Chapter 4
Befriending Your Biggest Threats
Arriving at the address where the industry event was being held, Xu Jin drove into the parking lot just beside the event building. They had changed cars before coming to the event, and they arrived a bit late.
"Xu Jin."
Lei Zhang called his name, but Xu Jin still ignored him and simply unbuckled his seat belt before stepping out of the car.
Xu Jin had been ignoring him since they left Fengxian, and it was beginning to make Lei Zhang uncomfortable.
They had already missed the mingling in the lobby and the light refreshments of tea and wine, but they weren't that late.
They arrived just as the host, Yang Zhi, a middle-aged man and the CEO of Black Mesa Games, was welcoming everyone before giving a keynote speech on the state of the gaming industry in China.
By 7:00 p.m., the CEOs and their staff, or whoever they had brought along, were seated at tables according to industry categories, having a formal dinner.
They introduced themselves, shared experiences, and exchanged business cards, but Lei Zhang wasn't interested in any of it.
All the attempts at getting along with other CEOs were making him sick of the event.
To make things worse, Xu Jin was still ignoring him.
By 8:00 p.m., a few top CEOs went on stage for a panel discussion covering topics such as China's global role in gaming, the future of mobile versus console gaming, AI and VR in games, navigating regulations, and monetization.
These were the only things that had caught Lei Zhang's interest since he arrived.
After the panel, the CEOs split into smaller groups. Some moved to private side rooms to discuss partnerships, while others mingled in the hall, meeting potential collaborators or investors.
Lei Zhang stood, his eyes searching around for Xu Jin, who had suddenly disappeared.
Finally, he spotted him at a wine table.
Lei Zhang was about to walk over to him when he felt someone tap him on the back.
He turned around and saw the host, Yang Zhi, standing there and stretching out a glass of wine toward him while holding another glass in his other hand.
Not wanting to be rude, especially to the host, Lei Zhang accepted the wine but didn't drink it.
"I've noticed you've been quiet all through the event," Yang Zhi said.
"I didn't have anything to say," Lei Zhang simply replied.
Yang Zhi exhaled.
"Lei Zhang, right? CEO of Titan Core Games. Well, first, congratulations. I heard your company has been ranked the best in Shanghai. At the same time, accept my condolences. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to your father's funeral," Yang Zhi said.
"It's alright. Besides, you had a big event to organize. It's really impressive," Lei Zhang said.
Yang Zhi smiled.
"How about I suggest a partnership between us?" Yang Zhi asked.
Lei Zhang raised a brow.
"Your company is the best in Beijing. Why partner with me?" Lei Zhang asked.
Yang Zhi shook his head.
"Do not speak as if your company isn't great. You're quite famous in the business industry. I heard you hate women a lot. Or are those just rumors?" Yang Zhi asked.
"I don't think I take an interest in talking about my personal life," Lei Zhang said.
"It's fine. So, will you be accepting the partnership?" Yang Zhi asked.
"I'll think about it."
Lei Zhang's response intimidated Yang Zhi, but he still forced a smile.
His company was greater than Lei Zhang's. He should be the one deciding whether to accept a partnership with Lei Zhang, but somehow, it had to be the other way around.
He believed one of the rules of business was to befriend your biggest threats.
Lei Zhang's company, Titan Core Games, had only started seven years ago, but its increasing popularity and advanced gaming technology were quite threatening.
It wouldn't take a few more years before Titan Core beat his company.
By 9:30 p.m., the atmosphere seemed more relaxed.
They had dessert and drinks, with some entertainment and music before getting into casual conversations.
At the end of the event, Yang Zhi gave a thank-you speech.
The event came to an end by 10:30 p.m.
Lei Zhang and Xu Jin were the first to leave.
Xu Jin got into the driver's seat, waiting for Lei Zhang to buckle his seat belt before starting the engine.
It was a silent drive, with neither of them wanting to say a word.
The weather had changed, and dark clouds covered the stars.
