Chapter 226 188: Making a Move

Yang Hui had no intention of hiding anything. If Li Yang would fire him for being the boss of Yanghe Commerce, he would have marched into Li Yang's office to confess long ago.

He was now conducting business openly and with great fanfare, hoping this would be the way Li Yang found out. If he could get himself fired, he'd be so happy he'd wake up laughing in his sleep.

Zhao Rui hung up, his expression flickering between anger and uncertainty.

He hadn't expected Yang Hui to be the boss of Yanghe Commerce. Although the company wasn't large, for someone his age to be a business owner meant he was doing far better than him. The thought filled Zhao Rui with resentment.

'Furthermore, from what President Zhang said, President Tian is very supportive of Yang Hui, which is a bit worrying. I'm targeting Yang Hui, getting my aunt to block Yanghe Commerce with impossible commercial terms. Will this put me at odds with President Tian? Would President Tian really risk his career to vouch for Yang Hui? The proposed terms are highly detrimental to the company's interests. Once my aunt raises an objection, not just President Tian, but even the regional director would have to take it seriously. The higher your rank, the more you have to avoid getting involved in things that harm the company.'

'He figured President Tian probably wouldn't back Yang Hui on the commercial terms; that would be a clear signal to everyone that something fishy was going on. What worried him was the potential conflict with President Tian. In President Tian's eyes, he, Zhao Rui, was nothing more than an ant that could be crushed at any moment. Even his aunt was beneath President Tian's notice. If he seriously offended President Tian, even her career would suffer.'

But the image of Yang Hui and Shen Meng leaving the hotel together flashed in his mind, and jealousy instantly blinded him. 'Screw it,' he thought viciously. 'I can't let Yang Hui get away with this. I refuse to believe President Tian's support is unconditional. Once the commercial terms are exposed, President Tian will be the first to distance himself. If he really wants to profit from this, he'll just have to find another frontman.'

Han Chao remained silent, watching the expressions shift across Zhao Rui's face without interrupting his thoughts. Only when Zhao Rui seemed to snap out of it did Han Chao ask, "President Zhao, did you just say the owner of Yanghe Commerce is named Yang Hui?"

Zhao Rui nodded. "I just found out he's the boss myself. I thought he was just some damn channel developer."

Seeing the awkward look on Han Chao's face, he realized his comment had hit a little too close to home. "Old Han, don't take it personally. I didn't mean you. I respect your work."

Han Chao smiled and nodded, but cursed internally, 'Recognize my ass. If it weren't for your influential aunt, would I, the esteemed Channel Development Director of Futong Commerce, even give you the time of day? I'm the one who deals directly with VPs, you know.'

Out loud, he said, "It's fine, no worries. By the way, this Yang Hui you mentioned... is he tall and handsome?"

The thought of Yang Hui's face made Zhao Rui's stomach turn. He snorted. "He's tall, sure, but his looks are nothing special. Why? You know him?"

'Nothing special?' Hearing Zhao Rui's dismissal, Han Chao wasn't so sure anymore. Yang Hui was so strikingly handsome that no one could possibly think his looks were just "nothing special."

He didn't realize Zhao Rui's comment was born of pure jealousy and wondered, 'Could it be someone else with the same name? But what are the odds? Another Yang Hui, who also has President Tian's protection?'

"I know a guy named Yang Hui, but I'm not sure if he's the same person. The one I know is over 180cm tall and has a pair of peach blossom eyes."

Hearing this, Zhao Rui put his chopsticks down. "Yes, that's him. A grown man with a pair of peach blossom eyes—not a shred of masculinity. That's why I say he's nothing special."

Han Chao glanced at him, then quickly looked down to hide his expression. 'This Zhao Rui, with features that look like they've been run over by a truck and are covered in "ruts," who's not even 1.7 meters tall and has a face full of acne—how does he have the audacity to say a man over 180cm has no masculinity? To say Yang Hui is "nothing special"?'

As much as he disliked Yang Hui, he had to admit the guy was genuinely handsome. With Zhao Rui's confirmation, he was now certain: Yang Hui, the boss of Yanghe Commerce, and Yang Hui, the Airex Operations Manager at Futong Commerce, were one and the same. This was explosive. He couldn't wait to see Li Yang's reaction when he found out.

'The most important thing right now is to block Yanghe Commerce's store opening so that Futong Commerce can get in on the action. Therefore, his main job tonight was to keep Zhao Rui happy. Based on his own understanding and Zhao Rui's take on the situation, as long as his aunt stonewalled them on the commercial terms, no one would dare to insist on continuing the partnership with Yanghe Commerce at a 6% rate. Anyone who jumped out to support it would risk triggering an internal investigation from the Group, which could uncover corruption. In a light case, they'd be fired; in a serious one, they'd be sent to prison.'

Han Chao even started to wonder if he should leak the commercial terms for the Qingzhou Xinyue Plaza First Store. That would force the Xinyue Group's regional office to make Yang Hui readjust the rent; otherwise, Yanghe would have to pull out. 'That actually sounds like a good idea.'

That night, it seemed, was an exciting one for everyone.

After drinking at the restaurant, Han Chao and Zhao Rui went to a KTV for a second round. It was all on the company's dime, and both of them were very happy!

Yang Hui, of course, was also feeling fantastic, a sense of pure bliss radiating from every pore. A stunner like Shen Meng had finally given herself to him completely. From now on, he wouldn't have to hold back.

Morning found them in the Xinyue Hotel. A bashful Shen Meng followed Yang Hui's instructions, wondering where he came up with so many ideas.

"Shen Meng, slip your dress on... yes, just like that. Now put on the high heels. Perfect. Come stand over here, and place both hands on the windowsill."