Rivals of Rebirth Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Negotiation

Upon hearing that voice, Zhou Chen’s expression immediately changed. The obsequious smile he had previously vanished completely, leaving only deep-seated disgust and hatred: “Zhou Cheng’an! Why aren’t you coming in yet?”

Zheng Jue raised an eyebrow and put down the knife in his hand. Since Zhou Cheng’an had arrived, the situation could be temporarily controlled. However, Zheng Jue felt a bit awkward in his current state.

Following Zhou Cheng’an’s entrance, he appeared calm. Only when he looked at Zhou Chen did a trace of curiosity flash across his face. Accompanying Zhou Cheng’an was Han Jin, who was far less courteous. His icy gaze sent a shiver down the spines of everyone in the room.

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As for Zhou Chen, now freed, he seemed to regain his recklessness. He didn’t dare provoke Han Jin or the clearly protected Zheng Jue. He could only walk towards Zhou Cheng’an with a cold expression.

“What are you still standing here for? Let’s go!” Zhou Chen, unable to face the situation, could only seek support from his son.

However, Zhou Cheng’an had no intention of yielding. He coldly sneered, “Father, you’ve illegally abducted and detained Zheng Sheng. Don’t you want to take responsibility?”

Zhou Chen’s spine felt cold. He looked at his son in astonishment, as if he didn’t recognize him.

“Have you gone mad?” Zhou Chen gritted his teeth and walked to Zhou Cheng’an, speaking harshly.

But Zhou Cheng’an remained composed. His voice remained cold as he said, “Father, when you make a mistake, you must pay for it. Do you want to evade responsibility?”

Zhou Chen nearly gnashed his teeth as he stared at Zhou Cheng’an. “What do you want?”

He didn’t believe that Zhou Cheng’an would let the Zhou family be embroiled in such a scandal. He suspected his son’s ulterior motives behind these words.

However, before Zhou Cheng’an could speak, Han Jin interjected, “What do we want? Mr. Zhou, after treating Zheng Sheng like this, can’t you figure it out? I’ve just called the police. Mr. Zhou, get ready to go to jail!”

Zhou Chen was taken aback for a moment. He looked at Han Jin in fear and shock. He believed Han Jin was capable of such actions, especially considering the rumored close relationship between Han Jin and Zheng Jue.

“Young Master Han, I was just joking with Zheng Sheng. I didn’t mean anything else…” Zhou Chen’s arrogance immediately subsided.

Zheng Jue observed Zhou Chen’s demeanor and a trace of coldness flashed in his eyes. “Joking? Mr. Zhou’s idea of a joke seems to have gone too far.”

Zhou Chen cast a resentful look at Zheng Jue, but eventually had to lower his head. In a low voice, he said, “Zheng Sheng, I apologize for this.” Now that Zhou Cheng’an clearly didn’t side with him, he had to submit. Otherwise, he might not even be able to leave this place.

Zheng Jue let out a cold chuckle but didn’t speak. Zhou Cheng’an, on the other hand, said, “Father, I think it’s best if you provide Zheng Sheng with some compensation.” Han Jin’s anger was clearly at its peak. Without some form of appeasement, everyone’s situation would be unpleasant.

Zhou Chen’s complexion changed as he heard these words. Zhou Cheng’an was essentially issuing a threat. In his current position within Zhou Corporation, he was already at a disadvantage. If Zhou Cheng’an were to catch him in a compromising situation at this moment, being expelled from the board of directors could be imminent.

However, Han Jin didn’t give him any time to ponder. He stated directly, “Compensation isn’t necessary. Mr. Zhou, all we ask is for you to leave Zhou Corporation.”

Han Jin’s voice carried a cold undertone as he stared intently at Zhou Chen. While he didn’t really want to humiliate Zhou Cheng’an, he also didn’t want to let Zhou Chen off easily. Thus, he struck right at Zhou Chen’s Achilles’ heel, making him relinquish the authority he had once been so proud of. This was the most agonizing method to make him suffer.

After hearing this statement, Zhou Chen was on the verge of swearing out loud. But considering the current circumstances, he didn’t dare utter a single word. He looked at Zhou Cheng’an, only to find his son’s previously expression now cold and indifferent, devoid of any trace of affection.

Zhou Chen felt a chill run through him. Why had he been so foolish to provoke Zheng Jue? He raised his head to glance at the man in dark clothing standing behind Zhou Cheng’an. Suddenly, a shiver ran down his spine. He had fallen into Zhou Cheng’an’s trap.

Clutching his slightly trembling hands, he tried to muster the courage to say something. Yet, before he could utter a word, he saw a glint of ruthlessness in Zhou Cheng’an’s eyes. At that moment, Zhou Chen’s voice died in his throat. He squeezed his sweaty hands and muttered in a low voice, “Fine, I understand.”

As his words trailed off, a person immediately stepped forward from behind Zhou Cheng’an, producing a contract and handing it to Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen gazed at the contents of the contract, feeling almost dizzy. All his shares were to be transferred to Zhou Cheng’an, and the city center shopping mall he owned was to be handed over to Zheng Jue as compensation.

Lifting his head to look at Zhou Cheng’an, he saw nothing but contempt in his eyes. He should have seen it coming. Ever since falling out with Zhou Cheng’an years ago, he knew that this day would eventually come.

Zhou Chen signed the contract with trembling hands and then, with his eyes closed, handed it over to Zhou Cheng’an.

