Chapter 474 Nonchalant Xueyi
*************
CHAPTER 474
Arriving at the company, Liu Xueyi was briefed on everything his grandfather wanted as he walked over to the Chairman's office with Fu Chu Hua by his side.
Suddenly, a loud call came from behind him, forcing Liu Xuieyi and Fu Chu Hua to come to a halt and turn. It was Xu Fang.
Quickening his pace, he made his way over to them and placed a hand on Liu Xueyi's shoulders.
"Last I recall, this is not thirty minutes, Xueyi," Xu Fang pointed out and gave a nod at Fu Chu Hua's greeting.
"Huh, when did I tell you 30 minutes?" Liu Xueyi asked, feigning ignorance as the trio continued their movement towards the Chairman's office.
"You told your grandfather and he told Chu Hua and when he nagged me, Chu Hua informed me of the reason. You are fifteen minutes late."
"Just fifteen, I thought I took a whole extra thirty," Liu Xueyi stated uninterestedly, leaving Fu Chu Hua and Xu Fang behind staring at him in shock.
"What? Is there something wrong?" Liu Xuieyi asked, taking an abrupt pause.
What Xu Fang or Fu Chu Hua did not understand was how he, his grandfather's favourite could deliberately keep the old man waiting without any sense of urgency or wrong on his part.
The Xueyi they knew loved to keep to time. Now he acted spoiled. Xu Fang couldn't help wondering if this wasn't an influence of Andromeda spoiling him.
"Did someone die or what?" he added loudly before turning around to face forward again while walking faster than before, ignoring his companions who looked confused but also amused by his antics.
"Tsk," Xu Fang chuckled. "I do not know what to do with you but I know there's been a change, a shift. I don't know if it is for the better or worse but one thing I know, I sense a dangerous air around him," he muttered.
"Huh, sir? Did you say something?" Xu Fang heard Fu Chu Hua's concerned voice and all he did was smile.
His lips pulled upwards in an enchanting smirk, stunning the fragile heart of Fu Chu Hua as he placed a foot forward and walked away. "Ignore it. Let's go."
***********
The door swung open, revealing the elegant interior of the office. Xu Fang's ever-watchful eyes maintained his focus on Liu Xueyi as they entered.
Of all those outside their circle, he had known Liu Xueyi the longest and was perhaps the closest confidant.
An air of concern mingled with amusement and intrigue, creating a unique blend of emotions within him.
An unsettling feeling hung in the air, refusing to dissipate. No matter what, he just could not shake the air about his friend. Xu Fang's intuition told him danger was coming.
The customary greetings were exchanged as they entered the room, each movement and word laden with the weight of their familial dynamics.
Seated on the single couch at the centre of the adjoining resting area was Liu Huoyi, his presence commanding attention.
Beside him, on the double-ended couch, sat Liu Jinchen, Xueyi's father. He sported a dark blue tuxedo with his black hair styled back in a neat manner, his stern expression a testament to his authoritative position.
Liu Xueyi greeted his father and grandfather, the subtle tension between them evident as both men hummed in response.
He took his seat on the long couch to the left, the space around him seeming to reflect the complex emotions swirling within.
"You're late," Liu Huoyi's voice sliced through the room, his strict eyes narrowing at Liu Xueyi. The pressure between them was palpable, setting the stage for a confrontation.
By this time, all Xu Fang could do was watch from the sidelines to see how Liu Xueyi's earlier nonchalant attitude would save him from his angry grandfather.
Liu Xueyi met his grandfather's gaze with a calm demeanor, seemingly unaffected by the reproach.
"But what did that time help you to notice?" His words carried an undercurrent of challenge, a defiance that seemed to intrigue even his stern grandfather. He leaned back into his seat, a confident smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
A moment of silence settled over the room, a heavy weight hanging in the air as everyone held their breath.
And then, to the surprise of all, Liu Huoyi's stern expression broke, replaced by a smug smirk. He leaned back further into the couch, casually undoing the button of his suit jacket.
"I can see how well the company has been faring under your guidance," he admitted, his voice a mix of reluctant acknowledgment and approval. The tension eased slightly giving a hint of relief to the intense atmosphere.
"And?" Liu Xueyi added, a small smile playing on his lips.
"And Andromeda's effect in the fashion line has done wonders. I am proud," Liu Huoyi admitted.
As the conversation shifted, a satisfied smile formed on Liu Xueyi's lips. Xu Fang exchanged a knowing look with Liu Xueyi, the unspoken understanding between them echoing through their shared gaze.
He leaned back and beckoned on Xu Fang and Fu Chu Hua to take their seats, his demeanour more relaxed now.
"So, you delayed your grandfather just to have him see the progress he could have gotten from a report?" Liu Jinchen questioned sternly, reviving the turbulent waters.
Unlike Liu Huoyi, he wasn't ready to pamper his son's antics and was ready to use an iron hand on him.
"Father, what do you think has a lasting impression? Words read that cannot be trusted perhaps or seeing for yourself?" Liu Xueyi countered.
"I..." Liu Jinchen did not get to finish when Liu Huoyi lifted his hand to stop him.
"That is enough you two. I understood him, Jinchen. I am satisfied."
"As you wish, father." Seeing his father mellow down for his grumpy grandfather, Liu Xueyi felt a surge of pride within him.
He knew deep down his father must be getting jealous at how much love his grandfather and mother bestowed on his son over him the father.
"However, I am sure that wasn't the only thing that kept him late, was it?" Shooting a knowing glance at Liu Xueyi, his grandfather waited for his confirmation and truly he nodded.
Xu Fang mentally facepalmed himself. Truly Liu Xueyi was courting death with his father.
"You are right. I had another engagement I began before your call, Grandfather." Liu Jinchen's eyes narrowed at his son, wondering what silent conversation was going on between the two of them,.
"Besides, what man would I be leaving halfway?" He winked at his grandfather and chuckled.
Clearing his throat, he sat upright once more. "Yes, shall we begin this meeting, please?" Everyone gave a curt nod in agreement and he proceeded. "Fu Chu Hua kindly brief us."
At Liu Xueyi's prompt, Fu Chu Hua bowed her head and rose to her feet, preparing to present the briefing, only for Liu Huoyi to halt her with a shake of his head.
"I have read it all. And no need to stand. Xueyi, proceed. I haven't got all day." His words, though stern, indicated a level of trust and expectation in Liu Xueyi's ability to lead.
"As you wish."
This chapt𝒆r is updated by free(w)ebnovel(.)com