I was forced to start the second round because I was raised in poverty

Chapter 404 The Dragon Knows
That night.

Su Cheng and Ye Li invited Qin Fen to eat at a hot pot restaurant.

His goal was to get Qin Fen to come and help him as well.

However, before Su Cheng could even speak, Qin Fen hurriedly threw a question at her.

"Brother Cheng, have you and Xiao Zhang really broken up?"

Su Cheng and Ye Li couldn't help but exchange glances.

Hmm... how should I answer that?
Su Cheng replied, "Yeah, we're done."

"So, are you just temporarily breaking up, or are you never going to be friends again?" Qin Fen was very concerned about their relationship, and even stopped eating his favorite diced dragon meatballs. "Is there any possibility of you getting back together?"

Su Cheng didn't know how to explain.

He's not the kind of shameless person.

I did make a mistake.

Even if an old man was stirring up trouble and causing hatred, Xiao Zhang really didn't do anything wrong.

Therefore, Su Cheng will not hold a grudge against Zhang Yangwen, nor will she antagonize him.

Ye Li noticed Su Cheng's unusual expression and knew that Su Cheng probably didn't want to talk about this topic, so she quickly changed the subject.

"Hey, eat up, eat up! Their hanging tenderloin is pretty good today."

"Ah good."

Qin Fen picked up his chopsticks and cooked two more pieces of brisket, his attention indeed being diverted by Ye Li.

However, the topic still revolved around Xiao Zhang.

"Brother Cheng, Sister Li, I'm thinking of buying a house."

"Huh? Where are you buying a house? In Shanghai?"

Qin Fen explained, "Yes, I'm a bit reluctant to rent anymore and want to buy my own place. Do you have any good housing developments to recommend?"

“I’ve been with Xiao Zhang these past two days, and I asked him about it, but he told me not to bother choosing and to just give me a set, but I didn’t take it.”

Su Cheng showed no emotion or opinion.

The relationship between Qin Fen and Zhang Yangwen is their own business.

It won't affect Qin Fen's relationship with me.

However... regarding buying a house, emmm, how should I put it?

Su Cheng and Ye Li exchanged a glance.

We are currently in an economic bubble period. Although housing prices have not yet reached their peak, buying a house at this point in time does not seem to be a particularly good idea.

Because Su Cheng has already begun planning to participate in this economic bubble.

Housing prices will soon be driven up.

However, if Qin Fen wants to live there himself, that's fine too?

Anyway, his income can cover it, and Qin Fen has his own savings, as do his parents.

These next few months should be the last window of opportunity; by the end of the year, housing prices will continue to rise.

"Then you should think it over carefully."

"If you want to buy it, you should place your order in the next few months."

"If you don't want to buy it now, then you can buy it a few years later."

Qin Fen was a little confused: "Huh? Why?"

Su Cheng couldn't give Qin Fen a long explanation; he simply said that housing prices would continue to rise and might only improve in five years.

Seeing this, Ye Li felt that explaining it this way would be too troublesome, so she might as well just tell Qin Fen the truth directly.

Anyway, they invited Qin Fen over for dinner so that he could come and help them.

"Hey, why are you beating around the bush with Little Pink? Just tell him directly."

Qin Fen: ???
What's the meaning.

"What exactly happened?"

“Your brother Cheng and I are getting into the real estate market. Future housing prices will be very high.”

Qin Fen was momentarily stunned and could only stammer, "Huh?"

"Well, that's how it is."

"Entering the real estate industry... Brother Cheng, are you and Sister Li doing it on a side job? I don't think the group would allow it, would it?"

Ye Li then told Qin Fen about Su Cheng's application for the Advancement Program and her partial separation from the group.

Qin Fen was even more surprised after hearing this.

He couldn't understand why Su Cheng had spent so much time and effort to finally rise to the K15 rank in the group and gain considerable power.

Why have you suddenly given up?

"It wasn't sudden; I've had this idea for a while, but I just haven't put it into practice yet."

But Qin Fen had never heard him mention it before!

"Ok."

"Besides, I still have my rank, so if things don't work out, I can always go back and be reinstated."

"Huh? That makes sense... I forgot it was Project Forward."

“That’s right.” Su Cheng then revealed his thoughts to Qin Fen.

He wanted to bring Qin Fen over to help.

The Forward Program typically involves a small team of several people starting their own business.

Therefore, based on this principle, Su Cheng can bring Qin Fen over, and Qin Fen can also enjoy the same benefits of retaining his rank, without having any worries.

