"Hey, hey, Linger, I can't agree with that. You may not be the most beautiful, but look at yourself—where it really counts, you're second to none. I won't let you talk about yourself like that. You're capable—extremely capable."
Hearing her boss declare his faith in her so passionately, Zhao Linger was so moved she covered her mouth.
As someone the system had assigned to Jiang Cheng's side, she sometimes wondered why she was so loyal to him.
Mainly because he was hardly ever at the office, so they hadn't actually crossed paths that often.
For a while she'd brainwashed herself into thinking it was because the first time she saw him she'd found him incredibly handsome—and so easy-going.
Where else would you find a boss like that? No wonder she cared so much about him and the company.
And now his words had made that loyalty even stronger.
"President Jiang, I don't know what to say. I'm just… touched. Thank you for believing in me. To live up to your expectations, I swear I'll give it everything I've got from now on."
Her declaration made not only Jiang Cheng's buddy twitch but even Chen Xueer, standing nearby, felt a jolt of excitement.
Though she hadn't gone all the way yet, she'd met Jiang Cheng several times and understood him far better than Zhao Linger did.
She caught the double meaning and found it both exasperating and amusing.
Chen Xueer shot Jiang Cheng a coy glare. "President Jiang, you're teasing Linger again just because she's naive. You rascal. Take my advice—look after your health and balance work with rest. After all, the entire Xingchen investment empire still needs your long-term guidance."
Jiang Cheng knew her remarks were half jest, half sincere reminder—and they also handed him a seamless pivot.
But he didn't take the cue; instead he lifted his gaze, eyes turning distant.
He launched into the spiel he used to charm the two women.
"Xueer, Linger, do you know what matters most in investing?"
Chen Xueer answered instinctively, professional and certain: "Vision, timing, risk control."
When she finished, Linger nodded in agreement.
"There's one more," Jiang Cheng said, looking at her with far-sighted eyes. "Positioning. Investing in companies, projects, the future—it's all about positioning. Some positions pay off quickly; some need patience. But when it's time to commit, you can't stint on energy or resources."
After that he deliberately paused, shifting his gaze from Zhao Linger's bewildered face to lock onto Chen Xueer's eyes.
With undeniable seriousness laced with a hint of flirtation he said, "Running a company isn't a one-off deal. Xingchen is here today not because of luck but because of careful positioning, patient refinement of core businesses, and relentless investment. Xueer, you know that better than I do."
Chen Xueer wasn't sure why he'd suddenly brought this up.
But what he said made sense.
Seeing her nod, Jiang Cheng continued. "Relationships are no different from running a company. Some people leave things to chance, like short-term traders after a quick buck—they cash out and leave, so they never last. But relationships that truly matter—whether partners or… someone more special—must be managed like a core business: with thought, patience, and knowing when to let go."
By now Chen Xueer finally understood.
So Jiang Cheng was explaining why he was going to the airport to pick up Wang Yuyan.
His gaze bored straight into her eyes, candid yet mischievous. "You say I'm glib and love to joke, but when have I ever slacked on Xingchen's core business? The people I truly care about get the same treatment."
"In business you must know when to double down and when to lie low, remembering every key node of input and return; it's the same with the people beside you."
With that Jiang Cheng smiled lightly, the roguish look gone, leaving only pure seriousness.
"Just as Xingchen would never easily abandon a promising core project, I would never easily let down anyone I hold in my heart. Running a company takes patience, tolerance, and the willingness to shoulder burdens together when difficulties arise—how is love any different? I may not sweet-talk, but I will guard the people I care about the same way I guard Xingchen's territory, giving them support, patience, and respect."
Unlike Chen Xueer, Zhao Linger at her side only half-understood.
Still, she couldn't help nodding. "Chairman Jiang, you're right! It's like when I follow you—you rarely come to the office, but whenever I hit a problem I can't solve, one sentence from you wakes me up. That's you 'running' us subordinates!"
Hearing the word "running" from Zhao Linger's lips, Chen Xueer felt something gently bump her heart, softening it in an instant.
Watching Jiang Cheng on the screen—his gaze deep, his tone earnest—she suddenly sensed that all those flirtatious teases and seemingly frivolous jokes had been quietly laced with unspoken devotion.
Jiang Cheng was unquestionably a playboy, yet toward the women around him he truly lived up to the word "running."
Take Wang Yuyan: Jiang Cheng never treated her like a caged bird or discarded her after growing bored; instead, he respected her wishes and nurtured her.
He was even preparing to build a landmark hotel for her.
For the sake of the hotel's operation he was now planning to partner with Cloud Rice.
With such dedication, how could it not qualify as "running"?
Of course, that was also one of the key reasons she couldn't bring herself to hate Jiang Cheng.
Chen Xueer's cheeks warmed slightly; the earlier grievance and helplessness gradually faded.
Looking at Jiang Cheng, her eyes carried a more complex emotion. She gently bit her lip, her voice much softer. "As expected of Chairman Jiang—even love can be discussed so... solemnly. Just hope you'll show a bit more patience and a bit less'strategy' toward your 'core assets.'"
Jiang Cheng smiled, cunning and sincerity mingling in his eyes. "Strategy is to reach the core of the 'core business' faster, while patience is the foundation of long-term management. Xueer, rest assured—I never lack patience for assets I truly value."
For a moment, a subtle silence settled across the two ends of the screen.
Zhao Linger was still mulling over Jiang Cheng's "management theory," while Chen Xueer, staring into his deep gaze, felt her heartbeat quicken.
In truth, even she didn't know how much longer she could resist Jiang Cheng... After hanging up, the car arrived at Kyoto Airport.
At that moment Wang Yuyan's flight was touching down on the grass strip.
Soon she emerged, pulling a compact suitcase, walking unhurriedly toward the arrivals exit.
Today she wore a well-tailored beige trench coat.
Underneath was a light-colored cashmere sweater.
Simple fitted trousers completed the outfit.
Her long hair draped softly over her shoulders.
To let Jiang Cheng see her at her best, she had booked first-class on the long-haul flight.
It came with a private suite and even a private shower.
She had carefully washed her clothes and hair.
So even after the long journey, only faint fatigue showed on her face—yet that slight weariness only added to her cool, fragile beauty.
As she walked, she drew many covert or overt glances.
She was long used to such attention.
After all, she had been fair and beautiful since childhood.
Those experiences had taught her to look past them.
She simply lowered her lashes slightly, focusing on her path.
Once she reached a relatively open area, she took out her phone to message Jiang Cheng.
But the moment she stopped, a young man in casual business attire approached with what he thought was a proper smile.
"Hey, beauty, traveling alone? That case looks heavy—let me help?"
Wang Yuyan paused, sidestepping to avoid his hand.
She lifted her gaze, clear eyes showing unmistakable distance and refusal.
Her tone was flat but firm. "No need, thank you. My luggage is light; I can manage."
Her pleasant voice carried such chill that the man's outstretched hand froze mid-air, his smile faltering.
He was about to say something more to display his grace or persistence.
When Jiang Cheng's unmistakably amused voice sounded beside Wang Yuyan:
"Hey, beauty, need help with your luggage?"
That voice... Wang Yuyan's heart lurched; she turned instantly.
Jiang Cheng had appeared at her side without her noticing.
He wore a simple black jacket and trousers, stood tall, and wore the familiar, slightly roguish, lazy smile as he looked at her with burning eyes.
Clearly he had come in a rush.
The airport breeze had tousled his hair.
Yet the dishevelment only added to his rugged charm.