BDBE 33
Chapter 33 Mini-Holiday
Xiaoli City, a county-level city 200 kilometers away from Qiongying City, is famous for its sweet and delicious chestnuts, which are sold throughout the country.
This small city had little to do with Linshan Group. Apart from retailing some daily necessities here, the group had no business here.
Logically speaking, Zhou Hui would never have come here on a business trip.
Coincidentally, a few days ago, when Zhou Hui was inspecting Jingjiang City, he met a kind old man with a round face and a round belly.
The old man’s surname was Li. He and his wife came to Jingjiang City to visit their daughter. It was their first time staying in a big hotel. They wanted to have breakfast but were stopped by the waiter because they forgot their room key.
The waiter was very rude: “Non-guests are not allowed to enter for meals” without reminding the old man to get his room key, as if he was certain that these two simply dressed old people could not afford their hotel.
The old man felt humiliated and tried hard to prove that he was indeed a guest.
Just then, Zhou Hui and his group passed by and were drawn by the commotion. They immediately guessed what had happened and, not wanting to see the two elderly people being mocked, asked Han Zhen to speak to the manager.
The manager quickly came over and reprimanded the waiter.
The old man thanked the manager and then Zhou Hui. When he saw Zhou Hui, he frowned.
Suddenly, he asked Zhou Hui if his surname was Zhou.
Zhou Hui asked the old man why.
The old man explained that a documentary film crew had once filmed at the welfare home where he worked for over half a year. The director of the film was a very handsome man, and the man on his phone wallpaper looked a lot like Zhou Hui. He had learned from chatting with the director that the photo was a picture of the director and his spouse, and his surname was Zhou.
At this point, Zhou Hui had a general idea of the old man’s identity.
Zhou Hui told the old man that he was the director’s spouse and mentioned the name Shen Wanchao.
The old man was immediately struck by the wonder of fate and began telling Zhou Hui many stories about Shen Wanchao on the filming site. The two ended up sitting in the restaurant chatting for nearly two hours.
Then, when the old man warmly invited Zhou Hui to visit Xiaoli City sometime, Zhou Hui, on a whim, suggested they go together to see the filming location, as he had always wanted to help children in need.
Zhou Hui and the old man readily agreed, and so they came to Xiaoli City.
The old man used to be the director of the orphanage, and everyone called him Director Li. Now that the orphanage was in his son’s hands, everyone called him Old Director Li.
Today, Zhou Hui toured the orphanage accompanied by Old Director Li, with Han Zhen following behind them.
The orphanage’s facilities were fairly complete, though somewhat old. It had a five-story building and a yard about half the size of a standard 400-meter track.
The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the children playing in the yard; they cast slivers of sunlight on them, gentle, peaceful, and serene.
“Our orphanage is quite well-equipped; the children have no worries about food or clothing. Occasionally, volunteers come to teach the children under six to recognize characters and learn pinyin. When they reach primary school age, they can attend nearby schools. Therefore, many children remember this place and are willing to return after they start working to see their younger siblings and help out as much as they can.”
The orphanage was the culmination of Director Li’s life’s work, and pride naturally shone through him as he spoke of it.
Zhou Hui echoed, “Yes, they look very healthy.”
“All we can do is help them grow up healthy; ultimately, it can’t compare to the happiness and joy of children with families,” the kind old man sighed.
While Zhou Hui was talking to Director Li, Han Zhen’s phone suddenly rang.
He quickly went to the side and answered the call.
A cool yet gentle voice came from behind: “Good afternoon, Secretary Han.”
Han Zhen wasn’t sure who it was: “May I ask who you are…?”
“I’m Shen Wanchao.”
Han Zhen was startled and unconsciously straightened up a bit, “Good afternoon, Mr. Shen. May I ask the reason for your call?”
“Is Zhou Hui next to you?” Shen Wanchao asked.
Han Zhen nodded slightly: “President Zhou is right next to me. Shall I ask him to speak with you now?”
“No, move away from him. It’s best not to let him hear our conversation,” Shen Wanchao instructed.
Han Zhen felt a little strange, but still obediently took a few more steps away.
“Alright, I’ve moved a bit further away. What are your instructions?”
Han Tian heard Shen Wanchao say, “Zhou Hui has been away on business for so long. I’d like to come and see him. I wonder if that would be a disturbance?”
So that’s what it was about.
Han Zhen hesitated for a moment, assessing his boss’s level of indulgence towards his spouse, and quickly made the decision on his behalf: “It won’t bother him.”
“Really? That’s great.” Shen Wanchao’s tone immediately brightened. “Then could you please send me the address, Secretary Han?”
“We’re currently in Xiaoli City, at the orphanage you stayed at during your previous filming,” Han Zhen said succinctly.
Shen Wanchao was silent for a moment before saying, “Understood, thank you.”
Before hanging up, Shen Wanchao specifically reminded him again: “Although Zhou Hui is your boss, I want to give him a surprise, so please don’t tell him.”
Han Zhen seriously agreed, then stared at the disconnected phone, lost in thought for a moment.
When he came back to his senses, Han Zhen, adhering to the professional ethics of a secretary, saved Shen Wanchao’s phone number.
Editor’s Note: Mr. Shen.
That evening, Han Zhen followed Zhou Hui back to their hotel in Xiaoli City.
