1987 My Era

Chapter 694
After seeing Zijing off, Li Heng turned to Song Yu and said, "We just finished eating, let's go for a walk in New Future."

Song Yu readily agreed.

Li Lan, who was standing next to her, said, "I'll go too."

So the three of them got into the van and headed to New Future Training School.

On the way, Li Lan said, "Brother, you can buy a car in Beijing. It will be more convenient for you and your wife to travel together in the future. I can also use it if there are any special circumstances."

Li Heng thought it made sense: "Okay, I'll ask someone about it later."

An hour later, the three arrived at New Future School. Classes were in session, with 11 classes running simultaneously.

Li Heng first inspected the outside of each classroom before finally heading to Wang Ye's office.

Wang was also on the phone, communicating with the head of the Xi'an branch about some things.

Li Heng remained silent, poured two cups of tea for Song Yu and his second sister, and then sat down to wait.

About ten minutes later, the call ended, and Wang got up to greet him: "Mr. Li, you've arrived."

Li Heng looked up and smiled at her.

After exchanging glances for a moment, Wang Ye smiled and said, "Alright, I received the notification as soon as you and Song Yu entered the school gate. But I was busy and wanted you to experience the school atmosphere firsthand, so I didn't disturb you."

Li Heng nodded and pointed to the sofa next to him: "Don't stand, sit down."

Wang sat down as instructed, and then greeted Song Yu and Li Lan.

While sipping his tea, Li Heng asked, "How's the enrollment going this term?"

Wang Ye expressed her joy in just one sentence: "The new students are full. This term, 12 schools enrolled more than 5 students, and the tuition fees exceeded 6000 million yuan. Among them, the advanced overseas study program still contributed more than half."

Li Lan already knew that New Future School was unstoppable, but she still couldn't help but secretly marvel at the terrifying income.

Song Yu was alright. Because she was close to Yang Yingwen, she knew a little about the new future, so she was mentally prepared.

Despite being mentally prepared, the staggering figure of 6000 million yuan still gave her pause for thought for quite some time.

Li Heng then asked, "How are the teaching materials selling lately?"

Wang also listed the details with great familiarity: "Since it was listed in all provinces across the country on April 1st, it has been almost five months now, and the results have been equally impressive. As of this Tuesday, the total revenue is 9306 million."

Li Heng was taken aback: "So high, over 9000 million?"

Wang Ye stood up and took a stack of documents from his desk and handed them to him: "This is the financial income and expenditure statement prepared by Accountant Liu. Please take a look, boss."

After handing him the documents, Wang sat down again and said, "Regarding the teaching materials, I originally planned to give you a surprise after the revenue exceeded 100 million. I didn't expect you to come today."

Next, Li Heng spent a full half hour reviewing various reports. Finally, he closed the documents and said with emotion, "Well done. Letting you take charge of New Future School was one of the best decisions I ever made."

For some reason, Wang Ye felt a surge of excitement upon hearing this. For her, who was not short of money, no amount of words or reports of revenue exceeding 100 million could compare to Mr. Li's highest praise.

Li Heng asked, "How did Professor He Wen and Professor Zhao Li perform?"

Wang also said, "The Tianjin branch, which is managed by He Wen, is far ahead of all other branches in terms of revenue and enrollment. Zhao Li's abilities are remarkable. She deserves the most credit for the six newly opened branches. Mr. Li, I want to focus on cultivating them."

This emphasis on cultivation refers to the successor.

Li Heng understood the implication in her words, and after thinking for a moment, asked, "Where is Ying Wen?"

Wang Ye glanced at Song Yu subconsciously, and then said, "If Mr. Li allows, I plan to take her with me in the future."

Li Heng pondered for a long time, then waved his hand and said, "Don't rush Ying Wen, let's talk about it after she graduates. Between He Wen and Zhao Li, who do you think is more promising?"

Wang also said, "If Mr. Li is to take over New Future himself, either of them is fine; if there are other arrangements, I would recommend Professor Zhao Li more. She is steady and composed, but she is also full of fighting spirit. However, I admire her character even more."

Well, Wang Ye's words were too obvious. It was like telling him directly: if New Future was intended to be given to Song Yu in the future, then Professor Zhao Li would be more convenient to handle the connection.

