Chapter 9, An Unexpected Pursuit (Part 1)

Durex responded with a sound, and her thoughts drifted away. Chen Huian actually got married, but her character has always been recognized as that of a virtuous wife and good mother. Huian is quiet and introverted, timid, refined, and polite. She is a well-known classical beauty from the Chinese Department. It was unexpected that she got married just two years after graduation, and to a man who is ten years her senior

Du Re laughed lightly and said, "No one is pursuing, so I will pursue!"

Xu Yizhong's confusion deepened: "Why? Don't girls all like to be pretty?"

Zhang Linshan's gaze wandered between Xu Yizhong and Du Lei's faces. This Du Lei is the most beautiful woman he has encountered so far. Even if Xu Yizhong does not intend to marry a beauty like Du Lei, the ambiguous relationship cannot be clearly defined

Zhang Linshan sighed, reluctantly adjusted Hui'an's clothing, and took her to attend the dinner hosted by Xu Yizhong

However, just one week before the auction, Zhang Linshan sent a message to Xu Yizhong. If this land were to be developed into a residential area, its building area would be significantly reduced. This is because the future Yingbin Avenue will be constructed adjacent to this land. Furthermore, the planned greenbelt will be twenty meters wide, not the previous ten meters.

Mr. Xu has flattered me; there must be many more people pursuing someone of your caliber, right?" Du Lei retorted with a single sentence.

It is often said that women have a kind of Oedipus complex. A husband is not only a lover, but he must also provide a sense of emotional support akin to paternal love. Such feelings can make women feel secure

"No way, President Xu is joking again," Du Lei said with a smile, pursing her lips. It must be said that Xu Yizhong is the top choice in the eyes of all the female employees in the group. He is charismatic, comes from a wealthy family, and is decisive in his work; any one of these qualities alone could captivate a woman. Yet, Xu Yizhong, at the age of thirty, still does not have a girlfriend.

Xu Yiyang is now filled with rage. "The government's plan has been released, and the green belt along Yingbin Avenue is clearly twenty meters wide. If the Southeast Group follows the distribution of residential buildings shown in the renderings, the green belt on its project layout will only be ten meters! How did it pass the planning approval?" In his anger, Xu Yiyang is also puzzled. At that time, when he learned from Zhang Linshan that the planned green belt along Yingbin Avenue was twenty meters, he personally went to verify this information from multiple sources.

After returning, Xu Yizhong saw the representative from Southeast International smiling broadly as he accepted a media interview on television. Xu Yizhong wondered to himself, does Southeast International not know about this news? He felt that such a situation should not occur. Could it be that such a large company is also pursuing a low-profit strategy? It is even less likely, as everyone knows that the real estate industry in City A is currently in a phase of elevation, yielding absolute windfall profits

Yao Yu from Datang Company, I see her sitting in the car, also habitually lost in thought

Xu Yizhong was taken aback, then burst into laughter, saying: "I truly found the right person for this assistant role, attentive in every detail!"

Xu Yizhong's father was one of the earliest pioneers who ventured to Hainan to seek fortune in the early 1980s. After making a profit, he returned to City A to develop real estate, becoming one of the first individuals to engage in real estate development in City A. Gradually, he expanded the family business, leading to the current scale of Jialin Group. The old gentleman held the title of chairman, while the actual business operations were entrusted to his two sons

Today can be considered the boldest attempt; she took advantage of a joke to sense Xu Yi's feelings. Some words always reveal the truth amidst a blend of half-truths and half-falsities.

Du Lei sighed inwardly; how could someone as intelligent as she be oblivious to Xu Yizhong's rejection? For half a year, she had been in daily contact with Xu Yizhong, so it was impossible for her not to have feelings for him. She carefully presented her best self in front of Xu Yizhong, seizing the first opportunity to subtly showcase herself.

Durei and Hui'an have a rather ordinary relationship. Today happens to be her menstrual period, and she really does not want to move. "Lin Shan, I am not feeling well today, I don't want to move. You go by yourself, just drink less, don't get drunk like you did a few days ago."

Hui An smiled gently and said, "You are driving and still drinking."

Dulei felt a sense of discomfort in her chest; she disliked Yao Yu's lack of grooming and was annoyed by the curiosity of the men around Yao Yu. Dulei raised an eyebrow, as if she had thought for a long time before calmly responding to Xu Yi Zhong: "Her? She doesn't care about her appearance."

Jiangyang District is a new area planned by City A, where a new airport is currently under construction and is expected to be completed and put into use in two years. In the future, the municipal government will also relocate to Jiangyang District. It can be said that the main area for real estate development in City A in the future will be Jiangyang District

Hehe, Xu Yizhong chuckled, "It's strange, yet no one is pursuing it."

Xu Yizhong had something to ask him, and upon hearing it, he smiled and said: "It's just a meal, let's drink less. It will be just me and my assistant Du Lei, who happens to be a college classmate of your sister-in-law. It would be perfect if you could bring your sister-in-law along; they can catch up while we have a chat."