Zhou Cheng’an examined the contract with a smile before passing the contract that transferred the mall’s ownership to Zheng Jue. He chuckled, “I apologize for my father’s actions. Consider this shopping mall as my compensation.”

Zheng Jue wasn’t a fool. Zhou Cheng’an’s thorough preparations must have also accounted for him. Zheng Jue had previously suspected an internal conspiracy involving Zhou Cheng’an, but it seemed Zhou Cheng’an had played an intricate game. He had greatly underestimated Zhou Cheng’an’s meticulous planning.

Showing a hint of displeasure, Zheng Jue took the contract Zhou Cheng’an offered. After all, he had done Zhou Cheng’an a significant favor, and this reward was rightfully his.

“You’ve truly devised a cunning strategy, Young Master Zhou,” Zheng Jue couldn’t help but comment.

Zhou Cheng’an appeared somewhat apologetic as he nodded, yet his gaze remained unwaveringly determined.

Han Jin didn’t utter another word. He cast a cold glance at Zhou Cheng’an, regretting that he hadn’t realized it earlier due to his concern for Zheng Jue. However, the moment Zhou Cheng’an’s secretary presented the contract, he understood Zhou Cheng’an’s scheme.

Han Jin’s expression darkened slightly. According to Zhou Cheng’an’s plan, he shouldn’t have so openly revealed his intentions. Yet, he had done so…

Gradually, Han Jin’s expression eased. He reached out and held Zheng Jue’s hand, then turned away from the scene.

Once they were in the car, Zheng Jue looked at Han Jin, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

Not wanting to put him in an awkward position, Han Jin whispered, “Just say whatever you want to say.”

Sitting beside him, Zheng Jue reached out and smoothed Han Jin’s hair. Han Jin’s hair was incredibly soft, and Zheng Jue enjoyed the sensation of it against his fingers.

“Vi, don’t be mad at him. He was also trying to resolve this matter once and for all. Besides, I’m not seriously hurt,” Zheng Jue said patiently, a patience he hadn’t experienced before.

Han Jin kept his head down and remained silent. He gently touched the spot on Zheng Jue’s shoulder that had been kicked by Zhou Chen. Zheng Jue couldn’t help but flinch, and Han Jin’s eyes softened with a touch of guilt.

“I wish I could just kill him,” Han Jin gritted his teeth and spoke with a fierce determination.

Zheng Jue couldn’t help but smile. “You’re just talking nonsense.”

Han Jin raised his head and looked at Zheng Jue. Leaning in, he kissed his cheek. “I’m sorry.” His voice was low and muffled.

Although the apology was cryptic, Zheng Jue understood it. Han Jin was frustrated that he couldn’t seek justice for him due to Zhou Cheng’an’s influence. This was an uncomfortable situation for Han Jin.

Zheng Jue caressed Han Jin’s cheek and planted a soft kiss on his eyelid. He smiled and said, “We don’t need to talk about this. Young Master Zhou has helped me with a lot of things before. This time, I’ll consider it as repaying a favor.”

In reality, Zheng Jue was also annoyed. If Zhou Cheng’an had honestly told him about this matter, he would have helped him. However, Zhou Cheng’an had kept everything hidden, putting him at significant risk. Zheng Jue felt he couldn’t accept this. But when he looked at Han Jin, who appeared genuinely remorseful, he found himself unable to voice any reproach.

Upon hearing Zheng Jue’s words, the gloom that had clouded Han Jin’s expression began to dissipate. He glanced at Zheng Jue, and upon sensing his sincerity, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

Observing Han Jin’s cautious demeanor, Zheng Jue felt a pang of bittersweet emotion. When had the usually carefree Han Jin turned into this? When had the young man who used to be so lofty and arrogant become willing to lower himself for the sake of love? Zheng Jue couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sadness.

He lowered his head and kissed Han Jin’s lips fiercely, channeling all his frustration and annoyance into that kiss.

Han Jin held Zheng Jue tightly around his neck, his eyes half closed, a faint glint of emotion passing through them, invisible to anyone else.

**

Zheng Jue and Han Jin embraced passionately in a kiss. However, the situation for Han Zizhang wasn’t as favorable. He sat alone in his office, his assistant standing by the desk, looking somewhat worn out.

“Did Han Jin really say that to you?” Han Zizhang’s voice carried a hint of weariness.

The assistant quickly replied in a hushed tone, “Yes, three days from now is the board meeting, and Han Shao has a proposal.”

“A proposal…” Han Zizhang murmured to himself, then lowered his head with a chuckle. “Can’t you guess what he wants to propose?”

For a moment, the assistant struggled for words, unable to utter a single one. He could naturally infer what proposal Han Jin intended to make. With Han Jin’s influence covering eighty percent of the board meeting, he wanted to break free from Han Zizhang’s grasp.

“Since he’s grown wings, let him be.” Han Zizhang sighed, a touch of resignation in his tone.

Nervously, the assistant wiped his forehead and whispered, “How should I respond to Han Shao?”

“Tell him to come to my office tomorrow. Whatever he wants to say, he can tell me in person.” Han Zizhang’s expression once again became resolute. He looked at the photo of himself and Han Jin on the desk, a sudden sense of satisfaction welling up in his eyes. If Han Jin could achieve this level, then he could confidently entrust the company to him.

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