After I Was Gone, Mr. Song Said He Loved Me - Chapter 31 - Song Yu Sent Me Out
I furrowed my brow slightly, my mind quickly analyzing Song Yu’s intentions.
“Are you suggesting I find out the base price of this project from Wang Li’an and then drive the price down so low that Huadong Real Estate has no profit margin and withdraws from the bidding?”
Song Yu glanced at me through the rearview mirror, a smile playing on his lips. “You’re getting smarter by the day.”
Smart or not, I felt Song Yu was overestimating me.
Why would a municipal secretary reveal such crucial information to me on our first meeting?
“President Song, aren’t you being a bit too confident in me?” I expressed the difficulty of the task tactfully.
Song Yu seemed unfazed. “Wang Li’an has a fondness for college students. Your appearance and demeanor fit his standards perfectly. With this advantage, you should easily win his favor.”
“As for the rest, it depends on your skills.”
I pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, “President Song, is this project… very important to you?”
I knew Song Yu had just returned to the country, and many affairs in the company required his reorganization. From Huanya’s recent frequent changes in middle management, it was clear he was beginning to consolidate a power structure centered around himself.
But this was just the beginning. He needed to achieve more unparalleled successes to shake the entrenched forces at Huanya’s upper echelons.
And I was the lever.
In truth, Song Yu had treated me quite well. At least, he had never shortchanged me financially. He had also helped resolve the incident with Lu getting beaten and the burial ground issue for my grandfather.
Whatever his motives, I was the one who benefited.
Even when we engaged in that kind of relationship, it was always consensual-none of those forced or threatening melodramatic scenes from TV dramas. Every choice was mine to make.
So I respected and acknowledged Song Yu’s conduct. If I could assist him further, it would be my greatest achievement beyond monetary gain.
“Yes, it’s very important,” Song Yu replied.
I bit my lip, contemplating for a moment before saying, “Alright, I’ll do my best to get the base price for you.”
Song Yu stared at the flowing traffic ahead, his voice suddenly turning cold. “Not your best-it’s a must!”
I took a deep breath, swallowing hard. “Alright, I promise you!”
Song Yu smiled with satisfaction. “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
…
When Song Yu and I arrived at Meishan Manor, Wang Li’an hadn’t yet arrived.
I informed Song Yu that this was my first time playing golf, and I knew nothing about it-not even how to hold the club properly.
Song Yu didn’t consider this a big deal. Instead, he said, “It’s better if you don’t know how to play.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, puzzled.
On one hand, he wanted me to get close to Wang Li’an, but on the other, he said it was better if I didn’t know how to play. How could there be any common ground?
Song Yu smiled without explaining, leading me to the locker room. He picked out a new set of white sportswear and shoes for me, and he also chose a matching set in a different color for himself. Without his suit, the man lost some of his usual authority and sternness, gaining a touch of vibrant energy.
I watched, slightly dazed.
Song Yu noticed me staring as he tied his shoelaces.
“What are you looking at?” he asked.
“President Song, you look even more handsome in sportswear than in a suit,” I praised sincerely.
Song Yu stood up, adjusting his clothes, and scoffed lightly. “For a man, the least valuable thing is appearance.”
My heart clenched painfully.
It turned out that what Song Yu despised most was the only thing I possessed, and I had foolishly thought he would appreciate it.
No wonder I could never compare to Nian Hua.
Song Yu saw my daze and approached. “What’s wrong?”
I forced a smile and shook my head. “Nothing.”
After changing, Song Yu led me to the back slope of the golf course, a green carpet reserved for VIP clients. The hourly rental was expensive, the venue costly, and even the caddie’s service fees were several times higher than in the general area.
Once we chose a spot to tee off, Song Yu picked a suitable golf club from the caddie’s bag for me.
I took the club, gripping the handle with both hands, and awkwardly swung it a couple of times.
Despite its slender appearance, the club was surprisingly light to hold.
Just then, a hearty laugh interrupted us. “Am I late?”
I turned to see a man in his forties, wearing a similar white sports outfit, walking towards us with the caddie.
It must be Wang Li’an, the municipal secretary Song Yu had mentioned.
Song Yu greeted him with a smile. “You’re not late; I arrived early.”
The two shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, and as expected, Wang Li’an’s gaze fell on me.
“This must be the Mr. Bai you mentioned,” he said to Song Yu with a smile.
Song Yu smiled warmly and nodded towards me. “Go greet Mr. Wang.”
Obediently, I stepped forward, extending my right hand politely. “Hello, Mr. Wang. My name is Bai Yu, but you can call me Mr. Bai.”
Wang Li’an’s hand covered mine, his fingertip subtly brushing my palm-a gesture full of flirtation.
Though it was a subtle action, my keen senses picked it up.
It seemed Song Yu’s judgment was correct; my appearance indeed matched Wang Li’an’s taste.
“President Song’s subordinate is truly impressive,” Wang Li’an remarked to Song Yu, though his eyes remained fixed on me.
I was accustomed to such unabashed admiration and longing gazes.
Song Yu merely smiled, saying nothing more.
Suddenly, a loud, challenging whistle interrupted our conversation.
Turning to look, a group of young people descended from the high slope, and leading them was none other than Chi Jin.
He waved with a grin. “Hi, President Song!”
I glanced at Song Yu discreetly. His face, which had been somewhat lively, turned instantly grim.
“What are you doing here?” Song Yu asked coldly, stepping forward.
I hurriedly followed, fearing they might clash.
Chi Jin spoke to his friends briefly before swaggering over with a golf club. “Why can’t I be here? My dad told me to learn from you.”
He stopped in front of Song Yu, a cocky smile on his lips, lowering his voice. “I’m here to learn how to use beauty to its fullest advantage.”
I felt my face flush with heat, even if I were naive, I could sense the implication in Chi Jin’s words.
“Chi Jin, don’t think that just because your dad is my senior brother, I can’t deal with you,” Song Yu said, his expression calm but his words carrying weight.
“What do you want to do? Hit me? Go ahead, I’m itching for a workout,” Chi Jin retorted defiantly, showing no intention of backing down.
The tense atmosphere between them made my palms sweat, fearing they might actually come to blows.
“President Song, Mr. Wang is watching,” I whispered to him, reminding him of the importance of the situation.
Song Yu glanced at me, then looked deeply at Chi Jin before turning away after a few breaths.
I quickly followed suit…