Elder brother, there is something fishy about this! Xu Yizhong spoke slowly, with a glint of calculation in his eyes

Zhang Linshan instantly understood that Xu Yizhong definitely had something to say, and upon hearing him speak, he nodded in agreement.

Xu Yizhong caught a glimpse of Du Lei's pouting expression from the corner of his eye, and his heart skipped a beat. Du Lei looked so beautiful that any man would be moved. He steadied himself and smiled, saying: "With a girl as beautiful as you, how could no one be pursuing you? It must be that no one has caught your eye, right?"

It has been over half a year since we got married, and seeing Hui'an shy still makes Zhang Linshan's heart race. "Hui'an, I must have accumulated virtue in my past life to marry such a wonderful wife like you," Zhang Linshan said as he embraced Hui'an and leaned down to kiss her.

Hui An chuckled as she pushed him away with her hand: "Your beard is prickly! Stop fooling around, or it will be too late, and we will keep others waiting!"

Zhang Linshan is the director of the Urban Management Division of the Planning Bureau in City A. He grew up in the same courtyard as Xu Yizhong. Xu Yiyang is ten years older than Xu Yizhong; when Xu Yizhong was a mischievous little monkey, Xu Yiyang was already living away at school. Zhang Linshan was the leader of the children in the courtyard, four years older than Xu Yizhong, and he played with Xu Yizhong since childhood. The two have always had a very good relationship

Xu Yizhong sensitively detected Du Lei's unusual behavior, and he speculated in his mind about the relationship between Yao Yu and Du Lei, but the topic shifted: "I heard that there are quite a few people pursuing you in the group, and some who have proposed have even come to me!"

Xu Yizhong instructed Du Lei in the car: "You know Director Zhang, his wife is named Chen Huian, and she is also your university classmate, right? Your main task tonight is to accompany her, as Director Zhang and I have matters to discuss."

I see that the municipal government is about to stir up a tremendous wave in this piece of land in Jiangyang District!" Xu Yiyang squinted his eyes and said, "Yizhong, let's get it settled before we talk, let them proceed with the construction.

Zhang Linshan gently embraced Hui'an. Hui'an obediently leaned in his arms, and at such moments, Zhang Linshan could not help but feel a pang of heartache for her, thinking she resembled a little rabbit, endearing and lovable. "You know that guy Xu Yizhong, he has been playing with me since childhood. You have nothing to eat at home by yourself, and I am worried. We will only go out to eat, and after eating, we will return home, no other plans, alright? Today you will supervise, at most one bottle of beer." We will only go out to eat, and after eating, we will return home, no other plans, alright? Today you will supervise, at most one bottle of beer.

Durex also smiled: "In this day and age, women need to be more proactive than men. Don't believe me? I will really pursue you!"

Hui An suddenly covered his mouth, and her face turned red. Every time she blushed, her neck would also turn red. A faint rosy hue spread across her beautiful face.

Xu Yizhong was perplexed. The promotional materials for the Southeast Group's real estate project have been released, and construction has already begun. The chief engineer of Jialin Group, upon viewing the renderings of the project, remarked that unless the landscaping along Yingbin Avenue is planned to be only ten meters wide, it would be possible to construct this row of residential buildings.

Changing the topic, Du Lei felt a sense of relief, and her emotions adjusted instantly. She turned her head and playfully scolded, "Mr. Xu, don't joke around, that's not true." Why did Xu Yi no longer find himself curious about Yao Yu's unusual aesthetic views? Du Lei silently reflected, was it that she had revealed too much?

Dure is a very pragmatic person. In her eyes, a marriage without material conditions is painful. All her efforts and her commitment to maintaining her integrity are aimed at encountering a man who excels in all aspects.

At that time, Xu Yizhong personally went to the auction site, and only gave up after the price had been raised quite high. Seeing the representative from Southeast International Auction beaming with joy, he smiled, went over to congratulate them, and then walked away with a slight curl of his lips.

Xu Yizhong wore a faint smile at the corners of his mouth, secretly contemplating that his views on Du Lei needed some adjustment. With increased interactions with women, he had a good grasp of their mindset, if not an exact understanding. As long as he was willing, women had almost no resistance. Du Lei had wisely maintained her distance over the past six months, and he was well aware that there was a hint of truth in today's jest.

She has always preferred more mature men. She is not interested in the young fellows around her who are about the same age. Dure thought often, is it because she desires the feeling of being cherished, loved, and cared for? Only mature men can evoke in her a sense of dependence that is almost akin to reliance

"Oh, Mr. Xu observes quite carefully! He even noticed this," Du Lei said with a light laugh. Her heart suddenly tightened, as if a hand were pressing against her lungs, preventing her from taking in enough air, leaving her feeling uncomfortably suffocated

Xu Yizhong met all the conditions she had in mind; he was the first candidate whose inner approval she had granted since growing up. Du Lei was not in a hurry; she had enough patience to stay by Xu Yizhong's side. She was confident that with her beauty and intelligence, she could captivate this man

That evening, when Xu Yizhong arranged to meet Zhang Lingshan for dinner, Zhang Lingshan felt somewhat awkward: "Yizhong, I have already been out for social engagements five days this week. If it weren't for you, I would have canceled it."

