Chapter 18: 18. Chu Zhichen Knew His True Destination.

Arriving in Nanjing around noon, they found that their hotel was conveniently located near the conference center, leaving them with ample time. After completing the check-in process, Chu Zhichen accompanied Xiang Mingzhang to their room to unpack their luggage. 

The business suite was awash in black and white. The walls were painted a stark white, and the floor was covered in a black marble tile. The furniture was also black and white, with sleek leather chairs and minimalist tables. The overall effect was one of clean lines and sharp contrasts. 

The open office area was the heart of the business suite. It was a large, bright space with plenty of natural light. The black-and-white color scheme was both elegant and sophisticated. 

Chu Zhichen took out the materials and meticulously counted them one by one. 

Xiang Mingzhang ordered two lunches, which were promptly delivered by a waiter. After washing his hands, he sat down on the sofa and invited, "Come over and have something to eat." 

Chu Zhichen, holding a tablet computer, settled into the queen chair on the opposite end. He didn't even touch his plate as he began, "Mr. Xiang, let's go over everything one last time." 

Xiang Mingzhang assured him, "All the materials are ready." 

Chu Zhichen continued, "Great. The strategic management reports and profitability analysis data are the main focus." 

The seminar revolved around the "billing" issue within the industry, lasting a total of three and a half hours and divided into two sessions, with a half-hour break in between. To facilitate networking, 40 minutes of free communication time was allocated at the beginning. 

Chu Zhichen explained, "According to the schedule, it will conclude at six o'clock, followed by a social banquet at eight in the evening. You can bring along an assistant or a partner for dancing." 

As someone who frequently went on business trips, Xiang Mingzhang had no concerns. Furthermore, Chu Zhichen's arrangements were well-structured, leaving him worry-free. "Understood, let's eat." 

Throughout the journey in the car, Chu Zhichen lost his appetite. He absentmindedly tapped on his tablet and stated, "I'm not hungry, and—" 

Observing this, Xiang Mingzhang picked up the phone from the side table and requested a refreshing salad from the restaurant. He didn't eat his lunch, as he did not incline to exploit his subordinates. 

A waiter then brought a honeydew melon and almond salad, offering a touch of sweetness and energy. Seeing this, Chu Zhichen reluctantly picked up a fork and tasted it. It was sweet and delicious, fitting his preference. 

With a satisfied stomach, Xiang Mingzhang picked up the tablet to examine it for himself. Upon unlocking the device, a list of seminar attendees appeared on the screen. 

This list was publicly available and encompassed a total of 26 individuals. Chu Zhichen added information about each person, including their company, position, and whether their companies had any business connections with Xiangyue. He also indicated if there were overlapping fields, competition, or cooperation intentions. 

Flipping through more than a dozen pages, Xiang Mingzhang glanced at Chu Zhichen and inquired, "How long have you been preparing for this?" 

Chu Zhichen finished the last piece of honeydew melon before responding, "Fortunately, the past two days were free of any complications." 

Xiang Mingzhang remarked, "It's not a battle, do you truly have to know yourself and the enemy so well?" 

Chu Zhichen calmly stated, "Being prepared guarantees safety." 

Xiang Mingzhang remained fixated on the screen, masking the admiration in his eyes. Although having Chu Zhichen as his secretary was not his first choice, it was a necessary compromise. 

Over the past few days, he had to recalibrate his opinions. Setting aside Chu Zhichen's exceptional execution abilities, his ability to think and approach situations was far beyond that of a novice entering the workforce. 

Xiang Mingzhang found himself puzzled. Chu Zhichen had been idle all this time with his personality and temperament drastically changed after his memory loss. How is it that his mind seemed to have undergone an upgrade and optimization? 

It appeared that what had been lost wasn't memory, but rather, some system glitch. 

Checking the time, Chu Zhichen instructed the driver to prepare the car. Shortly after, Xiang Mingzhang left for the conference center. 

Since assistants were not allowed at the seminar, Chu Zhichen had some time to catch his breath. He returned to his room, which, while not particularly spacious, offered a serene view of the mountains. 

Mrs. Chu called, inquiring about the weather in Nanjing and whether it was hot or cold. She also asked if they had tried any local cuisine, specifically duck, and if the cherry blossoms at Jiming Temple had blossomed fully. 

Chu Zhichen simply responded, "It's not cold," oblivious to any other details. Mrs. Chu expressed her dissatisfaction and requested him to take some photos. 

On the table in the room, there lay a pamphlet showcasing the scenic spots of Nanjing. Curiosity piqued, Chu Zhichen decided to open it and explore. The ancient city, adorned with both medals and scars, now possessed a renewed charm. If time allowed, he truly wished to explore its wonders. 