By the time they arrived at Lei Zhang's mansion, it was already pouring heavily.
Xu Jin parked the car and waited for Lei Zhang to get out so he could drive back, as they always did whenever Lei Zhang's car was used to go out.
"Come inside," Lei Zhang said before getting out of the car.
Xu Jin rolled his eyes before getting out as well, and they hurried to the porch, avoiding the rain.
Lei Zhang pressed the doorbell, and it was opened by a middle-aged butler.
He didn't greet Lei Zhang. He already knew Lei Zhang didn't like being greeted by people older than him. He still had the discipline his father had taught him.
Xu Jin waited for the butler to disappear before turning to Lei Zhang.
"Why are you making me come in?" Xu Jin finally asked.
"It's raining. You can stay for the night," Lei Zhang said, taking off his suit jacket.
"Won't I be driving back?" Xu Jin asked.
"You're not taking my car. I don't want you breaking another window. You can either stay for the night or go under the rain," Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin turned to leave, making it obvious that he'd rather get beaten by the rain than stay for the night.
Lei Zhang immediately grabbed his arm before he could walk out, now getting pissed.
"What exactly is your problem?" Lei Zhang yelled.
"I'm mad at you, that's my problem!" Xu Jin yelled back.
"Mad at me? I should be the one mad at you."
Lei Zhang said, and Xu Jin scoffed.
"Of course. Don't admit your stupid attitude and the stress you put me through," Xu Jin said, yanking his arm out
of Lei Zhang's grip.
"Fine. How do I make up for it?" Lei Zhang asked.
"I don't need anything. All I need is for you to swallow your stupid pride and apologize," Xu Jin said.
Lei Zhang glared at him.
"I'm not. If you really want to go under the rain, then leave!" Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin didn't wait another second. He walked out the door and shut it behind him.
Looking at the pouring rain, he sighed and sat on the porch, waiting for the rain to at least die down a little.
Meanwhile, inside, Lei Zhang stared at the closed door with mixed feelings.
He ruffled his hair, feeling frustrated, before hurrying to the door.
He quickly opened it and stepped onto the porch to check on Xu Jin.
He was relieved to still see him there.
"You didn't leave?" Lei Zhang asked.
Xu Jin turned back, glaring at him.
"Is that how much you want me gone?"
Xu Jin asked.
Lei Zhang exhaled.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to act like that at Fengxian. I've just been in a bad mood all day," Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin scrutinized him before standing up.
He then walked past Lei Zhang and back inside without saying a word.
Lei Zhang heaved a sigh before following him in.
Seeing Xu Jin take off his shoes and socks, he knew Xu Jin was staying.
Lei Zhang sat opposite him, waiting for him to finish taking off his shoes and socks.
"We still need to talk," Lei Zhang said.
"Let me guess. It's about that girl. Do you like her?" Xu Jin asked.
"No. I'm just curious about her. She seems different, like she's peculiar, but also suspicious. I don't know if she's a spy. I'm not really sure how I feel about her," Lei Zhang said.
"So, what did you mean when you said to rent you an apartment and get you casual clothes?" Xu Jin asked.
"I'm pretending to be her home tutor," Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin raised a brow.
"Are you serious right now? You're curious enough to pretend to be a home tutor? I don't even get it. How did all this happen?" Xu Jin asked.
"She mistook me for an anonymous home tutor she contacted online. But something about her seems weird. I first admired her simplicity, but…"
Lei Zhang suddenly paused and breathed out.
"I'm just curious. That's it," Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin exhaled.
"Well, I really hope your curiosity turns into love or something," Xu Jin said.
"Don't get your hopes up," Lei Zhang replied.
Xu Jin heaved a sigh.
"I'll rent you a place in Fengxian and buy you casual clothes. But you're famous. If she isn't a spy, won't she find out your real identity sooner or later?" Xu Jin asked.
"My company is famous, not me. Not everyone knows the CEO of Titan Core Games, especially people in Fengxian. But if she eventually finds out my real identity before I reveal it, then so be it," Lei Zhang said.