After Xu Yizhong reported this situation to Xu Yiyang, the two brothers invited engineers to study it for half a day and verified Zhang Linshan's words through various connections. They ultimately decided to abandon the competition for this piece of land

The geographical location of this land is quite favorable, being only a few stops away from the government office district. With the relocation of the municipal government, the municipal facilities here will gradually improve. However, as local power players, Jialin and Southeast International are well aware that the profits to be made from this land will far exceed its seemingly high price.

Xu Yizhong studied abroad for seven years, and after graduating with a master's degree, he joined Jialin Group. Gradually, he reestablished contact with Zhang Lingshan. The originally good relationship between the two became even closer due to their professional interactions.

There are many women around Xu Yizhong who express their affection for him, and occasionally when he sits at the bar drinking, women will take the initiative to strike up a conversation. However, it is the first time that a group employee like Du Lei has openly hinted at this in a half-joking manner

Xu Yizhong's words left her feeling somewhat hurt. She is so beautiful and possesses strong work capabilities. There are too many people revolving around her; although she has never been in a romantic relationship, she is not unfamiliar with the admiration of men.

Six months ago, the municipal government publicly auctioned a piece of land in the Jiangyang District, east of the Qingjiang River. In City A, the only entities capable of acquiring this land were Jialin Group and Southeast International Group. At that time, Jialin Group was fully committed to competing with Southeast International Group for this land. There were also real estate companies from other regions participating. However, based on the analysis of the situation at that time, the external real estate companies did not understand the value of this land as well as the local giants, Jialin and Southeast International. Therefore, only these two companies were the true competitors.

Just as a person's value is often reflected in various evaluations from those around them, such contrasting assessments act like a mirror, reflecting the image of that individual

Du Lei knows Zhang Linshan, and she finds him particularly masculine. At this moment, Zhang Linshan is at the peak of his charm as a man. At the age of thirty-four, he has become the director of a city management department, with a bright future ahead in his career. Du Lei cannot help but admire Hui'an's discernment.

Xu Yi smiled bitterly in his heart. For a classmate of four years to say such a thing indicates a certain understanding of Du Lei. Why was he so infuriated back then

Xu Yizhong smiled and glanced at Du Lei, who was dressed very casually today, wearing the same T-shirt and the same jeans: "I said, Du Lei, you are also in casual wear, so how come Yao Yu looks so unkempt? Is it like this at school too?"

"Don't! If you really pursue me, I would be utterly embarrassed. How could a grown man like me allow a girl to chase after him? The roles are reversed, and that simply won't do!" Xu Yizhong jokingly declined. Du Lei is beautiful; if he truly liked her, would he have to wait for these six months? Nevertheless, being pursued, even if only half-jokingly, by a beautiful woman still brought Xu Yizhong joy.

Xu Yizhong curled his lips into a smile and said, "I will treat Shan Zi to dinner tonight; I see that Shan Zi's career is becoming increasingly smooth."

"Which one are you referring to? Tao Qianchen, Yao Yu, or Chen Huian?" Du Lei asked instinctively. She was unaware of when Xu Yizhong had become acquainted with those three individuals. She pondered blankly, wondering if Yao Yu was about to re-enter her circle of life

She is the most beautiful woman in the group, and for half a year, she has not crossed the line of work even once. He does not know what Dure thinks, but he now understands that if Dure truly has this intention, a man's vanity can be greatly satisfied.

"How come you have the same habit of zoning out in the car as your classmate?" Xu Yizhong's voice interrupted Du Lei's thoughts

This information implies that even if the acquired land is developed into a residential area, apart from the land price and taxes, the anticipated exorbitant profits will not be realized. Moreover, Southeast International is displaying an air of inevitability in its ambitions. Competing with them has driven up land prices, and ultimately, it will lead to a significant outflow of capital.

At that moment, he suddenly recalled what Yao Yu had said at the hot spring resort. "I actually hope she quickly hooks up with that General Manager Xu and marries into a wealthy family. The two of them seem to be in cahoots, making me drink as if they had already started flirting with each other early on!"

Xu Yizhong stared silently at the documents in his hand. In the office, his elder brother—Xu Yiyang, the current president of Jialin Group—was slamming the table with a fierce expression, cursing angrily

As long as she thinks it is beautiful, Yao Yu's thoughts are different from others. Du Lei tried to respond in a calm voice, but she heard a voice inside her screaming, No! Don't mention her again! She felt waves of sorrow as Yao Yu was still going to step into her life. She turned her head to look out the car window, not wanting to continue the conversation.

Zhang Linshan knew that she had agreed, and he lowered his head to tease her by saying in her ear: "Don't you know your husband's drinking capacity? It was never a mistake how much he drank at the wedding..."