Plunder

Chapter 24: Chapter 24 The Flesh Cut Chapter 24: Chapter 24 The Flesh Cut “An Ge, you’re back.”

An Kexin called softly.

Her eyes, gentle as water, gazed affectionately at Zhou Jin’an; her rosy lips parted slightly as if she had a thousand words to say, yet she restrained herself.

The thermos she was carrying fell to the ground as they nearly collided, spilling soup all over the floor.

The butler, seeing this, hastened to clean it up.

“During the time that Mrs. Zhou was suffering from headaches, Miss An came to accompany and inquire after her every day. Hearing that massages could relieve headaches, Miss An even went to the lengths of learning the skill. Mrs. Zhou’s headaches have eased a bit these past few days, and Miss An has played a significant role in that,” the butler said.

The butler was Mrs. Zhou’s confidante, and his words were designed to cast An Kexin in a favorable light.

Lowering her gaze, she did not take credit but instead appeared shy, “Aunt Liu, I only did a little within my capability, it’s nothing worth mentioning.”

Although she spoke modestly, her eyes flickered towards Zhou Jin’an.

An Kexin had done all these things naturally for Zhou Jin’an to see.

He was a filial son and would surely not overlook this point.

However, Zhou Jin’an’s expression remained impassive, merely saying indifferently, “You’ve gone to great trouble.”

Having said this, he stepped into the Maybach without a moment’s hesitation and immediately drove off.

An Kexin watched the departing silhouette of the Maybach with disappointment and sighed deeply.

“Miss An, don’t worry. The young master sees all that you do and will surely keep it in his heart,” the butler added another word.

An Kexin withdrew her gaze and said calmly, “Let’s hope so.”

Once out of the Zhou family’s grand courtyard, Zhou Jin’an’s expression turned even darker as he closed his eyes again.

Mrs. Zhou, desiring to ingratiate herself with the An family, had made an executive decision and betrothed him to An Kexin in his name.

In doing so, she naturally had Zhou Jin’an’s interests at heart.

An alliance through marriage between the Zhou and An families would garner support for Zhou Jin’an from the An family.

Who would ultimately take control of Nanchen Group was a concern for Zhou Zhendong, who would, given the connection, likely lean towards Zhou Jin’an when making his decision.

But, her scheming thoughts could not escape Zhou Jin’an’s notice.

In the end, what she wanted was to use Zhou Jin’an’s rise to power as a means to exact vengeance for past false accusations and to have those who framed her become the laughingstock.

As for whether her son—Zhou Jin’an—would be happy, she truly didn’t care.

“Check what Qiao En has been up to lately?” Zhou Jin’an suddenly opened his eyes and said to Cheng Lu.

“Yes, Director Zhou,” Cheng Lu acknowledged the order.

His actions were swift, and by nightfall, he had found out everything Zhou Jin’an wanted to know.

The next day, before a morning meeting, Cheng Lu reported his findings to Zhou Jin’an.

“Secretary Qiao did indeed go to the airport, but she didn’t board a plane. Her brother, Qiao De, was burdened by a huge debt, and Miss An helped her pay it off,” Cheng Lu reported truthfully.

Zhou Jin’an was holding a cup of coffee to wake himself when he heard this and his brows furrowed, asking, “An Kexin helped her pay it off?”

He asked doubtfully.

“The amount neared three million. Secretary Qiao probably couldn’t repay it and must have turned to Miss An,” Cheng Lu surmised, though unsure.

Zhou Jin’an remained silent, taking a large gulp of his coffee. The bitterness spread through his mouth.

The sum of three million indeed seemed considerable for Qiao En, but her going to An Kexin for the money did not fit her style.

“Why did Qiao De borrow so much at high interest?” Zhou Jin’an asked again.

He had met Qiao De, a well-behaved kid who didn’t seem the type to spend recklessly. It was illogical for a sophomore in college to borrow such a large sum of money all at once.

“You would probably have to ask him for the specifics,” Cheng Lu replied with a shrug, continuing, “Qiao De had a car accident and is currently in a coma at the hospital. What is puzzling is that the driver fled the scene, and conveniently, the surveillance camera at the site was broken. I think this may not have been an accident and could likely be intentional.”

