Chapter 14: What Does It Have to Do with You?

Wen Ya never acted without preparation. The photos she took last time were accidental but served as a clue. This time, she planned to investigate thoroughly.

After resting for a day, Wen Ya went to the company early the next morning. Her dream of living carefree was on hold for now. She needed to stabilize the company first. Otherwise, what was the point of reclaiming it only to let it fall apart?

At the company, she called a meeting with senior executives to review last week’s personnel changes and the issue of subsidiaries. Among the branches she had ordered to close, Huang Jingyang and Manager Liu from the marketing department suggested waiting.

Wen’s had recently faced turmoil, and its stock price was rising steadily. If news spread that Wen’s was closing multiple branches, it could spark rumors of a financial crisis.

This was a valid concern. Wen Ya thought for a moment and asked, “Do you have any solutions?”

“Replace the general managers and some senior executives of the three subsidiaries and conduct a full overhaul,” Huang Jingyang suggested firmly.

Starting a company is hard, and closing one is equally challenging. Unfinished orders could lead to penalties, and employees would require severance pay. The financial loss and damage to the company’s reputation would be significant. After reviewing the subsidiaries, Huang Jingyang found some had potential. With proper restructuring, they could benefit the company.

“Alright, Manager Liu, I’ll leave this to you. Remember, fire anyone incompetent, no matter who they are,” Wen Ya said, referring to her cousins.

Next, they discussed the West City Project, their company’s largest and most critical project. The success of this project would determine whether Wen’s could overcome its challenges and rise further.

“We’ve already communicated with Ji’s. Full-scale promotion begins in half a month, and the market will officially open in a month,” Huang Jingyang said. He then mentioned that the previous designer had contacted him. “Mr. Wang from Xiangjiang wants to meet you to discuss design details.”

Huang Jingyang admired Wen Ya. When the headhunter first contacted him, he’d researched her and found terms like “spoiled,” “arrogant,” and “second-generation rich kid.” But meeting her changed his perspective. She was well-mannered, strategic, and decisive—a classic case of playing dumb to outsmart others.

Now, he realized she had a talent for design. After seeing the West Lakefront project she co-designed with President Ji, he even wanted to buy a house there.

“Is Mr. Wang coming to Nancheng?” Wen Ya agreed to the meeting. She had some ideas to discuss with him.

While she had seen advanced designs in her original world, she could only share concepts. The actual design work would require professionals like Mr. Wang.

Mr. Wang, only in his thirties, is quite young in the design industry. Being entrusted with the West City project at such a young age shows his significant success or at least some famous works. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gained approval from the city government and Wen Qihua.

He was clearly surprised by Wen Ya’s age but greeted her politely. “Hello, I’ve heard much about you, Mr. Wang. I invited you here to discuss some design changes. I apologize for any inconvenience.” It’s natural to feel upset when a design, once approved, is later deemed unacceptable.

“It’s fine. Improving flaws is normal,” Mr. Wang shrugged. “Besides, Miss Wen’s ideas align with my original vision. Meeting someone like you feels like finding a kindred spirit.”

His initial idea was to preserve Banshan Lake and build a large ecological park. However, the leaders at Wen’s and Gu’s companies thought the investment was too high, and the green area would take up too much space. They preferred using the land for a residential community. Having seen many profit-driven businessmen in Hong Kong, he had to abandon his original plan.

Unexpectedly, six months later, Wen contacted him again, wanting to revise the design. Since he was the original designer, they wanted him to lead the changes. When he saw the preliminary sketch, he immediately flew over, eager to meet the person who shared his vision.

“My pleasure,” Wen Ya replied, noticing Mr. Wang’s humor and deep understanding of Chinese culture, including Feng Shui, which made him popular in Hong Kong.

“Did you incorporate Feng Shui into the West City project?” Wen Ya asked curiously.

“Of course,” Mr. Wang said proudly. “Banshan Lake—now renamed Xizi Lake—is the centerpiece. The curve of the lake brings life to the entire Feng Shui layout…”

Wen Ya absorbed the Feng Shui knowledge, though she only grasped that Xizi Lake would bring benefits, not harm.

