Chapter 49 Zhao Shengge, I Want to Go There

They arrived at the restaurant a little later than the other cars, but Chen Wan had arranged for someone to greet them in advance. The others were already seated in the private dining room, with the main seat left vacant, as usual, reserved for Zhao Shengge.

Chen Wan headed towards the seat next to Zhuo Zhixuan, but noticed that Zhao Shengge had bypassed the main seat and was walking behind him.

"?"

Zhao Shengge lightly coughed twice, gesturing towards the main seat with his chin, and succinctly said, "The air conditioner."

The main seat was directly facing the air conditioner, with a strong draft. Zhao Shengge had just recovered from a cold and shouldn't be directly exposed to the wind.

But Chen Wan thought the empty seat next to him was also drafty, so he moved aside to make space: "Mr. Zhao, you can sit here, I'll sit over there."

Zhao Shengge glanced at the swapped seats. Originally, he was seated between Chen Wan and Qin Zhaoting. Now, Chen Wan was sitting between him and Qin Zhaoting.

"..."

Zhao Shengge didn't say anything and took the seat as suggested. Zhuo Zhixuan, sitting beside him, greeted him, and Zhao Shengge slowly turned his head to look at him, responding with a faint "Hmm."

"..." Zhuo Zhixuan once again felt that Zhao Shengge was being cold.

Qin Zhaoting, being closer to the door, took the menu from the manager and handed it to Chen Wan, suggesting they decide what to order together.

But Chen Wan seemed unaware of his intention. He took the menu, thanked him, and turned towards Zhao Shengge.

"..."

Chen Wan had chosen the restaurant, which likely had many dishes Zhao Shengge liked. Chen Wan had pre-selected the basic dishes, considering each guest's preferences. The manager brought the menu for the guests to make additional selections.

Chen Wan opened the thick menu in front of Zhao Shengge: "Mr. Zhao, what would you like to eat?"

Zhao Shengge's brow twitched as he looked at him, tilting his head, and said, "Ask again, and I'll tell you."

Chen Wan paused, then realized, and said with a mix of helplessness and amusement, "There are too many people here, it's not appropriate."

Zhao Shengge said, "Names are meant to be used."

"Then you'll have to give me time to get used to it."

Zhao Shengge thought for a moment and said it was okay.

The menu in the large restaurant was thick and extensive, with Chinese, Cantonese, and English versions. When half-raised, it almost covered two people's faces. Tan Youming, sitting across the table, asked, "Have you two decided yet? I'm starving after playing for so long."

Zhao Shengge looked up and said, "It's also on the phone, take a look yourself."

"..."

Tan Youming had to fish out the phone from Shen Zongnian's pocket.

Zhao Shengge looked for a long time and finally added a dish of steamed fish with fermented black beans.

Actually, compared to fancy delicacies, his taste leaned more towards ordinary home-cooked dishes, probably because he didn't have many opportunities to eat them when he was young.

Chen Wan noticed that he had chosen pudding cake for dessert and asked, somewhat surprised, "Did you make a mistake?"

"No," Zhao Shengge looked at him and said, "Maybe I didn't know I liked it back then."

Even if Zhao Shengge is not sitting in the main seat, he is still the focal point of the discussion.

"The situation in Ting Island has been quite unstable recently, and it's uncertain who will emerge victorious. Should we consider postponing the survey for the second phase of Polly Bay?" Jiang Ying asked.

Jiang Ying appears gentle and refined, but his family has connections in both legal and illegal circles, with informants all over Haishi.

This is also why Tan Youming insisted on Zhao Shengge attending today, saying there was something important to discuss. Although he is not involved in the operation of the Polly Bay project, the Tan and Shen families have invested in it, and the project's safety involves the interests of multiple parties.

Chen Wan stopped what he was doing and looked at Zhao Shengge.

Zhao Shengge said, "Not an option." Such a large amount of cash flow stuck there would significantly increase the leverage, and once the capital chain breaks, other projects would also be affected.

Chen Wan pursed his lips, hesitant to speak. He knew about the survey Jiang Ying mentioned.

The offshore oil pipeline project must traverse the mid-ocean ridge, must rely on the continental shelf extending from the surrounding islands. Ting Island is the largest natural island around Haishi, and after the land reclamation project in the 1990s, its geographical environment is exceptionally favorable. Located more than 60 nautical miles from the island, it is the most suitable support point for the construction cost of the offshore oil tunnel.

However, due to the complex terrain and environmental conditions reported by the seabed detection instruments, Fang Jian must personally lead the research vessel to assess the local sea surface conditions and seabed environment. Ting Island is close to international waters, with a multi-ethnic distribution of indigenous residents and multiple factions, making the political situation complex. Zhao Shengge must also go personally, as officials from the capital cannot override local forces. If not settled in one go, future project development would face obstacles.

This also involves imports and exports, so Miss Xu, from a customs family, must also get involved.

Therefore, the trip was scheduled for next Wednesday, departing from Haishi.

Jiang Ying reminded Zhao Shengge, "You should bring more people. The Duoli tribe has seen a severe exodus in recent years, and most who came to Haishi have joined the White Crane Hall. Now that Hong Qi and Shao Yaozong have fallen, their former subordinates have fled back to the Duoli region, and the police are powerless against these bandits."