Li Heng asked, "If Zhao Li takes over in the future, how will Professor He Wen be accommodated?"

Wang Ye said, "It's easy. Mr. Li wants to keep Yang Yingwen, so He Wen will come with me."

Li Heng smiled and made the decision: "Okay, you can handle He Wen's ideological work."

Wang Ye readily agreed, "No problem."

For the next hour and a half, the two discussed personnel transfers and management matters at New Future, until after 4 p.m., when he finally asked, "Where is Professor Zhao Li now?"

Wang Ye said, "I just got back from a business trip to the Wuhan branch yesterday. I gave her two days off, and she should stay home with the child today."

Li Heng instructed, "Give her a call and ask if she's free to have dinner together tonight."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ye glanced at Song Yu again, got up, walked to his desk, grabbed the white receiver, and began dialing.

A moment later, the call connected, and Wang said directly, "Professor Zhao Li, Mr. Li is here. He's inviting you to dinner and asking if you're free."

Wang Ye's style is just that straightforward, but fortunately Li Heng is used to it.

Zhao Li on the other end of the phone was stunned for a moment, her heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected the big boss to personally call her to dinner. She glanced at the teenagers playing on the sofa, then at her husband cooking porridge in the kitchen. She suddenly felt a little uneasy and hesitant.

Normally, she thought she was fairly good-looking, but probably not good enough to catch the eye of a big boss.
She had seen Song Yu before; she was such a stunning beauty. Mr. Li wouldn't possibly have any designs on her.

Don't blame her for having such wild thoughts. During her business trips to various places that year, she heard many stories about bosses sexually harassing their female subordinates. She also encountered local bosses who expressed their feelings for her in that way, but she rejected them all.

As the saying goes, once bitten by a snake, you will be afraid of ropes for ten years.

Especially now that his status and power in the new future are increasing day by day, who knows if the big boss might have designs on him in order to better control the new future?

Are you going to have dinner with us?

She has now resigned from Renmin University and is fully committed to New Future. She can't afford to lose this job, and she's reluctant to give it up.

If I go, what should I do if the boss has a different idea?
Lost in thought, Wang Ye's voice came again from the other end: "Professor Zhao Li, are you there?"

Zhao Li snapped out of her daze: "Yes, which restaurant?"

Wang also mentioned the name of a relatively upscale restaurant, and then said, "You've been to room 302 with me before, just come over here later. By the way, come quietly, don't tell anyone."

Zhao Li was in a daze. She wanted to ask one more question, but the call had already been disconnected.

How should I come quietly?

Don't tell anyone? Not even your husband?
After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Li finally stood up and went to the kitchen door to say to her husband, "Xinweilai has something urgent to attend to, I have to go there, and I may be back later."

The husband said considerately, "When are you coming back? I'll come pick you up."

Zhao Li said, "Manager Wang called urgently, and I'm not quite sure what's going on. If he's not back by 8 o'clock, please put the child to sleep first. Also, don't lock the door; I'll open it myself when the time comes."

The husband, without suspicion, agreed.

Zhao Li went to the bedroom and began to choose clothes, carefully dressing herself. Looking at her rather charming self in the mirror, she hesitated for a moment, then found a pair of scissors and stuffed them into her bag.

They rushed to the restaurant Wang Ye had mentioned, went up to the second floor, and arrived at room 302.

Looking at the door in front of her, she suddenly became very nervous, and her right hand trembled several times before she finally knocked on the door.

"Boom boom boom!"

"Boom boom boom!"

Then the door opened; it was Wang Ye who opened it.

"Manager Wang." Upon seeing Wang Ye, Zhao Li breathed a sigh of relief; it turned out she wasn't having dinner with her boss alone.

When Zhao Li entered the private room and saw Song Yu and Li Lan there, she was both amused and exasperated. She realized how ridiculous she had just been. With a beauty like Song Yu by his side all the time, how could the big boss possibly be interested in her?
Besides, what kind of person is Li Heng?

A literary giant, a legendary musician, talented, handsome, and wealthy, in his prime, he was the prince charming that countless women dreamed of. Even if he wanted to play around with women, he wouldn't choose a married woman like her.

