Rivals of Rebirth Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Resolving

“Because I considered you a brother. Is that reason enough?” Han Zizhang’s voice carried a hint of ruthlessness.

Upon hearing this, Wu Xi suddenly felt like he was collapsing. His body turned limp as he sank into the chair.

Han Zizhang chuckled coldly, turning to sit back in his own chair.

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Han Zizhang furrowed his brow, scrutinizing Wu Xi with a trace of suspicion. “You never mentioned any of this to Han Jin?”

“No…” Wu Xi’s face turned pale. “But I believe he knew before he came into my care. During that period, he barely spoke to anyone.”

Han Zizhang’s brow creased even further. “Where did you take him from?”

Wu Xi pondered briefly, his complexion growing even paler. “It… was from Han Dong’s home.”

Han Zizhang’s expression darkened completely. He studied Wu Xi carefully, realizing that the present Wu Xi was unlike the composed and calm individual from before. Cold sweat almost caused him to feel weak. Wu Xi was an intelligent man; he knew the consequences of betraying him. So even if he had said something back then, he wouldn’t have the courage now to directly confront him.

But Han Dong was different. He was a member of the Han family, with resources comparable to his. If something were to happen to him in the future, the entire Han family could very well change hands. Han Zizhang stared into the void, his eyes carrying a hint of chill.

After a while, as Wu Xi was becoming anxious, Han Zizhang finally spoke, “You may leave.”

Wu Xi looked at Han Zizhang with some confusion, but Han Zizhang’s impatience was evident. “I don’t want to see you around lately.”

Wu Xi left Han Zizhang’s office almost in a daze, feeling a sense of gratitude. Watching Wu Xi’s departing figure, Han Zizhang fell into deep thought.

Han Dong didn’t appear as foolish as he outwardly projected. The fact that he could recall his efforts to manipulate the relationship between Han Jin and him indicated a level of scheming. But since he already knew, this matter wouldn’t easily be manipulated to his advantage.

**

When Han Dong accepted Han Zizhang’s invitation to come to the Han Group, he knew that trouble was looming. However, he still held onto a glimmer of hope that Han Zizhang might not have discovered his clandestine actions. Unfortunately, his cousin was as shrewd as he had been decades ago.

Han Zizhang didn’t beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

“I know what you’ve been up to.” Han Zizhang stared at Han Dong, his fingers intertwined.

Han Dong clenched his teeth, his face paling for an instant. He tried to appear relaxed but found he couldn’t even muster a smile. Sighing, he admitted, “Since you’re aware, what do you intend to do with me? The things I’ve done haven’t had any substantial impact. Even if you want to deal with me, the board of directors won’t approve.” Han Dong didn’t want to appear weak in front of Han Zizhang.

Upon hearing this, Han Zizhang merely smiled. “I don’t need the board’s approval. The things I want to accomplish, no one can hinder.”

Staring at Han Zizhang’s icy gaze, Han Dong was acutely aware that his cousin was telling the truth. Han Zizhang had always been this way — if he desired something, he would achieve it. This included defeating his brothers and becoming the head of the Han family.

Han Dong slumped in his chair, remaining silent.

However, Han Zizhang spoke again at this moment. “Before you leave, I have one last question for you. Did Wu Xi act on your behalf?” He still had some doubts about Wu Xi.

Han Dong’s expression flickered, then darkened. He had no bargaining chips left now. His plan had been exposed before it could even come to fruition. If he lied again, he couldn’t fathom how Han Zizhang might deal with him.

“I’ve interacted with Wu Xi a few times, but he’s always been quite shrewd. I’ve never been able to gain an upper hand over him,” Han Dong replied in a subdued voice.

Han Zizhang’s expression became somewhat strange. Never gaining an upper hand meant never refusing either. Wu Xi truly was an unpredictable factor.

As Han Dong wearily left the office, Han Zizhang issued a series of orders. Within a month, all directors and high-ranking members connected to Han Dong within the Han Group were purged. The sword of Damocles had finally descended. However, no one felt relief. No one dared to be certain they had no connection with Han Dong.

This extensive cleanup was a prolonged undertaking. It was impossible to clear out half of a company’s mid-to-high-level management overnight. Han Zizhang excelled at gradually pruning, methodically sweeping people out. He oppressed their nerves, inducing fear and anxiety.

Just then, Han Jin emerged on the scene. Everything proceeded according to his plan. With the exception of Wu Xi, who wasn’t handled by the old patriarch, nearly everyone else faced implications.

At this juncture, the numerous mid-level leaders he had previously established relationships with finally came into play. When some left, others stepped in; when top-tier members were ousted, mid-level ones took their place. Furthermore, these individuals were Han Jin’s loyal supporters. Naturally, the Human Resources department knew exactly whose names to endorse in their recommendations.

