Chapter 4:
( Befriending your biggest Threats)
Arriving at the address where the industry event was being held, Xu Jin drove into the parking lot just beside the event building. They changed the car before coming for the event and they arrived a bit late.
"Xu Jin"
Lei Zhang said but Xu Jin still ignored him and just unbuckled his seatbelt stepping out of the car. Xu Jin had been ignoring him since they left fengxian and it made him uncomfortable.
They had already missed the mingling at the lobby and the light refreshments of tea and wine but they still weren't that late. They arrived when the host "Yang Zhi", a middle aged man who was the CEO of Black Mesa Games was welcoming every one before giving a keynote speech on the state of the gaming industry in China.
By 7:00, the CEOS and their staffs or whoever they had carried along, were seated at tables by industry category having a formal dinner. They introduced themselves, sharing experiences and exchanging business cards but Lei Zhang wasn't interested in all of these. All the getting along with other CEOs was getting him sick of the event. To make things worse, Xu Jin was still ignoring him.
By 8:00, a few top CEOs went on stage for a panel, topics on China's global role in gaming, future of mobile VS console, AI and VR in games, navigating regulations and monetization. These were the only things that got Lei Zhang's interest since he arrived.
After the panel, the CEOs had split into smaller groups. Some moved to private side rooms to discuss partnerships while others mingled in the hall, meeting potential collaborators or investors.
Lei Zhang stood, eyes searching around for Xu Jin who had suddenly disappeared. Finally spotting him at a wine table, he was about walking up to him when he felt someone tap him on the back from behind. Turning, he saw the host 'Yang Zhi', standing and stretching out a glass of wine towards him while his other hand held another glass of wine.
Not wanting to be rude, especially to the host, Lei Zhang accepted the wine but didn't drink it.
"I've noticed you've been Quiet all through the event", Yang Zhi said.
"I didn't have anything to say",
Lei Zhang simply said and Yang Zhi exhaled.
"Lei Zhang right?, CEO of Titan Core Games. Well first congratulations, I heard your company has been ranked best in Shanghai, at the same time accept my condolence, I'm sorry I couldn't make it for your father's funeral ", Yang Zhi said.
"It's alright, besides, you had a big event to organize, it's really impressing ",
Lei Zhang said and Yang Zhi smiled.
"How about i suggest partnership between us",
Yang Zhi said and Lei Zhang raised a brow.
"Your company is the best in Beijing, why partner with me?", Lei Zhang asked and Yang Zhi shook his head.
" Do not speak like your company isn't great, you're quite famous in the business industry. I heard you hate women a lot or are those just rumors", Yang Zhi said.
"I don't think i take interest in talking about my personal life", Lei Zhang said.
"It's fine, so will you be accepting the partnership?", Yang Zhi asked.
"I'll think about it",
Lei Zhang said and Yang Zhi felt intimidated but still faked a smile. His company was greater than Lei Zhang's, he should be the one thinking wether to accept a partnership from Lei Zhang, but it had to be the other way round. Though, he felt one of the rules of business was to befriend your biggest threats. Lei Zhang's company "Titan Core Games", had just started seven years ago but it's increasing rate of popularity and gaming tech was quite threatening. It wouldn't take a few more years before Titan Core beats his company.
By 9:30, the atmosphere seemed relaxed. They had desert and drinks, having some entertainment music before getting into casual conversations and at the ending, Yang Zhi gave a thank you speech.
The event came to an end by 10:30.: Lei Zhang and Xu Jin were the first to leave. Xu Jin got into the driver's seat, waiting for Lei Zhang to buckle his seatbelt before starting the engine.
It was a silent drive, none of them wanting to say a thing. The weather had changed as dark clouds covered the stars. By the time they arrived at Lei Zhang's Mansion, it was already pouring heavily.
Xu Jin, parking the car waited for Lei Zhang to get off so he could drive back like they always did anytime it was Lei Zhang's car that was used to go out.
"Come inside",
Lei Zhang said before getting off the car and Xu Jin rolled his eyes before getting off as well and they hurried to the porch avoiding the rain. Lei Zhang clicked on the door bell which was opened by a middle aged Butler. He didn't greet Lei Zhang, he already knew Lei Zhang didn't like being greeted by people older than him, he still had the discipline his father gave him.
Xu Jin waited for the butler to disappear before turning to Lei Zhang.
"Why making me come in", Xu Jin finally said.
"It's raining, you can stay for the night"
Lei Zhang said taking of his suit jacket.
"Won't I be driving back", Xu Jin said.
"You're not taking my car, I don't want you breaking another window, you can either stay for the night or go under the rain",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin turned to leave obvious that he'd rather get beaten by the rain than stay for the night. Lei Zhang immediately grabbed his arm before he would walk out now getting pissed.
"What exactly is your problem!", Lei Zhang yelled.
"I'm mad at you, that's my problem!", Xu Jin yelled back.
"Mad at me?, i should be the one mad at you",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin scoffed.
"Of cause, don't admit your stupid attitude and the stress you put me through",
Xu Jin said yanking his arm off his grip.
"Fine, how do i make up for it",Lei Zhang said.
"I don't need anything, all i need, is for you to swallow your stupid pride and apologize",
Xu Jin said and Lei Zhang glared at him.
"I'm not, if you really want to go under the rain, then leave!", Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin without waiting a second walked out the door, shutting the door behind him.
Looking at the pouring rain, he sighed, seating at the porch waiting for the rain to at least die down a little.
Meanwhile inside, Lei Zhang stared at the closed door with mixed feelings, he ruffled his hair feeling frustrated before hurrying to the door. He quickly opened it stepping to the porch to check on Xu Jin and was relieved to still see him.
