Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 499: Sensible Girls

After briefly delegating the tasks, the meeting was adjourned. Zhou Yuwen stayed behind at the company to handle the accounting books that had piled up over the past two months. The employees got off work at six o'clock, but Zhou Yuwen kept busy until seven before finally leaving.Originally, Tao Tian wanted to wait at the company to get off work together with Zhou Yuwen. However, there were simply too many things to do, and she couldn't spend the entire afternoon being affectionate with him. After filling out the registration application forms for the two new companies, she had to make a trip to the Industrial and Commercial Bureau. On the way, she also visited a reputable tailor shop in Jinling to arrange for someone to take the height and weight measurements of Zhou Yuwen's bodyguards so they could custom-tailor two sets of proper suits for them.

Liu Shuo wasn't idle either. He made two consecutive phone calls, notifying his subordinates about the establishment of the new security and property management companies. At the same time, he informed the five retired soldiers that they would be assigned as Zhou Yuwen's bodyguards.

The five men had no objections. In fact, upon hearing that Zhou Yuwen was opening a security company, their leader, Wang Yong, proactively asked Liu Shuo if they needed more manpower.

They had quite a few discharged comrades who hadn't found jobs yet. If Zhou Yuwen was starting a security company, could they invite their brothers-in-arms over as well?

Liu Shuo's eyes lit up at those words. He immediately declared that it was a fantastic idea.

"You guys have all been trained before, so there's no need for basic training. You can start working right away. Brother Wang, just tell them all to come over. We'll take as many as you have!" For Liu Shuo, making money from opening a company was secondary. He mainly enjoyed the thrill of the underworld lifestyle. He felt that bringing along towering, muscular men like Wang Yong looked incredibly imposing.

It was seven o'clock in the evening when Zhou Yuwen finally left the company. His ride was still the same BMW X7 as before. However, the moment he opened the car door, a petite figure slipped inside.

Zhou Yuwen looked closely and realized it was Tang Yurou. He had barely recognized her.

This Tang Yurou looked completely different on and off the clock. At work, she was formal and proper. But after getting off work, she put on heavy makeup and completely embraced a nightclub style. She wore a little black dress that revealed her slender, snow-white neck, which was accessorized with a black ribbon choker.

Acting completely at ease, she said, "Brother-in-law, I didn't drive today. You don't mind giving me a ride, do you?"

Zhou Yuwen glanced at her but didn't object. As he started the car, he asked where she was heading.

Tang Yurou gave the name of a bar. Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen couldn't help but chuckle. He remarked that her life as a rich young lady was certainly colorful, but added a question.

"Is the meager salary you earn at my little temple enough to support going to nightclubs every day?"

Tang Yurou giggled. "I don't have to pay when I go to the bar. Besides, Brother-in-law, your company might be small right now, but what I'm looking at is its potential. In just a short year, a single project sold for sixty million. I think if it keeps developing, it's only a matter of time before the assets exceed a hundred million."

'This lass actually has quite a good eye,' Zhou Yuwen thought to himself as he drove out of the underground parking garage.

After they passed through the company's main gate, before Zhou Yuwen could even speak, Tang Yurou stated that she already knew what he wanted to ask.

He was undoubtedly curious as to why she hadn't left the company since he and Jiang Xinyi had already broken up.

Tang Yurou bluntly explained that she wasn't at his company because of Jiang Xinyi, but because she genuinely believed in the company's potential.

Staring straight ahead at the road, Zhou Yuwen drove and said, "Now I know why you didn't drive today."

"Oh? Why is that?" Tang Yurou asked, blinking with a smile.

Zhou Yuwen merely smiled and didn't press the subject. Instead, he shifted the topic, "How is your older sister doing now?"

Zhou Yuwen knew he had let Jiang Xinyi down somewhat, but it couldn't be helped. After all, they belonged to two different worlds. Separating now was probably for the best for both of them.

"Well, how do you think? She's not eating or drinking, just seeking death every single day."

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen froze. He was genuinely startled and couldn't help but turn to glance at Tang Yurou.

As a result, he nearly missed a red light ahead and almost crashed into the car in front.

Fortunately, he slammed on the brakes just in time.

Even so, it gave Tang Yurou quite a fright. Patting her chest as if she had just survived a disaster, she said, "Come on, Brother-in-law, I was just making a joke. You really do care about my sister, don't you?"

Zhou Yuwen laughed at her words and denied it.

"I just don't want my affairs to negatively impact her, that's all."

"I couldn't tell. My brother-in-law is actually a deeply devoted man."

Tang Yurou teased. To Zhou Yuwen's ears, those words sounded mildly sarcastic. If someone else were called devoted, people might believe it. But in Zhou Yuwen's case, his situation truly had nothing to do with being deeply in love.

However, Zhou Yuwen didn't mind. He asked Tang Yurou how Jiang Xinyi was really doing.

