Rivals of Rebirth Chapter 64

Chapter 64: Playing the Ace

Just as Zhou Cheng’an had anticipated, it didn’t take long before Grandfather Zhou reached out to Zheng Jue with a phone call, inviting him to visit the Zhou residence. Zheng Jue politely declined at first, but eventually accepted Grandfather Zhou’s invitation, agreeing to visit the Zhou household on Saturday.

After finishing the call with Grandfather Zhou, Zheng Jue immediately dialed Zhou Cheng’an’s number. Zhou Cheng’an’s voice came through, a hint of relief evident: “Since my grandfather has contacted you, you can be a bit less cautious around my father.”

Zheng Jue’s expression remained unchanged as he listened. “Mr. Zhou might be well-intentioned, but even with Grandfather Zhou’s endorsement, I can’t fully let my guard down. Young Master Zhou, I advise you to keep an eye on your father as well. Judging by his recent behavior, I wouldn’t be surprised by anything he does.”

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Zhou Cheng’an’s voice turned light-hearted. “For the Han family to make such a significant move at this juncture, there might be some serious trouble brewing for them.”

Silence followed from Zheng Jue’s end. Zhou Cheng’an continued, “The other prominent families in the city aren’t fools. Most of those who are perceptive are already itching for action. Young Master Zheng, do you think Han Jin will attain what he desires this time?”

Zheng Jue lowered his face slightly, his expression devoid of emotion. After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke in a cold, detached tone, “What he desired, he obtained long ago. Those who covet the Han family should consider their own worth before making a move.” 

Zhou Cheng’an couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Alright, alright. You two truly are a pair of lively individuals. I may not be able to convince you, but indeed, Han Jin’s recent actions might create a slight opening for us as well.”

Thinking of the two towering buildings already under renovation in the city center, Zheng Jue also felt a sense of relief. Han family wasn’t easily shaken, and they could only seize such opportunities.

After ending the call with Zhou Cheng’an, Zheng Jue’s mood grew somber. He couldn’t tell if he felt irritated or disheartened. What he couldn’t deny was that Han Jin’s audacious move against the Han family was, in part, due to him.

This reality was difficult for him to accept and face. The debts he owed Han Jin were substantial, to the point where he didn’t know how to repay them.

At that moment, Zheng Jue’s thoughts were in disarray.

**

While Zheng Jue was consumed by his thoughts, Han Jin hadn’t given these matters any consideration. He was currently engrossed in a battle of wits with the cunning members of the board of directors.

These individuals had been summoned by Han Zizhang for no apparent reason, leaving them all uneasy. They couldn’t afford to offend Han Zizhang, so they found themselves entangled in his affairs, focusing their annoyance on his son.

Han Jin was nearly amused by the antics of these people. They acted as if they had cuddled him in their arms as children or gifted him with something valuable. Little did they know, he had received enough gifts to build a house, and he couldn’t remember who had given what over a decade ago.

But such was the nature of human interactions. A give and take, a show of social niceties – relationships were built and maintained, even if they had to be stretched. Otherwise, there’d be nothing to talk about.

So, Han Jin endured the torment while somehow satisfying the majority of the board members’ desires for connection. However, one person stood out from the equation – Wu Xi.

Apart from a greeting on his first day back, Wu Xi hadn’t crossed Han Jin’s threshold again, seemingly maintaining a deliberate distance. It was unusual and disconcerting. When things were abnormal, they could be ominous. Han Zizhang wasn’t a fool; he quickly noted this discrepancy.

With a bead of sweat forming, Han Zizhang’s assistant reported the findings of his investigations over the past few days. Han Zizhang sat in silence, his face taut. When the assistant mentioned that a decade ago, when Han Jin had needed care outside the Han family, it was Wu Xi who provided it, Han Zizhang’s expression grew even darker.

He had never instructed Wu Xi to take care of Han Jin. He had assumed that Han Jin had been cared for by several of Han Zizhang’s cousins.

Until now… fiery anger almost blazed in Han Zizhang’s eyes.

“Tomorrow, have Mr. Wu come to the company. There’s something I need to discuss with him.” Han Zizhang’s tone was frigid.

The assistant managed to suppress the urge to wipe his forehead clean of sweat and murmured, “Yes, Mr. Han.”

Han Zizhang then waved his hand, signaling the assistant to leave. Just as the assistant reached the door, a thought struck him, and he added, “Oh, Mr. Han, you asked me to investigate the other two Mr. Hans. I have conclusions now. Mr. Han Su has been abroad ever since you settled in the Han family. While he has returned a few times during this period, he hasn’t interacted with Young Master Han. Even if they did meet, it was in public settings – no private interactions.”