Thinking of this, Zhao Li looked at Li Heng and couldn't help but wonder: if someone like him really asked her for a one-night stand, could she refuse?
Wang also gestured for her to sit down and said, "We've already ordered. Take a look at the menu. Is there anything you particularly want to eat?"

Facing Li Heng, Zhao Li was slightly reserved, and waved her hand with a smile: "No need, I like all the dishes you ordered, there's no need to waste them."

At this moment, Li Heng spoke up: "Don't be shy, order two, we've already ordered them all."

Hearing him say that, Zhao Li couldn't refuse anymore. She casually ordered a dish and then silently observed the people at the table, thinking to herself: Song Yu is the boss's girlfriend, Li Lan is the boss's second sister, and Wang is the boss's protégé. Why would he suddenly call her over?
After much deliberation, Zhao Li still couldn't figure it out, so she had no choice but to wait cautiously.

Unfortunately, after several rounds of drinks, the big boss didn't say anything special, which made her even more confused.

Just as she was completely confused, Wang said to her, "Come with me to the washroom."

Zhao Li didn't think much of it and followed them out.

As they reached the corner of the hallway outside, Wang asked her, "Aren't you wondering why we didn't call any of the many people at the company, but instead called you from home?"

Wang Ye exchanged glances with Xiao Xu, and Zhao Li nodded.

Wang Ye asked jokingly, "Do you have a knife or anything like that in your bag?"

Zhao Li was surprised and felt guilty, but she smiled and didn't say anything.

Wang seemed to see through her disguise and smiled, saying, "I deliberately passed on the message this way. You've been struggling with this the whole way, haven't you?"

Zhao Li, having seen some of the world before, quickly regained her composure: "Manager Wang, why is this?"

Wang also gave an irrelevant answer: "Do you know why I left Hong Kong, where I was doing so well, and came to the mainland?"

Objectively speaking, at that time, the mainland was still far behind Hong Kong. Her decision to come to the mainland was incomprehensible not only to Zhao Li and others, but even Wang Ye's family had strongly opposed it.

Zhao Li wasn't stupid; after thinking for a moment, she tentatively asked, "For the boss?"

Wang did not answer directly: "He has no shortage of female confidantes, each one more beautiful than the last."

Zhao Li was dumbfounded: "One after another? There are... there are more?"

Wang Ye brushed his hair aside with his right hand and reminded her, "That's not the point."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Li chuckled and realized that Manager Wang in front of her was definitely after the boss, but had failed.

At this point, Zhao Li finally felt relieved.

Both women are intelligent and know how to leave things unsaid. Wang Ye wasn't just saying these things randomly; he had a purpose in doing so.

Come to think of it, if someone tells you even their most private matters, it's like saying: "You're someone I trust, we're on the same side." Wang also asked, "How many times have you seen Song Yu?"

Zhao Li recalled, "The second time. The last time I saw her from afar, but I didn't get close."

Wang Ye asked, "What do you think of Song Yu?"

Zhao Li didn't know what she was up to, but she still said from the bottom of her heart, "Her beauty is unparalleled, rarely seen in the world."

Wang Ye said, "Rare does not mean non-existent. You should have seen Zhou Shihe on the Spring Festival Gala."

Zhao Li became a little confused again: "Is that also the boss's confidante?"

Wang didn't elaborate, only saying, "Don't try to find out these things. You'll naturally understand as you spend more time with Mr. Li. The reason I'm telling you this today is because you'll gradually learn about them even if I don't. It's nothing earth-shattering secret."

Mr. Li specifically called you here today to pave the way for Song Yu and for you. No matter how circumstances change, just stick with Mr. Li and Song Yu. You can ignore any orders from others without Mr. Li's verbal instruction.

Zhao Li was stunned, and after a long while asked, "Manager Wang is leaving the mainland?"

Wang Ye curled his lips: "Look at you, you haven't grasped the key point again."

Zhao Li chuckled, "Thank you, Manager Wang."

Wang Ye said, "Don't thank me. I originally intended to focus on you, Professor He Wen, and Yang Yingwen, but Mr. Li and Song Yu took a liking to you at first sight and were very satisfied with you, believing that you have unlimited potential in the future."

