"I don't have the right to make the decision, so I asked Mr. Cheng to come and talk to you. I'm just a sales consultant, and I have to listen to the company's arrangements. I have to agree to whatever the company asks me to do, don't I?" Xu Yan explained to him in a soft voice.

Hearing her helpless tone, Qian Kun cooled down. He said, "But you don't want to give me 3% rebate, do you?"

"Of course, Mr. Qian, we want to give it to you. We are eager to cooperate with you. Although Meisi Group's foundation is a bit weak, we can still manage to offer this rebate. However, you also need to understand that our profit margin is thin, so we need to ensure the sales volume."

"I suppose it's my fault for not accepting your terms?" Qian Kun replied angrily.

"No, no, that's not what I meant." Xu Yan quickly explained, "Both of us have substantial difficulties. If this approach proves ineffective, we can explore an alternative solution. After discussing with Mr. Cheng, we are prepared to offer you a 2% rebate. In an effort to demonstrate our earnestness, we do not require you to stock the merchandise. What are your thoughts on this?"

Without the pressure of stock storage, Qian Kun could also earn an extra 2% rebate. Meisi Group's plan was more generous than Xinlan Group's. Only then did Qian Kun smile happily. "Okay, no problem. Ask Cheng Ji to send the contract to me immediately."

"Okay, I'll do it right away. Thank you for your understanding and support, Mr. Qian." Xu Yan did not forget to thank him.

Cheng Ji finally let Cheng Xu, who was idle, deliver the contract.

Now, Cheng Xu had the task of personally delivering the contract he had previously dismissed. Cheng Xu felt repulsed, as if he had eaten a humble pie, "Do we really have to depend on Qian Kun to market our products like this?"

Cheng Ji said, "We can also make profits. What's wrong with the 2% rebate? Xinlan Group will also give him a 2% rebate."

"That's impossible. Jiang Han said he wouldn't give Qian Kun a 2% rebate." Cheng Xu said excitedly.

Cheng Ji raised his eyelids. "Did Jiang Han say that? Did he speak to you directly?"

Being caught off guard, Cheng Xu felt so guilty that he didn't dare to speak.

"Brother, it's fine if you're on good terms with Jiang Han, but make sure to keep the company's matters confidential. He's astute and may easily surmise our intentions based on just a few words from you." Cheng Ji cautioned.

He snapped impatiently, "I'm not a toddler. I am well aware of my actions." Since Xu Yan's arrival, a certain tension had been building between them.

…

When Jiang Han was about to get off work on Friday, Kang Cheng came to report to him, "Qian Kun and Meisi Group signed a new contract. The latter will give him a 2% reate, with no requirement for Qian Kun to maintain inventory."

Jiang Han leaned against the window, observing the bustling traffic outside. "They had this all planned out from the start. Their intention is to form an alliance with Qian Kun, which means they must present more favorable terms. Go and inform the Sales Department employees for business trips on Sundays and ensure their presence at the distributor's office on Mondays. This will give them a head start over Xu Yan and allow them to seize as many opportunities as possible."

Kang Cheng nodded. "I'll send the notice right away."

Jiang Han continued to stand in front of the window, deep in thought. Meisi Group's products have gained considerable popularity. Given identical circumstances, Qian Kun would highly favor buying products from Meisi Group, thereby exerting immense pressure on Xinlan Group.

The street gradually became congested with vehicles. On weekends, there were extensive queues of cars making their way out of the city.

His mother, Qu Yaqiong, called to ask him, "Hey, Jiang Han, are you off work?"

He didn't forget that he was going back to have dinner with his parents today. He replied, "I'll be right there."

When he came out, he ran into the rush hour, and his car was stuck on the road. The driver looked at his boss through the rear-view mirror. He maintained an upright posture, his face marked by a grave expression, exuding an aura of tension.

He didn't dare to make a sound. He lowered his eyes and focused on driving.

When the car arrived at Yuanhu Lake, Jiang Han told him, "Go eat something first, and then wait for me in the car."

The driver nodded and replied, "Got it."

When Jiang Han stepped into the house, he saw a few people sitting on the sofa in the living room. His father, Jiang Qinghua, was chatting with someone. When he turned around and saw him, he waved his hand and said, "Jiang Han, you are back. Come and say hello to Mr. Gu."

