Chapter 30 - 1#
“……”
Jing Shun’s signing hand paused slightly, his gaze shifting subtly.
It wasn’t the first time he’d heard discussions about his legs in public, but this comment was far too unrestrained in volume, carrying an unmistakable intentionality.
Chi Gui’s expression chilled as well. He turned sideways, immediately looking toward the opposite side—
The newcomer appeared to be around fifty, his thinning hair slicked and glossy with hair gel.
He wore a custom dark brown suit that couldn’t hide his slightly portly figure. His cufflinks and lapel pin were studded with expensive gemstones, and the diamond-encrusted watch face on his wrist shimmered dazzlingly under the light.
Wealthy, but exaggerated.
Beside him was a young woman with a shapely figure, also dripping in jewels and finery.
Wei Di quickly recognized them, leaning in to murmur, “Sir, it’s Zhang Aode.”
Chi Gui had already identified him, giving a barely perceptible nod, the coldness in his pupils only deepening.
Jing Shun caught the name and quickly put it together:
Zhang Aode?
Wasn’t that the Zhang family who had publicly challenged the Chi Group for the project?
Zhang Aode met Chi Gui’s gaze, seemingly prompted by an assistant beside him to react.
He approached with his female companion, his sparse eyebrows slightly raised. His gaze toward Chi Gui now carried an air of arrogant scrutiny. “Who do we have here? If it isn’t the Third Young Master Chi from Haishi. I’ve heard so much about you.”
The greeting came with a smile, yet to those present, it reeked of veiled mockery.
“……”
Third Young Master?
Not Mr. Chi, and certainly not Chairman Chi.
An obvious attempt to belittle Chi Gui’s status.
Wei Di corrected him, “Chairman Zhang, our sir has already taken over as head of the Chi Group.”
Zhang Aode feigned ignorance. “Is that so? Well, I really must be out of the loop. My apologies, Mr. Chi.”
Chi Gui didn’t extend a hand, his reply devoid of pleasantries. “At your age, Chairman Zhang, you must be busy with countless affairs. Haishi and Hong Kong-Macau are far apart, so it’s only natural you’re not up to date on changes at the Chi Group.”
Zhang Aode’s expression flickered—he hadn’t expected Chi Gui to immediately target his age.
“Perfect timing, let me introduce you—”
Chi Gui stepped closer to Jing Shun’s wheelchair, placing a steady hand on its push handles. “This is my partner, Jing Shun. I’d ask you to show some respect, Chairman Zhang.”
The last sentence sounded like a request, but the tone was firm and unquestionable.
The nearby attendants, sensing the sudden weight of Chi Gui’s presence, exchanged knowing glances and quickly slipped away to spread word.
“……”
Jing Shun hadn’t expected Chi Gui to defend him so directly. He was moved.
Across from them, Zhang Aode was stunned for two seconds, as if he’d heard some outrageous joke—
He had strutted through Hong Kong and Macau for years. Who didn’t give him face?
Respect?
That was something others gave to him, he didn’t offer it!
Zhang Aode’s face darkened as he prepared to lash out, but footsteps sounded from behind.
“Uncle Zhang, Mr. Chi, you’re both here.”
Ji Tianheng, the host, strode up quickly.
Ji Tianheng instantly recognized the tension between Chi Gui and Zhang Aode, pretending not to notice as he smoothed things over. “Uncle Zhang, let me introduce you. This is Chi Gui, the current chairman of the Chi Group.”
“Mr. Chi, this is Chairman Zhang of Fuyuan Shipping.”
Ji Tianheng stood slightly to Chi Gui’s side, adding with a smile, “Mr. Chi might not know, but Uncle Zhang is an old friend of my father’s. He’s practically a senior to me.”
Wise people always leave room when they speak.
Chi Gui caught Ji Tianheng’s implication and gave a slight nod. “My partner and I were just signing in when we happened to run into Chairman Zhang.”
He wasn’t giving face to Zhang Aode, but to Ji Tianheng. This was the Ji family’s banquet; as a guest, it wouldn’t look good to slight the host.
“Looks like everyone rushed here early to do good deeds, while I’m the lazy one arriving late.”
Ji Tianheng smiled diplomatically, offering an exit. “I think most of the other guests have arrived. Uncle Zhang, as the elder, would you like to go in first?”
Zhang Aode let out a barely audible snort and swaggered inside.
But as his eyes landed on the sign-in book in Jing Shun’s hands, he said imperiously, “Ji Er, I’m not criticizing you, but what’s with this sign-in book? Have someone take it away.”
His words carried a hidden barb. “If the guests here don’t even know each other’s names, then haven’t they been wasting their time?”
“……”
Jing Shun’s grip on the sign-in book tightened.
Zhang Aode adjusted his collar and strided in with his female companion.
Ji Tianheng noticed Chi Gui’s expression darkening again and said quietly, “Mr. Chi, I’m terribly sorry. Please, do me a favor. Chairman Zhang is getting on in years, and his ways can be…”
Xie Congjin, who had been watching for a while, suddenly interjected, “Tch, that old geezer is just throwing his weight around. Ji Er, and you still humor him.”
He walked straight over to Jing Shun. “Hey, done signing?”