Hearing this, Zhao Li was incredibly excited, but hesitated to speak. However, she knew in her heart that from this moment on, she and New Future would be labeled as "Song Yu".

Noticing her unusual behavior, Wang said, "We're all on the same side. Ask me anything, and I'll tell you everything I can."

Zhao Li asked, "Is Manager Wang really leaving?"

Wang also asked, "Do you know what the company's revenue has been so far this year?"

This was originally a trade secret, but at Zhao Li's high position, even if she didn't know the specific data, she had her own connections and could guess a thing or two based on the enrollment situation and the printing of teaching materials.

Zhao Li pondered and said, "2.5 million?"

Wang Ye said, "There are only four months left in the year. If things continue at this pace, my departure won't be far off. Do you know what to do?"

Zhao Li nodded seriously, then asked her second question: "Will Song Yu be the official wife in the future?"

If Wang hadn't mentioned Zhou Shihe, Zhao Li wouldn't have asked this question, believing that no one could shake Song Yu's position. But now, she wasn't so sure.

Wang Ye said, "Your question is also one I want to know the answer to. But it's beyond our control."

Zhao Li nodded again upon hearing this.

Wang Ye asked, "Do you still have any questions? Say them all now."

Zhao Li stared at her without saying a word.

Wang Ye understood her gaze: "I have no plans to leave Mr. Li at the moment. Also, you need to work harder, even harder than you are now, so that Mr. Li and Song Yu can see your abilities further. If you stagnate one day, I will suggest to Mr. Li to replace you at any time."

Zhao Li solemnly thanked Wang Ye, saying, "Thank you, Manager Wang."

Wang Ye glanced at his watch. "Alright, we've been out for a while now. Let's go inside."

The two women then returned to the private room one after the other.

After eating for a while, Zhao Li raised her glass to Li Heng and Song Yu and said, "Boss, Miss Song, I'd like to propose a toast to you."

Li Heng glanced at Wang Ye, understood perfectly, and chuckled as he pulled Song Yu to clink glasses with him.

After finishing her meal with Li Heng and Song Yu, Zhao Li poured herself another glass of wine and turned to Li Lan, saying, "Miss Li, I'd like to toast you."

Li Lan smiled radiantly, picked up her wine glass and said, "Professor Zhao, my newly opened pastry shop is not far from here. Let's keep in touch often in the future."

Zhao Li said happily, "Great! My child loves the cakes from your shop and goes there every few days."

After Wang Ye's guidance, Zhao Li seemed to have unlocked her full potential. In the following days, she became very talkative and charming, and quickly became friends with Li Lan and Song Yu.

Li Heng was delighted to see Zhao Li and Song Yu walking so close, and secretly asked Wang Ye on his left, "What did you say?"

Wang Ye said, "I've said everything that should be said, and I've also said some things that shouldn't have been said. For example, I came here for you."

Li Heng: "..."

He said slowly, "These things don't need to be mentioned."

Wang Ye said in a low, serious voice, "Not a single word is superfluous. I need to make sure she is always aware of the situation and can always distinguish between the big and small kings. If I can put her in power today, I can replace her at any time in the future."

Li Heng glanced at her and thought to himself: There must be some nonsense involved, and there's also some selfishness mixed in.

However, it's human nature to have flesh and blood, and it's only natural to have selfish desires; he can understand that perfectly.

Li Heng listened to the three women chatting for a while, and then asked Wang Ye, "Have you really made up your mind?"

This determination refers to entering the real estate market.

Wang also said, "It might not work this year, but there's hope for 5 million next year. By the end of the year, I plan to expand the branch school again to seize the market. If the 5 million comes through then, I hope Mr. Li will support me."

Li Heng said, "Tell me when you've made up your mind, and you can choose between money and people."

Wang Ye had been waiting for these words. He took a new bottle of beer, opened the cap, poured a full glass for him, and then poured one for himself. He then said, "May our journey be smooth sailing."

Li Heng smiled brightly, clinked his wine glass, and said, "May all your wishes come true."

Upon hearing this, Wang glanced at Song Yu, leaned closer, and said, "Mr. Li, if the real estate business becomes a great success in the future, will I really be able to achieve my wish?"

Li Heng: "..."

He finished his drink in one gulp. "You're a little drunk."

