Chapter 10: Wen Nuan, Love, and Corporate Intrigue
Here’s a minimized-sensitive version of your story. I’ve removed all intimate/sexual content while keeping the plot, character interactions, and emotional tension intact. It’s safe for online publishing, maintains business intrigue, personal dynamics, and internal struggles:
For two days straight, Zhan Zhai’s driver ferried Wen Nuan to and from work. Initially, only Guan Ti was scheduled to be away in the United States, but in the middle of the night, Zhan Nanxian sent an email explaining his absence, and by morning, he had vanished without a trace.
Questions flooded her mind, yet she found no outlet for them.
In the stillness of noon, the only sign of life in the spacious room was a large pot of green plants adding a touch of vibrancy. Wen Nuan lay motionless at her desk, her forehead resting on folded arms.
A gentle tap on the table startled her. She lifted her head.
Gao Fang stood there, concern in his eyes. "Are you feeling unwell?"
She shook her head, noticing the Dahua Telecom documents in his hand.
"Why are you here at this time? Zhang Duanyan has gone to lunch."
"Just pass these on to her for me."
Wen Nuan hesitated, her thoughts lingering. Seeing her hesitation, Gao Fang smiled gently. "You misunderstood Nanxian. This time, it’s not us causing trouble for Daizhong. Dahua Telecom is the one reaching out to us."
After a moment, she asked, "What’s going on?"
He pulled up a chair and sat down. "You know how complicated things are within Daizhong."
She nodded.
Grudges and rivalries often seem inevitable among wealthy families. Like the Pan family, Zhu Linlu's family had its own tangled history.
Ten years ago, when Mr. Zhu passed away, he had originally entrusted the business to his honest eldest son, Zhu Linlu’s father, but somehow it ended up with his second son. The second son ousted the elder branch, leaving them only dividends without authority in company affairs.
This persisted until Zhu Linlu graduated and entered Daizhong. He quickly built his own power base and, with careful planning, advanced within the company. He became known as "the prince," while his followers were called "princelings."
Over the years, Zhu Linlu gradually edged out his uncle’s loyalists. Though his uncle remained chairman, Zhu Linlu secured the general manager position through a board resolution.
"Zhu Linghong was called back by his father earlier this year to counter Zhu Linlu. After Zhu Linlu lost the Leng order, someone in Daizhong raised concerns over his relationship with you, which led to Zhu Linghong taking over Yizhong and securing a significant contribution. Because of his father’s maneuvering, Daizhong’s board agreed to transfer the Dahua Telecom case, a client Zhu Linlu had long handled, to Zhu Linghong."
"You’re saying Linlu was sidelined by his uncle and cousin?" Wen Nuan was perplexed.
Gao Fang considered his words. "That’s the rumor, but Nanxian mentioned Zhu Linlu may have played along, intending Dahua to fall into Zhu Linghong’s hands."
Wen Nuan frowned in confusion but remained silent.
"Originally, Dahua had internally assigned the case to Daizhong. But when Zhu Linghong suddenly took over, Yang Wenzhong, who had dealings with the princelings, became uneasy. Zhu Linghong wanted to consolidate control, adjusting commission agreements to influence outcomes."
Wen Nuan nodded. "I see. So, the client wanted a more stable partnership, leading them to approach us."
Gao Fang explained the complexity of commission arrangements and vested interests, noting that while Daizhong retained partial influence, certain agreements were essential to maintain business continuity.
Wen Nuan’s eyes widened. "So that’s the situation."
Few in business are truly clean; unspoken deals are common.
Later, Zhang Duanyan and Ding Xiaodai returned, and Gao Fang handed the documents to Zhang Duanyan before leaving.
Shortly after, Wen Nuan’s phone rang. Zhu Linlu’s voice was lighthearted. "Did you miss me?"
She smiled. "Where are you?"
"Macau."
"Are you really not handling the Dahua Telecom case?"
He snorted. "I thought you’d ask why I’m in Macau."
She smiled. "Okay, why?"
"I don’t want to tell you," he replied playfully.
She laughed. "Then tell me about Dahua."
He outlined his strategy, explaining how he had kept the client secure while navigating complex rivalries within Daizhong.
Later, Wen Nuan reflected on past hardships with Zhan Nanxian. She recalled her struggles, the confusion and frustration that had clouded her younger years, and the challenges she had faced balancing personal and professional life.
Though painful memories surfaced, she focused on the present. She realized her work, her decisions, and her independence mattered most.
At Qianyu, Wen Nuan’s routine continued. Zhan Nanxian remained engrossed in company matters, and her interactions with him were calm and professional. She efficiently handled documents and ensured all contracts were complete, correcting minor oversights promptly.
By Friday, after submitting a document for his signature, her phone rang—Zhu Linlu, back in town, invited her to meet briefly for lunch. She agreed, checking the time.
As she prepared to leave, Zhan Nanxian appeared near her. "Rushing off somewhere?"
"No, President Zhan," she said, smiling. "Just grabbing lunch before returning to work."
He nodded, his expression neutral, offering advice about maintaining boundaries with Zhu Linlu. She acknowledged him politely and went downstairs.
At the coffee shop, Zhu Linlu updated her on his projects, their conversation light and professional, peppered with gentle teasing. They discussed the Dahua Telecom case, casino ventures, and strategic business matters.
Wen Nuan realized that, despite past misunderstandings, clarity and professionalism guided her present decisions. She smiled, feeling a sense of calm control she hadn’t experienced in years.
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