Chapter Thirty-Five (1)
There will always be a summer when we long for each other, nestled side by side, expressing our wishes. Those beautiful moments coiled into circles, turning, resolutely hanging like cloud sails.
That day, after walking out of the villa’s hall with a smile, Hui cried, tears falling like rain.
Love has no bottom line, but it must maintain an upper limit.
But Hui did not.
That day, a single sentence from Tianzi Xiong made him realize his own worth – he was just a servant.
Hui walked gloomily on the path he had previously arranged to meet Si Xiaoshuang. Both sides of the road were dense willow trees, their branches and leaves shading the sunlight on the path, creating the coolest route for passersby. This coolness was too much for Hui, making him hug himself and shiver. His trembling figure, filtered through the light under the willow trees, was reflected in the lotus pond, creating a desolate scene that made Hui look even more miserable.
Si Xiaoshuang wore a butterfly-patterned dress, standing under the willow trees anxiously waiting for Hui. Though slightly haggard, her graceful figure and beautiful face were still striking.
Tianzi Xiong took a sip of top-grade Longjing tea, leaned back on the sofa, and said with a smile, “Tianye, you’ll be joining the company in a few days. You’ll first learn from Hui, so don’t look down on him. After all, he has done a lot for our Tian clan.”
Tianzi Xiong was somewhat worried about the young Tianye’s temperament and was earnestly advising him.
Tianye leaned to the side, crossed his legs, and said casually, “Oh, what capabilities does Hui have? He’s just like any other subordinate to me.” Tianye continued to change TV channels carelessly.
Hearing that Tianye still lacked humility and willingness to learn, Tianzi Xiong became anxious. He sat up, placed his hand on Tianye’s leg, and said intimately, “Let me tell you, don’t underestimate Hui. In terms of ability, he’s not inferior to you. You’re both young, communicate well, and learn from each other.” Tianye was the only heir to the Tian clan, and the clan’s future development depended on this young master. If Tianye lacked exceptional leadership skills, Tianzi Xiong was most afraid of that possibility, and he spoke with heartfelt concern.
Tianye deliberately acted casual. He just didn’t want his father to notice his feelings for Hui. Tianye couldn’t give his father any opportunity. He turned to his father and said, “Got it, I’m going to play golf.” Tianye stood up to leave through the side door.
Tianzi Xiong stood up, waving for Tianye to wait, “I’ll come too…” He wanted to seize every opportunity to pressure his son.
Just as father and son were about to exit, the main hall’s door opened. Tianzi Xiong’s personal secretary entered, looking urgent.
Tianzi Xiong returned to the hall and asked, “What’s wrong? Why so rushed?”
The secretary caught his breath, then took out a phone, saying, “Chairman, it’s a call for you.”
Tianzi Xiong, seeing it was just a phone call, seemed unimpressed, “Who is it?”
The secretary tightened his lips, “The Queen of England!” Then he handed the phone to the chairman.
Tianzi Xiong hesitated. How would the Queen of England contact him? Nevertheless, he answered the phone, speaking standard English, “Hello, Your Majesty.”
A soft voice came through the phone, “Hello, Mr. Tian. Next week is Her Majesty’s birthday, and we invite you to attend the banquet.”
Tianzi Xiong was somewhat surprised but quickly regained his composure. He would go.
Although they had no direct trade relations, maintaining good relations with the royal family would make many future matters much easier.
After hanging up, Tianzi Xiong turned to Tianye, who was waiting to play golf, “I need to go to England. I’ll have the housekeeper arrange things at home. After I leave, you can go to the company with Hui.” He then instructed his subordinates to notify the top management to organize a meeting.
Tianye was also surprised but thought that his father’s departure would be good for Hui and Si Xiaoshuang. He walked up and joked with his father, “Dad, this British Queen, with no previous contact, calling you this time – could she have taken a liking to you?” Tianye raised his arm in a self-protective gesture, afraid his father might hit him.
Tianzi Xiong, seeing Tianye’s intimacy, was actually quite happy. He glared at Tianye and threw out, “Rascal,” then went into his study.
Tianye looked at his father’s demeanor, shook his head, and went to play golf.
“Ding… ding…” After two rings, the person finally stood up from his seat to answer the question. This was the rule of the Tian clan: to speak, one must press the speaking device and stand up.
He stood up looking at Tianzi Xiong and said, “I think they’re plotting against us.”
The last time we fought with Prince Charles over the Middle Eastern oil fields, it was our company against them. Those British clearly were at a disadvantage and withdrew immediately that day. If it weren’t for the chairman’s order to withdraw that day, I would have destroyed them…” It seemed this person was carried away, talking endlessly and appearing to be advertising for his own company. Tianzi Xiong glanced at him and extended his hand, signaling him to sit down.
Tianzi Xiong scanned the people present, his eyes revealing a piercing light. He placed his hands on the table in front of him, his sharp gaze fully displaying the style of a big brother.
Tianzi Xiong spoke, “Yes, Old Six is right. Back then, destroying the British royal family was like child’s play. We were indeed a black society, indeed the world’s first black party. The reason the Tian clan is now untouchable is because of the black society foundation we established. But that was the past, twenty years ago. I declared the Tian clan’s exit from the black society the day Tian Ye was born. The result proves our choice was correct.
Those who were in the black society have now declined. Even if no one dares to provoke them externally, their internal chaos is inevitable. The most important thing is their lack of advanced management experience – this makes it impossible to maintain strength. Look at our Tian clan: from our establishment until now, no organization has ever stepped on us, and we’ve only grown stronger. This proves that any organization must keep up with the times. If you’re abandoned by the era, you’ll face total destruction.
A bespectacled person who looked like a strategist next to Tianzi Xiong stood up, addressing the people on the platform, “The chairman is completely right. We must obey.” After speaking, he turned to Tianzi Xiong and said, “However, regarding this matter with the British Queen…”
Tianzi Xiong looked up at his capable subordinate, gestured for him to sit down, and told everyone, “Don’t worry about this. As long as it doesn’t involve dividing interests, they won’t dare to do anything to us. We’ll wait until the technical department obtains the information…” A knock came from outside the meeting room – urgent but not rash, clearly bringing special intelligence.
Tianzi Xiong stopped speaking and signaled the guard by the door, who went and opened it.
It was Li, the head of the technical department, entering with a stack of documents. Standing at the door, he announced loudly, “Report to the chairman! The information about the British royal family is ready.”
Tianzi Xiong scanned the room and said, “Except for the Tian clan board members present, everyone else leave.” Immediately, the guards, secretaries, recording staff, and a few peripheral meeting table personnel stood and quietly exited.
The large meeting room became much quieter. Tianzi Xiong signaled Li to sit.
