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Chapter 542: Lost Love, Gained Career

Chapter 542: Chapter 542: Lost Love, Gained Career

The audited accounts and subsequent fines of the Mingxuan Group weren’t widely reported.

After all, such matters, if not deliberately publicized, could merely be seen as internal dirty laundry.

Still, even without anyone fanning the flames, for the Mingxuan Group, which saw its stock prices plummet not long ago and its business heavily impacted due to illegal gatherings, it was like a malignant tumor growing insidiously. It was invisible to outsiders, but the crisis and toxic cells within might have already been spreading, potentially threatening life itself.

The issues related to Mingxuan were not leaked to the public, but the Zhu Family’s desperate scramble for funds was the talk of L City.

The Zhu Family claimed they needed money for a new project; and while some were convinced by this explanation, others remained skeptical.

When Yan mentioned this to Zhu Qianying, her only response was, "It seems that Zhu Junwei has considerable influence in the Zhu Family."

The wealth of the Zhu Family was rock solid compared with the Zhu Family, and over the years, they hadn’t faced any significant turmoil, maintaining a steady upward trend.

Thus, raising the required sum of money was not an issue. It seemed that Mingxuan Group had weathered the crisis, but how Zhu Junwei would repay the debt shouldered by the Zhu Family on his behalf was a family matter that no one else was privy to.

In private, Qin Xiu suggested to Yan that the Mingxuan Group was now effectively controlled by the Zhu Family, rather than the Zhu Family. Regardless of family ties, a grandson-in-law wouldn’t normally be shown this much favor.

Yan neither agreed nor disagreed with Qin Xiu’s speculation and simply asked, "How are things at the jewelry store?"

It had been three or four days since Zhu Qianying was injured. The jewelry store had temporarily closed for restoration work, announced to the public as a renovation process.

This excuse seemed plausible.

As the headquarters of the jewelry store and its two branches were also under renovation, it made sense.

"Did he say anything about the rent?"

Cheng Ye had been adamant about not accepting the compensation money, so Yan adopted a different approach. He had the leasing department amend the contract such that the rent for all three shops was set at the employee rate—the same discount rate Chen Jing was paying for her shop.

"No, Dragon mentioned that he read the terms carefully and then signed his name."

So, he accepted the indirect compensation.

The main reason Cheng Ye accepted the compensation was an impending collaboration with Mr. Qian at the processing factory. He was facing some financial hardships, and while the reduced rent for the three shops would not cover the amount he was required to pay to Mr. Qian every month, it would help to some extent.

Being a businessman, he also understood that he no longer had any prospects with Zhu Qianying. If he didn’t accept Yan’s compensation, Yan might not treat him well in the future.

In L City, everyone knew it was better to offend any government department than Yan.

He couldn’t afford to lose both love and his career. He knew where to draw the line.

"Okay, I heard he’s looking to strike a deal with a manufacturer in the Capital City with the surname Qian. I recall we’ve had some minor partnerships with him. Could you make a call to him? He’s allowed to make a decent profit but should avoid thinking big and hoarding all the benefits!"

Zhu Qianying never mentioned this matter to him.

Probably, she thought it’s a business matter not needing his interference.

However, from the moment he heard of it, Yan understood that Zhu Qianying was the go-between for Cheng Ye and Mr. Qian.

Because Mr. Qian had always concentrated his business in the Capital City, and Cheng Ye’s businesses hadn’t expanded there yet.

Yan had not mentioned one thing.

Zhu Qianying always believed privately that Cheng Ye had set up his headquarters in L City because of her.

For a shrewd businessman like Yan, the truth was clear.

Cheng Ye’s choice served two purposes.

One was naturally for Zhu Qianying.

Two, L City not only had a moderate price level but was also rapidly developing. To acquire a foothold in the market here was much more straightforward than struggling in the fiercely competitive and mature market of the Capital City.

Yan didn’t know the exact weight each reason held for Cheng Ye’s decision.

But his strained relations with Cheng Ye meant he couldn’t discuss this with Zhu Qianying.

The despicable tactic of belittling others to elevate himself was disdainful to Yan.

Moreover, Zhu Qianying might very well know something about this matter.

Her indifference only indicated that she genuinely didn’t care.

"Grandfather, I understand!"

After receiving his command, Qin Xiu turned around and left to execute it.

That afternoon, Cheng Ye received a phone call from Mr. Qian.

"Mr. Cheng, I’ve thought it over. Your offer is reasonable. I have no issues. If it’s convenient for you, let’s finalize the contract sooner. Your products for next season can be manufactured domestically, significantly reducing production and transportation costs."

Cheng Ye was taken aback momentarily, finding it hard to believe the stroke of luck that had fallen into his lap.

In his visit to Mr. Qian’s factory, he saw that the equipment was even more advanced than his factory in M country, and it was much larger in scale.

During his visit, he noticed that the factory was manufacturing a batch of jewelry products for international brands, alerting him to the significant influence of this manufacturer!

Perhaps the broad client base of Mr. Qian, who had no lack of client sources, led to the higher processing costs he demanded.

Cheng Ye understood the principle of ’you get what you pay for,’ but he always felt that Mr. Qian was deliberately marking up the prices, taking advantage of Cheng Ye’s limited influence here.

Regarding the processing cost, they reached an impasse, and the smooth progress of their collaboration temporarily stalled.

This deadlock lasted several days, and Cheng Ye was feeling quite frustrated by then. He had considered discussing it with Zhu Qianying but understood from his conversations with Mr. Qian that Zhu Qianying knew Mr. Qian because of the Yan Family.

In that case, if he were to bring it up with Zhu Qianying, he would indirectly be seeking assistance from Yan.

After careful consideration, he decided not to mention this to Zhu Qianying.

In fact, he was even mentally prepared for the probable fallout of his collaboration with Mr. Qian.

Now, Mr. Qian himself unexpectedly initiated contact, how could this not surprise him?

Surprising as it was, he responded quickly. After all, he had to seize this rare chance of seeing a silver lining after days of stagnation. If he let it slip now, he would just be a fool.

"I have no issues. Shall I fly there tomorrow?"

"Okay, no problem. Mr. Cheng, after booking your flight, let me know your flight details, and I’ll arrange for a pick-up. I’ll also take care of your hotel and meals, so you don’t need to worry about that."