But upon deeper reflection, he didn't know exactly what the problem was.

After all, he thought he had been very honest lately.

Moreover, he had been very good to Zhao Ying.

Hadn't he specifically traveled to Tiandu just to fulfill Zhao Ying's wish and help her secure a position in the country's largest social media network where she could keep up with gossip anytime?

It was no secret that Chen Yan had come to discuss investment with Weibo.

Zhao Xuan knew Chen Yan was in Tiandu, so it made no sense for him not to know about this.

Thus, Chen Yan didn't know what caused this premonition.

So, he could only pick up his tea and slowly savor it without speaking.

He knew if there really was a problem, Zhao Xuan would take the initiative to speak up.

Sure enough, after some reflection, Zhao Xuan said to Chen Yan, "Xiao Chen, have you ever considered living in Tiandu with Ying Ying in the future?"

Stunned by Zhao Xuan's question, Chen Yan replied honestly, "I haven't thought about that."

"I've grown up on Qin Island, and my career is there too."

"At least for the time being, I haven't planned on moving."

Zhao Xuan silently sipped his tea and then said, "Qin Island is nice. But after all, it's a small place."

"If you want to achieve great development, you still need to venture out."

"For instance, places like Tiandu or Modu are better choices than Qin Island."

Upon hearing Zhao Xuan's words, Chen Yan still felt something was off.

He pondered deeply.

As he continued, he seemed to grasp what Zhao Xuan was implying.

He couldn't help but lift his head to glance at Zhao Xuan.

Zhao Xuan was looking at him too.

Chen Yan coughed, "You're right. Qin Island won't be my only option."

"Although I've always lived there, if Tiandu turns out to be favorable, I might eventually settle here."

Zhao Xuan shook his head slightly, "Tiandu is definitely better than Qin Island."

"This place is an ancient city of six dynasties, with outstanding people and beautiful scenery."

"Its springs are clear and pure without any impurities."

"Moreover, it has strong economic strength and sufficient connections. Whatever Qin Island can offer you, this place can too."

"More importantly, there are vast prospects for development here, and as long as you lay down roots and work hard, it can provide you with greater help."

Chen Yan blushed as he nodded.

His blush wasn't from shyness but from embarrassment.

For he had finally understood Zhao Xuan's implications during the multiple mentions of the two cities.

Zhao Xuan was ostensibly discussing two cities, but he was actually referring to two girls.

Qin Island represented the He family, He Mengxue.

Tiandu represented the Zhao Family, Zhao Ying.

He obviously knew that Chen Yan had come to discuss business with Zhao Ying and ended up bringing out the issue with He Mengxue.

Even, as he said earlier, "Nothing was secret, everything was transparent," Zhao Xuan probably even knew clearly that Chen Yan and He Mengxue were staying in the same room.

This sudden invitation was precisely to "remind" him face to face not to string along two girls and to make a decision quickly.

Of course, he also mentioned the advantages of choosing Zhao Ying while speaking of Tiandu:

Zhao Ying was simple and straightforward, making her very comfortable to be around.

And the Zhao Family, being much larger than the He family by a dozen times, had abundant resources and connections nationwide, which could provide Chen Yan with more help.

However, asking Chen Yan to make a decision now seemed rather difficult for him.

Moreover, he always felt that only children make choices; adults take everything they want.

But, being approached directly by a girl's father to give a reminder would still embarrass Chen Yan, even with his thick skin.

He thought he should be more careful in the future...

So as not to let them find out.

Thinking this, Chen Yan chatted with Zhao Xuan for a bit according to his own thoughts.

In essence, he still followed the typical indecisive man's pattern: hesitating, not having thought it through, still considering options, asking for more time...

Faced with this maneuvering from Chen Yan, an emerging tycoon, Zhao Xuan couldn't do much.

After all, it was Chen Yan who was making the choice now.

He certainly couldn't hold a knife to Chen Yan's throat, forcing him to make an immediate vow, could he?

So, seeing Chen Yan unresponsive, Zhao Xuan could only sigh inwardly: Chen Yan really has everything, but his fickle heart is troublesome...

With the topic hastily concluded, Zhao Xuan took Chen Yan for a simple lunch.

Compared to dinner on Qin Island, this lunch was considerably more lavish.

During their time in the villa, Chen Yan once again witnessed the grandeur of a large family, and he envied Zhao Xuan's presumably comfortable life.

It appeared that his position within the Zhao Group was very stable.

If so, once he sorted things out on his end, he believed he could deal a fatal blow to Zhao Qingtian and then propel Zhao Xuan to the top.

Thinking so, Chen Yan inquired about Zhao Xuan's current progress during the meal.

This time, it was Zhao Xuan who seemed hesitant.

The always-smiling Zhao Xuan showed a troubled expression for the first time.

He paused with his chopsticks in midair, then withdrew them.

After coughing, he said, "Xiao Chen, I've made a lot of preparations these past two months. But... I think this matter needs more careful consideration."