Pausing briefly, he continued, “As for Mr. Han Dong, he has consistently worked for the Han family. However, his interactions with Young Master Han have been limited. There haven’t been any signs of particular interest from Young Master Han towards Mr. Han Dong. But… ten years ago, before Mr. Wu took over the responsibility of caring for Young Master, Young Master Han spent a day at Mr. Han Dong’s residence…”

An awkward silence filled the room as the assistant spoke. Eventually, Han Zizhang, with a grim expression, shattered the silence, his voice low, “If that’s the case, then investigate Mr. Han Dong thoroughly. He’s impulsive and shortsighted in his actions, making him relatively easy to investigate.”

The assistant promptly acknowledged and left Han Zizhang’s office.

Watching the assistant’s departing figure, Han Zizhang couldn’t help but display a hint of bewilderment. In truth, he hadn’t initially focused on Han Dong. Han Dong was a man with numerous faults – lustful, addicted to gambling, tactless, and prone to making grandiose claims.

He couldn’t fathom how someone like Han Dong could be scheming against him for a decade. Yet now, Han Zizhang couldn’t be so certain. The most fickle thing in this world was the human heart. Who could know if Han Dong was feigning this persona to deceive him? Moreover… Han Dong’s attractive secretary had gotten involved with his assistant, leading Han Zizhang to suspect their motives. What were these people truly harboring?

Caught in a whirlwind of suspicions, Han Zizhang’s mind was in turmoil. Meanwhile, Han Jin was achieving success in the presence of these board members. After a series of social connections, they began engaging in ordinary social interactions.

Each of them was fraught with apprehension, fearing an uncertain future. To ensure their survival, they naturally sought to align themselves with Han Jin. After all, he was the legitimate heir of the Han family, and having him on their side provided them with a sense of security.

Many held such intentions, turning Han Jin into a highly sought-after prize. Almost every director wanted to establish a relationship with him. The number of banquets he attended in a week exceeded what he used to attend in a month.

Han Jin was both tormented and delighted.

He had executed more than half of his plan; now it was a matter of observing Han Zizhang’s response.

**

The next day, following Han Zizhang’s arrangement, Wu Xi arrived at Han Family Corporation. Unlike his previous visit, where everyone came together and each harbored personal motives, this time, he was the sole invitee. Wu Xi couldn’t help but notice that even the security guards at the entrance looked at him differently.

Unease pervaded Wu Xi’s heart, and his expression reflected it. When Han Zizhang saw him, he was also taken aback. He quickly instructed his assistant to serve Wu Xi a cup of tea, asking, “What’s wrong with you? Haven’t you adjusted to the time difference?”

Wu Xi forced a smile. “I’m okay, just feeling a bit uncomfortable.”

Han Zizhang inwardly sneered but maintained his composed demeanor. “I didn’t call you here for anything important this time. If you’re not feeling well, you should see a doctor. Don’t bear with it.”

“No, it’s nothing.” Wu Xi waved his hand repeatedly. “It’s just my stomach feeling a bit off. I took some medicine earlier, and I’m feeling better now.”

Seeing this, Han Zizhang couldn’t help but smile. “That’s good, that’s good. We’re all getting older; it’s worrying when health issues arise. Nowadays, a health problem is a big deal – much different from the past.”

Han Zizhang’s tone was nostalgic, as if reminiscing about the past. Wu Xi’s heart was filled with bitterness, but he could only sit beside him, forcing a smile until his face felt frozen.

Seeing Wu Xi’s unnatural demeanor, Han Zizhang also sensed that the moment had arrived. After recalling their hardships during their earlier years, his expression immediately turned serious. “It’s a pity that even though we’ve both achieved high positions now, we’ve lost the camaraderie we once shared.”

A resounding alarm blared in Wu Xi’s mind, causing him to practically jump from his seat. He urgently exclaimed, “Zizhang, what are you saying? Even though I’m slightly better off than before, I will never hesitate to follow your orders.”

Han Zizhang raised an eyebrow, observing Wu Xi. His face remained devoid of expression. “I believe what you’re saying, but sometimes, even the soundest minds can be led astray.”

After his initial burst of anger, Han Zizhang was gradually regaining his composure. He realized that Wu Xi had no plausible reason to betray him. Even if he and Han Jin were to fall out, and even if chaos were to engulf the Han family, with so many legitimate Han descendants, they wouldn’t resort to targeting someone not bearing the Han name. At most, Wu Xi would be another founding contributor, akin to having no distinction. However, certain matters were known only to him – actions that he knew only Wu Xi would undertake.

As expected, Wu Xi’s complexion paled instantly. His legs trembled as he stood up, staring fixedly at Han Zizhang before almost collapsing to his knees.

“Zizhang, you… you knew?” Wu Xi’s face contorted in horror.

Han Zizhang calmly regarded Wu Xi, lightly touching the ring on his hand. In a solemn tone, he said, “I don’t know what you’re referring to, but if you’re talking about your feelings for Han Jin’s mother, I can tell you that I knew about it back then.”

Wu Xi felt like he had been struck. His face turned deathly pale, and he remained seated, looking as if all strength had left his body. “Then… why didn’t you say anything?”

Han Zizhang slowly stood from his chair, walking over to Wu Xi’s side, and chuckled coldly.

***********