Chapter 110: The Conversation

Lian Yishan was not yet fifty years old, standing at over 1.8 meters, similar in height to Chen Wei.

With his hands in his pockets, he walked over, sized up Chen Wei, and said, "You're Chen Wei?"

His expression gave nothing away.

Chen Wei hurriedly nodded, "Yes, Mr. Lian."

"How old are you?" Lian Yishan asked.

"I just turned twenty-five," Chen Wei replied honestly. His birthday was November 8th, just two Fridays ago. He had never really celebrated his birthday; growing up, he had only celebrated it a few times. Aside from his parents, few people knew his birthday.

Lian Yishan nodded thoughtfully and continued, "Hmm, I heard from Yingying that you're planning to start a... what kind of company?"

"An intraday trading company, mainly focusing on U.S. stocks for now, but we might expand to other markets in the future," Chen Wei explained.

"Oh? Oh! A trading company, huh? Not bad, not bad. Young people should be ambitious! So, you've seen the place. Are you satisfied with it?" Lian Yishan nodded earnestly, clearly having no real understanding of what a trading company does.

"Very satisfied. Thank you very much, Mr. Lian..."

"Alright, alright, enough with the formalities. If you want to thank someone, thank my daughter. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know who you are!" Lian Yishan waved his hand, interrupting Chen Wei.

Chen Wei smiled slightly and glanced at Lian Yingying. She looked a bit displeased, glaring at her father.

Realizing he had been a bit rude, Lian Yishan cleared his throat and beckoned Chen Wei, "Xiao Chen, come over here for a moment."

Chen Wei complied and was about to follow Lian Yishan when Lian Yingying stepped forward and grabbed her father's arm. "Dad, what are you doing?" she asked, looking directly at him with some concern.

"Oh my precious daughter, I'm not going to eat him! I just have a few words to say to him. Don't worry! Really, you grow up and don't listen to your old man anymore!" Lian Yishan said helplessly.

Lian Yingying blushed and let go of her father's arm, muttering, "Who doesn't listen to you anymore?" Then she gave Chen Wei a reassuring look and shyly lowered her head.

Feeling a warmth in his heart, Chen Wei followed Lian Yishan into an empty room.

Lian Yishan casually closed the door and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the sea. He patted his pockets, found nothing, and then turned to Chen Wei, asking, "Got a cigarette?"

Chen Wei laughed and shook his head, "I don't smoke."

"A man who doesn't smoke, that's not good! You should smoke. You can't ignore what women say, but you can't listen to everything either, understand?" Lian Yishan said seriously, disappointed, as he looked at the office door, seemingly considering asking someone for a cigarette, but then he gave up.

"Yes," Chen Wei replied dutifully, finding the situation amusing.

The office was empty but clean. Lian Yishan sat down on the floor by the window and motioned for Chen Wei to sit as well.

Chen Wei sat down properly next to him.

"Where are you from?" Lian Yishan asked after sitting down.

"Huang County," Chen Wei replied. Huang County was in the northwest of Yunzhou, part of Huaizhou City.

"Oh, that's not far. I've been to Huang County. Beautiful place, but a bit poor. How are your parents?" Lian Yishan asked.

"They're good. Both are farmers, managing a few acres of orchards back home," Chen Wei said with a smile.

"That's good. When the fruits are ready, send me some. I'd love to try them," Lian Yishan said.

"Sure, I'll pick some extra for you," Chen Wei replied with a smile.

Lian Yishan laughed a few times, then gradually stopped smiling and sighed. "I have only one daughter, Yingying. When she was little, I was busy making a name for myself, only caring about my brothers and neglecting my wife and daughter. I thought I could make it up to them once I succeeded, but now I realize that some things can't be compensated for with money. I wasn't there for her growing up, and I've been a lousy father. Now my little girl has grown up and found someone she likes. So, I'm entrusting her to you!"

"Huh?" Chen Wei was stunned, unable to believe what he was hearing from this big boss.

"What do you mean 'huh'? You don't want to?" Lian Yishan glared at him.

"No... it's not that, Mr. Lian... I... I'm just surprised..." Chen Wei stammered.

"Surprised? I'm surprised too! My precious daughter suddenly found herself a guy! If it weren't for her, I'd break your leg first! You better treat her right, or you'll answer to me! You can ask around, I'm not someone to mess with!" Lian Yishan warned.

Chen Wei could only smile wryly, feeling a mix of emotions.

Lian Yingying was from a wealthy family, beautiful, and had a great personality—generous and kind. What man wouldn't be moved?

Chen Wei couldn't help but feel the same. However, he was rational and proud. He suppressed his feelings for Lian Yingying, fearing her parents might look down on him and his family. He assumed that wealthy families were snobbish.

If they looked down on him, he wouldn't be able to stand it, and it would hurt Lian Yingying. So he suppressed his feelings.

But today, after talking with Lian Yishan, he was surprised. Lian Yishan was different from what he had imagined—straightforward and loyal.

Chen Wei couldn't help but feel a growing sense of respect and closeness to him.