Chapter Fifty-Three: A Tough Nut to Crack

The meal was surprisingly harmonious. The few projects Han Wei had brought back from abroad were indeed substantial; if they could be successfully launched, it would be a colossal boon for the newly founded Ziyu Group. This put Han Ning in excellent spirits, so her attitude toward Yang Jiekai was not as frosty as usual.

Throughout dinner, the Han sisters mostly discussed company matters and these new projects. Yang Jiekai, uninterested and ignorant of such topics, merely focused on battling the mountain of meat and dishes before him.

“I’d say Yongcheng Group is going to be a tough nut to crack!” Han Wei finally frowned as she talked about the biggest challenge facing the project’s launch. “That old fox Wang Gang, he’s not one to be moved by trifles. If we want him to invest and collaborate this time, it won’t be easy.”

At the mention of Yongcheng Group’s president, Wang Gang, Han Ning set down her chopsticks, a trace of worry on her face. “I’ll arrange to meet him first thing tomorrow. Let’s see if we can talk face to face.”

“Fine, we’ll go together. I hear the old fox is cunning as they come. Tomorrow, your big sister will dress a little sexy and see if he takes the bait,” Han Wei said with some resentment.

Pfft—

Hearing this, Yang Jiekai almost spat out his mouthful of hot soup. Was his sister-in-law really planning to go all out tomorrow?

“Sister-in-law, that’s not a good idea!” Yang Jiekai quickly wiped his mouth and protested.

“What’s it got to do with you?” Han Wei shot him a glare.

Yang Jiekai replied, “Now, you can’t say that. As the saying goes, if you want a good family, you need to get along with your sister-in-law. I can’t just stand by and watch my own sister-in-law jump into the fire pit, right? Besides, I’m the only man in this family!”

He spoke with such righteous fervor that even Han Ning was moved, not to mention Han Wei. Who would have thought the guy could sound so manly?

But before the two women could praise his masculinity, Yang Jiekai’s next words nearly made them hurl their bowls at him.

He muttered, “I haven’t even had a taste of my own sister-in-law yet, how can we just let some old geezer have it for nothing…”

“Get lost!” Han Wei snapped, throwing her chopsticks at him.

Yang Jiekai deftly caught the chopsticks and hurried to explain, “That’s not what I meant! I’m saying, even if that old guy from Yongcheng Group is cunning, he’s still human. Everyone has a weakness. If we can find his weakness and exploit it, success is all but certain!”

“Then what did you mean about having a taste?” Han Wei pressed.

“Uh… well…” Yang Jiekai realized he’d spoken his mind without thinking, so he could only laugh awkwardly, “It’s just a figure of speech, just a figure of speech…”

He glanced at Han Ning, whose face had returned to its usual icy demeanor, and smiled, “Besides, we’re all family people here. How could I think such things? Right, darling?”

Han Ning couldn’t be bothered to respond to this scoundrel; she was used to his nonsense by now. She only shot him a fierce glare before turning away.

Just as Yang Jiekai was about to further explain, Han Ning suddenly turned sharply to face him, fixing him with a direct gaze.

“What are you up to? Let me say this first, even though I support your career, I would never sell my body!” Yang Jiekai was startled—had she lost her mind?

“What did you just say?” Han Ning ignored his slippery words, her tone a bit agitated.

Yang Jiekai scratched his head in confusion but answered honestly, “I said I haven’t even had a taste of my own sister-in-law, how could we let that old man have it… But don’t take it to heart, darling. It’s just a figure of speech. I would never betray you. Loyalty is my greatest virtue…”

“Not that part, the one before!” Han Ning cut him off.

“The one before?” Yang Jiekai thought for a moment. “Oh, I said even if the old guy from Yongcheng Group is cunning, he’s still human. Everyone has a weakness. As long as—”

Before he could finish, Han Ning’s icy face suddenly relaxed, and she flashed him a rare, almost magical smile. “Yes, that’s it!”

Now Yang Jiekai was truly baffled. What was with his beautiful CEO wife? Was she losing her mind from stress?

Han Wei, sharp as ever, only paused for a moment before catching on and grinned, “Right! Why didn’t I think of that before? My brain’s been muddled by all this recent trouble.”

“Weiwei, I’ll have to trouble you with this. You’re more skilled in this area than I am,” Han Ning said with delight.

Han Wei nodded, “No problem. I know a few young masters in Tianhai City. I’ll call them now and ask around…”

As she spoke, she got up to make the calls.

“Hey, wait—what are you two talking about?” Yang Jiekai asked in confusion. “I don’t get it.”