Before entering the room, Zhou Hui turned around, looking at Han Tian with amusement, and reminded him, “The room key is with you, Secretary Han. Are you just standing there waiting for me to kick the door down?”
Han Zhen quickly regained his senses, and stepped forward to open the door: “I’m sorry, Mr. Zhou.”
After the door opened, Zhou Hui didn’t rush in, but asked, “Why do you seem so absent-minded today? Is it because the business trip went longer than expected and you’re feeling tired?”
“No,” Han Zhen shook his head, “Mr. Zhou, there’s something I’m not sure if I should ask.”
“If you shouldn’t ask, then don’t ask,” Zhou Hui replied coldly.
Han Zhen: “…” Damn it.
He forced a smile: “No, I have to ask, otherwise I won’t be able to sleep tonight. Mr. Zhou, have you explained the matter of that photo to Mr. Shen?”
Zhou Hui raised an eyebrow; he noticed a hint of fear and guilt hidden beneath Han Zhen’s seemingly calm expression, and couldn’t help but laugh: “Are you scared? It’s rare to see you scared.”
“I’m terrified. I’m afraid of being seen as a shameless mistress by the boss’s spouse, kicked out of the company, and left to beg on the streets.” Han Zhen spoke sincerely.
He regretted it.
He had agreed to his unreliable boss’s excessive demands under the lure of an immediate promotion and double year-end bonus.
He regretted it.
Zhou Hui showed him the photos and ordered him not to explain a single word to Shen Wanchao. He figured he rarely had contact with Shen Wanchao, and even if Shen Wanchao came looking for him, he could simply remain silent, a simple way to make tens of thousands of yuan. So he agreed.
A person really shouldn’t sell their soul.
Now what? Shen Wanchao is really coming. What will he do?
He was just an ordinary, hardworking laborer hoping to save a million yuan before he turned forty to return to the countryside and farm for retirement.
“Don’t worry, I’ve already explained it to him,” Zhou Hui patted his shoulder. “But why did you suddenly ask this?”
Han Zhen broke out in a cold sweat, thinking, “I can’t exactly tell you it’s because I received a call from Shen Wanchao today, and I’m afraid his visit to the set is a pretense of catching someone cheating…
“I’m just too honest. I can’t lie,” Han Zhen pushed up his glasses.
Zhou Hui chuckled and stepped into the room: “Don’t worry, Xiao Wan knows I could never like an Alpha. That’s why I asked you for this favor in the first place. If that day ever comes, just tell him you’re actually a pretentious idiot.”
Oh ho, this Zhou the Skinflint is even sexist!
While mentally cursing his boss, Secretary Han still bowed respectfully at a 45-degree angle: “Goodnight, President Zhou.”
…
In a few days, a five-day holiday would arrive, no classes.
After confirming the itinerary with Han Zhen, Shen Wanchao found Zhou Mingchen and asked him what he planned to do during the holiday.
Zhou Mingchen looked up from his mountain of homework: “Homework, then play games.”
“How about we go out and have some fun?” Shen Wanchao suggested enthusiastically.
“Where to?”
“Xiaoli City.”
“Where is that?” Zhou Mingchen said dismissively, “Never even heard of it, not going.”
“The chestnuts there are very sweet.”
“I don’t like chestnuts.”
“There’s a huge lavender field there.”
“My clothes don’t need lavender.”
Shen Wanchao’s face darkened.
Why is this kid so difficult to please?
…
The last school day before the long weekend.
After leaving Teacher Sun’s office, Lin Anyi handed his leave slip to the podium and returned to his seat to pack his schoolbag.
He planned to visit the orphanage during the five-day holiday.
Since transferring to Qiongya, he rarely had the opportunity to go back. He couldn’t go back last summer, and only stayed for a few days during the Spring Festival this year. The director was getting old, and he hoped to spend more time with him.
There were only two buses a day from Qiongying City to Xiaoli City, and the journey would take more than four hours. After considering it for a long time, he decided to ask for leave this afternoon to leave early, otherwise the round trip would be too rushed.
Teacher Sun didn’t make things difficult for him and granted him leave on the spot, only reminding him to finish his homework well and pay attention to road safety.
His deskmate noticed him packing his bag and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you packing your things to go home now? Don’t we still have two classes?”
Lin Anyi answered while packing his books, “Yeah, I asked Ms. Sun for leave.”
His deskmate let out an envious squeak, “Ah, that must be because your home is far away, aren’t you a local?”
“Yeah,” Lin Anyi nodded, “My home is in Xiaoli City.”
“Oh, I know that place, I heard the chestnuts there are delicious!”
“If you like, I’ll bring some back for you this time,” Lin Anyi said without hesitation.
After saying that, his hand holding the pencil case suddenly stopped. His deskmate didn’t notice his strangeness and cheered, “Great, great, then I’ll bring you some specialties from my mom’s hometown too.”
The two classmates in front of him also turned around and pestered Lin Anyi, saying they also wanted to eat chestnuts.
Lin Anyi didn’t refuse and agreed to both.
The classmates were satisfied and began to discuss where to go for the short holiday.
Lin Anyi slowly lowered his head, almost burying it in his backpack.
When did he become able to talk so naturally with his classmates?
It didn’t feel bad…
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