Chapter Seventy: Run a Hundred Laps

After the “theft” uproar had passed, Gongsun found himself benefiting from disaster. Miss Shangguan from Human Resources, perhaps moved by the recent events, actually invited Gongsun out to dinner several times. Although nothing substantial changed between them, it was enough to keep Gongsun in high spirits every day.

Qin Feng continued to flutter around the office, his alluring eyes attracting admirers wherever he went, while Old Stick remained as he always was—quietly sitting off to the side, smoking his unfiltered cigarettes.

The Silky Threads Group’s sales competition was in full swing, already nearing the end of the quarter. The sales department was far ahead, their achievements surpassing the combined totals of all other departments. Though the contest was not yet over, everyone knew who the eventual champions would be. The departments with better results vied for a top-three finish, while the laggards could only hope to avoid the shame of coming in last.

Yet the so-called “weak teams” like the logistics department seemed to feel no pressure at all, for at the very bottom, the security department held firmly onto last place, unmoved by wind or rain, defending their fortress of defeat.

Even the members of the security department were growing uneasy. While they had never harbored any hopes of winning, last place meant their bonuses would be docked! And that was no small matter.

But as the saying goes, the eunuch is more anxious than the emperor. Such was the security department’s predicament: while the guards below were nearly frantic, Yang Jiekai, their “emperor,” acted as though nothing was amiss, not even glancing at the glaring scoreboard displayed in the company’s lobby.

“Director Lin!” One of the guards finally couldn’t stand it any longer and called out as he saw Yang Jiekai strolling leisurely toward the exit after work.

“What is it?” Without turning his head, Yang Jiekai replied lazily.

The young guard hurried to catch up, blocking his path, his tone almost pleading. “Director Lin, there are only a few days left in the contest and we still have zero points!”

“So?” Yang Jiekai cocked his head, his reply still languid.

“If we finish last, our bonuses will be docked! We’ve worked hard all year and count on that little bit of money to celebrate the New Year. We don’t get much as it is—if they take even more…” The guard’s voice trembled, nearly in tears. “Director, can’t you do something? At least help us avoid coming in dead last!”

Yang Jiekai considered this, then replied sluggishly, “Oh, that. Let’s talk about it in a couple of days…” With that, he continued on his way without another word.

“But…” The young guard wanted to protest.

“No buts. If you feel suffocated working under me, find yourself a new job!” Yang Jiekai’s tone, though still lazy, now held a clear note of impatience.

The young guard stood there, stunned, watching Yang Jiekai’s retreating figure vanish through the doors, unable to reconcile this brusque man with the caring director he’d known before. Something wasn’t right with him lately.

Yang Jiekai went straight to the underground parking garage, got into the driver’s seat, let out a long sigh as he gripped the wheel, and then started the car, speeding off like a steel beast.

He wasn’t the only one who felt he’d changed—he himself was keenly aware of it. He used to greet everyone with a smile, but lately he’d been listless, his brows perpetually furrowed.

Of course, Yang Jiekai had his reasons. It had been over three months since the last seasonal cycle. Soon, another would begin. He still had no money for the five-million pill. Without it, how would he survive the next tribulation?

He’d devised countless ways to make money, but dismissed them all. Only now did he realize the importance of the wealth he’d always scorned.

He could pilot the most advanced fighter jets and tanks, assemble and disassemble intricate firearms with ease—but what good was any of it here? He couldn’t exactly earn a fortune with those skills.

His frustration mounted. To make matters worse, he ran into a traffic jam. He was genuinely tempted to jump out and blast all the cars in front of him out of the way!

Just as he was cursing under his breath, his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, he answered with a roar, “Out with it! If you keep rambling, I’ll expel you from my sect!”

On the other end, Wang Xiang, who had been in a great mood when he called, shuddered at the outburst and quickly said, “Master… I got it done…”

“What did you get done? Does it concern me? Where are you? Get to the track and run laps—keep going until you can’t stand!” Yang Jiekai was in no mood to listen, so he vented his irritation at Wang Xiang.

“The bra!” Wang Xiang blurted out, knowing his master’s impatience for long-winded explanations.

“What does that have to do with… The bra?” Yang Jiekai nearly launched into another tirade, then recalled what this was about. His tone cooled a little. “Fine, bring the order to my place tonight.”

Wang Xiang heard his master’s tone soften and let out a long breath. “So, about those laps you mentioned…”

“Oh, I misspoke. You don’t need to run until you drop.”

“Haha, thank you, Master…”

“A hundred laps will do. Finish before dawn.”

“Haha—what?! One hundred laps! Master, listen—”

But Yang Jiekai had already hung up. The road ahead had cleared, and with a heavy foot on the gas, the SUV shot forward like a rampaging beast.

