C13 13 Seeing War God
The executives behind him couldn't believe their ears and gave them a good rub. They wondered if they had misheard. Someone as influential as Zhang Qiubai referring to himself so casually? What a joke!
Chen Yong rubbed his eyes and then his ears, questioning if he was hallucinating. He wanted to go in and see for himself, but Zhang Qiubai had already closed the door with a bang. The door nearly hit Chen Wenchao in the face, causing him to quickly step back in fright.
At this moment, Chen Yong's expression was unreadable, leaving everyone guessing what was on his mind. The executives behind him exchanged puzzled glances, completely baffled. Heads popped out from behind, all eyes on the group left outside the door, filled with questions.
What on earth was going on? Why weren't the executives going in? The employees began whispering among themselves. Director Zhang is really something, shutting the door on the executives like that. Why the rush to get inside? Is there something urgent?
But wasn't Chen Mengyao's useless husband still in there? Things seemed to be getting complicated. They hadn't heard what Zhang Qiubai said, so they were in the dark about the situation. However, Zhang Qiubai's actions clearly established his connection with Chen Mengyao.
Inside the office, Chen Mengyao stood up in a panic and said, "Director Zhang, what brings you here?" She was anxious, wondering why Chen Yong hadn't informed her of Director Zhang's arrival so she could have greeted him properly.
Seeing Mengyao looking so flustered, Zhang Qiubai quickly bowed repeatedly. "Miss Chen, you're too kind. I can't possibly take on the title of Director Zhang. Please, just call me Zhang."
Zhang Qiubai didn't dare to act superior. Before, he hadn't known Mengyao's true identity, but now that he did, he wouldn't dare, even if he had a hundred thousand reasons to.
Noticing Zhang Qiubai's respectful demeanor, Mengyao was puzzled. How could his attitude change so drastically in just a few days? Previously, when she interacted with him, his attitude wasn't exactly hostile, but it was certainly arrogant, and there was even a hint of greed in his eyes. But now, his gaze was filled with awe. What on earth had happened?
Instinctively, she turned to look at Xiao Tian, feeling a bit at a loss. Following Mengyao's gaze, Zhang Qiubai finally noticed another man sitting in the office. Who was he? Why was he in Miss Chen's office? Zhang Qiubai was confused, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this man seemed familiar.
"Miss Chen, who is this...?"
"I'm her husband," Xiao Tian stated directly.
Hearing this voice, a towering figure appeared in Zhang Qiubai's mind. He instinctively overlapped that figure with the man in front of him.
Boom!
When the two things aligned, it was like a bolt of lightning struck him, leaving him completely stunned. His breathing became rapid, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Clearly, he recognized Xiao Tian.
"Director Zhang, you can discuss work with my wife. Don't mind me," Xiao Tian said, then fell silent.
Zhang Qiubai shivered, suddenly understanding Xiao Tian's implication. He bit his lip hard, never expecting that Chen Mengyao was... was...
"Director Zhang, what's wrong?" Chen Mengyao asked, her eyebrows furrowed as she waved a hand in front of the dumbfounded Zhang Qiubai.
"Oh, sorry, I was lost in thought," Zhang Qiubai apologized, quickly adjusting his demeanor. He respectfully said, "Ma'am, I've reviewed the contract, and there are no issues. If you have any requests, feel free to let me know, and I'll add them right away."
No matter what Chen Mengyao asked, he would agree unconditionally. He was willing to go the extra mile just to keep her happy.
"Ma'am?" Chen Mengyao looked at Zhang Qiubai with confusion. Did he just call her ma'am?
"Sorry, slip of the tongue," Zhang Qiubai said, his heart skipping a beat as he glanced nervously at Xiao Tian, who remained silent. He thought to himself, that was close.
Hearing his explanation, Chen Mengyao didn't dwell on it and quickly said, "Thank you, Director Zhang. I have no additional requests. Let's just sign the contract as we previously discussed."
Although she didn't know why Zhang Qiubai had changed so much, she was happier than anyone to successfully secure this project.
"Director Zhang, please have a seat. I'll go get the contract," Chen Mengyao said as she walked out in her high heels.
As soon as Chen Mengyao opened the door, Chen Yong and the others gathered around her. She furrowed her brow, took a couple of steps back calmly, and said, "President, Director Zhang has agreed to sign the contract. You can have the legal team bring it over."
"Hey, someone, go grab the contract!" Chen Yong was still in a daze. Was the deal really done already? Had it even been five minutes?
