When Xia Ruoshui opened her phone and read the message, a gentle smile appeared on her face—so breathtaking that it seemed to light up the entire room.
Even the female executive in the office was momentarily stunned.
This was the first time she had ever seen President Xia smile—and it was simply too beautiful.
"Director Zou, what were you saying just now?"Xia Ruoshui looked at the company executive.
"Me?"Director Zou blinked in confusion, then answered blankly:
"I said that the chance of President Chen convincing Tengfei Group to work with us was less than one percent. Why, President Xia?"
"Well, Director Zou, your prediction was wrong. That one percent just happened."Xia Ruoshui replied calmly.
President Chen had really pulled it off!
"What?!""President Xia, are you saying President Chen actually convinced Tengfei Group to cooperate with us?"
Director Zou's jaw nearly hit the floor. She was utterly dumbfounded.
"Yes. In fact, President Chen just messaged me and asked us to send someone over right away. We can sign the contract immediately."
"Right now?"Director Zou was in complete disbelief.
President Chen was incredible. In just a few short hours, he had not only resolved the crisis but also outmaneuvered Baisheng Group's entire scheme.
"Um... President Xia, how about I go sign the contract—and also apologize to President Chen. I misjudged him earlier."
Zou volunteered eagerly.
"I'll go myself," Xia Ruoshui said, then added, "But if you want to come along, you're welcome."
President Chen had personally resolved this major crisis for their company. Of course, she had to express her gratitude in person.
With that, the two women set off for Wangjiang Pavilion.
At the restaurant, Chen Fan was chatting with Zhao Linyong. As they talked, the conversation drifted to the topic of Wangjiang Pavilion.
"The owner of Wangjiang Pavilion is really raking it in. That place is practically a money-printing machine," Zhao remarked, his tone full of admiration.
"Oh? It's that profitable?"Chen Fan asked, intrigued.
"Actually, the money's one thing," Zhao said. "What really matters is that this place is Jiangzhou's top-tier restaurant. All the city's elites and business tycoons come here for high-level meetings and banquets."
"Over the years, Wangjiang Pavilion has accumulated a massive network of powerful connections."
"That's the real goldmine."
Chen Fan's eyes lit up at those words. He suddenly had an idea.
Thanks to the system, his assets were growing rapidly. But what he lacked was a network to match—a true weakness.
If he could gain access to a matching network, he'd truly be unstoppable.
If only he could acquire Wangjiang Pavilion...
While they were chatting, Xia Ruoshui and Director Zou arrived.
Chen Fan introduced them to Zhao Linyong, and with both men as witnesses, Xia Ruoshui and Zheng Xingde officially signed a long-term partnership contract between Xia Group and Tengfei Group.
The crisis was resolved.Baisheng Group's scheme was neutralized.
Right at that moment, the system prompt chimed:
[Ding][Mission complete: Help Xia Ruoshui resolve the crisis and undermine Baisheng Group][Reward: 1 Skill Selection Card (choose and master any skill at a grandmaster level)][Reward: 58 XP]
Mission complete.The Skill Selection Card was now his.
At first, Chen Fan had been surprised by the reward. But it was a pleasant surprise—it proved that the system didn't just give out wealth or material assets; it also granted skills.
Grandmaster-level skills were priceless. In critical moments, they could make all the difference.
Now that the task was done, Chen Fan could choose any skill he wanted—this reward was no less valuable than the Patek Philippe watch!
He would give it some serious thought.
After the contract was signed, Zheng Xingde and Zhao Linyong left.
Only Chen Fan, Xia Ruoshui, and Director Zou remained.
"President Chen, I want to apologize for what I said earlier," Director Zou said sincerely.
"President Chen, may I ask you something, if you don't mind?"After hesitating a moment, she asked:
"How did you convince Tengfei Group to work with us in just three or four hours?"
Even Xia Ruoshui turned to look at Chen Fan—she was curious too.
"It's simple," Chen Fan replied calmly. "I'm the third-largest shareholder of Tengfei Group."
Director Zou's eyes widened in disbelief.
President Chen is a shareholder of Tengfei Group?!
She was stunned.
Incredible. Absolutely incredible.
It was getting late. Just as Director Zou offered to drive Xia Ruoshui back, Xia Ruoshui declined.
"No need, Director Zou. You can go ahead. I'll ride with President Chen."
Huh?!
Director Zou was stunned on the spot.
Did she hear that right?President Xia wanted to ride in President Chen's car?
Whoa—something's up here.
As she looked at the two of them again, her face practically screamed gossip.
In Jiangzhou, President Xia was famous for being aloof and distant—not just toward men, but toward everyone. Now she wanted to ride back with President Chen?
Totally out of character.
No doubt about it—something's going on between them.
Could it be that President Xia has already fallen for Chen Fan?!
Oh, damn.If this ever got out, half of Jiangzhou's eligible bachelors would want to kill President Chen out of jealousy.
Seeing the situation, Director Zou wisely chose to leave.
Chen Fan and Xia Ruoshui walked out of the restaurant. Just as Chen Fan was about to drive her home, she suggested a stroll along the riverside.
Wangjiang Pavilion was, after all, right next to the river.
"President Chen, I really don't know how to thank you."Xia Ruoshui spoke softly.
If it weren't for him, she would've been in serious trouble. The consequences at such a critical time could've been devastating.
"I owe you one. If you ever need anything in the future, just come find me—I'll never refuse."
She gave him her word.
Even Chen Fan was caught off guard by this promise.
A vow from Jiangzhou's number-one beauty, the CEO of a multibillion-dollar corporation—that wasn't something you got every day.
They continued strolling by the river, chatting and growing closer with each step.
Eventually, Xia Ruoshui got into Chen Fan's car and they headed back.
Back at the villa, Chen Fan couldn't wait to step into the study—his ultra-rare Patek Philippe watch should be there by now.
Sure enough, he spotted a mysterious wooden box resting on his desk.
He walked over, opened it, and was greeted by the sight of an exquisitely crafted timepiece.
This was the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime—a global limited edition of just seven pieces.
Chen Fan slipped it onto his wrist, clearly satisfied.
This kind of watch wasn't just a luxury in Jiangzhou—it was one of the top pieces in the entire country.
"Day three of breaking ties, and I've already earned valuable shares in Tengfei Group. I wonder what tomorrow—the fourth day—will bring."
Chen Fan was filled with anticipation.
Hopefully, the system won't disappoint.