Tang Yurou then truthfully told him that Jiang Xinyi had indeed been depressed for a while after they broke up. However, she had now pulled herself together and joined her family's company. She had even set a three-year plan for herself, striving to surpass Zhou Yuwen within three years and go public in the United States, all to make Zhou Yuwen look at her with new eyes!

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen felt relieved. He smiled and said, "Oh, in that case, I've actually had a positive effect on her."

"Hehe, aren't you scared, Brother-in-law?"

"Scared of what?"

"Scared that my sister might actually manage to go public, and then you'll be the one looking up to her."

Zhou Yuwen replied that it was wonderful for an ex to become more and more successful.

"Don't you want your ex's life to get better and better?" Zhou Yuwen asked in return.

That question stumped Tang Yurou for a moment. She quickly denied it.

"I'd wish for my ex to do worse and worse, preferably begging on the streets! Wait, no, Brother-in-law, I don't even have an ex! Wow, you totally tricked me!" Tang Yurou realized belatedly.

Zhou Yuwen simply smiled. Whether Tang Yurou had an ex or not was something he didn't care about in the slightest.

On the way to dropping Tang Yurou off at the bar, Zhou Yuwen was far more concerned about Jiang Xinyi's situation, such as what kind of business her family ran and how she planned to take the company public.

Tang Yurou asked if Zhou Yuwen was trying to fish for information about Jiang Xinyi from her.

Zhou Yuwen said he was just casually asking.

"If you don't want to hear about it, forget it."

"Don't be like that! Brother-in-law, I'm your subordinate now, so I definitely have to take your side. Rest assured, Brother-in-law, from now on, as long as it's about my sister, I will definitely tell you everything I know." Tang Yurou hurried to pledge loyalty.

Zhou Yuwen remained silent.

After that, Tang Yurou explained Jiang Xinyi's family background. As a native resident of Jinling, her family possessed assets worth six to seven billion, easily making them top-tier merchants in the city. Their businesses were diverse, mainly focusing on traditional industries like home appliances. However, Jiang Xinyi's current venture wasn't about entering the core family enterprise. Instead, she had taken over one of her family's real estate companies and was preparing to take it public within three years.

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen felt that Jiang Xinyi had a very sharp eye. The next three years would be the golden era for real estate. If she developed it well, she might actually elevate her family's status to a whole new level.

By the time Tang Yurou finished explaining all this, they were almost at the entrance of the bar.

Tang Yurou suddenly realized something. "Wait a minute, Brother-in-law. I didn't tag along just to tell you all this. I have official business to discuss with you."

Zhou Yuwen asked her what the matter was.

Tang Yurou mentioned that during a previous meeting, Zhou Yuwen had stated he wanted to recruit professional management talent from outside. She happened to have a few friends who had just returned from studying abroad and didn't have jobs yet. She wanted to know if Zhou Yuwen was willing to give them a try.

Zhou Yuwen replied, "I wouldn't dare hire the friends you hang out with. Who knows if they actually have any real skills or knowledge."

Tang Yurou immediately grew anxious and insisted that they absolutely did.

"Brother-in-law, what do you think of me?" Tang Yurou quickly asked.

Zhou Yuwen thought about it for a second and said, "Not bad. You have a pretty big chest."

Caught completely off guard by the dirty joke, Tang Yurou was stunned for a moment before blushing fiercely. "That's not what I meant!"

Well, one couldn't exactly blame Zhou Yuwen. After all, Tang Yurou was currently rocking a nightclub style, wearing an outfit that exposed her cleavage. By suddenly asking him such a vague question, Zhou Yuwen simply answered with the first thing that came to mind.

Tang Yurou was speechless, though secretly a little pleased. She clarified that she was asking what Zhou Yuwen thought of her professional abilities.

Zhou Yuwen considered it seriously and admitted that her abilities were indeed quite good.

"A bit beyond my expectations, actually."

Tang Yurou cheered up and said, "My friends are all even more capable than I am."

"Is that so?" "It definitely is! If they aren't, Brother-in-law, they won't take a single cent of your salary," Tang Yurou promised.

Zhou Yuwen was indeed in need of talent right now. Seeing Tang Yurou vouch for them so confidently, he agreed to let them come to the company for a trial.

"We can at least give them an interview."

"Mhm, I know that."

By this time, they had already arrived at the entrance of the bar, but Tang Yurou hadn't gotten out. She had stayed inside to finish discussing these matters with Zhou Yuwen, only stepping out with a smile once everything was settled.

Before getting out, she asked Zhou Yuwen one last question: did he want to come inside the bar and hang out?

"They're all very close friends, and they've heard your stories."

Tang Yurou enthusiastically tried to pull him in, but Zhou Yuwen declined.

"I'm getting old. I'm not used to these kinds of places anymore."

Only after saying this did Zhou Yuwen remember that he was actually younger than Tang Yurou.