After retiring from the forefront of the Xinlan Group, Jiang Qinghua and his wife settled down in a luxurious villa located by Yuanhu Lake. Located amidst picturesque mountains and serene waters, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, this destination was the perfect environment for rejuvenation and self-care. The two of them usually took care of their cats and dogs, rarely getting involved in company matters.

When the people sitting next to him heard the name of Jiang Han, they all came over to have a look. Among them was a young girl with short hair, delicate eyebrows, and almond-shaped eyes.

Jiang Han recognized that she was Gu Shiyi, the daughter of Gu Songbai.

He walked to the sofa, nodded at them, and greeted them formally, "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs Gu."

Before he greeted Gu Shiyi, the latter said, "Hello, Jiang Han."

"Hello, long time no see." he said softly before sitting next to Mrs. Gu.

Qu Yaqiong looked at her son and said to Mr. and Mrs. Gu with a smile, "Time flies. The children are all grown-ups. We're getting old."

Fang Liping chuckled as well. "Indeed, isn't that the truth? More than half of my hair has turned white. I have dedicated half of my life to hard work and gone through numerous experiences. It is now time for me to savor the fruits of my labor. However, there's this young lady, my daughter, who hasn't tied the knot yet, and it brings about worries for both her father and me."

"My son is still single!" After saying that, Qu Yaqiong glanced at her son.

Jiang Han lowered his head slightly and did not respond to his mother's question.

Gu Shiyi raised her eyelids and secretly looked at him. He had a handsome face and a cold temperament. He was the kind of person she liked. The Jiang family and the Gu family were friends for generations and knew each other well. Therefore, Jiang Han and Gu Shiyi are seen as compatible candidates for a potential marriage alliance.

"I think Shiyi is a good girl. Jiang Han, what do you think?" Jiang Qinghua asked.

Jiang Han raised his head and looked straight at Gu Shiyi, who was winking at him with a smile. He pursed his lips and replied to his father, "Sure, she is a good girl."

It turned out that their invitation for him to come home for dinner was actually a blind date. However, he was not interested in Gu Shiyi. If he really had feelings for her, the two families would not have sat together to talk about this until today.

Gu Songbai looked at Jiang Han with approving eyes. Among the children of these entrepreneurs in Canghai City, the one he liked the most was Jiang Han from the Jiang family. He had the ability to better himself and avoided getting involved in complicated relationships.

They were very relieved to marry their daughter to him.

He said, "You can hang out more often in the future. You can also watch movies and travel together."

Jiang Han's smile faded as he gazed at Gu Songbai with an icy expression. "I must admit, I lack the charm and wit that Shiyi might find appealing."

Fang Liping immediately said, "There's nothing wrong with immersing oneself in work. It's actually commendable! Shiyi hasn't married until now because she has devoted herself to her work."

Sensing Jiang Han's reluctance to discuss the matter, Gu Shiyi tilted her head and confidently declared to her mother, "Our worth should not be defined solely by marriage."

Jiang Han chimed in, "Yes, you're right."

"I'm working in an investment bank now. If Xinlan Group has any financial needs, feel free to approach me." It is acceptable to discuss professional matters without delving into personal relationships.

Jiang Han smiled slightly and said, "Okay, we can communicate more in the future."

This conversation not only thawed the icy atmosphere between the parties involved but also provided a step back for both sets of parents Jiang Qinghua agreed with a nod. "Actually, you should engage in more communication at work. How about we go grab dinner? The dishes are starting to cool down."

The two families sat around the dining table. At the table, Jiang Qinghua and Gu Songbai were talking about business, while Fang Liwa and Qu Yaqiong were talking about domestic affairs. Jiang Han didn't take the initiative to speak. He just answered whatever they asked him.

Gu Shiyi was well-mannered at the dining table.

After dinner, the two families sat on the sofa to drink tea. After that, Gu Shiyi made an excuse that she had something to deal with, so Gu Songbai and Fang Liping left with her.

After sending off the guests, only Jiang Han and his parents were in the living room. Jiang Qinghua said seriously, "You must already be aware of the reason for calling you back today."

