Chapter 137: Enchanting Fragrance
Chapter 137: Enchanting Fragrance
"What kind of hand is a good hand?" Du Dingcun knew that his father’s question was definitely not that simple, and for him, a complicated question meant higher difficulty!
For a gambler like him, a good hand was just a good hand. How else could it be divided?
But of course, if he really answered like that, he’d definitely get scolded again, so he could only choose the safest answer: "Please enlighten me, Father!"
"That’s all you know to say all day. If you hadn’t married a capable wife, I bet you would’ve squandered even Hongxin Group by now." Du Hong’s temper flared as soon as he spoke. "You never give me peace of mind, sigh! Dingyu, what do you think? Go ahead and teach your idiot brother a thing or two."
Du Dingyu glanced at Du Dingcun, hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. "I’m afraid I might not say it well. It’s better if Father gives us his insight."
"Not saying it well? You just don’t want to hurt your second brother’s feelings. It’s fine. He’s already used to it."
Du Dingyu sighed, nodded, and said gently to Du Dingcun, "What Father means by a good hand, in my opinion, refers to every card that’s still in your hand—useful, but not yet played."
"Hear that? That’s why your brother is now the acting mayor of Mingzhou, while you’re just a spoiled heir who only became a chairman because of your wife." The old master’s stern face finally softened a bit as he glanced approvingly at his eldest son. "What’s a good hand? Cards already played are done deals. Only the ones still in your hand are truly good cards."
"What does Father mean?" Du Dingcun asked, half understanding.
"Hmph, think about our relationship with the Qiao family. Your grandfather and I made our name following them. Although there’s no master–subordinate relationship between us, they’ve always looked after us. This partnership must continue even into your generation."
"Now, the third generation of the Qiao family still hasn’t shown a clear successor. Among Qiao’s four sons, the most promising two—the eldest and second—have both entered the top ranks as members of the Central Committee. The third son serves in the military industrial commission. Though he’s only a major general now, given his qualifications, if things go smoothly for the next few years, he could easily join the General Armament Department within three years. The future head of the Qiao family will likely be one of these three. While the eldest seems the most natural choice, until it’s officially announced, who knows?"
"But you and Yuheng have chosen this sensitive moment to get involved. Qiao Xijie represents the eldest son, and Qiao Xier represents the third. By siding with Qiao Xijie, aren’t you basically declaring that the Du family stands with the eldest son? Showing your hand this early—even if he really takes power—may not bring you much benefit. And if he fails, we’ll suffer even more. You understand that, right?"
"As former subordinates, we must remember one thing: we can never get involved in their family affairs, nor can we take sides. That card must be held until the very end before it’s played. Now is far from the right time, understand?"
"Yes, Father." Du Dingcun replied, wiping away cold sweat.
The old master gave him a glance, then sighed again. Looking at Du Dingyu, he said slowly, "Now that Southeast Province is in a transition period, it’s only natural for you to drop the ‘acting’ title by year’s end. As for next year, we’ll see if there’s a chance to move up to vice-governor. Your main competitors seem to be Meining’s first deputy mayor and deputy party secretary Xia Guoqing, and Shangyan City’s party secretary Li Guoqiang. Both are older than you. Looks like it’s time I paid a visit to my old superior in the capital."
*****
While chaos raged outside, Zhang Yang sat calmly in his chair, listening quietly as Yang Fei explained the contents of the book. His expression was focused—so focused that even Yang Fei thought the kid was really good at pretending!
After a while, Yang Fei finally put down the textbook, stretched lazily, and boldly showed off her stunning figure before Zhang Yang. Her proud twin peaks, outlined under the tight blue cotton top, looked ready to burst free, rising high like mountains. The snow-white valley between them was enough to stir a man’s desire.
She glanced at Zhang Yang but didn’t seem to notice anything inappropriate. The kind of small gestures she’d never do in front of other men seemed perfectly natural around him. Maybe it was because they were used to being alone together every day.
"That’s it for today’s lesson." Yang Fei straightened her skirt after stretching. Her long legs curled slightly as she stood up. She was wearing a dark red plaid skirt, but since she had safety shorts and black stockings underneath, she wasn’t too worried about flashing anything. Besides, Zhang Yang had seen it before.
Zhang Yang glanced at the time and noticed there were still at least twenty minutes left before nine o’clock. He couldn’t help but be surprised. "Teacher, isn’t there still twenty minutes left?"
"Twenty minutes?" Yang Fei raised her wrist and checked her watch, also surprised. "Oh, you’re right. Looks like your learning progress is getting faster and faster."
"Hehe, that’s all thanks to you, Teacher."
"Hmph, thanking me? If you were always this focused in class, would I even need to tutor you separately?"
Zhang Yang gave an awkward laugh and muttered under his breath, "If I were always that focused, I wouldn’t get the chance to have private lessons with you."
"What did you say?" Yang Fei’s beautiful eyes flicked toward him.
"N-nothing!"
"Hmph. You’re the president of a company now. At least act like it!" Yang Fei turned around and leaned against the desk, putting the book back on the shelf. Sitting behind her, Zhang Yang stared at her long, shapely legs under the short plaid skirt. His heart fluttered. Damn, her legs were perfect—long, smooth, and elegant. The queen of beautiful legs. If only he could hold them in his hands…
"In front of my teacher, I’ll always be a student," Zhang Yang said respectfully.
"Is that so? Then here’s your homework for tomorrow!" Yang Fei adjusted her skirt and sat back down on the sofa. But when she bent forward to grab the iPad from the table, her brow furrowed slightly in pain.
Zhang Yang, sharp-eyed, immediately asked, "Teacher, what’s wrong?"
Yang Fei’s delicate brows knit together as she said casually, "I probably twisted my waist. It’s nothing."
Zhang Yang’s gaze drifted to her slender waist. It looked soft and perfectly proportioned. Who would’ve thought such a small movement could strain it?
"Teacher, you probably don’t exercise enough," Zhang Yang said boldly. "You’re always sitting. How about I show my respect for my teacher by giving you a massage?"
Yang Fei shot him a look. Though there was still faint pain between her brows, her eyes held a hint of suspicion. "You know how to massage? You’re not just trying to take advantage of me, are you?"
She was wearing a light perfume with a faint lemon scent. It lingered in the air—subtle and pleasant.
The room was warm from the heater, and in the quiet, there was a kind of enchanting fragrance filling the air.