stonecrandall Chapter 30: Wishing You Happiness
Chapter 30: Wishing You Happiness
At 11:30 a.m., the Peony Hall was brightly lit, and the noise and joy of the wedding filled the air.
When Yu Chen stepped into the banquet hall, the ceremony had just begun.
His gaze swept across the guest area and he quickly found the table where Nie Xiguang was.
The atmosphere was somewhat awkward when the college roommates got together.
Zhuang Xu probably didn't come today because of what Nie Xiguang said yesterday.
Nie Xiguang was listening to the short-haired girl next to him, her eyes smiling, and her light pink sweater made her skin look radiant under the light.
As if sensing something, she suddenly turned her head, and her eyes lit up the moment she saw Yu Chen. She waved to him gently.
Yu Chen walked through the crowd, and seven or eight pairs of eyes on the table immediately fell on him.
Today he wore a well-tailored dark gray suit, without a tie, and his shirt collar was casually unbuttoned, making him look calm, composed, and yet carefree.
Since he started exercising every day, his shoulders and back have become noticeably more upright, a stark contrast to his initial thin appearance.
"Where did you go this morning?" Nie Xiguang stood up and naturally pulled out the chair next to him.
"I'll handle some work at the coffee shop across from the hotel." Yu Chen sat down, took out a thick red envelope from his suit pocket, and gently placed it next to Nie Xiguang. "It's for the newcomer. Please pass it on to her for me later."
Nie Xiguang was taken aback, then her eyebrows curved into a smile: "You're just here to keep me company today, you don't need to give me a red envelope."
"Of course." Yu Chen's gaze swept gently over the unfamiliar faces at the table. "Are they all your college classmates?"
"Hmm." Nie Xiguang began the introductions, "This is Siliang, Xiaofeng, this is Yerong, Awen..."
Yu Chen nodded to each of them, his attitude polite and considerate.
"Hi Yu Chen!" Xiao Feng was the first to come over, her eyes shining. "How did you and Xi Guang meet? We've never heard her mention you! And..." She tilted her head and looked Yu Chen up and down, "I feel like you look familiar."
Nie Xiguang's ears turned slightly red, and she gently touched Yu Chen under the table.
Yu Chen calmly squeezed her hand and then released it, his expression unchanged: "We met while working in Suzhou. I'm a technical consultant in the photovoltaic industry, and Xiguang is with Shuangyuan."
"A technical consultant?" Siliang picked up the conversation, her tone inquisitive. "What exactly do they do?"
At this moment, in her eyes, Yu Chen was nothing more than a beast of burden in the factory.
Unexpectedly, the boyfriend that Nie Xiguang, a rich second-generation, found was not as good as her.
"We mainly focus on process optimization and new technology research and development," Yu Chen said succinctly.
At this moment, Ye Rong, who had been sitting quietly, raised her eyelids, her gaze lingering on Yu Chen for a moment, and a faint smile appeared on her lips: "Mr. Yu, you are so young to be a technical consultant, you are truly young and promising."
She paused, her tone becoming casual: "I'm currently in the president's office at Shengyuan Group, reporting directly to President Sheng Xingjie. You know Shengyuan, right? It's one of the top groups in China; Shuangyuan Photovoltaic is just one of their business segments."
This sounded like casual conversation, but everyone at the table could hear the underlying message that "I work for a top-tier corporation."
Ye Rong then looked at Yu Chen and asked with apparent concern, "But wouldn't technical work in a factory be somewhat limiting? You still need to go to a larger platform; you might end up staying in a factory for life."
The atmosphere froze subtly for a moment.
Nie Xiguang frowned slightly, about to speak, when Yu Chen gently patted the back of her hand.
He looked at Ye Rong, his eyes calm and unwavering: "The size of the platform has its advantages and disadvantages. Working on the front lines of the factory allows you to see the technology implemented and solve practical problems more quickly. As for spending your whole life in a photovoltaic factory—" He paused, his tone indifferent, "that's fine, it proves that my country's photovoltaic industry is booming."
Ye Rong's expression stiffened for a moment, then she forced a smile: "That's true."
She stopped talking and looked down at her phone.
A few minutes earlier, she secretly took a picture of Nie Xiguang and Yu Chen sitting side by side and posted it on her WeChat Moments with the caption: "The heiress from Wuxi and the factory's technical consultant are quite a good match."
The subtle irony in her writing can only be appreciated by those who know her.
But ultimately, this post on WeChat Moments was meant for Zhuang Xu to see.
Yu Chen stopped looking at her and turned to Nie Xiguang: "Are you hungry? I see the food is starting to be served."
Nie Xiguang nodded and said softly, "A little."
Yu Chen naturally turned the table, bringing the freshly served honey-glazed char siu to her, and placed a piece on her plate: "Have something to eat first."
This gesture was natural and intimate.
Xiao Feng leaned close to Nie Xiguang's ear and whispered, "Xigua, he's really good at taking care of people."
Nie Xiguang blushed even more, lowered his head and ate the char siu in small bites, but felt a sweet warmth in his heart.
When it was their table's turn to toast, the bride and groom came over with their wine glasses.