Chen Wan's lips pressed together even more when he heard about the White Crane Hall.

"They had a reshuffle last year, with Li Shenghui and Li Jiaming taking over," Qin Zhaoting said. "It's hard to say who will win in the end."

Zhao Shengge looked at Shen Zongnian, who shook his head slightly, indicating he was not familiar with either side, and only said, "Li Jiaming was heavily favored by Shao Yaozong in Haishi before."

Zhao Shengge nodded, not seeming too surprised, and said, "I know what I'm doing."

At his words, everyone stopped discussing the topic. If Zhao Shengge said he had it under control, there was nothing to worry about.

Only Chen Wan was unsettled.

After Zhao Shengge wrapped up his conversation with his friends, he leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"

Chen Wan was startled, as if he hadn't expected Zhao Shengge to notice him in the midst of so many discussions.

Seeing Chen Wan hesitate, Zhao Shengge said gently, "It's fine, go ahead."

"Ting Island... can I go with you?" Chen Wan thought it over and still couldn't feel at ease.

Zhao Shengge had never wanted him to get involved in these matters from the start. After some thought, he said, "Do you want to visit the island? How about we go to Feilingzhou together later? I'll be back soon, and we can treat it as a team-building trip."

Zhao Shengge's words made it clear he didn't want Chen Wan to follow.

In the past, Chen Wan would have taken the hint and not pushed further, then found a way to track him on his own, as he had plenty of methods.

But this time, the situation was serious, and he stated directly, "I don't want to visit the island for fun. I want to go with you to Ting Island."

Zhao Shengge looked directly at him and asked, "Why?"

Chen Wan suddenly felt a bit guilty. What would Zhao Shengge think if he knew he had been tracking him since he returned to the country?

Fortunately, he had a legitimate reason this time: "I need to confirm and estimate the conversion rate of tidal energy and determine the transfer equation."

Zhao Shengge didn't get the answer he wanted and replied coolly, "Fang Jian has many students who can handle the detection."

Chen Wan blinked: "Our expertise still differs. Otherwise, Mr. Zhao wouldn’t need to hire me."

Zhao Shengge looked at him, still unmoved, so Chen Wan said, "I can pay for myself."

"..."

He was beating around the bush, yet Zhao Shengge didn’t get angry. He gazed at him calmly, with a patient look in his eyes, and called his name with a hint of helplessness: "Chen Wan."

Chen Wan met his gaze directly.

His gaze was as direct as words could be, still wanting to go.

The trip was risky and uncertain.

Zhao Shengge had already prepared responses to Chen Wan’s various reasons and excuses, but Chen Wan simply looked at him quietly, his dark eyes filled with calm, silent persistence and stubbornness.

Zhao Shengge remained unmoved.

Then, he saw Chen Wan lower his eyes and say in a soft, indescribable tone: "Zhao Shengge."

"I want to go."

A stone suddenly disturbed the calm lake of his heart, the ripples spreading uncontrollably.

Getting Chen Wan to say Zhao Shengge’s name was like pulling teeth, but for the sake of achieving his goal, he said it so willingly this time.

Chen Wan himself probably didn’t know that when he lowered his beautiful eyes and slightly, slowly parted his full lips to call Zhao Shengge’s name, it easily triggered certain reactions.

Zhao Shengge looked away.

Chen Wan must not know his preferences, or he would surely regret showing this side of himself.

But it was too late; once the stone was cast, there was no taking it back.

They were locked in a stalemate, the clinking glasses and laughter at the table seeming distant.

Chen Wan looked up; Zhao Shengge remained silent, his thoughts and emotions unreadable.

The atmosphere grew tense, like their many past standoffs.

However, Chen Wan felt there was little hope, as he had never won before.

Loving Zhao Shengge meant he could never win.

And in this world, once Zhao Shengge made up his mind, there was no changing it.

He managed an awkward smile, quickly devising several shady Plan Bs. It didn’t matter; he still had many ways.

Chen Wan found a way out: "But if it’s too much trouble—"

"Can you handle a gun?"

Chen Wan paused, his eyes dark and bright: "Yes."

Zhao Shengge gave him a penetrating look, saying in a low voice, "If you go, you have to listen to me."

Chen Wan smiled: "I’ll listen to you."

Zhao Shengge averted his gaze and said, "Let’s dig in."

Chen Wan immediately complied, picking up his chopsticks and eating attentively.

The day of departure was sunny. They first drove to a private dock, then boarded Zhao Shengge's yacht to make the crossing.

In the morning, when the Maybach arrived, Chen Wan headed straight for the passenger door to open it. The rear window rolled down, showing Zhao Shengge, who had a laptop on his lap. He called out, "Chen Wan," and then opened the rear door for him.

"Zhao—" He met Zhao Shengge's dark eyes, paused, and then said, "Zhao Shengge, good morning."

Zhao Shengge was relieved that Chen Wan didn't burn bridges. Given Chen Wan's past behavior, it was quite possible that once allowed to go to Ting Island, Chen Wan would go back to calling him "Mr. Zhao."

Zhao Shengge nodded, reaching out his hand, "Come here."

Chen Wan didn't hesitate and sat down beside him.

Oddly enough, that uncomfortable phone call had somehow brought them closer.