A senior executive, hearing Chen Yong's words, jogged off to fetch the contract.
At that moment, Chen Wenchao swallowed hard and asked with difficulty, "Mengyao, tell me, what's your relationship with Director Zhang?"
He had clearly heard her call him Zhang. Zhang Qiubai's fawning expression was unmistakable, like a puppy eager to please! It was as if he were meeting a queen!
Chen Mengyao frowned. What did he mean by "relationship"? She felt there was a hidden meaning in his words, so she chose to remain silent.
Inside the office, after Chen Mengyao left, Zhang Qiubai quickly stood up straight, fingers together, middle finger lightly touching his temple, level with his eyebrows.
"Zhang Qiubai reporting to the War God!"
"You handled today's matter well," Xiao Tian said calmly. "But do not reveal my identity, or you'll face military justice."
Zhang Qiubai felt a shiver run through him and immediately stood up straight, like a flagpole.
"Yes!"
He was a soldier under Qin Ming, who was a lieutenant colonel at the time, while Xiao Tian had already become the undisputed War God of the North.
He was the War God in the eyes of all the soldiers in the North, the object of everyone's fervent admiration.
Three years ago, Zhang retired due to an injury, and it was Xiao Tian who supported him. Without Xiao Tian, Zhang Qiubai would be nothing.
If his parents gave him life, then Xiao Tian was like a second father to him.
Feeling Zhang Qiubai's intense gaze, Xiao Tian didn't find it inappropriate.
"Qin Ming told me you're doing well in Cloud City now. I'll be counting on you in the future."
Hearing this, Zhang Qiubai was filled with awe and almost kneeled down. "War God, you're too kind. It's my honor to serve you. Without you, there would be no Zhang Qiubai today. Everything I have now is because of you."
"Alright."
Xiao Tian nodded. Although he hadn't helped Zhang for any return, Zhang's gratitude showed he hadn't helped the wrong person.
"My wife doesn't know my true identity yet, so I can't openly help her. She's naturally kind, and there are quite a few people in the company who want to take advantage of her. You know what to do, right?"
"Yes, War God..."
Xiao Tian waved his hand. "From now on, just call me Mr. Tian, like Qin Ming does."
Zhang Qiubai hesitated for a moment but decided to address him as Mr. Tian. He knew he had to inform Mr. Ming later; otherwise, he might get into trouble.
Just then, the office door opened, and Chen Mengyao saw Zhang Qiubai still standing at attention, saluting Xiao Tian.
"Director Zhang, what are you doing...?"
Chen Mengyao was quite surprised by the scene.
Zhang Qiubai quickly lowered his hand and smiled. "Miss Chen, I was just having a chat with your husband. I didn't realize he was in the military too. I come from a military background myself, and I got a bit carried away."
Chen Mengyao looked a bit awkward. Director Zhang probably didn't know her husband was a deserter.
The contract was signed quickly. Zhang Qiubai took it and signed his name without even glancing at it.
"Director Zhang, are you sure you don't want to review the contract?"
Zhang Qiubai smiled. "I trust you, Miss Chen. No need to look it over. I'll leave the project in your capable hands. If there are any issues, feel free to call me anytime."
As he spoke, he glanced at Xiao Tian, worried he might have said something wrong. Fortunately, Xiao Tian's expression remained calm, which was a relief.
After leaving Chen Mengyao's office, Zhang Qiubai let out a long sigh. The pressure of being in Xiao Tian's presence had been immense.
He didn't even dare to breathe.
"Mr. Zhang... have you signed the contract?"
As soon as Zhang Qiubai stepped out, Chen Yong hurried over, asking with a respectful expression.
"Mr. Chen, I've signed the contract, but there's something you need to know. No one but Miss Chen is to be involved in this project. Otherwise, don't say I didn't warn you."
With that, he glanced at Chen Wenchao, who had been shouting earlier. "Make sure he behaves himself. Who does he think he is, yelling in front of me? If I see him again, I'll deal with him personally!"
Zhang Qiubai had quite the temper, known for his fiery demeanor back in Northgard. His cold stare alone made Chen Wenchao shiver.
All he had done was mock Chen Mengyao a bit, but Zhang Qiubai's harsh reprimand was relentless.
"Dad, I..."
Chen Wenchao's eyes were full of grievance.
"Didn't you hear what Mr. Zhang said? Go home right now and reflect on your actions. You're not allowed out until you've learned your lesson."