Chapter 209: Heavy Reliance on Gu Qing

Zhou Andong scrambled up from under the tree and took off running toward the factory headquarters. As soon as he pushed the door open, bean-sized raindrops poured down behind him: "Damn it, good thing I run fast."

Zhou Andong went to Gu Bing's office first, but he hadn't returned yet. He then went to Jian Qiu's office, but she wasn't there either. It was impossible for Jian Qiu to be attending the banquet, so he didn't know where she had run off to.

Returning to his own office, he picked up a cigarette from the desk and lit it, then came to the window. Raindrops pattered against the glass, and the trees in the distance swayed wildly in the wind.

Suddenly, another bolt of lightning tore through the clouds, followed immediately by a clap of thunder. The window glass rattled violently, giving Zhou Andong a start.

"Ding-a-ling..."

The phone on his desk rang. He turned back and picked it up; it was Gu Qing, the head of the Finance Department: "Factory Director, the acquisition of Tenglong Real Estate has been negotiated. 21.6 million. This includes the plot of land in Lishui Village, as well as the advance funds paid to the construction company and building materials suppliers. The first installment is 10 million, to be wired to the designated account within a month. The remaining 11.6 million will be settled in three quarterly installments."

Zhou Andong smiled: "That's fine, it has already met my expectations."

Gu Qing clearly let out a long sigh of relief. She had been incredibly busy during this period, and the pressure of an acquisition involving 20 to 30 million was simply too great for her.

She was just a finance person; managing money was fine, but being responsible for such an important acquisition negotiation had kept her heart in her throat the whole time. At the meeting the other day, when they discussed the scholarship fund, she had wanted to ask Zhou Andong why he chose her.

But in the end, she held back, because the leader choosing her meant he affirmed her ability. No matter how much pressure or difficulty there was, she had to complete the task. Moreover, the entire Jiangzhou Winery, from top to bottom, had a blind trust in Zhou Andong, Gu Qing included.

"Also, Zhao Jianlong's villa and some other assets are valued at 3.2 million. They are asking if we have any interest."

Zhou Andong said without hesitation: "No interest!"

"Okay!" Gu Qing hesitated for a moment and said: "How about we sign the contract tomorrow? Will you come in person?"

"Hahaha..."

Zhou Andong laughed heartily: "Are you afraid of problems and taking responsibility?"

Gu Qing hurriedly said: "Of course not."

Zhou Andong said: "Then you sign it. If you are so hesitant about such a small matter, how can I feel confident putting you in a more important position?"

Gu Qing's heart jumped violently. What did the Factory Director mean by that?

Zhou Andong put down the phone and turned to look out the window. The wind was fierce and the rain was heavy; the whole world was a hazy mist, and even the factory gate could no longer be seen.

The reason he let Gu Qing be responsible for the acquisition negotiation was that he wanted to place her in the position of General Manager of the real estate company that was about to be established. Because Gu Qing's ability was what he recognized the most. As for whether Gu Qing could sit firmly in that seat, that would depend on her.

"Gu Qing, I hope you won't let me down."

The rain fell harder and harder, and the sky grew darker and darker. By four o'clock in the afternoon, it was already so dark that nothing could be seen.

Zhou Andong hadn't eaten lunch yet. Just as he was feeling hungry, the office door was knocked, and Jian Qiu walked in wearing a raincoat, carrying a burger in her hand.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you?" Jian Qiu placed the burger on the desk and took off her raincoat; rainwater dripped all over the floor.

"An Jing said to wait until the rain let up a bit before coming back, but looking at this situation, it won't stop for a while. I knew you hadn't eaten, so I borrowed a raincoat from an employee. It's just a bit short, my pant legs are all wet."

Jian Qiu tucked the hair dampened by the rain behind her ears and picked up a towel hanging to the side to wipe her face.

Zhou Andong poured a cup of hot water for Jian Qiu: "With such heavy rain, why did you come back? I wouldn't starve to death."

Jian Qiu stretched out her somewhat cold hands, rubbed Zhou Andong's face vigorously, and said with a smile: "You won't starve to death, but what if you get hungry and sick? I would feel bad too."

"Look at your hands, they're ice cold." Zhou Andong placed the hot water cup into Jian Qiu's hands. "Take a sip, warm up." After saying that, he walked toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Jian Qiu asked.

"Don't you have spare clothes in your office? I'll go get them for you to change into." Zhou Andong left the office.

Jian Qiu leaned against the desk and took a sip of hot water; her somewhat cold body instantly warmed up. Especially after seeing Zhou Andong upon returning, all the unpleasantness regarding Tong Xiao vanished.

Zhou Andong returned with a dress. Seeing Jian Qiu looking at him and smiling, he asked somewhat confusedly: "What are you smiling at?"

Jian Qiu said: "I'm happy!"

Zhou Andong rolled his eyes at Jian Qiu and casually locked the office door: "Change your clothes first, don't catch a cold, then you can be happy."

Jian Qiu took the dress, placed it on the desk, and took off her wet pants and clothes. But she didn't put on the dress; instead, she wrapped her arms around Zhou Andong's neck and kissed him on the lips.

"Boom—"

Lightning lit up the dark world, and deafening thunderclaps followed one after another. Outside, there was a fierce wind and rain, but inside the office, it was as warm as spring. A long, long time later, Zhou Andong sat in the chair, holding Jian Qiu, looking at her somewhat bewitching face just inches away.

"Why do I feel like you're acting a bit strange today?"

Jian Qiu breathed softly and kissed Zhou Andong lightly: "What's strange about it? I didn't get enough to eat at Dicos, and I wanted to eat something when I got back."

"No!" Zhou Andong shook his head: "In the office, I've asked you so many times before and you wouldn't do it, but this time you're so proactive."

Jian Qiu lay on Zhou Andong's ear, giggling, and said like she was sleep-talking: "I really am just happy. Maybe one day when I'm happy again, I might just agree to do it in the car."

Zhou Andong's eyes lit up: "Really?"

"Of course it's real!" Jian Qiu bit Zhou Andong's ear lightly, "But, it has to wait until I'm happy."

Zhou Andong asked, distracted: "Then when will you be happy again?"

"How would I know!" Jian Qiu said huffily, got off Zhou Andong, picked up the dress and put it on, then turned around, "Help me zip it up."

After Zhou Andong zipped up the back for Jian Qiu, his stomach let out a rumble: "You're full, but I'm starving."

"Then hurry up and eat!" Jian Qiu opened the takeout box, picked up a burger, and stuffed it into Zhou Andong's mouth, "I'll feed you, and we'll be even."

Zhou Andong took a bite and muttered: "What kind of logic is that?"

At this moment, on National Highway 102, dozens of police cars were speeding toward Jiangzhou. And at the entrance to Jiangzhou city, more than a dozen police cars were waiting.

When the two sides converged, they didn't stop but entered the city directly, then split into several routes and disappeared into the rainy night of Jiangzhou city. ===== CHAPTER 210 =====