Who would still be a social slave when they are so rich?

"What? The president wants to see me?!"

Park Pu-dong had just finished dinner and was about to go out for a stroll to clear his head when he received a call from Lee Myung-rye.

His hand gripping the phone tightened suddenly, turning white, and his heart began to pound uncontrollably.

Why would Chairman Li Zhexi suddenly want to see him? And at this crucial moment? Could it be that his private contact with Xia Xin and Ji Wenbo has been exposed? Or... does he simply want to see this "old man" who has been used as a scapegoat?
For a moment, Park Pu-dong didn't know whether this was a blessing or a curse!
Various thoughts intertwined in his mind, causing even the usually calm and composed man to break out in a fine layer of cold sweat on his forehead.

After all… once Li Zhexi finds out that he has already planned his escape route, and that he is also the mortal enemy of Sanxing Electronics, if I go to see Li Zhexi this time, I'm afraid my life will be in danger!

Why don't we just call Ji Wenbo, tell him about this, and ask for his opinion?

Just as he was frantically thinking, Li Mingrui's slightly impatient voice came from the other end of the phone: "That's right, Father wants to see you. I'm on my way to your place now, I'll be there in ten minutes at most. Hurry up and get ready to come downstairs!"

The voice was like a bucket of cold water poured over his head, instantly sobering Park Pu-dong up. He absolutely couldn't afford to panic now!

If he were really exposed, Li Mingrui would definitely not call him; the person who would come looking for him would definitely be Chairman Li Zhexi's personal bodyguard!
If that's the case... then it must be for his company's "long-time employee"!
"They've come to appease him!" Park Pu-dong quickly came up with some ideas.

After all, he had been with Sanxing for over twenty years and built it from scratch. Now that he was being pushed out as a scapegoat, it was clearly a case of crossing the river and burning the bridge. What would the older generation of the company and group think?

"Manager Park? Are you listening?" Lee Myung-rye's voice came through the phone again.

Park Pu-dong snapped out of his daze and quickly replied, "I'm listening, I'm listening! I'm just surprised that Chairman Lee still remembers this old guy! I'll be right down!"

After finishing his sentence, Park Pudong didn't give Lee Myung-rye a chance to speak and hung up the phone immediately. After all, he now had a way out, and his family was already in China. Even if he wanted to back out, it would be impossible.

Even if I hung up the phone so hastily and offended Li Mingrui, it wasn't a big deal. If they asked, I could just say I was too excited and wanted to see the chairman as soon as possible.

Besides... my relationship with Li Mingrui isn't that great. He's the one who got me this vice president position, so why should I give him face?

With a clear conscience, Park Pu-dong placed his phone on the table and hummed a song as he walked towards the bedroom, a small act of revenge for the treatment he had recently received.

Just as Park Bo-dong had expected, when Lee Myung-rye saw the phone call being disconnected, a blank expression flashed across his face, followed by an angry look, and he cursed, "Damn it! How dare you hang up on me!"

As he spoke, Li Mingrui angrily kicked the back of the seat in front of him, causing the seat to shake. The bodyguard sitting in the passenger seat was startled by this sudden action and frowned slightly. He glanced at Li Mingrui in the back seat through the rearview mirror, his eyes devoid of any emotion or... flattery!
Meanwhile, the driver who was driving also breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it wasn't the driver's side that was kicked. If it had happened suddenly, who knows if he would have had a stress reaction and swerved the steering wheel randomly!

Ten minutes later, at the entrance of the residential area!
Park Bo-dong, dressed in a fairly decent black suit, stood quietly by the roadside, his face showing just the right amount of expectation, his eyes still slightly bloodshot.

Don't get me wrong, the bloodshot in his eyes was something he did before leaving home, to make himself look more anxious so he could explain it to Chairman Lee Cheol-hee.

If someone is demoted from vice president to deputy head of logistics and still acts like he's living a carefree and leisurely life, what will Li Zhexi, a man who has been through a lot in the business world, think of him? Who knows if he will have any doubts!
Soon, Li Mingrui's black Mercedes-Benz slowly stopped in front of him. Park Pudong didn't stand on ceremony at all, opened the back door, and got in.