Regrettably, it was too late in the day. The seminar had concluded, and a banquet awaited, necessitating their attention and arrangements. 

In the evening, Xiang Mingzhang returned to the hotel. Banquets and similar occasions had never held his interest. Before freshening up and changing clothes, he organized the contents of the meeting. 

Dressed in a shirt of his choosing, Xiang Mingzhang sent a message to Chu Zhichen, summoning him. 

Chu Zhichen promptly arrived at the appointed time, dressed in a sleek black suit that fit him perfectly. His jet-black hair was slicked back, and his dark eyes were like two bottomless pools. He moved with a grace and precision that was almost unnatural, and there was an air of calmness and steadiness. 

Two pairs of cufflinks lay upon the table. Without any instruction from Xiang Mingzhang, Chu Zhichen neatly selected a pair with sapphire accents. He approached Xiang Mingzhang and assisted him in donning them. 

Curious, Xiang Mingzhang inquired, "Why did you choose this pair?" 

Chu Zhichen simply replied, "I enjoy the color blue." 

Xiang Mingzhang lowered his head, offering his wrists for Chu Zhichen's assistance. His hands were slender and well-groomed, the nails trimmed and polished to a high shine. The azure blue agate ring on his right index finger sparkled in the light, matching the cufflinks on his wrists perfectly. 

After adjusting the cufflinks, Chu Zhichen added, "I have taken medicine for your stomach and to prevent a hangover." 

Xiang Mingzhang, adjusting his tie, advised, "Keep them in your pocket." 

The dinner was set on the hotel's golf course, presented in an open-air fashion. The vast lawn, adorned with long tables featuring floral arrangements and sumptuous meals, remained illuminated by the blending of moonlight and artificial light. 

The tables were set with fine china, crystal, and silverware. The floral arrangements were a riot of color, with roses, lilies, and orchids in abundance. The meals were a feast for the senses, with dishes from all over the world. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and conversation, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of the flowers. 

Chu Zhichen grasped a glass of champagne, amidst a sea of suits and leather shoes. The fragrance of fine clothing wafted through the air as smiles adorned everyone's faces. Gentle nods were exchanged as they passed by, upholding an ambiance befitting gentlemen and ladies. 

This sensation felt all too familiar. Opulent mansions, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, and banquets spun like a revolving lantern. Chu Zhichen often found himself as the guest of honor, praised for his brilliance. However, he grew tired of the constant need to maintain appearances. 

No matter how tumultuous the world may be, the intoxicating blend of wine and indulgent feasts never went amiss. Amidst nights of revelry and waltzing, hands interlocked, waists intertwined, and passion ignited. 

"Hello, are you here alone?" 

As someone approached him for conversation, Chu Zhichen set aside his past and raised his glass politely to engage with others. 

As the night grew darker, intentionally or not, the lights dimmed, creating a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The music transitioned to lively dance tunes. 

Chu Zhichen exchanged a brief conversation with the stranger for no more than five minutes. If he attempted to disengage, the other party would naturally move along. 

Never forgetting his duties, Chu Zhichen scanned the surroundings, searching for Xiang Mingzhang's towering figure. He planned to approach him and inquire if there were any further instructions. Yet, before he could reach him, a tall female guest approached Xiang Mingzhang first. 

Sensing the situation, Chu Zhichen tactfully halted his steps. 

Two minutes passed, and the female guest wore a pleasant smile, exhibiting no signs of leaving. Chu Zhichen could only observe Xiang Mingzhang's back and speculate on his equally content expression. 

Cheerful dance music filled the air as female guests extended their hands generously, inviting Xiang Mingzhang to join them on the dance floor. However, he declined with a shake of his head. The female guest shrugged understandingly, clearly possessing a cheerful disposition. 

Throughout the space, groups of people mingled, mature individuals engaged in conversation and laughter. It was a pleasant summer night, ideal for observing the comings and goings of others. 

Chu Zhichen gracefully declined several ambiguous advances before finishing the last sip of champagne in his glass. Despite it all, one constant remained in Vanity Fair throughout the ages—charms and allure that held no appeal to him. 

He mockingly pursed his lips at the thought, suddenly consumed by a sense of tedium. 

As his phone vibrated, Xiang Mingzhang sent a message: "I want to return to my room." 

Chu Zhichen glanced over in the direction of Xiang Mingzhang and the female guests. Having dealt with numerous young men in the past, he understood the allure of hitting it off with a beautiful woman on such a night. 

Quietly, Chu Zhichen retreated to the suite. He arranged for a change of bedding, added a bottle of red wine, and hung up a suit for easy access the next morning. 

