C140 He Became His Wife's Financial Backer

Zhang Chen instinctively straightened his posture.

"Good, set up a meeting with her. I'll fill you in on the details after I head to the hotel later."

"Got it, big bro!"

With that, Zhang Chen promptly ended the call.

He rose to his feet, stretching, and finally felt in control of his body once more.

After freshening up and having breakfast, he stepped out of the villa to find the black Mercedes-Benz waiting at the doorstep.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhang Chen slid into the car.

In no time, they arrived at the hotel entrance.

Zhang Chen exited the vehicle and made a beeline for the office.

Upon entering, he was greeted by Wang Yunan, who stood by the desk with an air of deference.

Caught off guard, Zhang Chen asked in bewilderment, "What are you doing here?"

Wang Yunan offered an embarrassed smile. "You haven't given me a workstation yet."

Zhang Chen facepalmed, a wave of resignation washing over him.

Seated now, Wang Yunan briefed him on the previous day's events.

The property transfer had gone off without a hitch.

The place was somewhat furnished but fell short of Zhang Chen's standards.

Wang Yunan quickly ran through the renovation checklist.

Zhang Chen skimmed the list and nodded in approval.

Wang Yunan had meticulously covered every detail, leaving nothing unaccounted for.

"Well done," Zhang Chen said with a grin, to which Wang Yunan beamed with joy.

"Later, go negotiate the collaboration with Lin Zhiqing," Zhang Chen instructed. "Tell them we'll handle the design and they just need to focus on the construction."

"For the pricing, discuss it with Secretary Wu. We can be flexible with Lin Zhiqing—don't sweat it if we're off by 80,000 or 100,000."

Wang Yunan's face registered surprise.

Not fuss over tens of thousands?

Was this really negotiation, or more like gift-giving?

But Zhang Chen had made his decision, and Wang Yunan wasn't one to argue. She nodded in agreement.

Without delay, Wang Yunan exited the office, off to talk terms with Lin Zhiqing.

A sense of helplessness crept into Zhang Chen's heart.

Somehow, he had become Lin Zhiqing's sugar daddy.

If Lee Fengqin found out...

Zhang Chen shook his head, a wave of resignation washing over him.

The property was secure, and the renovation plans were set. The only thing left was the design.

How was he going to break this news to Han Qiqi?

As Zhang Chen grappled with his dilemma, his phone rang out of the blue.

He glanced at the caller ID—it was Han Qiqi!

What were the odds?

A smile spread across Zhang Chen's face as a thrill of excitement surged within him. He eagerly answered the call.

Han Qiqi's voice came through almost immediately, "What are you up to? I need to talk to you about something."

Something to talk about?

Zhang Chen's heart leapt with unexpected joy!

He had been at a loss for words, but now the moment had presented itself.

Clearing his throat, Zhang Chen feigned nonchalance, "What's up?"

Han Qiqi grumbled, "My dad is forcing me to go to this debutante ball! He wants me to 'experience the life of a high-society lady.' It's driving me nuts!"

Zhang Chen, puzzled, inquired, "And how does this involve me?"

With a tone of resignation, Han Qiqi explained, "I need to bring a date, and both my parents are pushing me to ask you. I'm out of options."

"My mom is even playing the sick card to pressure me."

Zhang Chen's smile widened as he adopted a troubled demeanor, "I've got my hands full with a ton of work. I don't think I can be of help this time."

Han Qiqi's voice took on an edge of desperation, "That won't do! My mom will have a fit if I don't show up!"

"What's so important that you're busy with? Can't you reschedule?"

Internally smug, Zhang Chen continued his charade, "It's not possible. I've just acquired a new building and I'm swamped with finding a designer."

Han Qiqi retorted, clearly annoyed, "Why bother with someone else? Who can out-design me?"

"Come on, help me out! Once this is over, I'll get right on your project. Deal?"

The plan had come together perfectly!

Zhang Chen, feigning reluctance, conceded, "Fine. Since it's such an emergency, I'll lend a hand one more time."

Without this situation, Han Qiqi would never have agreed to design the hotel for him without a fuss.

She would certainly have a laundry list of demands!

Han Qiqi bubbled with excitement and said with a grin, "I didn't expect you to be such a stand-up guy! I'll come pick you up then!"

She promptly ended the call, seemingly in fear that Zhang Chen might change his mind.

Zhang Chen let out a deep breath of relief.

What a great deal this was!

Everything had been resolved perfectly. Now, he just had to wait for the hotel's grand opening!

Fifteen minutes later, Han Qiqi's car was already at the hotel's front door.

After Zhang Chen got out, he climbed into the passenger seat.

Giving him a once-over, Han Qiqi commented with disdain, "You're the owner of a big hotel, for heaven's sake. Why do you look so shabby?"

Zhang Chen replied, slightly annoyed, "I prefer simple clothing."

Han Qiqi pursed her lips and, ultimately, just nodded in resignation.

Soon after, Han Qiqi drove off.

Zhang Chen had no idea where they were headed, so he quietly took in the roadside views.

Before long, the car came to a halt.

Looking up, Zhang Chen was shocked to see they had stopped at the entrance of the Green Hotel.

This...

A pang of regret hit Zhang Chen.

How perfect it would have been if this were at the Hongtai Hotel—he would have made a killing.

Han Qiqi explained with a sense of resignation, "The Zhao family is organizing this event. Did you really think they'd choose your Hongtai Hotel?"

Zhang Chen was taken aback.

The Zhao family was the one Han Qiqi had been set up with on a blind date?

Incredulously, Zhang Chen asked, "After the fallout last time, how come they still invited you?"

With a sigh, Han Qiqi replied, "Our elders have been in touch over the phone."

It clicked for Zhang Chen.

Of course, for Han Tianhua and Zhao Haichen, each was too valuable a partner to easily burn bridges with.

Once the car stopped, Han Qiqi pushed the door open and stepped out.

By now, a fleet of luxury cars had gathered at the hotel entrance.

Turning his head, Zhang Chen caught sight of Han Qiqi shedding her loose coat to reveal a sleek black evening gown.

For a moment, he was utterly transfixed.

Despite her youth, Han Qiqi's figure and looks were exceptionally striking.

She was the very definition of a natural beauty!

The evening gown suited her perfectly, striking a balance between elegance and a touch of whimsy.

She seemed transformed into a completely different person.

Puzzled, Han Qiqi asked, "Why are you just standing there?"

That snapped Zhang Chen back to reality.

Han Qiqi approached and linked her arm through his.

Zhang Chen wasn't in the frame of mind to ponder further.

However, they had barely taken a few steps when a familiar silhouette emerged at the doorway.

From the Zhao family, it was Zhao Kuo!