Tang Yurou was also taken aback for a second.

Good heavens, she had gotten so used to calling him brother-in-law that she had completely forgotten his actual age.

Zhou Yuwen was apparently only nineteen right now.

Truth be told, though, Zhou Yuwen did carry an old soul.

The people Tang Yurou hung out with were essentially the rich second generation of her circle, and this group was actually quite eager to find an opportunity to meet Zhou Yuwen.

After all, what wealthy heir didn't want to achieve something significant to prove themselves to their families?

If they could form connections with Zhou Yuwen, just a tiny bit of business slipping through his fingers would be enough for them to show off at home.

However, Zhou Yuwen had no interest in such idle matters. After dropping Tang Yurou off, he drove away.

Watching Zhou Yuwen leave so decisively, Tang Yurou felt a bit disappointed.

Sigh. If she had actually managed to drag Zhou Yuwen into the bar, her prestige among her rich friends would have skyrocketed.

Zheng Yanyan and the others had all gone home, so Zhou Yuwen was staying at Tao Tian's place tonight.

By the time Zhou Yuwen arrived, Tao Tian was in the kitchen cooking, wearing an apron over her loungewear. However, her ample breasts could never be hidden by mere casual clothes; even with the apron tied around her, she looked incredibly prominent.

Aside from Tao Tian, Qu Jing was also at the apartment, sitting over there watching TV.

Seeing Zhou Yuwen return, she quickly stood up and brought him his slippers.

In the kitchen, Tao Tian tilted her head and asked in a sweet, soft voice, "You're back?"

"Why are you back so late today?"

"I got caught by Tang Yurou to be her driver when I was getting off work," Zhou Yuwen explained as he handed his jacket to Qu Jing.

Hearing this, Qu Jing couldn't help but feel a little dissatisfied. "She actually dared to make you her driver?"

Zhou Yuwen smiled and shook his head.

"It wasn't far. I just gave her a ride since it was on the way. She had something to tell me."

Tao Tian asked him what it was about.

Zhou Yuwen replied that she wanted to recommend a few people to the company.

They were presumably all returning from studying abroad.

"When they come to the company, find some people to interview them."

"Understood."

Not long after Zhou Yuwen returned, Tao Tian finished cooking. The three of them shared a meal together, and Zhou Yuwen took the opportunity to gift Tao Tian and Qu Jing some of the luxury items he had bought in New York.

There were about five or six items. The two most expensive single pieces were priced around three hundred thousand each. This was far beyond the comprehension of two university students. Tao Tian handled it a bit better, but Qu Jing felt it was simply too precious.

Zhou Yuwen waved it off, saying it was just small change.

"The company needs to replace its vehicles anyway. Just leave the Mercedes-Benz you two were driving together at the company. Then, you can each get a new car for yourselves, something around five or six hundred thousand."

Zhou Yuwen said nonchalantly while holding his bowl and chopsticks.

Tao Tian and Qu Jing exchanged a glance.

Qu Jing said conflictedly, "I... I feel like the one I'm driving now is perfectly fine. Why not just let Sweetie get a new one?"

Zhou Yuwen said there was no need; if they were going to change cars, they would both change together.

"I told you, the love I give you two is equal. If we do it your way, won't it look like I'm playing favorites?"

Hearing this, Tao Tian also smiled and added, "Exactly. If you do that, it'll seem like I'm bullying you."

Qu Jing hurriedly denied it, insisting she meant no such thing!

To be honest, Zhou Yuwen had grown too fast. Back when these two girls got together with him, they had probably just been caught up in the heat of the moment, their heads spun dizzy by love.

After all, who hadn't had a wild history in their youth?

For instance, some people spent their high school years two-timing, while in university they became greedy for money and fooled around with older men.

Such things were common occurrences. Yet, years later, these girls would eventually become wives and mothers, and this period of history would simply be summed up as absurd.

Zhou Yuwen's situation of sharing a bed with multiple women seemed bizarre, but such things absolutely existed in real life.

Of course, if Zhou Yuwen didn't have the requisite power and wealth to back it up, these women would undoubtedly part ways with him in the future.

But then again, as long as Zhou Yuwen remained powerful, even if these women wanted to leave, they would have to carefully weigh the consequences.

For instance, back when Zhou Yuwen's net worth was only a little over a hundred million, these girls had still entertained thoughts of fighting to become his legal wife.

Now that Zhou Yuwen's net worth had reached three billion, nobody cared about being his legal wife anymore.

At this point, simply being able to stay by his side was considered a victory.

After finishing the meal, Qu Jing went to wash the dishes, while Tao Tian went to draw a hot bath and make the bed.

Once Zhou Yuwen had taken a hot shower and changed into fresh clothes, he lay down comfortably on the bed.

A short while later, having finished their own showers, Tao Tian and Qu Jing very sensibly lay down on either side of him.