Over the course of that month, Han Group underwent a seismic shift. The entire organizational structure of the board of directors experienced a colossal transformation. Many minority shareholders became major ones, and major shareholders were now even more dominant. The landscape of Han Group underwent a dramatic transformation.

Initially, Han Zizhang hadn’t realized this. He was consumed by the betrayal he had faced. Yet, as he gradually regained his composure, he came to realize that it was too late for certain things.

The reshuffling of personnel throughout the company had begun to take shape, and certain matters had become irreversible. Even with his vast influence, Han Zizhang couldn’t alter the established facts. The choice between those who might betray him and his son’s agents was a simple one. Han Zizhang wasn’t naive; he knew how to make that decision.

Once this group of individuals with impure motives was eliminated, Han Group finally regained its composure. However, during this process, Han Group’s stock market experienced a sharp decline. Luckily, both Han Zizhang and Han Jin had anticipated this outcome, preventing an irreparable catastrophe. Additionally, Zheng Jue and Zhou Cheng’an’s shopping mall had also opened.

The year of the mall’s opening marked Han Jin’s ascent. He no longer needed to be subject to Han Zizhang’s orders and restrictions. His influence within Han Group was destined to surpass, rather than fall short of, Han Zizhang’s.

When Zheng Jue saw Han Jin, he was surprised. He had heard of Han Group’s recent activities, leading him to believe that Han Jin would be occupied and unavailable to meet. However, to his surprise, Han Jin had come.

On the other hand, Zhou Cheng’an seemed to have expected this. He welcomed Han Jin with a smile, saying, “Vi, I knew you’d come.”

Han Jin’s lips curled slightly, yet his gaze remained fixed on Zheng Jue. “How could I possibly not come?”

Zheng Jue felt as though Han Jin’s eyes were aflame, making him feel uneasy. Almost a month had passed since their last meeting, yet the passion from that encounter still lingered vividly in his mind.

He couldn’t continue like this, Zheng Jue told himself. If he carried on, he might embarrass himself in public.

“Cough, cough.” Zheng Jue cleared his throat twice. “I’ve heard that the Han Group has been rather turbulent recently. I wonder how things are now.” He awkwardly changed the subject.

Han Jin looked at Zheng Jue and smiled subtly. He walked over to Zheng Jue and whispered in his ear, “This matter is quite complex. Why don’t we go upstairs and discuss it?”

The three of them were currently on the ground floor of the mall, with the VIP reception room located above. It was private and… discreet.

Zheng Jue was immediately stirred by the thoughts in his mind. However, his face remained calm. He glanced at Zhou Cheng’an, who seemed oblivious to everything, and then softly said to Han Jin, “Let’s go this way, Han.”

Han Jin chuckled silently. Before brushing past Zheng Jue, he deliberately and subtly brushed his fingers against Zheng Jue’s hand. Zheng Jue felt as though his entire body had been set ablaze.

He was tempted to rush after Han Jin, but he managed to restrain himself. He nodded to Zhou Cheng’an, who pretended not to hear anything, and said, “Zhou, would you like to come up with us?”

Zhou Cheng’an smiled and waved his hand. “No, thanks. There are many important guests here today. Just focus on hosting Vi.”

These ambiguous words made Zheng Jue feel somewhat annoyed, but he didn’t say much. He turned and headed upstairs.

As Zheng Jue reached the entrance of the reception room, he saw Han Jin leaning against the doorframe, lazily holding a cigarette.

He slightly furrowed his brows and approached, taking the cigarette from Han Jin’s mouth. “Don’t smoke too much. It’s not good for your health.”

Han Jin frowned a bit reluctantly. “You smoke too.”

Zheng Jue was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t smoked before, but things had changed since that incident.

“Even if I smoke, I won’t smoke too much.” Zheng Jue compromised.

Han Jin leaned in, gently kissed the side of Zheng Jue’s face, and said softly, “I was just teasing you. If you don’t want me to smoke, I won’t.”

Zheng Jue’s gaze softened instantly. He caressed the side of Han Jin’s face and lightly kissed his lips.

It was just a gentle kiss, but it ignited Han Jin’s desires. He almost couldn’t wait and tightly embraced Zheng Jue’s neck, pressing his lips against his with fervor.

Despite being in a public place, Zheng Jue felt anxious. He didn’t dare to push Han Jin away, well aware that resisting would only fuel Han Jin’s ardor. He did his best to follow along, one hand lightly stroking Han Jin’s waist, trying to calm him down. With his other hand, he quickly retrieved a key from his pocket, unlocked the door to a lounge, and pushed Han Jin inside.

Once inside the room, Han Jin became even more fervent. His kisses were almost haphazard, resembling a bloodthirsty beast as he passionately nibbled on Zheng Jue’s lips. Unexpectedly, Zheng Jue didn’t resist at all.

***********