Chapter 1489 - 1479: Whereabouts

After a long while, Jiang Cheng finally put down the phone from his ear, placed his mobile on the table, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and rubbed his temples.

Jiang Cheng glanced irritably out the window, suddenly feeling as if he was being watched. This feeling was strange, almost like a sixth sense. There was no evidence, but the feeling lingered.

"System, are you there? Am I being watched?" Jiang Cheng asked in his mind, but there was only an empty silence without a response. Helpless, Jiang Cheng rubbed his head, and the headache worsened.

Just then, someone was at the office door. Jiang Cheng opened it to Elder Xu. Seeing Jiang Cheng's desolate appearance, Elder Xu knew he was facing a thorny problem. He had just heard that there seemed to be issues with Jiang Cheng's company.

"Jiang Cheng, what happened? What's going on with your company getting sealed?" Elder Xu inquired, having come over specifically because of the trouble Jiang Cheng's company was in.

"It's been sealed by the engineering team." "For what reason?" "Is it that hard to find a reason? You can easily make one up. But I haven't figured out where the main issue lies yet." Jiang Cheng was indeed very desolate, unable to believe his company was closed just like that.

Elder Xu sat on the sofa, picked up the freshly brewed tea Jiang Cheng had poured, took a sip, and then closed his eyes in contemplation.

"I think the issue is related to the Boss," Elder Xu said, making Jiang Cheng's eyes shift. He immediately recalled the smile and the glance the Boss gave him when Jiang Cheng left that day.

Quickly, Jiang Cheng found the business card from his clothes and dialed the number on it: "Hello, are you the Boss?" Jiang Cheng asked with a hint of resignation.

"Yes! Jiang Cheng, you finally called. I've been waiting for this for a long time." The voice on the other end sounded delightfully surprised.

Upon hearing the voice, Jiang Cheng began to see things clearly. He casually asked, "So you were the one who had my company sealed?"

"Yes." Just a simple "yes" made Jiang Cheng incredibly furious. How could he calmly watch someone abuse power like this, especially against his own company?

Jiang Cheng was red with anger. He couldn't believe such a despicable thing could be done by the Boss, a figure of great significance.

"Boss, if you have any issues with me, Jiang Cheng, come at me directly, don't sabotage my company. Although I founded it, it provides jobs for many and solves their livelihood issues," Jiang Cheng said directly, getting straight to the point.

"I appreciate your straightforwardness, for saying things without beating around the bush. Indeed, my actions were a bit imprudent, but the reason behind them is correct, selfless — the art of war is deceitful and a weapon in itself. The stability of a region needs military maintenance. Only then will an area not suffer external disruptions so people can live peacefully and happily." The Boss began explaining, asserting that everything done was in the interest of the military's construction and regional stability. He didn't quite believe his motives were pure himself, but since Jiang Cheng wanted to play the theoretical game, he wouldn't back down easily.

"I'm just an ordinary citizen, not capable of grasping such grand principles or bearing such heavy responsibilities. I merely hope you inform the engineering team to let my company reopen. My employees are still waiting to earn their livelihood." Jiang Cheng didn't want to hear such universal truths. After hearing them countless times, his ears grew weary. His temples throbbed again, and tiredly, Jiang Cheng pressed them.

After speaking, Jiang Cheng immediately hung up, while his inner turmoil continued to rage. He never wanted to be forced into doing anything. That's just how he was — unwilling to bow to any force or individual.

Having hung up, the Boss pondered for a while, realizing he indeed acted excessively. Jiang Cheng was actually a great candidate for recruitment. He didn't want to miss the opportunity but wouldn't forcefully confront Jiang Cheng, reconsidering his approach since conflict wasn't his intention.

Picking up the phone, he dialed: "Let Jiang Cheng's company reopen!" Indeed, he compromised. He wasn't using his power for revenge but instead wanted to use this tactic as leverage to recruit Jiang Cheng into the military. However, Jiang Cheng didn't fall for it, and the Boss didn't want an adversary like Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng sat in his chair, lit a cigarette, and slowly began to smoke. Watching the smoke gradually disperse in front of him.

In that moment, his phone suddenly rang. Linda's avatar flashed on the screen. Irritated, Jiang Cheng rubbed his head and waved to unlock the phone. "President Jiang, the engineering team just came over and removed the seal, saying we can operate normally." Linda could barely contain her joy, and her cheerful voice reached Jiang Cheng's ears, lightening his mood considerably. "Great, that's the best news I've heard in days. Quickly organize the operation to get the company running smoothly, create benefits, and promptly clarify with major newspapers that it was a misunderstanding. Prevent a negative impact and focus on guiding public opinion positively."

Jiang Cheng swiftly instructed Linda, who didn't linger, quickly going out to handle matters. Jiang Cheng picked up the tea cup on the table, took a sip, fully realizing it was the Boss who chose to compromise, and that collaboratively earned him a new respect for the Boss.

Returning home, Elder Xu found an empty room, staring at the wall photo of Xu Ying with a radiant smile, realizing she suddenly disappeared, making him unable to sleep peacefully.

Unwilling to give up, Elder Xu dispatched people to search: "I don't care what means or method you use, I just want my daughter. Whoever finds her first will receive a million, as a reward."

After speaking, Elder Xu placed a paper bag on the table, filled with brand new hundred-yuan bills. With such a reward, surely someone brave would step forward and rush out to find Xu Ying.

Leaning back in his chair, Elder Xu thought hopefully that with so many people searching, and with the million-dollar incentive, they wouldn't be careless and would diligently seek her.

But come evening, people returned gradually, all looking dispirited. Elder Xu didn't need to ask to understand that she wasn't found, increasing his anxiety over his daughter's safety, feeling like a number on a hot stove. Remembering the Boss's words from that day: "Jiang Cheng, as long as you agree to join the team, I'll give you the video of Xu Ying leaving." These words echoed in Elder Xu's ears once again.

Indeed, the Boss certainly knew Xu Ying's whereabouts. He had to call the Boss and inquire about his daughter's location.

"Hello, Boss, calling you this late isn't proper, but any parent would understand. You can empathize. I know you're aware of Xu Ying's whereabouts. I plead with you to tell me, please?" Elder Xu spoke with a near-choked voice. This elderly man, deeply concerned for his daughter.

"I understand your current feelings, and indeed sympathize, but I can't reveal that. However, I can assure you your daughter is safe and doing well. No need to worry," the Boss directly stated Xu Ying's condition but didn't disclose where she was.