"You didn't leave?", Lei Zhang asked and Xu Jin Turned back glaring at him.
"Is that how much you want me gone", Xu Jin said and Lei Zhang exhaled.
"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to act like that at Fengxian, I've just been in a bad mood all day. Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin scrutinized him before standing up. Then walked past Lei Zhang back inside without saying a word.
Lei Zhang heaved a sigh before following him in and seeing him taking off his shoes and socks, he knew Xu Jin was staying. Lei Zhang sat opposite him waiting for him to be done with his shoes and socks.
"We still need to talk", Lei Zhang said.
"Let me guess, it's about that girl, do you like her?, Xu Jin asked.
"No I'm just curious about her, she seems different like peculiar, but also suspicious i don't know if she's a spy, I'm not really sure how i feel about her ", Lei Zhang said.
"So, what did you mean when you said to rent you an apartment and get you casual clothes?", Xu Jin asked.
"I'm pretending to be her home tutor ",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin raised a brow.
"Are you serious right now, you're curious enough to pretend to be a home tutor, i don't even get it, how did all this happen?", Xu Jin asked.
"She mistook me for an anonymous home tutor she contacted online but something about her seems weird, i first admired her simplicity, but...."
Lei Zhang suddenly paused then breathed out.
"I'm just curious, that's it",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin exhaled.
"Well, i really hope your curiosity turns to love or something", Xu Jin said.
"Don't get your hopes up ",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin heaved a sigh.
"I'll rent you a place in Fengxian and buy you casual clothes, but you're famous, if she isn't a spy won't she find out your real identity sooner or later", Xu Jin said.
"My company is famous not me, not everyone knows the CEO of Titan Core Games, especially people at Fengxian. But, if she eventually finds out my real identity before I reveal myself then so be it", Lei Zhang said.
"It's okay then, at least a girl's finally stealing your attention ",
Xu Jin said taking the remote from the middle table to turn the TV on.
"You still haven't told me what happened to the window of my car ",
Lei Zhang said and Xu Jin paused. Like seriously couldn't this guy just let go of some things.
*****************************************
Xiao Yanran rushed unto her porch taking of her rain coat that was dripping wet and dropped it on a bench at the porch. She held the door handle, taking in a deep breath before opening the door.
Her parents and her older sister, Xiao Wan were at the dinen having dinner, eating and chatting happily as if the family was already complete without her.
She walked to them greeting them but no one returned the greeting. She exhaled going to the kitchen to get herself something to eat before joining them at the dinen.
She was still ignored, her parents and Xiao Wan still chatting happily almost like they didn't notice her presence.
"So where do you plan to have your internship", her mother asked.
"Well, i plan to Intern at Titan Core Games, its the best gaming company in Shanghai", Xiao Wan said.
"That's perfect, with your good grades they'd definitely accept you as an intern, unlike some people",
her father said finally turning to Xiao Yanran and she stopped eating.
"Dad, uhm, i wanted to tell you, I've got a home tutor and.....",
"Home tutor or not, I don't care, if you fail to graduate out of highschool, you're done with school!",
her father said sternly.
"Urgh!, just forget about her, do not spoil our dinner",
her mother said then turned back to Xiao Wan.
"Xiao Wan dear, you're very beautiful, I heard the CEO of Titan Core is twenty five, when you begin your internship, try to win his heart", her mother said.
"Of cause, i always make you two proud don't I ",
Xiao Wan said and they continued talking and laughing not noticing Xiao Yanran who had left the table to her room.
Collapsing on her bed, she felt an ache of sadness but not wanting it to weigh her down, she took out her phone and called Li Wen.
"Hello Li Wen",
she said the moment the call went through.
"Hello Yanran, how was the meeting with the tutor?", Li Wen asked.
"It was nice, plus he's very gorgeous, he's tall, platinum blonde hair and his young, he's twenty five ", Xiao Yanran said.
"Yanran, don't focus on his face and focus on learning ", Li Wen said.
"I know, geez", Xiao Yanran said.
"Anyways, your birthday is next week, I've already bought your birthday present, guess what it is ",
Li Wen said and Xiao Yanran thought for a while.
"Uhm, a video game?", Xiao Yanran asked.
"Yes but not any video game, it's from Titan Core Games ",
Li Wen said and Xiao Yanran's eyes widened as she sat up on bed.
"What!, are you serious ", Xiao Yanran said.
"I'm dead serious, but if i don't see any improvements in your grades I'll sell it and get you a textbook instead ", Li Wen said.
"No, no, I'll improve, I'll definitely study hard, you'd better keep that game ", Xiao Yanran said.
"It's all up to you, anyways you won't believe what happened to me earlier today", Li Wen said.
"Things barely happen to you Li Wen, you're usually the one happening to people", Xiao Yanran said.
"No this time I'm the victim here, some crazy driver splashed mud on me and my bike", Li Wen said.
"Well did he apologize?", Xiao Yanran asked.
"Well yeah, but I'm sure he didn't mean it ",
Li Wen said and Xiao Yanran got suspicious.
"Li Wen what did you do?", she asked.
"Nothing aside breaking the front seat window and stepping on him with my boots ",
Li Wen said and Xiao Yanran's eyes widened.
"What!" Xiao Yanran yelled.
"Geez, calm down, it's not my fault, he threatened me and got me pissed, and you know how i get when I get pissed",
Li Wen said and Xiao Yanran shook her head.
"Remind me how we met again Li Wen", Xiao Yaran said. T. B. C