They had absolutely no intention of greeting Li Mingrui or waiting for him to let them into the car.

Just as he had thought, the relationship between the two in Sanxing was already irreconcilable, so why pretend to be affectionate? This way, he could indirectly show his dissatisfaction, and even if Li Zhexi had suspicions, his investigation later would be flawless.

Li Mingrui frowned at Park Pudong's actions, but remembering his father Li Zhexi's instructions, he simply snorted coldly and ordered the driver, "Drive!"

The car silently glided into traffic, but the atmosphere inside was as oppressive as the calm before a storm.

Li Mingrui deliberately turned his head to look out the window, ignoring Park Pudong's presence. Park Pudong was also happy to have some peace and quiet, turning his head to look at the rapidly flowing, colorful lights outside the window, while his mind was frantically calculating.

He was thinking about how to get through the night safely, and also whether to seize this opportunity to refine the plan that Ji Wenbo had told him before.

Since things have already come to this point, it's better to just get straight to the heart of Lee Cheol-hee and be more direct.

Just as the car passed a dimly lit traffic light intersection, Li Mingrui finally broke the silence, his voice filled with undisguised sarcasm: "Looks like Deputy Director Park has a pretty easy job in the logistics department. He looks great!"

Park Pu-dong sneered inwardly, knowing that Lee Myung-rye was trying to make him lose face in front of Lee Cheol-hee. Even if Lee Cheol-hee took pity on him because of his old relationship with the company's veterans, he wouldn't let him get back on his feet. At most, he would give him a decent job that was suitable for retirement.

He turned his head, forcing a look that was a mixture of exhaustion and barely suppressed anger on his face, his voice hoarse: "Thanks to Young Master Li Mingrui, I can still catch my breath! Unlike Young Master Li Mingrui, who is busy with countless affairs every day, he still personally came to pick up a 'leisurely person' like me!"

Park Pu-dong deliberately emphasized the words "young master" and "idler," meeting Li Ming-rui's gaze without flinching. The bloodshot in his eyes was even more pronounced in the dim light inside the car, carrying a stubbornness like that of a lonely beast.

Li Mingrui felt uncomfortable under that gaze, as if he were the clumsy, aggressive villain, and couldn't help but feel angry and embarrassed: "You!"

“Young Master Li Mingrui!” Park Pudong interrupted him, his tone suddenly becoming calm, yet carrying a desolate feeling of having seen through the world: “I, Park Pudong, have served the group for over twenty years. Even if I haven’t made any great contributions, I have certainly put in a lot of hard work! Now that I’ve fallen to this state, I accept it!”

"I'll accept whatever punishment the chairman wants! But... I hope Young Master Li Mingrui will use his brain and know what to say and what not to say, so as not to... embarrass everyone."

This statement, a strategic retreat, subtly revealed the speaker's seniority and grievances while also implying a scapegoat, a fact both parties were aware of. The final phrase, "It's embarrassing for everyone," carried a hint of subtle threat...

After all... even a rabbit will bite when cornered.

The reason Park Bo-dong uttered these impassioned and indignant words was mainly because he noticed something was wrong with the bodyguard sitting in the passenger seat. The bodyguard kept glancing at him through the rearview mirror, and there was no emotion in his eyes, as if he were a heartless machine.

He guessed that this person was most likely Lee Cheol-hee's personal bodyguard, who was here to observe his situation in advance and find out what Park Bo-dong's attitude was now!
Li Mingrui was speechless for a moment, his face turning ashen. Their relationship had already reached a freezing point due to his and Park Young-shin's previous actions, and there was no way it could get better.

But when he thought of what his father, Li Zhexi, had said to him before, he snorted coldly and stopped talking, and the car fell into a suffocating silence once again.

Fortunately, the vehicle soon arrived at the hotel where Lee Cheol-hee was staying. Lee Myung-rye and Park Pu-dong both breathed a sigh of relief, finally able to escape the silent situation.