Nie Xiguang pulled Yu Chen to his feet and handed the thick red envelope to his boss: "Boss, this is a small token of Yu Chen's appreciation. I wish you both a long and happy marriage."
Then he took out another red envelope from his pocket, saying, "This is mine. I wish you a happy marriage and many children!"
The eldest brother, dressed in a pure white wedding gown, accepted the red envelope with a gentle and sincere smile.
She looked at Nie Xiguang, then at Yu Chen, and whispered, "Xiguang, be happy."
Nie Xiguang's eyes welled up with tears: "You too, Boss, you must be happy!"
When they clinked glasses, Yu Chen naturally turned to the side, separating Nie Xiguang from the crowded people.
The groom was a kind and steady man. He smiled and whispered to Yu Chen, "Xi Guang is the little sun of our class. Take good care of her in the future."
Yu Chen raised his glass and said earnestly, "Definitely."
As the luncheon was drawing to a close, a small commotion suddenly arose at the entrance of the banquet hall.
Sheng Xingjie, dressed in designer casual wear and with his hair meticulously styled, strode in surrounded by several friends.
His gaze swept across the guest area, quickly locking onto Yu Chen's table. His eyes lit up, and he walked straight over.
"Mr. Yu? What a coincidence!"
Sheng Xingjie smiled broadly and spoke in a warm tone as if the two were old friends.
The men and women following behind him also looked at Yu Chen with curiosity.
Upon seeing this, Ye Rong immediately stood up, a professional smile plastered on her face: "President Sheng, what brings you here?"
"I saw your location on WeChat Moments was here, and since I was nearby, I came over to share in the good fortune. What a coincidence!" Sheng Xingjie said, his gaze remaining fixed on Yu Chen. "This must be Engineer Yu Chen, right? It's an honor to meet you!"
"Mr. Sheng." Yu Chen nodded slightly, his attitude polite but distant.
Sheng Xingjie is the eldest son of the Sheng family in the original novel.
A useless person who is more likely to cause trouble than to accomplish anything.
"And who is this?" Sheng Xingjie turned his gaze to Nie Xiguang, a hint of amazement flashing in his eyes.
"My friend, Nie Xiguang," Yu Chen introduced simply.
"Hello, Ms. Nie." Sheng Xingjie nodded with a smile, then looked at Yu Chen, "Engineer Yu, I was just about to look for you! My dad mentioned you the other day, saying your patent for the stacked battery is very impressive. It's perfect timing that we've run into each other today—"
He took a half step forward, lowered his voice, and spoke with the bluntness typical of a young master: "Let's be friends! Although I don't handle the day-to-day business at Shengyuan, I still have connections and resources. If you ever need any help in the future, just let me know!"
This is a very straightforward and unconventional way of saying things.
Yu Chen remained calm: "Mr. Sheng, you're too kind."
"Hey, don't be shy!" Sheng Xingjie waved his hand. "Just call me Xingjie. How about this, I'll organize a gathering tonight and introduce you to some influential people in the industry."
He paused, then lowered his voice further: "You're being wasted working in technology at Shuangyuan. Come to Shengyuan, I'll help you get connections, I guarantee it'll be a better career path than working in the factory!"
Like master, like dog; they even say almost the same things.
Nie Xiguang frowned slightly.
Yu Chen remained calm: "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Sheng, but I already have plans for tonight. Let's do it another day."
Sheng Xingjie's eyes flickered, but his smile remained unchanged: "I understand! Tomorrow? The day after tomorrow is fine too! Ye Rong." He turned to Ye Rong, who was standing to the side, "Please arrange a time with Engineer Yu for me, make sure it's done!"
Ye Rong nodded quickly: "Okay, President Sheng."
Sheng Xingjie pulled a gold-embossed business card from his pocket and shoved it into Yu Chen's hand without a word: "Be sure to contact me! Let's have a good talk!"
After saying that, he patted Yu Chen on the shoulder, smiled at Nie Xiguang, and then left with his friends.
He didn't even say goodbye to the bride and groom; he arrived abruptly and left in a hurry.
Yu Chen casually put the business card into his suit pocket, his expression unchanged.
The atmosphere at the table was somewhat subtle.
Ye Rong sat back down, glanced at Yu Chen with a complicated expression, and said nothing more.
The luncheon continued in a noisy atmosphere until after 1 p.m.
Nie Xiguang checked the time and whispered in Yu Chen's ear, "I think I'll go first. They might continue the party this afternoon, but I'm a little tired."
More importantly, she wanted to spend some time alone with Yu Chen.
"Okay." Yu Chen nodded, stood up and greeted the others at the table, "Please enjoy your meal, everyone. We have other matters to attend to, so we'll be leaving now."
Although Xiaofeng was reluctant to part, she still waved goodbye.
Ye Rong forced a smile and nodded.
Stepping out of the banquet hall, the noise was shut out behind me.
Nie Xiguang let out a long sigh and rubbed his cheeks, which were stiff from smiling.
"Are you tired?" Yu Chen asked.
"Socializing is so exhausting," Nie Xiguang said honestly, especially when faced with Ye Rong's subtle attempts to compete.
