10:00 p.m. Zhu Empire, Private Meeting Room.
The atmosphere was relaxed, almost deceptive, this wasn't a government meeting but was where politicians came to bargain, test loyalties, and quietly pull the strings that the public would never know existed.
Zhu Zihan sat at the head of the table, one elbow resting on the armrest, his hand supporting his chin. His expression remained indifferent, showing little interest in the conversation unfolding before him.
Seated opposite him were three senior politicians. They chatted casually among themselves, laughing over old stories as though they were lifelong friends gathering over drinks rather than discussing the future leadership of the country.
One of them, a middle aged man lifted his teacup with a smile. "President Zhu... it's been a long time."
Zihan's gaze shifted to him. "Mr. Li." His voice was calm. "It has."
A greedy old fox who still refuses to leave politics.
The thought crossed his mind and for a brief second, he felt the urge to roll his eyes, a habit he had unconsciously picked up from his wife, but he restrained himself.
Mr. Li chuckled. "I miss the days when my brother in law was President of the Zhu Empire." He leisurely took another sip of tea. "Negotiations were... much smoother back then."
The other men laughed in agreement.
Zihan remained expressionless.
His silence only encouraged Mr. Li further. "Zihan..." he said with a knowing smile. "You already know why we've come, don't you?"
Zihan glanced at the expensive watch on his wrist before meeting the older man's eyes again. "So...Which candidate have you come to destroy...and which one do you wish to keep dancing in the palm of your hand?"
The room fell noticeably quieter. Mr. Li laughed heartily. "Don't paint me as the villain." He spread his hands innocently. "Everything I do is for the sake of justice, my nephew."
"...I'm listening."
Mr. Li leaned forward, the smile gradually fading from his face. "This year's candidates are troublesome. They've done an excellent job cleaning their records."
He tapped a finger lightly against the table. "We've investigated every one of them. No scandals, no corruption, no obvious weaknesses." He sighed. "And the only truly transparent candidate...is politically weak."
One of the other congressmen nodded."He has integrity. But integrity alone doesn't win power."
"The others may be clean on paper," another added, "but every one of them is backed by influential families. Once they assume office, they'll become difficult to control."
Mr. Li's gaze settled on Zihan.
"We need someone capable...but not someone beyond our reach, we don't want the country failing". He smiled meaningfully.
The room fell silent once more. Three pairs of eyes remained fixed on the young President of the Zhu Empire, waiting for his answer.
Zihan was quiet for a long moment. He had no desire to become further entangled in political affairs. His own responsibilities were already overwhelming, and with the election drawing near, every decision would carry consequences.
But refusing wasn't an option so he let out a quiet breath. "...Fine."
The three men visibly relaxed.
"I'll get to it as soon as possible," Zihan continued as he rose from his seat. Without another word, he buttoned his suit jacket and walked toward the exit and the meeting was over.
Back in his private office.
Zihan picked up the blazer he had left draped over his chair and was about to leave when the office door opened without so much as a knock.
Mr. Li strolled in as though it were his own office.
Instead of leaving, he casually sat down on the sofa, crossed one leg over the other, and smiled. "Aren't you even going to chat with your uncle for a while?"
"You really are an unfilial brat."
Zihan's footsteps came to a halt. He turned his head slightly. "...What are you still doing here?, I thought you were supposed to be finalizing a partnership with Guo Min."
Mr. Li chuckled. "That's already been done and dusted."
"Hm."
A brief silence followed before Mr. Li smiled again, a small dimple appearing on his cheek. "How's Yanyan? Has she been missing her older brother?"
Zihan looked at him with the same indifferent expression. "If you're curious, go visit my mother yourself."
Mr. Li clicked his tongue dramatically. "Tsk. You really know how to kill the mood. Always so cold."
Zihan offered nothing more than a brief sideways glance before reaching for the office door. "I'm going to see my wife." He opened it halfway, then added it without looking back, "...Make sure you don't litter my office."
Mr. Li burst into laughter. "Still as sharp tongued as ever."
Without waiting for a reply, Zihan closed the door behind him and walked away, leaving the older man alone in the office, still shaking his head with an amused smile.
Grandeur Serene.
A black Maybach rolled smoothly into the executive parking garage.
The moment it came to a stop, Zhu Zihan stepped out, adjusted the cuff of his suit, and headed straight for the private elevator.
Behind him, Secretary Lin struggled under the weight of several shopping bags.
"President... could these have waited until after work?" he muttered under his breath.
"Be quick," Zihan said without looking back.
Lin sighed inwardly.
Easy for you to say.
The elevator doors slid open onto the top executive floor.
Before Zihan could take out his phone to call Guo Min, a familiar voice greeted him.
"Greetings, President Zhu."
Xiao Mei bowed politely.
"Hm."
She smiled professionally.
"Mrs. Zhu is currently occupied with the government inspection team. Please come with me, I'll take you to her office."
Her eyes shifted to Secretary Lin, who was still burdened with the shopping bags.
A trace of sympathy crossed her face.
"I'll help you."
Secretary Lin looked as though salvation had finally arrived.
"Thank you..."
Together, they walked through the elegant corridor lined with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the vast Grandeur Serene resort.
When they reached the executive office, even Zihan paused for a brief second.
Unlike Guo Min's previous office at Serene Hotels, this one was far more spacious.
The modern interior blended elegance with warmth. One entire wall was made of glass, offering a panoramic view of the resort below, while another displayed architectural models and framed blueprints of future expansion projects.
Without saying a word, Zihan slowly looked around.
She built all of this... She really is his wife.
Secretary Lin carefully set the shopping bags on a nearby sofa with a relieved sigh.
At the same time, Xiao Mei pressed the intercom.
"A few refreshments for President Zhu, please."
Moments later, a staff member entered carrying a tray of tea, coffee, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries.
Xiao Mei gestured toward the seating area.
"Please make yourself comfortable, President."
"The government inspectors are still reviewing the final reports. Mrs. Zhu should be finished in about an hour."
The refreshments were placed neatly on the coffee table. "Please enjoy."
Just as Secretary Lin happily reached for an empty chair in the corner. "Secretary Lin."
Xiao Mei smiled. "Please come with me."
"Huh?"
"The president can rest by himself."
Before he could protest, she was already leading him toward the door.
Secretary Lin looked longingly at the tray of snacks as he was escorted away. "...She really is strict". He grumbled quietly. "I finally had the chance to enjoy some free snacks."
Xiao Mei glanced at him with an amused smile. "They're for President Zhu."
Lin sighed dramatically. "...Being a secretary is hard."
"And being President Zhu's secretary is even harder, so do your job properly".
The office door closed behind them. Silence returned to the spacious office, leaving Zihan alone as he waited patiently for his wife to finish her work.