After entering the hotel, Li Mingrui, Park Pudong, and the bodyguard sitting in the passenger seat went into the elevator and went directly to the presidential suite on the top floor.

"Ding!"

As soon as the elevator doors opened, Park Bo-dong saw two bodyguards standing at the elevator entrance, and another bodyguard standing every ten meters or so along both sides of the corridor.

As soon as the three of them stepped out of the elevator, they immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding bodyguards, who all looked at them.

Park Pu-dong was already used to this kind of scene. Chairman Lee Cheol-hee would always book an entire floor of rooms when he traveled, which would prevent unnecessary trouble and ensure personal safety. Park Pu-dong observed these bodyguards and found that compared to the one in the passenger seat before, they were far inferior. Even their eyes lacked that sharpness, which further confirmed his previous guess.

Soon the three arrived at the door of a presidential suite. Li Mingrui said to Park Pudong behind him, "Wait here," and then pushed open the door and went in with the bodyguard.

Park Pu-dong naturally understood why this was for, and couldn't help but sneer inwardly, but on his face he subtly revealed a hint of unease.

He lowered his head slightly, his hands clasped in front of him, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing against each other, his gaze occasionally glancing at the closed door before quickly looking away!
It vividly portrays a "criminal" who is filled with anxiety and uncertainty about his future!

Time ticked by, and after about five or six minutes, the heavy solid wood door was opened again. Only Li Mingrui came out, his face still not looking good. He glanced at Pu Pudong and said in a stiff tone, "Come in. Father wants you to come in!"

After saying that, Li Mingrui turned around and disappeared through the door.

Park Bo-dong took a deep breath, adjusted his facial expression, and fully mobilized the complex emotions that included grievance, resentment, and a hint of anticipation to see his former master before stepping inside.

Inside the room, Li Zhexi sat on a classic single sofa, a sandalwood bracelet slowly turning on his fingertips. The dim light cast interlaced shadows on his face, making it impossible to discern the true emotions in his eyes.

Park Pu-dong paused upon entering, as if overwhelmed by some invisible pressure. He then quickened his pace, stopping about three to five steps away from Lee Cheol-hee, and bowed deeply, his voice trembling slightly and choked with emotion.
"President, you...you wanted to see me."

He didn't say much, didn't complain, and didn't show any disrespect as he had to Li Mingrui. He simply bowed and offered a simple greeting, encapsulating all his complex emotions within.

Those slightly trembling shoulders and the lowered head were more expressive than any words!

Lee Cheol-hee's gaze lingered on Park Pu-dong for several seconds, like a searchlight. The air seemed to freeze. Lee Myung-rye and Park Young-shin exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of tension in each other's eyes.

"Pu Dong, raise your head!" Li Zhexi's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.
Park Pu-dong straightened up as instructed, but still kept his head slightly lowered, his gaze fixed on Lee Cheol-hee's legs, avoiding eye contact, creating the appearance of a fearful and uneasy subordinate.

"Look at me!" Li Zhexi's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable power.

Park Pu-dong's body stiffened almost imperceptibly before he slowly raised his head and met Lee Cheol-hee's unfathomable eyes.

Lee Cheol-hee noticed the bloodshot eyes of Park Pu-dong, and the weariness mixed with a stubborn refusal to hold on.

Li Zhexi looked at him quietly, and after a moment, she sighed softly. The sigh was particularly clear in the quiet room!
"I'm sorry for you!"

"Chairman, I... I am incompetent and have failed your expectations!" Park Pu-dong lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly, taking the blame upon himself and making no mention of the scapegoat.

But inwardly, he couldn't help but sigh, just as he had thought, that they had come to comfort him.

Li Zhexi slowly raised his right hand and pointed to the single sofa not far to his side: "Sit down!"

"Thank you, Chairman!" Park Pu-dong sat down carefully, adopting a very sincere posture, only sitting on half of his buttocks on the sofa.