Jiang Han pursed his lips into a straight line. "But I don't have any feelings for Shiyi."

Jiang Qinghua widened his eyes and said slightly angrily, "You talk about feelings? Does feelings matter? The Gu family holds great prominence in Canghai City. The practical advantages of establishing a union with them surpass any intangible benefits."

Qu Yaqiong said, "Shiyi is a good girl. She is generous, and gentle, with strong work capability. Besides, our two families are well acquainted. I don't think there's any girl better than her."

"Are you going to get me a wife, or rather, select a daughter-in-law for yourself?" Jiang Han asked with a cold tone.

"Isn't it the same thing?" Jiang Qinghua was seething with anger, an inferno raging in his eyes.

"Of course it's different." Jiang Han was not afraid of his father's majesty. "If you want me to marry someone, of course, you have to let me find someone I like. If you want to choose a daughter-in-law for yourself, it's up to you."

"Jiang Han, your father and I have set up several blind dates for you recently, but it seems like you haven't felt any connection with the girls we introduced. I can't help but wonder if you have discerning eyes. How can your standards be so high?" Qu Yaqiong expressed her concerns.

"No, I believe I will meet the perfect girl for me. We just have to wait a little longer. The timing isn't right yet." Jiang Han reassured his mother.

"Are you still thinking about your former assistant, Xu Yan?" Jiang Qinghua suddenly asked.

Hearing this name, Jiang Han thought of those romantic scenes in the past and felt a little agitated. However, he denied it. "No."

"Humph! You better not be thinking about her!" Jiang Qinghua sneered, "Do you honestly believe that I am unaware of your absurd actions? I know that you are young and indulge in certain amusements, but as long as you direct your attention towards managing Xinlan Group, it's permissible. Nevertheless, let me make myself clear: you are not obligated to wed Shiyi, but forming a union with someone from a lower social rank like Xu Yan is unequivocally inappropriate."

Jiang Han met his father's cold face. "I'm an adult. I have my own choice and judgment."

"You're such an unfilial son!" Jiang Qinghua cursed angrily.

"I have something to do in the company, so I'll go first." Ignoring his father's accusation, he walked away.

When the driver saw that his boss was still looking serious after dinner, he asked timidly, "Mr. Jiang, are we going back to the apartment?"

Jiang Han took out his phone and said, "Drive me to Xinlan Group's office building."

"Understood." The driver answered, started the car, and drove away from Yuanhu Lake.

Jiang Han opened Weixin and saw the post on Cheng Ji's Moment, "Another day to be a good father!"

A photo was accompanied by the text, showing two cats, one was a calico and the other was a tortoiseshell. Weren't they Xu Yan's cats?

How could he call himself a "father" just because he helped her raise the cats for a few days? Was Cheng Ji afraid that he couldn't uphold the family lineage?

Jiang Han put his phone into his pocket and looked at the fast-moving street lights outside the window, his expression turning even more icy.

Halfway there, he called Sima Ye and invited him to a bar for a drink.

They didn't go home until midnight.

After opening the door, he stumbled in and reached out to turn on the light. He couldn't find the switch, so he simply went straight into the room, vigorously removed his shirt, and reclined unclothed upon the bed.

Under the effects of alcohol, his body moved slowly, yet his mind remained sharp. Thinking of Cheng Ji's post on his Moments, he was a little jealous. "If Cheng Ji wants to be the father of the two cats, he was merely a stepfather."

…

The next day, he was woken up by a phone call. Suffering from a hangover, he lazily picked up the phone and asked, "Who is it?"

"Hey, Jiang Han, come out and fish!" Cheng Ji said excitedly on the other end of the phone, with the meowing of cats.

"I don't like fishing!" His heart sank. "I remember you don't like fishing either."

Cheng Ji said, "Xu Yan left her cats with me for the time being. Her cats want to eat fish."

His tone was helpless, but it sounded like he was showing off.

"When you finally catch the fish, the cats will die due to starvation." Jiang Han came to his senses and said in a cold voice.

"I also take the cats out for some fresh air. They have been confined to the room for a week." Cheng Ji disclosed.

Jiang Han abruptly sat upright and blurted out, "Then feel free to fish. I have to embark on a business trip."