In frustration, he lamented the fact that he was reduced to fulfilling his duties as a secretary, fearful of spoiling the ambiance. Just to be safe, he took the meeting materials from the coffee table before leaving. 

Once in his own room, Chu Zhichen lay on the bed, freshened up, and began reading through the information. Certain billing methods and concepts remained unfamiliar to him, leaving him puzzled. 

As he continued reading, exhaustion began to overcome Chu Zhichen. He closed his eyes, attempting to find solace in sleep. However, a restless mind plagued him, preventing any calmness. Forgoing the usual sleep-inducing rituals, he tossed and turned for an entire hour without finding respite. 

Suddenly, he couldn't help but wonder about the situation in the suite. Would it disrupt their morning work schedule? 

His phone vibrated once again, jolting Chu Zhichen from his sleepy state. Acting on instinct, he answered without checking the caller ID, saying, "Hello?" 

To his surprise, Xiang Mingzhang's indifferent voice came over, stating, "It's not going well." 

Chu Zhichen quickly moved the phone away from his forehead and confirmed that it was indeed Xiang Mingzhang on the other end. How could this be happening at such an hour... He placed the phone back to his ear, asking, "What's the matter?" 

Xiang Mingzhang inquired, "Did you take the meeting materials with you?" 

Chu Zhichen replied, "Yes." 

"Bring them to me," Xiang Mingzhang said before abruptly ending the call. 

Startled awake, Chu Zhichen hastily put on a nightgown and proceeded to deliver the materials. He knocked on the door outside the suite, to be greeted by Xiang Mingzhang's cold countenance, perfectly in line with the tone of their earlier conversation. 

The room remained silent, except for the opened bottle of red wine and the single glass resting on the coffee table. A laptop hummed nearby, Xiang Mingzhang's attire pristine, and the bed linens undisturbed, evidently untouched. 

Chu Zhichen handed over the information, momentarily speechless. 

Xiang Mingzhang accepted it with equal silence, a scoff escaping his lips. Social gatherings proved difficult for him, especially when facing the organizer's lady. He had messaged Chu Zhichen, asking for an excuse to extricate himself from the situation. 

However, to his surprise, Chu Zhichen had left him behind and departed. 

Xiang Mingzhang had attributed this to his unclear hint. But upon returning to his room, he discovered that Chu Zhichen had gone to Xuanwu Lake—a place signifying his desire for solitude—after encountering various signs throughout the evening pointing to Qinhuai River. 

The air grew charged with awkwardness. Chu Zhichen attempted to make amends, asking, "Do you need any help?" 

"No," Xiang Mingzhang replied dismissively. "If it weren't necessary for reference, I wouldn't disturb someone's sleep at this hour." 

Embarrassed, Chu Zhichen muttered, "It's alright. I'll return then." 

Slowly retracting his steps, Chu Zhichen suddenly felt Xiang Mingzhang pointing behind him. "Secretary Chu, next time, refrain from making assumptions on your own. I may not be interested in the luxuries you think I desire." 

Chu Zhichen misunderstood, conceding, "I apologize for the misunderstanding." 

Xiang Mingzhang retorted, "Do you presume to know I'm enjoying myself just from seeing me from behind? And even if you did know, do you think it signifies a carnal desire arising from a mere few hours of acquaintance?" 

Chu Zhichen had indeed erred in his judgment, making it difficult to justify himself. 

Xiang Mingzhang inquired again, "Or is it because you are accustomed to such casual encounters that you judge others based on your own experiences?" 

Unable to dismiss his past actions under this identity, Chu Zhichen replied patiently, "I don't recall my past actions." 

Xiang Mingzhang rose from his seat, taking a deliberate step forward towards Chu Zhichen. With an unwavering expression and an air of disapproval, he seemed to be asserting dominance over the situation. 

Finally, he issued a stern warning, saying, "Refrain from such blunders in the future." 

Chu Zhichen responded, "There won't be a next time, and I vow to never repeat this mistake again." 

To his surprise, Xiang Mingzhang leaned down to pick up the wine glass, downing the remaining red wine within it. 

He then posed a question, "But if there comes a day when I genuinely require your assistance, how should I proceed?" 

Chu Zhichen's eyes flickered with uncertainty as he pondered the question. "In that case, I hope you can communicate your intentions clearly to me." 

Xiang Mingzhang, with a hint of alcohol on his breath, replied, "Wine may be sweet, but it fails to invigorate. It is only suitable for refreshment. If the occasion calls for it, I would request a glass of vodka from you." 

[T/N: Looking forward to raising a glass of vodka! Please remember this hint, 'Chu Zhichen'.]