Chapter 18: Utterly Controlled

After entering the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce and stepping into the grand first-floor hall, Su Zhengjun was immediately struck by the opulence before his eyes—the lavish decor and the exquisite carved jade railings all around. For a moment, he was visibly moved, unconsciously swallowing a mouthful of saliva. Yet, recalling his own status as the future father-in-law of the Young Master of the Ye family, Su Zhengjun quickly composed himself and strode directly to the reception desk.

He put on a show, rapping the counter with his knuckles and deliberately lowering his voice as he said, “Inform your president that the father-in-law of the Young Master of the Ye family, Su Zhengjun, is here!”

The receptionist, hearing such an introduction, dared not slight him for an instant. She immediately picked up the phone and notified the president’s office.

Soon after, Su Zhengjun was ushered to the VIP lounge to wait. An attendant personally brewed tea and respectfully set it before him, explaining that the president was occupied with urgent matters and would need about ten minutes.

Understanding the situation, Su Zhengjun nodded grandly, savoring his tea while casually surveying the surroundings. He could not help but privately marvel at the magnificence of the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce, but he was determined not to appear unsophisticated. No matter how excited he was inside, he forced himself to maintain an air of calm indifference.

After about ten minutes, someone indeed descended from the elevator and walked straight toward Su Zhengjun.

Seated on the sofa, Su Zhengjun unhurriedly set down his teacup, looked up to size up the newcomer, and said with cool detachment, “I suppose you must be the president of the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce?”

“Apologies, I am not the president,” the man replied with a flash in his eyes and a smile. “I am Tang Jianren of Tangren Group. The president sent me to receive you.” He gestured politely.

Su Zhengjun rose with a snort. “Your president certainly puts on airs. Knowing I’ve come in person, he dares to send a subordinate instead of greeting me himself!”

“Our president is meeting with the Young Master at this very moment, discussing important matters,” Tang Jianren replied. “Please, Mr. Su, don’t be upset. Allow me to escort you upstairs.”

Hearing this, Su Zhengjun’s interest was piqued. This was the perfect opportunity to meet his future son-in-law—and to secure a few major projects in the process. Wouldn’t that be a simple matter?

He made a show of suppressing his excitement. “Since my son-in-law is upstairs, it’s just as well we meet together. As for your president not coming down to greet me in person, I’ll overlook it this time.”

“Yes, of course, Mr. Su, you are most magnanimous!” Tang Jianren smiled obsequiously and personally led the way.

They entered the elevator and ascended.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Su Zhengjun suddenly turned to look at Tang Jianren. “Tang Jianren? Aren’t you the chairman of Tangren Group?”

“That’s me. How can I help you, Mr. Su?” Tang Jianren replied with a smile.

“Your group’s projects were assigned to my niece, Su Rulan. Are you aware of that?” Su Zhengjun asked.

“That was arranged by the Young Master himself. How could I not know?” Tang Jianren answered smoothly. “But it was only to give her some face. After all, you are the Young Master’s future father-in-law. You should know the Young Master has put in great effort to win Miss Su’s hand—he’s only waiting for her to return to the country next week!”

Su Zhengjun shrugged, secretly delighted by the flattery. His earlier suspicions were confirmed: the contracts given to Su Rulan were merely for appearances. Now he could finally relax.

Soon, they reached the top floor of the Chamber of Commerce and arrived at the door of the president’s office.

Su Zhengjun straightened his collar, tidied his appearance, and, at Tang Jianren’s invitation, stepped inside.

He immediately noticed two people in the office: one seated at the head position, facing the enormous window, back turned toward Su Zhengjun so that his features were hidden; the other, standing to the side, was instantly recognizable as Zhao Shanhe.

At that glance, Su Zhengjun felt a flicker of familiarity, as if he’d seen Zhao Shanhe somewhere before, but for the moment, he couldn’t recall where.

“I am Zhao Shanhe. Mr. Su, it is our great honor at the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce to receive you,” Zhao greeted him warmly, stepping forward to shake hands. “The Young Master just heard you were downstairs and was delighted. He’s eager to meet you properly.”

Su Zhengjun feigned importance, gave Zhao Shanhe’s hand a perfunctory shake without so much as a glance, and fixed his gaze on the figure seated at the head of the table. “My purpose in coming today, beyond meeting my future son-in-law in advance, is to secure a few projects. That shouldn’t be a problem, I trust?”

“Since you have asked, of course there’s no problem. But may I ask what kind of projects you’re interested in?” Zhao Shanhe replied.

Su Zhengjun cleared his throat. “Nothing excessive—projects worth around one hundred million will suffice. After all, all the other projects are in Su Rulan’s hands, and we have nothing. If word got out, it would hardly reflect well on me as a father-in-law.”

At that moment, the man seated with his back to them spoke, “It truly wouldn’t reflect well—that was my oversight, not considering your feelings. It’s only right that you’ve come in person to request projects this time. Don’t you agree, Uncle?”

At first, Su Zhengjun didn’t react, but as he was about to reply, a sudden jolt ran through his mind and his eyes flew wide open.

“Wait! What did you just call me? Uncle?” Su Zhengjun gasped.

At that moment, the chair at the head of the table slowly swiveled around.

When Su Zhengjun saw the face revealed before him, he felt as if struck by lightning—a thunderous roar filled his mind, as if the very heavens had split asunder.

“Have I… perhaps addressed you incorrectly?”