"Brother Cheng, what are you saying?"

"I definitely won't have any worries. I'll accept it even if you fail."

Su Cheng was very satisfied.

He knew Qin Fen would definitely agree, so there was no need to waste any words.

That's what good brothers are like.

Qin Fen hesitated for a moment: "But Brother Cheng..."

This hesitation caused Su Cheng and Ye Li unprecedented worry.

Based on their understanding of Qin Fen, they were certain his answer would be 100% affirmative, and would absolutely not contain words like "however" or "but".

Su Cheng told Qin Fen to speak freely: "Whatever it is, just say it. We're all on the same side."

"Xiao Zhang asked me to go over and help him."

Ye Li asked, "When did he say that?"

"Uh, a couple of days ago?"

"Yes, he told me quite early. He told me the day after we had dinner that day. I told him I would think about it and didn't agree to him right away."

"I've been trying to talk to you guys for the past couple of days, but I haven't been able to find you."

Ye Li had to explain, "Your brother Cheng and I have been busy these past two days."

"Oh ok."

Ye Li continued to ask, "So what do you think? Are you going to Xiao Zhang's or coming to your brother Cheng's?"

"I don't know either."

Qin Fen was very conflicted and hesitant.

Qin Fen wanted to work with Su Cheng; they were old buddies.

But if Xiao Zhang finds out, he'll definitely overthink it and think that he and Su Cheng are closer.

"Didn't you not agree to him outright back then?"

"Yes, I didn't agree directly, but I'm struggling with how to tell Xiao Zhang."

Su Cheng was even more decisive: "Forget it, don't worry about it, just go to Xiao Zhang's place."

Ye Li glanced sideways at Su Cheng.

Qin Fen was a little nervous: "Brother Cheng, that's not what I meant, don't be angry."

"No, I'm not angry, I'm really not angry."

"I thought you were angry..."

Qin Fen was afraid that this incident would cause him to fall out with Su Cheng again.

Su Cheng replied calmly, "No, am I that kind of person?"

"Of course not, of course not."

Qin Fen explained that he simply didn't want Zhang Yangwen and Su Cheng's relationship to deteriorate further. But now, it seems it really has.

"No, no, no, don't think nonsense. It's not broken. You can go to Xiao Zhang's place without worry."

"Can you consider this my way of easing and repairing our relationship?"

"This arduous task is now entrusted to you."

Qin Fen finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Okay, I'll tell him when I get back tonight."

"Uh-huh."

……

……

Go to Shanghai.

A six-star hotel under the Dihao Group.

A waiter slowly pushed a food cart into a room on the top floor and politely presented the dishes one by one to the table.

"Ms. Long, your dishes are all served. Please enjoy."

Long Ruoli gently shook the decanter on the table and carefully observed the color of the red wine.

She stood up and poured Liu Xin a glass of red wine with both hands, saying, "Little Liu, try this. I bought it at an auction two years ago."

Liu Xin was a little embarrassed: "Oh, Sister Long, you've gone to so much trouble."

"What's so special about this? Come on, try it!"

"Okay, Sister Long, I'll try it."

"Uh-huh."

Liu Xin's fingers were long and slender and fair. She gently pinched the stem of the glass with three fingers to avoid the warmth of her palm affecting the wine.

The wine glass tilted slightly in her hand, the edge of the liquid shimmering with a faint pomegranate-colored halo. Liu Xin gazed at the deep ruby ​​red color in the glass.

With an extremely professional and graceful posture, Liu Xin gently swirled the wine glass, the liquid swirling elegantly on the glass wall, leaving clear streaks of "tears" before slowly sliding down the glass.

This action is not only charming in its posture, but also allows the wine to fully contact the air, awakening its dormant complex aromas.

Then, Liu Xin brought the wine glass close to her nose, lowered her head slightly, and closed her eyes gently.

Her expression was focused and serene, and a complex fragrance slowly wafted out.

First, there's the rich fruity aroma of blackberry and cherry.

Next came the delicate fragrance of violets.

Finally, you can even catch a hint of cedar, tobacco, and vanilla.

She brought the rim of the cup to her lips and took a small sip.

The wine flowed slowly in her mouth. She didn't swallow it immediately, but let her taste buds savor the wine.

Throughout the entire process, her movements were fluid and coherent, without the slightest hint of deliberate effort. Her gaze remained focused and appreciative, as if she were having a silent conversation with this fine wine.

