinnan capital immediately expressed his willingness to continue the negotiation.
“Then what do you need me for?” Ji Xianyu threw the folder on the table, face dropped.
“I don’t like Jinnan capital.” Gao Yusheng said sincerely, still in a serious and calm tone.
No one can express “don’t like it” in such a way. Ji Xianyu laughed at once: “Ha ha ha, I like it! OK, I’ll ask them to work overtime for you. I’ll pull some strings to hurry up. I’ll give you the money on Monday at the latest. But you have to let me look at the upcoming project first. “
Zhai Chen seemed speechless. Those are not the words that Gao Yusheng will say, they must be prepared in advance.
Gao didn’t say a thing. After a moment, he compromised. Monday’s fine. He had three man to sign a confidentiality agreement and took them to the demonstration hall of the project team. Of course, as a bodyguard with confidentiality clauses in his employment contract, Zhai Chen went with him.
The project leader saw Ji Xianyu as if he had seen his father. He undertook the presentation work for himself. The 3D laser demonstration is needed. All the lights in the room are turned off with a sound, then the whole demonstration hall went into darkness instantly.
Zhai Chen, blinded by the sudden darkness, went stiff due to nervousness and his index finger was suddenly held by a warm and dry hand.
“Lights will be on in a minute.” Gao Yusheng whispered to his ear.
Zhai Chen’s brain froze for a moment, all this reminded him of that summer night when the cicada were making noises. That kid lying on the top of the house, secretly grasped his index finger and whispered, “brother, the night’s fading away. I don’t want it to fade away.”
Okaypiggy 