She doesn’t strongly believe in gods or fate, but her life experiences taught her to rely on herself. Still, she respects luck and Feng Shui. For a developer, good Feng Shui is a selling point.

In the afternoon, representatives from the Ji, Wen, and Gu families visited the north of the city for a site inspection. Wen Ya and Ji Ming arrived first. Standing on a hill overlooking the lake, they saw a muddy, fishy-smelling body of water. The odor was strong even from a distance.

“Why did you come personally? I just wanted to take a look today. You could’ve sent your assistant,” Wen Ya said, knowing Ji’s family had been busier than Wen’s recently.

After taking over several factories from Delin, reorganizing staff, suppliers, and agents was a massive task. Fully integrating them wasn’t easy.

“This project is equally important to me. I had to see it myself,” Ji Ming said, gazing at the open space behind Xizi Lake. “I think we should limit the villas to about 20, with ample spacing. What do you think?”

“I agree. This area targets high-end clients in South City. They value privacy, and cramped spaces won’t sell well,” Wen Ya said, narrowing her eyes. “Once renovated, the view will be stunning. I’d like to keep a villa for myself.”

“Looks like we’ll be neighbors,” Ji Ming said, also wanting a villa. He glanced at Wen Ya’s attire and face. “We’ve seen enough here. Let’s explore elsewhere.”

“Alright,” Wen Ya agreed, noticing the chilly mountain wind. The descent was steep, and her high heels made her walk cautiously.

Ji Ming, walking behind her, frowned and reached out to hold her wrist. “It rained this morning, and the path is slippery. Let me help you.”

Wen Ya felt his firm grip but decided her safety was more important. “Thanks.”

Assistant Wang and Xiao He, following behind, exchanged glances. Did they forget others were present? Holding hands so casually?

Assistant Wang, realizing he had packed flat shoes, hesitated. Revealing this now might seem thoughtful, but he decided to keep it to himself for now.

As they neared the base, Gu Chengze arrived with his team.

From afar, he saw Wen Ya and Ji Ming walking side by side, laughing. Closer, he noticed they were holding hands. His face paled. Despite their engagement, she was openly close with another man, ignoring him completely.

“The path ahead is easier. I’ll walk on my own,” Wen Ya said, pulling her hand back with a faint smile. “Thank you, President Ji.”

Ji Ming clenched his fist, feeling the lingering warmth. “It was nothing.”

Gu Chengze’s expression darkened. He was standing right there, yet they acted as if he were invisible.

“Ahem,” Xiao He coughed deliberately. “Boss Ji, Boss Gu is here.”

This only angered Gu Chengze more. Why was he referred to as “Boss Gu” while Ji Ming was “President Ji”? Suppressing his jealousy, he forced a smile. “Xiao Ya and President Ji seem to be having a great conversation. What did the designer say about the new plan?”

Wen Ya, as if noticing him for the first time, nodded briefly and continued discussing her and Ji Ming’s ideas with Mr. Wang.

“I think Mr. Ji’s idea is great. What about you, Mr. Wang?” Wen Ya said, pointing at the map.

Gu Chengze took a deep breath, and the smile on his face grew even brighter. The assistant behind him knew this was how Mr. Gu looked when he was angry.

“I think it’s wasteful. There’s no need for so many partitions. With such a large open area, 50 villas are enough.”

Wen Ya glanced at him and smiled, “Boss Gu, West Lakeside is a joint project between Wen’s and Ji’s. I think Boss Ji’s idea is excellent.”

This meant that how the houses were built along West Lake was none of his business.

Gu Chengze almost couldn’t keep the smile on his face. He narrowed his eyes and said, “They say a bystander sees more clearly. For such a big project by West Lake, even a small mistake could lead to losses.”

“Ji family can handle the loss. Since it’s my suggestion, any loss will be on the Ji family,” Ji Ming said confidently.

“Look at what Mr. Ji said. Since it’s a partnership, we share both profits and losses. Besides, I was the first to propose this idea,” Wen Ya smiled at Ji Ming, then turned to Gu Chengze with a formal smile, “We’ve seen enough here. Why don’t we head to Nanjiang Star?”