"It's okay, then. At least a girl's finally stealing your attention," Xu Jin said, taking the remote from the middle table and turning on the TV.
"You still haven't told me what happened to the window of my car," Lei Zhang said.
Xu Jin paused.
Like seriously, couldn't this guy just let go of some things?
*****************************************
Xiao Yanran rushed onto her porch, taking off her raincoat, which was dripping wet, and dropping it onto a bench.
She held the door handle and took in a deep breath before opening the door.
Her parents and her older sister, Xiao Wan, were at the dining table, having dinner and chatting happily as if the family was already complete without her.
She walked over to them and greeted them, but no one returned the greeting.
She exhaled before going into the kitchen to get herself something to eat.
Then she joined them at the dining table.
She was still ignored.
Her parents and Xiao Wan continued chatting happily, almost as if they hadn't noticed her presence.
"So, where do you plan to have your internship?" her mother asked.
"Well, I plan to intern at Titan Core Games. It's the best gaming company in Shanghai," Xiao Wan said.
"That's perfect. With your good grades, they'd definitely accept you as an intern, unlike some people," her father said, finally turning to Xiao Yanran.
She stopped eating.
"Dad, uhm, I wanted to tell you, I've got a home tutor and…"
"Home tutor or not, I don't care. If you fail to graduate from high school, you're done
with school!" her father said sternly.
"Urgh! Just forget about her. Don't spoil our dinner," her mother said before turning back to Xiao Wan.
"Xiao Wan, dear, you're very beautiful. I heard the CEO of Titan Core is twenty-five. When you begin your internship, try to win his heart," her mother said.
"Of course. I always make you two proud, don't I?" Xiao Wan said.
They continued talking and laughing, not noticing that Xiao Yanran had left the table and gone to her room.
Collapsing onto her bed, she felt an ache of sadness.
But, not wanting it to weigh her down, she took out her phone and called Li Wen.
"Hello, Li Wen," she said the moment the call went through.
"Hello, Yanran. How was the meeting with the tutor?" Li Wen asked.
"It was nice. Plus, he's very gorgeous. He's tall, has platinum-blond hair, and he's young. He's twenty-five," Xiao Yanran said.
"Yanran, don't focus on his face. Focus on learning," Li Wen said.
"I know, geez," Xiao Yanran replied.
"Anyways, your birthday is next week. I've already bought your birthday present. Guess what it is," Li Wen said.
Xiao Yanran thought for a while.
"Uhm, a video game?" Xiao Yanran guessed.
"Yes, but not just any video game. It's from Titan Core Games," Li Wen said.
Xiao Yanran's eyes widened as she sat up on the bed.
"What?! Are you serious?" Xiao Yanran asked.
"I'm dead serious. But if I don't see any improvement in your grades, I'll sell it and get you a textbook instead," Li Wen said.
"No, no! I'll improve. I'll definitely study hard. You'd better keep that game," Xiao Yanran said.
"It's all up to you. Anyways, you won't believe what happened to me earlier today," Li Wen said.
"Things barely happen to you, Li Wen. You're usually the one happening to people," Xiao Yanran said.
"No, this time I'm the victim here. Some crazy driver splashed mud on me and my bike," Li Wen said.
"Well, did he apologize?" Xiao Yanran asked.
"Well, yeah, but I'm sure he didn't mean it," Li Wen said.
Xiao Yanran became suspicious.
"Li Wen, what did you do?" she asked.
"Nothing, aside from breaking the front passenger window and stepping on him with my boots," Li Wen said.
Xiao Yanran's eyes widened.
"What?!" Xiao Yanran yelled.
"Geez, calm down. It's not my fault. He threatened me and got me pissed, and you know how I get when I'm pissed," Li Wen said.
Xiao Yanran shook her head.
"Remind me how we met again, Li Wen," Xiao Yanran said.
T.B.C.