Han Wei shot him another glare, “Are you that dense? You can’t even figure this out? Everyone has a weakness. No matter how cunning Wang Gang from Yongcheng Group is, he must have a soft spot.” With that, she ignored his bewilderment and went to make her calls.

Yang Jiekai sat there, completely lost. Wasn’t that what he had just said? How did his original idea suddenly belong to someone else?

Han Ning, seeing his bewildered look, was in a good mood for once, and since he had inadvertently given her a hint, she spoke gently, “The president of Yongcheng Group is famously unyielding and upright, with almost no vices or weaknesses. However, he’s especially doting on his only son, who was born late in his life.”

Hearing this, Yang Jiekai began to understand. He suddenly widened his eyes, “You’re not planning to kidnap his son and use him for leverage, are you?”

As he said this, a spark of excitement crossed his mind. When it came to commercial schemes and intrigue, he was useless, but if it was about kidnapping and extortion, he was an expert. If that was the plan, it was finally his time to shine! He could prove to the Han sisters that he was not just a freeloader.

“Not as dirty as you think!” Han Ning glared at him, “Everyone in the business world knows Wang Gang dotes on his son. He does whatever his son asks. As long as his son speaks up, the matter is practically settled.”

“Oh, I see…” Yang Jiekai felt a bit deflated. Just when he thought he had a chance to show off, it vanished. He was more suited to rough work like kidnapping, not to currying favor or building relationships—he’d always been the one people wanted to befriend, not the other way around.

Before long, Han Wei returned, but her expression was less than optimistic.

“How did it go?” Han Ning could tell from her look that things weren’t promising.

Han Wei sighed, “I called a few young masters in Tianhai City. They’re on good terms with Wang Xiang, but as for Wang Xiang himself…”

She sighed again before continuing, “They say he’s fickle and loves to play, but his interests are unpredictable and always changing.”

“Then play with him, indulge him!” Han Ning, a master of human relations after years in business, replied smoothly. “Whatever he likes, give it to him—antiques, rare wines, sports cars, video games—just keep him happy!”

Han Wei forced a bitter smile and shook her head, “If only it were that easy. This kid was born with a silver spoon in his mouth; he’s already tired of all that. According to those young masters, lately Wang Xiang has become obsessed with martial arts.”

“Martial arts?” Han Ning frowned. “Then find him the best martial arts coaches!”

Han Wei shook her head, “That won’t work. They say the martial arts he’s obsessed with aren’t just for show. He’s hired several experts at high prices and has already beaten up all the top martial arts instructors in Tianhai City. Now he’s announced he’s going into closed-door training and won’t see anyone for a while.”

Han Ning’s brows knitted tightly, and she fell silent, her face full of worry.

This opportunity was crucial for her. If she could seize it, Ziyu Group could quickly rise in the region and ride the momentum to further success.

The projects Han Wei brought back were partly due to her abilities and partly luck. If they missed this chance, who knew when another would come?

After Yang Jiekai finished clearing the table of meat, he stood up, burped contentedly, stretched his arms, and patted his stomach. “I’m stuffed. I’ll go rest.” With that, he strolled leisurely back to his room, still rubbing his round belly.

“Eat and sleep like a pig!” Han Wei, already irritated, vented her frustration at his retreating back, then turned to Han Ning. “Sis, how did you end up with a brother-in-law like him? He’s no help at all and acts like nothing concerns him. Do you think he’s even a man? If you ask me, tomorrow I’ll talk to Granduncle and get permission to divorce him!”

Han Ning’s mind was in turmoil as well. She didn’t take Han Wei’s complaints to heart, just frowned deeply, pondering how to solve the problem.

Time was short, and the most suitable investor left in Tianhai City was Yongcheng Group. If they couldn’t secure them, what then?

The Haitian Group and Zhao Group had the means, but when Han Ning had managed the Xia Group, she’d clashed with them several times. There was no way to cooperate now—in fact, she’d be lucky if they didn’t use this chance to kick her while she was down.

“Sis, I do have an idea,” Han Wei said in a low voice, “but you have to promise not to get angry.”

Han Ning, desperate for any new idea, said eagerly, “What’s the idea? Tell me.”

“In fact, we don’t have to work only with Yongcheng Group. If you’re willing to ask, there are still two other options,” Han Wei said hesitantly.

“Which two? Tell me already, you’ll drive me crazy!” Han Ning urged, seeing her sister so uncharacteristically hesitant.

Han Wei bit her lip, looked up, and said, “Xia Group, and Longyue Group in Beihai City.”

After half a second of silence, Han Ning sprang up from her chair and declared loudly, “Even if I have to beg on the streets, I will never have anything to do with those two companies again!”