Chapter 15
Around 4:30 AM, they finally checked into the hotel.
Lin Zheng assumed Shen, the assistant, had booked a suite for them, but it turned out to be two separate rooms.
Lin Zheng was relieved and praised Shen silently.
Even a suite wasn’t as spacious as Gu Lin’s villa, where they were on different floors. But in a suite, they’d only be separated by a wall, which was still risky.
They had a meeting at 8 AM, so after washing up, Lin Zheng fell asleep instantly.
They were staying at the partner company’s hotel. Early the next morning, the other party arrived for the meeting.
The meeting was with a high-ranking executive, who was said to be in his early forties. Lin Zheng imagined a balding, beer-bellied middle-aged man.
He was stunned when he saw the person.
The man wore a perfectly tailored suit, his thick black hair impeccably styled, and gold-rimmed glasses. His face showed no wrinkles. He didn’t look forty; he could pass for thirty!
Behind him was a younger man wearing a formal suit in a casual way. His hair was slightly long, his jacket unbuttoned, his tie neatly tied, but it looked haphazard. Lin Zheng felt compelled to fix his tie and button his jacket.
But he resisted.
After greetings, the younger man sat next to the older man.
Up close, Lin Zheng noticed earrings on the younger man’s ears, visible beneath his slightly longer hair. His appearance was carefree and unrestrained.
He must be a young master.
They had a project that had been going well but encountered problems due to unforeseen circumstances, hence the meeting.
Lin Zheng had prepared the documents from Shen, and the conversation was smooth.
During the meeting, Lin Zheng felt a gaze on him.
He looked up, and the younger man immediately looked away.
Lin Zheng narrowed his eyes.
Something was wrong with this man.
During the break, there were refreshments. Lin Zheng went out to get some, and someone followed him.
Gu Lin looked at the repeatedly opening and closing door.
Zhao Ming apologized, “I apologize. Zhao Yi is my nephew, raised abroad and recently graduated. He might lack etiquette. Please excuse him.”
Gu Lin withdrew his gaze.
“Mr. Zhao, you’re being too kind.”
Outside.
Lin Zheng was carrying a plate of pudding when he heard a voice, “Pudding? Your boss doesn’t seem like he’d like pudding.”
Lin Zheng jumped and almost dropped the plate. He turned to see the culprit.
The sharp-featured man smiled at him.
It was the younger man who was with Zhao Ming.
Zhao Yi.
Zhao Ming’s… assistant? No, Zhao Ming hadn’t introduced him.
Whatever.
Out of politeness, Lin Zheng greeted him.
After the greeting, Lin Zheng turned to leave.
He wanted to avoid any entanglement.
“The cookies here are delicious. Get me some.”
“…”
Soon, Lin Zheng’s plate was full, half of it Zhao Yi’s.
He tried to avoid Zhao Yi, but he kept following.
Lin Zheng sighed, put down his plate, and took a clean plate, offering it to Zhao Yi. “Look, you have a plate. Take what you want and put it on your plate, okay?”
Zhao Yi looked at his plate and exchanged it with Lin Zheng’s. “This one is lighter.”
He blushed and looked away.
Lin Zheng: “…”
It’s your fault I had to carry such a heavy plate!
And why the blushing? You should’ve taken fewer cookies.
Lin Zheng internally complained but smiled. “Okay, you take this in, and I’ll get more.”
He hurried Zhao Yi back into the room.
After he left, Lin Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhao Yi walked a few steps and turned back, a playful smile on his face. “I remember you like pudding.”
He smiled and went into the room.
Lin Zheng was confused.
What the heck?
He shrugged and continued getting refreshments.
He also got Gu Lin a coffee.
On the way back to the hotel after the meeting, Gu Lin asked, “Do you know who that man with Zhao Ming was?”
“From his clothing, he seems to be a young master from a wealthy family.”
“Do you know which family?”
“How would I know?” Lin Zheng thought, I’m not a fortune teller.
“The heir of the KW Group.”
“Oh, the heir to KW Group?!!!”
The KW Group, established over seventy years ago, controlled the core industries of City Y. It was immensely wealthy.
Gu Lin saw Lin Zheng’s jaw drop. “Are you smitten?”
Lin Zheng swallowed. “…No, I was thinking I was a little harsh when I was instructing the heir about the snacks.”
“Just that?”
“Just?” Lin Zheng’s expression changed. “I heard they have connections with the underworld. What if the heir decides to kill me?!”
Gu Lin couldn’t help but laugh.
Lin Zheng said seriously, “I’m serious.”
Lin Zheng believed anything could happen.
A large hand covered his head. “Fool, you have me.” The voice was gentle.
Lin Zheng froze, then reacted.
Right, Gu Lin was even more powerful than these people.
Immediately, Lin Zheng felt like he had found an exit in a foggy forest. He hugged Gu Lin’s arm, “Big brother! You’re my protector until we get back!”
Gu Lin raised an eyebrow. “Hold on tight then.”
Lin Zheng cried, “I’ll even weld myself to you!”
Gu Lin didn’t speak, only a slight smile on his lips.
Knowing the hotel belonged to the KW Group, Lin Zheng felt uneasy.
He even considered going to Gu Lin’s room, but he locked his door and resisted the urge.
Gu Lin was going to Yinlu County in the afternoon, a one-hour drive. Lin Zheng needed to nap.
He wondered why Gu Lin was going to Yinlu County. He didn’t have any work there.
He had a guess.
Was there something waiting for Gu Lin in Yinlu County?
Was the plot about to start?
Lin Zheng lay on the bed, thinking hard, but couldn’t remember anything.
He tried to recall the plot and fall asleep.
Yinlu County… Yinlu County…
City Y, Yinlu County.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, his eyes snapped open.
He remembered.
Yinlu County.
That’s the original male lead’s hometown!