Chapter 149: Two Mysterious Men
Today was an exceptionally busy day at Chen Tech. The office buzzed with activity as game testers, including Tang Ziyi and Xu Zonghao, worked diligently alongside the development team. Their mission: to meticulously document every error the testers encountered while putting the game through its paces.
Li Chen, present at the office, had just returned from the municipal office, where he submitted a proposal for the land. Meanwhile, Zhang Mei tirelessly moved around, contacting various media outlets and making final preparations for the upcoming marketing push. The entire team was deeply engrossed in their tasks, each contributing to the final push before the game’s launch.
Li Chen took his coat, documents in hand, and briskly walked towards Zhang Mei’s office. The soft hum of office activity surrounded him as he approached her desk. Zhang Mei, engrossed in her work, remained oblivious to his presence.
"I have to go to the municipal office," Li Chen announced, his voice cutting through the ambient noise. Zhang Mei, startled, looked up, her eyes wide with surprise.
"I’m sorry, Li Chen. I didn’t see you there. How can I help you?" she inquired, trying to regain composure.
Li Chen smiled, understanding the unintentional oversight. "I’m going to the municipal office. Xu Zhonhao will take you home," he explained, his tone gentle.
"Okay," Zhang Mei replied, grateful for the clarification. As Li Chen left her office, he headed towards Xu Zhonhao, who was focused on his own tasks.
"Xu Zhonhao, please take Zhang Mei home," Li Chen instructed, his voice carrying an air of authority.
Xu Zhonhao, without looking up from his work, responded, "I’ll be leaving the office very late. If she wants to leave early, she can take a cab too."
"Okay, sure. I have to go now," Li Chen said, a sense of urgency in his tone. With a final nod, he left the office, leaving Zhang Mei and Xu Zhonhao to navigate the rest of the day in the bustling workplace.
Li Chen left in his car and drove directly to the municipal office. Sun Lixia, his assistant, had insisted that he be driven around by a chauffeur, considering his position and the nature of the business. However, Li Chen, preferring the solitude and control of driving himself, chose to navigate the city streets on his own.
As he pulled into the parking lot of the municipal office, he noticed a few older men gathered outside. Their well-worn suits and weathered faces hinted at their seasoned experience in the industry. Li Chen surmised that they were likely there to submit their proposals for the same project he had in mind.
Stepping out of his car, Li Chen approached the entrance, his documents in hand. One of the older men, eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, spoke up, "Young man, who sent you?"
Li Chen, with a calm demeanor, responded, "I came here for myself."
Laughter rippled through the group of older men, and another one chimed in, "You think a young man like you can compete with us for this project?"
Li Chen, maintaining his poise, inquired further, "Compete? What’s the project about?"
The man, sensing Li Chen’s lack of awareness, took a moment to enlighten him, "Haven’t you heard? The richest family in the city has bought that prime land. Our proposals will determine which company gets to work with them in building an amusement park there."
Li Chen’s expression shifted to one of understanding, and he nodded thoughtfully, "Oh, I see."
Undeterred by the dismissive laughter and the seemingly daunting competition, Li Chen proceeded into the municipal office, ready to present his proposal and make a name for himself in the highly competitive business landscape.
The door to the main office swung open, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Two men emerged, capturing the gaze of the assembled crowd. The older man, adorned in an expensive suit that exuded affluence, walked alongside a younger companion whose unassuming attire belied an undeniable air of confidence. The room fell silent as all eyes turned towards this mysterious duo.
The older man’s commanding presence demanded attention, while the younger one, despite his casual clothing, emitted an aura of significance. Whispers circulated among the onlookers, each person speculating about the identities of these enigmatic newcomers. The duo scanned the room with a discerning gaze, causing a collective hush to descend upon the gathered crowd.
When their eyes met Li Chen’s, both men paused briefly before continuing on their way. The room held its breath, curious about the potential significance of this encounter.
As the door closed behind the two men, the older participants in the room began to discuss among themselves, trying to decipher the identities and possible affiliations of the mysterious pair. The expensive suit worn by the older man hinted at a level of influence and wealth that piqued the curiosity of the gathered individuals.
However, despite the fervent speculation, no one could provide a concrete answer regarding the identities of the two men. The mystery lingered in the air, adding an additional layer of intrigue to the already tense atmosphere of the municipal office. Li Chen, too, found himself intrigued by the unexpected arrival of these enigmatic figures, wondering about their connection to the project and the potential impact on the competition ahead.
The receptionist’s announcement cut through the speculative murmurs, signaling that the moment of reckoning was drawing near. The mayor, the key figure in the decision-making process, would soon be available to review the proposals.
Li Chen swiftly organized his documents and presented his meticulously prepared proposal to the designated authorities. As he concluded the submission process, the sun had already dipped below the horizon, casting a veil of darkness over the city.
Stepping out of the municipal office, Li Chen was greeted by the brisk evening air, a stark contrast to the warmth within the building. The cold wind made him shiver, a reminder of the approaching winter. He pulled his coat tighter around him, his mind still processing the events of the day.
Walking towards his car, parked under the dim glow of streetlights, Li Chen reflected on the uncertainties that lay ahead. The mysterious duo, the seasoned competitors, and the high-stakes project weighed on his thoughts. Despite the challenges, he felt a sense of accomplishment in submitting his proposal.
As he settled into his car and drove through the darkened streets, the glow of city lights blurred in the rearview mirror. The anticipation of the project outcome lingered, and Li Chen contemplated the possibilities that awaited him. The night enveloped the city, carrying with it the echoes of a day filled with both uncertainty and potential.
When Li Chen arrived home, he was met by the concerned gaze of Sun Lixia, his mother. "How was it?" she inquired, her eyes searching his face for any signs of the day’s events.
Li Chen offered a reassuring smile. "It went well, Mom," he replied, trying to convey a sense of confidence.
Sun Lixia, always the protective and supportive mother, couldn’t help but express her concern. "You should have told me you wanted that land, though. I have many connections. You wouldn’t have to compete with other people," she suggested, a hint of regret in her voice.
Li Chen, however, remained steadfast in his principles. "I think it’s better if I know I worked hard for it. I don’t want to receive things on a silver platter," he explained, emphasizing his desire to achieve success through his own efforts.
Sun Lixia, determined to support her son in any way possible, countered, "I am your mother. Of course, I should give you things on a silver platter."
Li Chen shook his head, a fond smile playing on his lips. "Mom, I appreciate it, but I want to build my own path," he said before excusing himself to freshen up.
As Li Chen retreated to his room, the familial exchange lingered in the air. The echo of unwavering determination and a mother’s protective love framed the atmosphere of the household, setting the stage for the next Chapter in Li Chen’s journey.
Sun Lixia couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride as she reflected on Li Chen’s determination and commitment. Her emotions ran deep, and her thoughts shifted to another person who held a special place in her heart—Agent 17, her other son.
As she pondered, a mixture of curiosity and concern filled her thoughts. She longed to understand more about Agent 17, to know the person beneath the clandestine exterior.
In that moment of reflection, a deep sense of longing gripped her. All she truly wanted was to have both her sons with her, their laughter filling the house, their stories intertwining. It was a simple desire but one that held immense significance for her. Sun Lixia believed that having Li Chen and Agent 17 by her side would complete her happiness, bringing a sense of fulfillment that went beyond professional success or personal achievements.