Hearing Zhao Xuan's words, Chen Yan widened his eyes in surprise and suspicion, looking at Zhao Xuan, "Uncle Zhao, you're not having second thoughts, are you?"

Zhao Xuan's eyelids drooped, and he didn't respond.

Chen Yan furrowed his brow, sensing that the situation was not simple.

He didn't even ask but instead turned on his "internal headphones" to hear what Zhao Xuan truly thought.

Why did he suddenly have second thoughts?

Zhao Xuan had been a very important partner for Chen Yan in this affair.

Whether it was the initial connections or the counter-attack he planned against Zhao Qingtian later, all were crucial.

Now with his sudden change of heart, Chen Yan's entire plan had to be altered!

While contemplating this, Chen Yan listened attentively to Zhao Xuan's internal voice.

Maybe feeling a bit guilty, Zhao Xuan sighed softly and added, "I haven't changed my mind; I just don't think the timing is quite right yet."

"Thinking of holding off for a bit."

At this point, with Chen Yan privy to the real facts from Zhao Xuan's heart, he didn't speak but sighed softly instead, saying, "Uncle Zhao..."

As the words reached his lips, Chen Yan didn't know how to persuade him and simply lowered his head to finish his meal...

...

After eating, Zhao Xuan had someone send Chen Yan back to the hotel.

This time, perhaps due to guilt, he didn't bring up Tiandu and Qin Island again as he left.

And because of these two changes, Chen Yan was no longer in the mood to ask about his training of the men in black.

So, he returned to the hotel.

Upon reaching his floor, he went to his suite, where He Mengxue was already present.

She had clearly just returned as well and was busy unpacking a plethora of items.

Ever since they began sharing a smaller bedroom, she had turned the master bedroom into her "dressing room."

And Chen Yan truly experienced how messy a girl's room could be.

Especially after today's shopping, the room was even messier.

Every visible spot was filled with He Mengxue's belongings, and if she were less tidy, there likely would have been no room to step.

Seeing Chen Yan come in, He Mengxue turned around delightedly and exclaimed, "Chen Yan, you're back? I bought you some new clothes!"

As she spoke, she started rummaging through her pile of belongings.

After searching through several bags, He Mengxue pulled out a jacket from a luxuriously wrapped package.

She happily approached Chen Yan, unfolded it, and began sizing it up against him.

While measuring, she proudly complimented herself, "My taste is really good; this jacket looks so handsome. You'll look just like a celebrity wearing it!"

Chen Yan glanced at her. He intended to agree with her but due to Zhao Xuan's affair, he was in no mood.

So, he took the jacket down and said dully to He Mengxue, "Meng Xue, I'm not in the mood right now. You go ahead with your thing."

Having said that, Chen Yan placed the jacket on a nearby sofa and walked toward the inner room.

At this moment, He Mengxue standing behind Chen Yan blinked in confusion, not understanding what was happening with Chen Yan.

However, being an adorably devoted girl, how could she focus on tidying up when the person she liked was upset?

So, she put down what she was holding and followed Chen Yan to the inner room.

Glancing into the small bedroom, Chen Yan wasn't there; He Mengxue guessed he might be in the study again.

Thinking so, she made her way to the study, then peeked inside.

Indeed, Chen Yan was standing by the window, hands in pockets, gazing out as if in deep thought.

Seeing this, He Mengxue cautiously entered, then approached Chen Yan from behind, wrapped her arms gently around his waist, and asked softly, "Chen Yan, are you alright? What happened?"

Chen Yan had noticed He Mengxue entering the room, but he wasn't in the mood to respond.

But feeling the girl embrace him from behind, Chen Yan's heart inexplicably felt much more at ease.

So, he gently stroked He Mengxue's hands and said, "It's nothing. Just some issues at work."

He Mengxue gently nuzzled her face against Chen Yan's back and asked tenderly, "Can I, or my dad, help in any way?"

Perhaps because He Mengxue was older than Chen Yan or because she was always doting on him, he always felt cared for when with her.

Compared with the much older Yang Rou, He Mengxue made Chen Yan feel a more comfortable sense of being cared for.

Besides, He Mengxue was already one of his own, and with her father on the same side as him, Chen Yan wasn't worried about her revealing anything.

So, after hesitating for a moment, Chen Yan turned around, gently embraced He Mengxue, and briefly explained his plan with Zhao Xuan.

Then he told her about his visit to Zhao Xuan that day.

He Mengxue was a clever girl by nature. Hearing what Chen Yan said, coupled with his odd behavior since returning, she guessed, "Is he having second thoughts now?"

Chen Yan nodded, "Yes."

Hearing Chen Yan's words, He Mengxue couldn't help but laugh offhand, saying, "I thought it was something serious."

"It's just that, then."

"If he doesn't want to cooperate, my dad and I can help you."

"Don't worry, I'll make calls right away to some people I know, see if there's anyone from the national department responsible for new media, and then push the plan forward."

Hearing He Mengxue's words, Chen Yan hastily stopped her, "Wait a minute."

After stopping her, Chen Yan couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you curious why Zhao Xuan is having second thoughts?"

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