Chapter 12: You’re Very Good

“Boss Ji, you really like to joke,” Wen Ya chuckled. “What would you like to drink?”

Ji Ming smiled, his deep eyes flickering, but he didn’t argue. He simply replied, “Anything is fine.”

After asking Assistant Wang to prepare some tea, Wen Ya took out the documents for the West City Project.

The western part of the city was an old and rundown area, filled with small houses. Even though it was just across the river from the east side, the difference between the two was huge. Anyone who had the means had already moved away, leaving behind only the elderly who didn’t want to leave their neighbors and the poor who had nowhere else to go.

Relocating residents was always the biggest challenge in urban redevelopment. When taking over the West City Project, the city government required the company handling it to resettle the residents. Wen Qihua was able to secure this project not just because of the company’s strength but also because he promised to move Delin’s factory there.

Delin had dozens of factories and nearly 10,000 employees. Once it relocated to the west side, the economic boost would be massive.

Ji Ming glanced at the contract, then looked at Wen Ya, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

“If I remember correctly, isn’t Delin now part of the Ji family?”

Wen Ya smiled sincerely, “Whether Delin belongs to Wen’s or Ji’s, it doesn’t matter since we’re jointly building the west city. Besides, the lease for some of Delin’s factories is about to expire. My father has been looking for a new site. Before the city government announced the west city project, he had already eyed that land. President Ji, you’ve seen the design draft. Such a large piece of land was practically given to Delin at a bargain. Now it’s back in Ji’s hands. I’m not even upset!”

“So, I got a great deal?” Ji Ming raised an eyebrow.

Wen Ya gave him a meaningful smile. “The residents in the west city have already signed contracts, and the foundation has been laid. We should be selling houses by now, but…” She paused and looked up, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I believe good luck will come to your father,” Ji Ming said, offering rare comfort.

“Thank you for your kind words,” Wen Ya replied, though she knew the odds of her father waking up from a vegetative state were slim.

As for who benefited more, opinions varied. Wen Qihua had poured time and energy into the project, working tirelessly for over half a month, meeting with leaders, and drinking heavily to secure deals. The Gu family also contributed significantly. While the project was funded by a bank loan, Wen’s and Gu’s had invested over a billion yuan. Now, with the foundation laid, the next step was pre-sales to fund the rest of the project. Ji Ming’s involvement at this stage meant he reaped benefits without spending a dime.

From another perspective, without Ji, Wen’s might not have held onto the project. The city government could delay it for years, tying up over a billion yuan. While not fatal, it would still hurt the company, especially with Wen’s already unstable position. With Ji’s backing, the risk was lower. It was a win-win situation.

The designer hired for New Town was a renowned Hong Kong expert. Still, Wen Ya felt something was missing in the design.

Though this world evolved, it felt real now. Many details not written by the author were filled in naturally. It seemed to lag behind her original world, feeling like 2005 but with better technology. From her 2018 perspective, the design was high-end but lacked greenery.

“Actually, I think we shouldn’t fill this lake,” Wen Ya suggested. The lake in the west city, once connected to the Nanjiang River, had been blocked years ago during a typhoon. It had since become a dirty, smelly dead lake. The initial plan was to fill it for more land, but Wen Ya disagreed.

“More people are seeking elegance these days. They’d dig a lake if there wasn’t one. Why fill an existing one? We can restore the waterway and build a greenway along the creek to Banshan Lake. Residents could walk, exercise, and enjoy the scenery. It’d be a major selling point,” Wen Ya explained, sketching a simple diagram.

Ji Ming studied her drawing. “We could build a villa area behind the lake and a high-end residential zone nearby. But the area you picked for the first phase can’t be high-end.”

“Why not? Why can’t the west city have more high-end areas?” Wen Ya smiled. “That area is central and focuses on the environment. No conflict. But the lake needs a new name. How about West Lake, and the villas around it called West Lakeside?”

“Feasible.”

They talked so much that before they knew it, it was noon.

“Director Wen, where should I order lunch for you?” Assistant Wang asked, not wanting to disturb but also not neglect President Ji.

Wen Ya slapped her forehead. “Look at me, I lost track of time. Let me treat you to lunch.”

Ji Ming didn’t refuse but was surprised when she took him to the company cafeteria.

