Chapter 628: Reprimanding Zhao Qing

A few minutes later.

Zhao Qing entered the living room.

“Good day, Sister-in-law.”

Zhao Qing smiled first and greeted Zhao Qingyu.

Although he was obviously older than Xu Shaochen, he referred to both Zhao Qingyu and Liu Rushuang as ‘Sister-in-law’.

“Sit down. You all talk, I’ll go make some tea.”

Zhao Qingyu smiled slightly, then got up from the sofa.

“What’s the matter?”

After Zhao Qing sat down, Xu Shaochen asked.

Usually, Zhao Qing would call over the Phone. Since he came to meet in person today, it must be something important.

The office building matters have been dealt with.

It’s probably about the factory site; there must be some trouble with it.

“Mr. Xu, there’s an undeveloped plot in the industrial zone that meets your requirements for the factory, but the owner is asking a high price. My plan was to let it simmer for a few days to bring the price down.”

“But unexpectedly, a Cheng Yaojin suddenly jumped in, and now the owner is willing to sell it to us at a lower price. However, taking it might cause some trouble.”

Xu Shaochen raised an eyebrow: “Tell me, who is this Cheng Yaojin, and what’s his background.”

“Let’s moisten our throats with some tea before we continue.”

Zhao Qingyu brought over two cups of tea, handing one each to Xu Shaochen and Zhao Qing.

“Thank you, Sister-in-law.”

Zhao Qing didn’t dare have Zhao Qingyu place the tea before him. He quickly stood up and took it with both hands.

After taking a small sip, he smiled at Zhao Qingyu, “Sister-in-law’s tea-making skills are truly exceptional. This is the best tea I’ve ever had.”

“Alright, if you don’t know how to flatter, don’t bother. You should be praising the tea I bought instead.” Xu Shaochen rolled his eyes, speaking in a dissatisfied tone.

Zhao Qing chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment.

Zhao Qingyu couldn’t help but smile, “You guys talk, I’ll go out and buy some groceries. Zhao Qing, you should stay for lunch.”

“Sister-in-law, there’s no need to trouble yourself…” Zhao Qing quickly responded.

Xu Shaochen raised an eyebrow: “What? Trying to save me money? Staying for a meal isn’t going to bankrupt me.”

Zhao Qing no longer dared to refuse and sat back down, continuing the previous discussion: “I’ve made some inquiries. That man is named Liao Zanrong, the nephew of the newly-appointed head official. He’s arrogant and domineering. If we really take that piece of land, he won’t let it go easily.”

“Zhao Qing, I’m glad you’ve become more cautious, but have you also lost your courage?”

Xu Shaochen suddenly put down his Teacup, addressing Zhao Qing in a calm tone.

Zhao Qing’s face changed, and he immediately explained, “Mr. Xu, I just don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

“Do you believe that Liao Zanrong has the capability to cause me trouble?” Xu Shaochen asked in return.

“I…” Zhao Qing was speechless, wanting to say something but ultimately lowering his head in frustration.

Xu Shaochen sighed: “I understand, your assets have increased, and now you want to play it safe, avoiding risks. I get it. But playing it safe and lacking the courage to take risks are two different things. If the sky falls, I’ll hold it up for you. What are you afraid of?”

“We let the office building issue pass, but now with the factory site, you’ve come to me again. If I could handle everything myself, what would I need you for?”

These words struck hard. Zhao Qing’s face turned pale, and he instinctively straightened up.

“Being steady doesn’t mean being overly cautious. Like this, you may live comfortably for the rest of your life, but that’s all it will ever be.”

Zhao Qing wiped the sweat from his forehead, “Mr. Xu, please give me another chance. I’ll definitely handle this properly.”

“Enough. Take a few days off. Your mindset is off right now; you’re not suited to handle this.” Xu Shaochen said casually.

Zhao Qing’s face changed drastically: “Mr. Xu…”

“Don’t overthink it. I’m just asking you to take a break. Zhao Qing, I see you as a friend, not just a tool to get things done. I want you to stay with me for a long time. Understand?”

Xu Shaochen interrupted Zhao Qing.

He could understand Zhao Qing’s situation.

In the past, Zhao Qing had nothing, so he was bold and willing to take risks. But now, with wealth and power, he’d become comfortable with the status quo.

He was afraid to act too boldly, fearing that things might spiral out of control. If this mindset didn’t change, that’s how his life would remain.

“Yes, Mr. Xu. I’ve disappointed you. Don’t worry, I’ll fix my mindset as soon as possible.”

Zhao Qing took a deep breath and looked at Xu Shaochen, his voice resolute. After speaking, he stood up, ready to leave.

“Stay for lunch before you go. Otherwise, Qingyu will be unhappy when she returns with the groceries.”

Xu Shaochen said calmly.

After lunch, Zhao Qing left.

“What happened? Did you scold him again?”

After Zhao Qing left, Zhao Qingyu looked at Xu Shaochen and asked.

After all, it was clear that Zhao Qing was in low spirits just now.

Xu Shaochen raised an eyebrow, “Why are you meddling in men’s affairs? He should be grateful I’m still willing to scold him. The day I ignore him, that’s when he should really be worried.”

“Hmph! If you don’t want to say, don’t say. No need to be so fierce. I’m going to wash the dishes.”

After being scolded by Xu Shaochen, Zhao Qingyu pouted and headed to the kitchen without arguing further.

She knew Xu Shaochen well. When it came to small things, he would indulge the women in his life and spoil them to the heavens, but he didn’t like them interfering in serious matters.

So when they made a mistake, they wisely didn’t argue, nor did they cause a scene, because they knew that would only annoy Xu Shaochen.

They also understood that Xu Shaochen was busy enough outside, so it was only natural that he’d be frustrated if he couldn’t have peace at home.

Sitting on the sofa, Xu Shaochen began thinking about who should be assigned to handle the factory site issue.

Handling it himself was out of the question. A mere Liao Zanrong wasn’t worth his time.

Forget it, too many annoying things today. My brain hurts. I’ll deal with it tomorrow.

………

The next day.

Morning.

While Xu Shaochen was having breakfast, Long Yi suddenly came in.

“Boss, the man who tried to jump yesterday is here.”

“The jumper?” Xu Shaochen was momentarily confused before realizing Long Yi was referring to Liu Jun. Why hadn’t he stayed to recover? What was he doing here?

Still puzzled, Xu Shaochen said, “Let him in.”

A few minutes later, Liu Jun hobbled in on crutches.

Seeing the room full of women, he was taken aback for a moment, then hesitantly greeted, “Good day… Sister-in-laws.”

“Sit down. Have you eaten? Rushuang, bring him a set of utensils.”

Xu Shaochen said to Liu Rushuang.

“No need, Mr. Xu. I’ve already eaten. I just came to see if there was any task you needed me to handle.”

Liu Jun quickly replied.

Xu Shaochen was surprised. He hadn’t expected Liu Jun to be this determined. Didn’t he fear leaving permanent damage to his leg?

Little did he know Liu Jun feared being forgotten. That’s why he had only stayed at the hospital for half a day before coming to find Xu Shaochen.