Yu Chen put his arm around her shoulder and gently tugged at her: "Then go back and rest."
As soon as the two arrived at the hotel lobby, they saw that Sheng Xingjie was still there, standing at the entrance smoking, surrounded by two or three people chatting and laughing.
Upon seeing Yu Chen and Nie Xiguang come out, he immediately stubbed out his cigarette and strode over.
"Mr. Yu, you're leaving already?" Sheng Xingjie's smile remained warm. "I was just praising you to them, saying you're young, promising, and a top-notch technician!"
Yu Chen didn't stop walking: "Mr. Sheng, is there anything else?"
"Just one sentence." Sheng Xingjie followed his pace and lowered his voice, "Engineer Yu, I sincerely want to be your friend. Jiekai under Shengyuan needs technical talent like you, and you need a platform like Shengyuan. It's a win-win situation, so think about it again."
He paused, then added, "You can name your conditions; as long as they're not excessive, I can help you get them."
Yu Chen stopped and turned to look at him, her eyes calm: "Mr. Sheng, my cooperation with Shuangyuan is going very smoothly, and I have no plans to change it for the time being. If there is a possibility of cooperation in the future, I will contact you."
That was a polite way of putting it, but the refusal was quite clear.
Sheng Xingjie's smile froze for a moment, but he quickly recovered: "Okay, that's enough! I'll wait for your news!"
He watched Yu Chen and Nie Xiguang walk towards the parking lot, and the smile on his face slowly faded only after the two got into the car and drove away.
"President Sheng..." Ye Rong, who had followed him out unnoticed, asked cautiously, "He..."
Sheng Xingjie turned around, his previous enthusiasm gone, his eyes sharpening: "Ye Rong, you posted on your WeChat Moments quite timely."
"Why didn't you say you knew Yu Chen sooner!"
Ye Rong's heart tightened: "I...I just met him too..."
"I don't care when you met him," Sheng Xingjie interrupted her coldly. "From now on, your primary task is to arrange a date with Yu Chen. I need to have dinner with him within three days."
"Three days?" Ye Rong looked hesitant. "President Sheng, he seems a bit difficult to schedule a meeting with..."
"That's your problem." Sheng Xingjie stared at her. "I don't care what methods you use. If you can't persuade them, then beg them. If you can't beg them, then find a way. We absolutely cannot let this kind of technical expert side with Lin Yusen."
He paused, then lowered his voice: "My dad said that if Yu Chen's tandem technology succeeds, it could increase the efficiency of photovoltaic modules by at least 15%. Do you know what that means? It's a technology that could change the landscape of the industry."
Ye Rong's face paled slightly: "I understand."
"Good that you understand." Sheng Xingjie turned and walked towards his sports car. "Three days. I want to see results."
The sports car roared away from the hotel.
Ye Rong stood there, looking in the direction where Yu Chen's car had disappeared, and bit her lip.
She took out her phone and asked Shengyuan Administration about Yu Chen's registration information at Shengyuan.
I received a reply very quickly.
It's a phone number.
By searching for Yu Chen's account through his phone number and WeChat, they quickly found his WeChat account.
The end of 2011 was the period when WeChat exploded in popularity.
After hesitating for a moment, she typed a message:
"Hello Mr. Yu, I am Ye Rong. Regarding President Sheng's invitation, when would be a convenient time for you? President Sheng sincerely wants to be friends with you and hopes you can give him a chance."
She sent the message, stared at the screen, and waited for a reply.
Meanwhile, inside a car driving through the streets of Shanghai.
The atmosphere was somewhat quiet as Yu Chen pondered Sheng Xingjie's purpose.
Nie Xiguang was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Sheng Xingjie... seems to value you a lot."
"He values the technology, not me," Yu Chen said calmly. "I've become a bargaining chip in the internal factional struggles within Sheng Yuan."
"Will you go?" Nie Xiguang couldn't help but ask again.
Yu Chen turned to look at her, his eyes gentle: "Not now. The timing isn't right, and the position isn't right either."
He paused, then added, "Moreover, there are things I need to do here, and also..."
Before he finished speaking, Nie Xiguang understood.
She was there too.
Feeling a warm current flowing through his heart, Nie Xiguang unconsciously smiled.
The car drove past the Bund, the river surface shimmering.
"Yu Chen," Nie Xiguang called his name softly.
"Um?"
Thank you for spending time with me today.
Yu Chen turned to look at her, a gentle smile spreading across his eyes: "It's nothing."
Nie Xiguang suddenly remembered something, and her eyes lit up: "By the way, when are you going to take me to that secret place you mentioned?"
Yu Chen chuckled lightly: "So eager?"
"Of course! You've been keeping me in suspense for days!"
"I'll take you tomorrow, first thing tomorrow morning."
"It's a deal!"
A soothing old song was playing on the car radio.
Nie Xiguang leaned back in his chair, watching the city scenery flow by outside the window, and suddenly felt that this winter was much warmer.
And quietly lying on her phone was a message sent by Zhuang Xu:
"Xi Guang, I wish you happiness."
She glanced at it, didn't reply, and gently turned off the screen.
Some periods, once drawn, need not be drawn again.
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