Wang Ye held the cup and replied meaningfully, "It's not the wine that intoxicates, but the person. It's a pity that I have a wealth of talent, but I lack a handsome appearance that stands out from the crowd."

Li Heng: "..."

The meal lasted quite a while, ending at 7 p.m.

After leaving the restaurant, Li Lan drove the two of them straight to Xila Hutong.

At this moment, Li Jianguo and Tian Run'e also arrived and were cleaning up inside the house.

Seeing the three of them enter, Tian Run'e asked kindly, "Yu Bao, have you had dinner yet?"

Song Yu walked over and replied with a smile, "Mom, we've eaten. Have you and Dad eaten?"

Tian Run'e smiled and pointed towards the dining table: "Jianguo has prepared a table full of delicious dishes, waiting for you."

Before Song Yu could reply, Li Lan said from the side, "My sister-in-law and I are stuffed. You two should eat. We need to install a phone here, otherwise we could call you in advance to let you know we're eating over there."

As she spoke, Li Lan asked Song Yu, "Sister-in-law, won't installing a telephone disturb your peace and quiet?"

Song Yu gently agreed: "That's good. It'll be easier for us to keep in touch if we have a phone number."

Li Lan said, "Okay, I'll go find someone tomorrow."

After saying that, Li Lan glanced at the elderly couple who had started eating and asked Li Heng, "What's going on tonight? Is Wang leaving too?"

Li Heng said, "I knew I couldn't hide it from you. I'm leaving. But not immediately. I'm just preparing for the future. As the business expands, we need to make some preparations in advance. Otherwise, we'll be caught off guard and it will affect the development of our new future."

Li Lan asked, "Where is she going? Back to Hong Kong?"

Li Heng shook his head: "Her ambition is to start a real estate company and become a tycoon like Li Ka-shing of Hong Kong."

Li Lan exclaimed in surprise, "She has such lofty ambitions?"

Li Heng nodded: "That's right."

Li Lan asked, "You support it?"

Li Heng said, "Of course I support it. I'm only contributing some money and manpower, so why wouldn't I support it? Besides, she's the one who helped me earn the money and recruit and train the people. With the opportunity to multiply my wealth exponentially, how could I refuse?"

Li Lan circled around him, then looked at Song Yu: "You intentionally let Professor Zhao Li interact with your younger brother and sister-in-law, didn't you?"

Li Heng blinked, smiled, and said nothing.

Li Lan pondered, her right hand rubbing her chin. "I'll help my sister-in-law handle Zhao Li's situation. Ability is secondary; character is the most important. Although Wang Ye has endorsed her, I believe that time will tell."

Li Heng asked, "How do you oversee the process?"

Li Lan waved her hand: "I have my own way, don't worry about it. It won't affect your new future."

I heard that Li Heng went into the shower room to take a bath.

As soon as he left, Li Lan pulled Song Yu into the courtyard, saying, "Sister-in-law, my brother really cherishes you the most."

Although Song Yu didn't participate much in their business tonight, she vaguely guessed what was going on, but she didn't say anything.

She has a naturally easygoing personality; she sees what Li Heng does for her and remembers it.

Li Lan asked, "Is your best friend Chen Xiaoyu easy to get along with?"

Song Yu nodded and said, "She's a very nice person."

Li Lan thought for a moment and then asked in a consultative tone, "Could you bring her out to play more often in the future? Come here to eat, and I'll cook."

Song Yu understood that her second sister wanted to get to know Xiao Yu, so she said, "Okay."

....
The next day, after breakfast, Li Heng went to Peking University with Song Yu to digest their food and take a walk.

Somewhat coincidentally, while strolling around campus, I bumped into Xiao Feng. At that moment, she was carrying a stack of books and walking towards the school gate.

Upon meeting them, Xiao Feng exclaimed happily, "Oh! Song Yu and Li Heng, when did you arrive in the capital?"

Song Yu said, "You've been back for four or five days. Where have you been?"

Xiao Feng replied, "I'm going to rent a place from Ying Wen. I borrowed these books from her, and I'm returning them to her after I've finished reading them."

Upon hearing this, Li Heng interjected, "Perfect timing, I also want to see Ying Wen, let's go together."

(End of this chapter)