"The Pengcheng Industrial Park incident is over." Li Zhexi picked up the tea that had already been brewed on the coffee table, took a sip, and said in an unquestionable tone, "The group will not deny all of a person's achievements because of a little setback."

“Mingrui is young and impetuous, and his handling of the situation was inappropriate. Please bear with him.”

These words, seemingly meant to appease, actually downplayed Li Mingrui's betrayal and heartlessness, attributing it all to "youthful impetuosity," and implying that the matter should be put to rest.

Park Pu-dong understood perfectly, but a touch of emotion and relief appeared on his face at the right moment: "Chairman, you flatter me. It's all for the sake of the group. I...I understand!"

Li Zhexi nodded, seemingly satisfied with his attitude. He put down his teacup, his gaze becoming profound: "I called you here today to give you an important task!"

"The group plans to build a comprehensive company in Southeast Asia that provides semiconductor raw materials and some alternative supply chains, and we need an experienced person who can work independently!"

Lee Cheol-hee's gaze locked onto Park Pu-dong: "Pu-dong, you've been working in the semiconductor industry for over twenty years. I've seen your abilities and loyalty to the group. I hope you can take on this responsibility!"

Here it comes! Here it comes! Park Pu-dong knew Lee Cheol-hee wasn't up to any good!
Southeast Asia, a diversified company—frankly, it means he has to start from scratch. Who knows if, after he works himself to the bone to build this company, they'll use him and then discard him? After all, the Li family is too adept at using this tactic.

Despite his thoughts, his face instantly contorted with shock, excitement, and even a touch of helplessness: "Chairman... Chairman! This... this... I, Park Pu Dong, am unworthy of your trust! I... I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life!"

His voice trembled with excitement, and he made a move to stand up and pledge his loyalty again.

Li Zhexi raised his hand and pressed down lightly, stopping him. A seemingly gentle but actually unfathomable smile appeared on his face: "Good, I'm relieved to hear that! We'll make the specific work arrangements after this World Semiconductor Expo!"

Li Zhexi paused for a moment before continuing, "When the time comes, you should go to the expo with us and contact the relevant personnel of those giant companies. This will help lay the groundwork for your future development!"

"Yes, Chairman! I will definitely live up to your expectations!" Park Pu-dong stood up, bowed deeply again, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes. This opportunity to go to the capital had just been delivered to his doorstep!

"Okay!" Li Zhexi nodded slightly, a smile appearing on his face. "Alright, go back and get some rest. Get yourself in good shape, or you'll become a laughingstock at the expo!"

"Okay, Chairman! I'll head back now!" With that, Park Pu-dong left the suite under everyone's watchful eyes.

After leaving the suite, Park Bo-dong's face was still beaming with excitement. It wasn't until he walked out of the hotel and got into a taxi on the roadside that the smile disappeared, replaced by a cold calm and resolute expression.
"Appease? Transfer? Important mission?"

"Hehe~ President Li, you played your game well, but unfortunately... I am no longer under your control!"

Meanwhile, in the presidential suite, Li Mingrui couldn't help but ask, "Father, why did you entrust such an important task to Park Bo-dong? Who knows if he'll resort to any tricks, after all, he was in Samheung..."

Lee Cheol-hee slowly stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window again, looked down at the brightly lit and bustling city night view, and said calmly, "Make the best use of people. After all, Park Pu-dong still has abilities. While he still has value, we should make good use of him."

"As for how much he grows and expands in the future, we can simply transfer him to the group headquarters and give him a retirement position."

"Could it be..." Li Zhexi raised the sandalwood bracelet in his hand, gently twisting it, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, "Do you think he has the ability to resist?"

Both Lee Myung-rye and Park Young-shin trembled upon hearing this, especially Park Young-shin, whose back was soaked with cold sweat.

He knew he was no different from Park Bo-dong, and what he needed to do now was to cling tightly to Lee Myung-rye, the future heir to the group, so as not to repeat Park Bo-dong's mistakes!
"Alright, you can all go now! Get ready, we're flying to the capital tomorrow!" (End of Chapter)