Return of the Celestial King

Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Appointing the Chairman

It was noon, almost time to get off work.

Qin Tuo stopped what he was doing and said with a smile,

"Zilin, let me take you to lunch!"

Upon hearing this, Han Zilin’s eyes curved like crescent moons as she happily nodded her agreement.

"Brother Tu, where are you taking me to eat?"

Just as she was fantasizing about what date spot Qin Tuo might choose, he said,

"I’m taking you to eat at the Chen Family’s house."

The smile on Han Zilin’s face instantly vanished. Staring into Qin Tuo’s eyes, she asked,

"Brother Tu, are you talking about that Miss Chen from yesterday?"

Qin Tuo didn’t think much of it and nodded.

"Yeah, what’s wrong?"

The light in Han Zilin’s eyes instantly faded.

"I don’t want to go, Brother Tu. You can just go by yourself..."

Han Zilin hesitated for a moment before mumbling.

In truth, she had always wanted to ask Qin Tuo what his relationship with Chen Man Ni was, but she could never muster the courage.

’But now, none of that mattered anymore!’

’Qin Tuo is going to her family’s house for a meal. There’s simply no need to ask that question anymore.’

Qin Tuo asked curiously,

"Zilin, do you have other plans? If not, just come with me. We can head back together after lunch."

Han Zilin hid her feelings well, and Qin Tuo was completely oblivious to the complex thoughts swirling in the sensitive young woman’s mind.

Meeting Qin Tuo’s gaze, Han Zilin forced a smile and said,

"You go ahead, Brother Tu. I’m not going to tag along. I’ll just grab something simple for lunch."

Qin Tuo thought Han Zilin was just being polite and feeling shy, so he said with a laugh,

"It’s no big deal, Zilin. Just think of it as crashing a meal with me. Haven’t I crashed plenty of meals with you before?"

But Han Zilin still shook her head, her resolve firm.

"Go ahead, Brother Tu. I’m really not going!"

Seeing that Han Zilin was so adamant, Qin Tuo could only nod resignedly.

"Alright, I’ll head out then. Make sure you get something to eat for lunch."

"Okay, Brother Tu, I will."

Qin Tuo walked out of the company alone and was about to get into his used, domestically-made car when he suddenly heard a horn honk.

He looked up to see the latest model, an orange-red Ferrari, parked at the main gate.

Chen Man Ni was in the driver’s seat, chewing gum and wearing a pair of large, stylish sunglasses.

"Qin Tuo, forget your car! Ride with me!"

Chen Man Ni called out with a smile.

Qin Tuo smiled and got in, admiring the brand-new Ferrari. He couldn’t help but comment,

"Manni, you’ve really got good taste!"

Chen Man Ni let out a laugh and retorted without missing a beat,

"Of course I do. Are you just figuring out that I have good taste? Why else would I have set my sights on you?"

Her words were both a boast and a compliment to Qin Tuo.

Qin Tuo almost blushed. ’This girl’s tongue is as sharp as ever,’ he thought. ’She hasn’t changed a bit!’

"Alright, Manni, let’s get going. We don’t want to be late."

Qin Tuo could only say this to diffuse the awkwardness.

Chen Man Ni flashed a triumphant smile, and the Ferrari sped off down the road.

Up in the office building, Han Zilin stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, watching helplessly as Qin Tuo got into Chen Man Ni’s car and it sped off into the distance.

A bitter feeling welled up inside Han Zilin, and her face even grew a little pale.

After a long moment, she let out a long sigh and turned to walk away, a forlorn look on her face.

Meanwhile, Qin Tuo and Chen Man Ni arrived at the Chen Family Villa.

As soon as they walked into the main hall, they saw Ouyang Tianqi was already there waiting for them.

"Ah, Mr. Qin! You’ve finally arrived!"

Ouyang Tianqi immediately stood up and greeted him with great enthusiasm.

Chen Wenxiong was also by his side, stepping forward to welcome them with a cheerful laugh.

Qin Tuo nodded and exchanged a few polite words.

"Mr. Qin, I’ve missed you dearly since we last saw each other!"

Ouyang Tianqi took Qin Tuo’s hand and showered him with concerned questions, looking for all the world like an elder doting on his own nephew.

Seeing this, Chen Wenxiong, who was standing nearby, was filled with envy!

After all, given Ouyang Tianqi’s status and position, countless talented young people in all of Ming City would have loved to curry favor with him.

And yet, only Qin Tuo received such special treatment.

"Qin Tuo, please have a seat here with Mr. Ouyang for a moment. I’m going to give the staff some instructions."

Chen Wenxiong said with a smile before turning to walk away.

Seeing this, the ever-sensible Chen Man Ni went to help wash some fruit.

"Mr. Qin, I’ve recently acquired a few more ancient paintings. If you’re interested, I can gift them to you."

Ouyang Tianqi said with a beaming smile.

Qin Tuo was startled, involuntarily recalling the last time he had absorbed all the Spiritual Power in the entire room.

That Spiritual Power had given the Celestial King Order a great deal to digest.

Without a doubt, if those ancient paintings were all authentic, the Spiritual Power they contained would be incredibly alluring.

"Then I must thank you in advance, Mr. Ouyang!"

Qin Tuo didn’t stand on ceremony.

Living in his old residential complex where Spiritual Power was scarce, Qin Tuo was indeed in desperate need of such energy.

"Hahaha, nonsense, Mr. Qin! We’re friends who transcend age. What are a few paintings between friends?"

Ouyang Tianqi laughed with magnanimous cheer.

Seeing this, a suspicion formed in Qin Tuo’s mind, and he began to sense the true purpose of today’s invitation.

Just then, Chen Wenxiong returned and struck up a conversation.

"Qin Tuo, I hear you’re working at Mani Company now. Is that right?"

Chen Wenxiong asked with a smile.

Qin Tuo nodded, not denying it.

"Yes, Mr. Chen. I’m currently a salesperson at the company."

Chen Wenxiong gave a wry smile and shook his head.

"Qin Tuo, I offered to let you manage the family business, but you refused. Why would you now choose to be a rank-and-file employee?"

Qin Tuo thought for a moment before replying with a smile,

"Mr. Chen, there have been quite a few twists and turns. It’s a long story."

Chen Wenxiong nodded, seeming to understand Qin Tuo’s position.

He said with a sigh,

"Qin Tuo, there are far too few young men like you these days. I understand what you’re thinking—you want to start from the bottom and temper yourself, right? But I feel that’s completely unnecessary!"

Ouyang Tianqi, who was beside him, quickly chimed in to agree.

"Mr. Qin, with your skills and capabilities, how can you be a common salesperson? Isn’t that a waste of your talents?"

Qin Tuo simply smiled without saying a word. ’They wouldn’t believe the real reason even if I told them.’

Then, Chen Wenxiong made a direct decision.

"Qin Tuo, this coming Monday, I will announce your appointment as the Chairman of Mani Company!"

Upon hearing this, Qin Tuo immediately tried to refuse.

However, Chen Wenxiong said firmly,

"Qin Tuo, my mind is made up. Don’t refuse me again!"