Zhou Jin’an had just finished his last sip of coffee, the bitterness spreading in his mouth.

His deep eyes darkened, and he exclaimed, “What are you waiting for? Investigate!”

Someone is getting restless and has started to make their move.

They’re targeting him, but he’s not afraid.

However, Qiao En is different; she has no power or influence, and her family is her Achilles’ heel.

The other party has meticulously planned this act, and their intention is clear—they want to force Qiao En into submission.

Submit to what?

It doesn’t seem like they are forcing her to leave.

She has already decided to study abroad and won’t be in anyone’s way, but they are still using this method to keep her here. What exactly are they trying to do?

Zhou Jin’an thought too much at once, he thought of someone.

“Director Zhou, it’s time for the meeting.”

Chen Yin knocked on the door and reminded in a low voice.

Zhou Jin’an’s face was clouded with gloom, as if a storm was approaching.

In the conference room, he sat at the head of the table, his expression unchanged. Every person present was silenced and treaded carefully with their words.

Halfway through the meeting, Zhou Jin’an suddenly made a decision, “Let’s give that piece of land in Yu State to the An Corporation.”

Everyone was shocked.

This piece of land in Rong City’s planning map wasn’t eye-catching, but its location was very special. Right next to the Jingmao Building and adjacent to Rong City’s largest business center, it was accessible by subway and bus from all directions. Surrounded by lakes and rich vegetation, whether for investing in commercial bodies, building a leisure and entertainment center, or even turning it around to sell to real estate developers to build villas, it was guaranteed to make a fortune.

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

Zhou Jin’an stood up, his authoritative aura intimidating everyone present.

That piece of land in Yu State was like a huge chunk of fat meat; businessmen, who value profit highly, understood this principle very well.

Yet, Zhou Jin’an still made this foolish decision.

No sooner had he left the conference room than the company executives couldn’t restrain their uproar.

“That project in Yu State, our investment department has been fighting for three years, and now we’re just giving it to the An Corporation?”

The head of the investment department’s eyes were bloodshot, his face a portrait of despair.

“Secretary Chen, please go and persuade Director Zhou. Marriage alliances are one thing, but business is business. Director Zhou wouldn’t cut his own flesh just to please the An family, would he?”

Chen Yin couldn’t fathom Zhou Jin’an’s thoughts and felt that his decision was very sudden and rash.

But she was Zhou Jin’an’s secretary, and she had to uphold his authority.

“If any of you have objections, you may discuss them with Director Zhou personally. He must have his reasons for making this decision. I advise you all not to speculate wildly behind his back, and it’s best not to speak without any basis.”

After Chen Yin finished speaking, she did not linger and turned to leave the meeting room.

Less than twenty minutes after Zhou Jin’an made his decision, An Jinhua received the news.

The An Corporation also participated in the bidding for that piece of land in Yu State.

Knowing that it was just a formality, An Jinhua ran the whole course nonetheless.

As the bidding entered the final stage, it became a contest between the Nanchen Group and the An Corporation.

The An Corporation’s strength was no less than that of Nanchen, but Zhou Jin’an held on tight. No matter how hard An Jinhua tried, it was in vain.

Just as Nanchen was about to finalize the deal, the An Corporation prepared to give up.

But Zhou Jin’an gave An Jinhua such a big surprise.

“Are you sure about the news?” An Jinhua could not hide his excitement as he asked his secretary.

“Nanchen has already withdrawn their bid.”

Upon hearing this, An Jinhua stood up from his seat.

He stood firm in front of the tall French window, a smile on his face, yet his eyes were exceptionally distant.

Loosening the grip on a piece of meat that was almost in his mouth was not Zhou Jin’an’s style.

If he was acting out of the ordinary, he definitely had a request in mind.

But what could he possibly want?

An Jinhua couldn’t figure it out.

But soon, a thought struck him.

“Arrange a meeting with Zhou Jin’an at Jinhua Restaurant!”