“Our cafeteria has both buffet-style and à la carte dishes. The buffet is free, but you pay for the à la carte. The chef is excellent. Since President Ji is here, let me treat you to his cooking. Order whatever you like,” Wen Ya said generously.

Her casual tone showed how comfortable she felt after their productive discussion.

“Sorry to cost you so much,” Ji Ming joked, glancing around the clean, simple cafeteria. The buffet looked decent, and he was curious about the à la carte dishes.

“Don’t mention it,” Wen Ya replied, brushing off his politeness.

Ji Ming smiled to himself. If his assistant saw him, they’d be shocked.

Back at his company, Ji Ming was still in a good mood.

“What do you think about me pursuing Miss Wen?” he asked his assistant.

Xiao He nearly choked on his saliva. “Are you serious?”

Ji Ming just glanced at him and walked into his office.

After lunch, Wen Ya became extremely busy. Many company matters required her decision, especially since all senior management had been replaced at once. Even though top industry talents had been recruited, there was still a necessary adaptation period.

First, we need to thoroughly review everything from top to bottom. Employees who got in through connections should be let go. Those who formed cliques and followed senior management should be persuaded to resign. After evaluations, capable individuals should be promoted.

After her third meeting, Wen Ya returned to her office and collapsed on the sofa. She used to think being a boss was glamorous—sitting in meetings and signing documents. Now, she realized it wasn’t that simple.

Thankfully, Huang Jingyang shared most of the workload. Wen Ya didn’t know where his energy came from, but it was clear why he was successful. A lazy person stays lazy, no matter how you flip them.

During her free time, she thought about Gu Chengze. She had been too confident, assuming he’d agree to cancel the engagement. But she had overlooked the core issue.

The marriage between the Gu and Wen families was meant to strengthen their alliance. With Ji’s involvement in the West City Project and her harsh behavior, Gu Chengze wouldn’t cancel the engagement—at least not now.

Gu’s company was in turmoil, and as general manager, Gu Chengze had caused significant losses. The shareholders would likely push him out.

Suddenly, Wen Ya realized that the enemy of her enemy could be her friend. Gu Chengze’s biggest rival in the Gu family was Gu Chengtao. Maybe they could collaborate.

After work, she visited the hospital as usual. She saw Mother Wen massaging Father Wen and went over to help.

“Mom, let the doctor handle the massage. Your health isn’t great either. If you get sick, Dad will be heartbroken. Besides, the doctor is more professional. You can just watch,” Wen Ya said. She had hired a Chinese medicine doctor to prevent Father Wen’s muscles from atrophying.

“I know, I just rub him a bit when I’m free,” Mother Wen replied, covering Father Wen with a blanket. She took Wen Ya to the outer room to eat. “Aunt Wang made your favorite lion’s head dish. Eat more. You’ve lost weight these past few days.”

During the meal, Wen Ya briefly discussed company matters, mentioning she had replaced several senior executives. Surprisingly, Mother Wen took it calmly.

“You’re in charge. If they don’t suit you, replace them. Just don’t overwork yourself,” Mother Wen said lovingly. “Don’t come here after work. Running between the office and hospital is exhausting. The doctors and nurses are here, and Uncle Li and Aunt Wang help daily. What’s there to worry about?”

“I won’t sleep well if I don’t see you,” Wen Ya admitted.

Returning to the empty villa felt surreal. Only when she saw her parents did she feel at ease.

Mother Wen sighed. Her daughter was still young, suddenly managing a large company with no support.

“Then let’s renovate our bedroom soon, and your father and I will move back.”

“Only when you’re both stable,” Wen Ya insisted, concerned about her mother’s health.

She consulted doctors daily about her parents’ conditions. Father Wen remained the same, but Mother Wen looked better, though her heart was still fragile. The doctor warned she couldn’t handle stress and needed constant care.

Still, they could start preparing the room. It would be best to equip it with medical devices. Uncle Li could handle that.

Wen Ya flipped through company documents but couldn’t focus. She kept recalling Ji Ming’s words before he left: “You’re pretty good.”

Am I good?

What did he mean?

Was he really interested in her?

Wen Ya shook her head. No, they had only met a few times. He probably admired her work ideas.