"How was it?"

"Very good!"

Liu Xin carefully evaluated the bottle of red wine that Long Ruoli had brought:

The taste is impeccable.

The wine is velvety smooth on the palate and has a grand and balanced structure.

The balance between fruitiness, acidity, and tannins is skillfully achieved, while the flavors support the overall structure, preventing the rich body of the wine from feeling dull.

"Yeah, I'm glad you like it."

Long Ruoli looked at Liu Xin with utmost doting affection, but a hint of scheming lurked in her eyes.

She currently has the least amount of information, so she will need to obtain more intelligence to get closer.

As a naive and innocent girl who has been by the old man's side for a long time, Xiaoliu naturally became one of her breakthrough points.

The two chatted about gossip and interesting things, and Long Ruoli soon began to inquire about Su Tianyan, intentionally or unintentionally.

"How has Mr. Su been feeling lately?"

Liu Xin took the initiative to ask, "Sister Long, what aspect are you asking about?"

Long Ruoli chuckled and immediately followed up, "Oh? What do you want to talk about? Tell me everything, it's been a long time since I've had one. If President Su is in good health, then I'll have to make an appointment with him."

Liu Xin explained, "Hmm, well, I think it's great. President Su is even more amazing than before!"

"Then I'm in luck! Our CEO Su has always been full of energy!"

"Tell me the truth! When was the last time?"

"Hmm...it seems like it was about a month ago?"

"Huh? Why has it taken so long! I thought it was yesterday!"

On this topic, Liu Xin blushed first: "It wasn't yesterday, I'm no longer by President Su's side."

"Ok?"

"President Su has transferred me to administrative work. I'm in the administrative department now."

Long Ruoli feigned surprise: "Huh? Why?"

"I don't know? But I felt that President Su was a little strange later on."

Long Ruoli finally heard what she wanted to hear: "What do you mean?"

"Well... I don't know how to describe it." Liu Xin racked her brains. "President Su's temper seems to have gotten worse."

"for example?"

“For example…” Liu Xin thought seriously, “I can’t think of any examples. I’m usually very anxious and occasionally very frustrated.”

"Is there anything else?"

"Yes, it seems like President Su's memory is declining a bit? Once, President Su had just asked me what I wanted for dinner, and a few minutes later he would ask me again, completely forgetting that he had asked." Liu Xin added, "But it seems like it only happened once, and he's been quite normal since then."

Long Ruoli frowned, quickly calculating in her mind: "Is President Su ill?"

"I don't know about that. I'm probably not sick, right? I often forget whether I added salt or not."

Long Ruoli did not agree with Liu Xin's statement.

Liu Xin forgot whether she added salt or not because she was inherently foolish.

But Su Tianyan is different.

Can this kind of person forget what they just asked?

The possibility is extremely low.

"Have you noticed that President Su is taking any medication?"

"He usually just takes some vitamins and stuff, I haven't noticed him taking any medicine." Liu Xin tilted her head. "Sister Long, you're probably overthinking it. President Su is in good health."

Long Ruoli has a much more comprehensive view of issues.

Whether Su Tianyan is powerful and dominant in certain behaviors is a separate matter from whether he is ill.

"By the way, Sister Long, in the last few days, President Su would always grab my neck, and several times I couldn't breathe and had to say the safety word."

"Sister Long, if you're going to make an appointment with President Su, try to do it in advance... after all, you haven't done it in so long."

Long Ruoli: ? ? ?

She's not going to date anyone!

Long Ruoli now seriously suspects that the old man may be ill.

And it's not an ordinary illness.

Based on the symptoms Liu Xin described...

Anxiety, depression, memory loss, mood swings...aren't these the early signs of Alzheimer's disease?
As she recalled the various details, coupled with what Liu Xin had told her, she realized the importance of these points.

Long Ruoli is almost certain that the old man has Alzheimer's disease!

Why was Liu Xin transferred away?

Because the old man was afraid of being exposed.

Why install surveillance cameras in a residence?
The old man wanted to watch the video to avoid forgetting.

Why did we agree to let Su Cheng leave the group to start her own business?
Because the old man wanted to speed up the testing process for Su Cheng.

Long Ruoli believes that her previous strategy of delaying Su Cheng's succession to gain benefits for herself may need to change.

The old man might give an order to carry out something today, or make a promise, but he might forget about it tomorrow.

The situation was more critical than Long Ruoli had imagined.

She also had to make corresponding changes.

(End of this chapter)