41 Collaborate

"Hello, Senpai?" Chen Kaori's voice rang through a windy background when she answered Bei Yang's call. "What's the matter? Is there a problem with the proposal?"

"Uh...Ka-kaori...uhm...Mr. He would like to..." Bei Yang, who was holding the phone out which was on speakerphone was trembling.

"Ms. Chen, can you come over? This is Assistant Jiang. This contract-signing is important to our company. We believe that you could further show your sincerity and willingness to collaborate by being present in this important meeting." Assistant Jiang butted into the call and sugarcoated his boss's demand.

Chen Kaori frowned at the fact that Assistant Jiang was able to hear the call. "Assistant Jiang, I am sorry for coming as someone lacking in sincerity, but I have special circumstances today, so I kindly asked the head of the company to hand over my proposals. For a small company like us, we are used to send a representative for contract-signing. Since we give your company the utmost importance, our head is with you for this important meeting. I apologize for thinking that it was enough to show our sincerity." Chen Kaori's voice had a hint of irritation.

He Zifeng was pissed off. He still could not get hold of her. "If you want to apologize, come here this instant!" his voice suddenly rang from the other line.

Chen Kaori got mad at this point. "Mr. He, please don't take this the wrong way. My superior approved my leave. Since I do not belong to your company anymore, you are in no position to order me around and the terms of the contract do not require me to be present at..."

"Get here now or your company can forget about the collaboration!" He Zifeng took the phone and with great force, threw it on the floor.

The phone was smashed into pieces with the impact.

Bei Yang froze as he stared at his broken phone.

"Give him a new one." He Zifeng casually ordered Assistant Jiang.

"Yes, Sir." Assistant Jiang was already ordering on his phone as he answered.

.

On the other end, Chen Kaori bowed one more time towards the tombstone then gritted her teeth to brisk-walk as she hailed a cab with her phone.

Since it was a normal work day, she was able to book a domestic flight back to City S. It still took her more than a couple of hours to arrive at the meeting.

When she arrived at the office, Assistant Jiang and Bei Yang abruptly stood, with relieved expressions mixed with fear on their faces.

Chen Kaori brisk-walked to approach them. "Good..." she looked at her watch, "...afternoon, gentlemen. Sorry I'm late. I boarded a flight from City H as soon as I can," she explained as she walked.

She stopped her approach when she was a step away from the sofa. "Mr. He, I am here," she immediately addressed He Zifeng.

He Zifeng looked up at her disheveled appearance and frowned. 'Where did she come from? City H? Did something happen in her hometown? I made her rush back here?' he thought. He suddenly felt guilty.

Chen Kaori was irritated by his frown, but she had to keep it in. She will not ruin her senior's company just because of a fight with He Zifeng. H&B can put them out of business easily. She would never allow that to happen. Blink took her in when she just lost her job, she can never be selfish enough to sacrifice them just to prove her point to He Zifeng.

"Uh, yes. Ms. Chen, please take a seat." Assistant Jiang gestured to the area beside Bei Yang and opposite He Zifeng's seat. "I will make a fresh brew." Assistant Jiang took the tea set and made a smooth escape from the awkward situation.

Chen Kaori sat quietly then opened the folder to reveal their copy of the contract.

He Zifeng turned to his copy as well without saying anything.

Seeing that no questions were asked, Chen Kaori cleared her throat, "CEO He, please point out your concerns."