At Bamboo Grove Manor, Han Ning had been busy to exhaustion lately, though her spirits were high. The joint projects with Yongcheng Group had taken off splendidly. Just as Xia Han had said, these were fast, lucrative ventures. Though still in their early stages, they were already turning a profit. Soon, she believed, they would become veritable money-printing machines, filling Ziyu Company’s accounts every day.

“Auntie Wang, I have to meet a client soon—I won’t be eating at home!” Han Ning, having been busy from morning till night, had just returned home to rest when an important client called. She quickly freshened up and rushed to the door to change her shoes.

Auntie Wang looked at her, heart aching to see Han Ning so busy she barely ate at home. “No matter how busy you are, you should eat first! Look at you—working like this, neglecting your health…”

“I know, Auntie Wang. I’ll eat outside.” Her mind was already occupied with contract negotiations. After slipping into her high heels, she hurried out.

“Oh, this girl…” Auntie Wang sighed, worried but helpless. She could only call after her, “Take care and make sure you eat on time!”

“I know, Auntie Wang.” Han Ning grabbed her small, elegant handbag, called back without turning her head, and hurried out the door.

Bang!

“Ah!”

No sooner had Han Ning stepped outside than she let out a startled cry, as if she’d bumped into something, stumbling backward and nearly falling.

Auntie Wang was alarmed, but then immediately relieved.

Just as Han Ning was about to hit the ground, an arm caught her, steadying her.

“What’s wrong with you, standing there without a sound?” Han Ning fussed as she straightened her disheveled hair, launching into a tirade at Yang Jiekai, who stood in the doorway.

Expressionless, Yang Jiekai jingled his keys, shot her a glance, and said nothing. He stepped aside and went straight to his room.

“You—” Han Ning wanted to say more but found herself at a loss. His reaction was so odd. In the past, he’d have sparred with her a bit, but now he said nothing, as if nothing had happened. Banter requires at least two people—how could she argue alone?

“What a strange man!” Once she’d calmed down, most of her irritation dissipated. She knew she’d been the one in the wrong, rushing out without a glance and crashing into him—he was just coming home. Still, did he have to be so solid? Running into him felt like hitting a wall—her forehead was probably bruised.

Despite her busyness, Han Ning had noticed something off about Yang Jiekai lately. He always wore a sullen expression, as if the world owed him a fortune. He came home, ate in silence, and then shut himself away. Who knew what he was up to?

He was up to no good, she was sure of it!

Han Ning’s curiosity grew. What could have changed him so much? He used to greet her with that nauseatingly sweet “wife” routine, but now he didn’t even look at her.

The thought made her cheeks flush with embarrassment. What was wrong with her? Was she actually hoping he’d call her by those shameless names again?

Back in his room, Yang Jiekai lay on his bed, hands behind his head, but soon sat up, switched on his computer, and began frantically searching for ways to make a fortune. If only a bounty of five million would drop from the sky! But after searching for a while, disappointment set in; he couldn’t even find a wanted criminal worth fifty thousand, let alone five million.

“Damn it, these guys have no shame. How dare they call themselves criminals with such paltry bounties? If I catch one, I’ll thrash him first!” Grumbling, he slammed the laptop shut and left the room.

At dinner, Auntie Wang handed him an envelope from Wang Xiang. Without looking at it, he tucked it away, knowing it was the order.

Several uneventful days passed; the five million was still nowhere in sight. As the day of tribulation drew near, his anxiety grew.

“Hey, handsome!” A few girls at the company greeted him with beaming smiles. Normally, Yang Jiekai would have replied with a dazzling grin, but now he barely acknowledged them, keeping his head down.

“Yang Jiekai, come here a moment!”

A pleasant female voice called out. Without looking, Yang Jiekai knew it was Lin Sha.

“What is it?” Irritated and distracted, he replied curtly.

“Do you really have the nerve to ask?” Lin Sha, dressed in a fitted pink dress that showed off her tall figure, strode up to him, displeasure clear in her voice. “The sales competition ends at the close of business today. Where are your department’s results?”

“Oh, that.” Yang Jiekai replied indifferently, not bothering to look up as he walked on.

“Stop right there!” Lin Sha, frustrated by his clear indifference, snapped, “Aren’t you ashamed? Your department is the only one with zero points!”

“I like it that way!” Annoyed, Yang Jiekai shot back.

Lin Sha’s cheeks flushed with anger. Biting her lip, she scolded, “Is this your attitude? Who was it that said he’d take first place? Who said he’d win and come pursue me? I’m right here—why don’t you try?”

Yang Jiekai slowly turned to give her a glance, said nothing, and stepped into the elevator.

“You… You jerk!” Lin Sha was left fuming, not only at his lack of ambition but also at a strange, inexplicable sense of disappointment in her heart.