Chapter 684: Chapter 374: Retiring to Make Soup (Part 2)
"Okay."
The two walked hand in hand towards the boarding gate, leaving behind the warmth of Sanya, while the magical Shanghai awaited them.
...
...
The plane landed smoothly at Hongqiao Airport, and Chen Cheng and Wen Shulin descended the ramp, breathing in the slightly humid Shanghai air.
Shanghai, this bustling international metropolis, once again welcomed their arrival.
Exiting the terminal, the two got into a car.
"The weather is still more comfortable over in Sanya." Chen Cheng looked at the drizzling rain outside the car window.
Wen Shulin laughed, "Missing it already?"
"We haven’t even enjoyed all the group activities, how could I not miss it?" Chen Cheng said deliberately.
"I’ll arrange two people for you tonight, guaranteed to satisfy you."
"Really?"
"You wish!" Wen Shulin tapped Chen Cheng on the head and leaned her head on his shoulder, "Isn’t having me enough?"
The car smoothly left the airport, merging into traffic and heading towards Pudong.
Over an hour later, they arrived at Tan Palace.
Returning here again, Chen Cheng surprisingly felt a sense of coming home.
Wen Shulin opened the door, checked the time, "I’ll go upstairs and change clothes."
"Okay, I’ll make myself a glass of water." Chen Cheng naturally walked to the kitchen.
After getting a glass of water, he received a message from Xiao Meier saying they had arrived in Beijing.
After chatting for a bit, Wen Shulin came downstairs. She had changed into a mermaid long dress paired with fur, holding a pair of earrings, "Help me put them on."
While putting them on, Chen Cheng asked, "Where did Jiang Wenlong arrange for dinner tonight?"
"Just over by the Bund," Wen Shulin replied, "L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, French cuisine."
"Done." Chen Cheng stepped back two steps, scrutinizing her, "No wonder you’re dressed to the nines."
"Any woman who can have a date at Joel Robuchon before turning 30 is a good woman." Wen Shulin leaned against the counter, playing with her hair, "I might be over 30, but I’m still a charming good woman."
Chen Cheng chuckled, "Going on a date with a third wheel?"
"If you don’t want to go, I can decline him for you." Wen Shulin took two steps forward, wrapping her arms around Chen Cheng’s neck, "Let’s have our own date."
"Let’s go anyway, your contract isn’t signed yet, and I haven’t recruited my people."
Wen Shulin kissed Chen Cheng, "Alright, I’ll listen to you."
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....
Night fell and the lights came on, making the Bund’s scenery even more enchanting.
LJR sits at the pinnacle of Shanghai’s fine dining scene, offering not only exquisite dishes but also spectacular views.
Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, you could clearly see the dazzling lights on both sides of the Huangpu River and the ships passing by.
When Chen Cheng and Wen Shulin arrived at the restaurant, Jiang Wenlong was already waiting.
"Chairman Wen, Chairman Chen." He greeted warmly.
The two approached, and Chen Cheng greeted, "Chairman Jiang, sorry to keep you waiting."
"No worries, I just arrived as well."
The three sat down, and the waiter brought the menu.
Wen Shulin ordered a few of the restaurant’s signature dishes and handed the menu to Chen Cheng, "Mr. Chen, see if there’s anything else you want to eat."
"I’m okay with anything. You decide."
Wen Shulin ordered a couple more dishes and handed the menu back to the waiter.
The dishes hadn’t yet arrived, but the conversation had already begun.
"Chairman Chen, thanks to you, we’ve already negotiated with Banna, and the license will be secured by the end of this month." Jiang Wenlong said with a smile.
"Hey, Chairman Jiang, I just made an introduction. Your success is due to CGG’s decision-making." Chen Cheng didn’t take credit.
"Chairman Chen is too modest," Jiang Wenlong said, "Without your mediation, Banna wouldn’t have budged. I toast to you."
With that, Jiang Wenlong raised his glass and drank it down.
Chen Cheng also raised his glass as a gesture, taking a sip, "Chairman Jiang, it’s all about winning together."
Jiang Wenlong continued, "Those people you wanted, I’ve called them all back."
"Then I must thank Chairman Jiang for his generosity." Chen Cheng responded.
"No need," Jiang Wenlong turned to Wen Shulin, "Chairman Wen, as for your contract, I’ve had the legal department prepare it, just waiting for your signature."
"Thank you, Chairman Jiang." Wen Shulin nodded in acknowledgment.
"And regarding the funds?"
Wen Shulin was taking over CGG’s unfinished business in Shanghai, so she naturally had to pay for the money already invested.
Before Wen Shulin could speak, Chen Cheng said, "I’ll have my people get in touch with you."
Jiang Wenlong applauded, "Chairman Chen is truly bold! No wonder you can make an iron lady like Chairman Wen cook soup."
Wen Shulin didn’t deny it, but Chen Cheng became interested instead.
He wrapped his arm around Wen Shulin’s shoulder, "Chairman Jiang figured it out?"
"Initially, I had no idea, until I called Alina a few days ago to report on work. She asked who helped with the introduction, and I mentioned your name, Chairman Chen."
Jiang Wenlong said with a smile, "Alina told me about how you helped Chairman Wen withdraw from her mom’s business."
"I was shocked at the time." He looked at the two in front of him, "But now it seems, Chairman Chen and Chairman Wen are indeed a match made in heaven."
"Hahaha..." Chen Cheng laughed heartily, "Chairman Jiang really has a keen eye! Wen Shulin and I truly are kindred spirits."
For the first time in public, he didn’t hesitate to use the nickname "Shulin" to address Wen Shulin, and his eyes were full of affection.
Wen Shulin also smiled at Chen Cheng, without arguing, her demeanor full of the happiness of a little woman.
Jiang Wenlong saw this, understanding more clearly the relationship between the two.
He raised his glass and said, "Then I’ll wish Chairman Chen and Chairman Wen a long and happy marriage, and many children soon!"
"Thank you for your kind words."
"Thank you, Chairman Jiang."
Chen Cheng and Wen Shulin raised their glasses together and clinked with Jiang Wenlong.
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...
The next day, at Shanghai’s CGG.
Chen Cheng sat in the head seat of the conference room, meeting Li Mingbo, Wang Xiaoyan, Zhang Qiang, Liu Yang, Zhao Kai, Sun Li, and Lin Wei.
"Everyone, let’s start by introducing ourselves. I’m Chen Cheng, the owner of Dili Private Equity."
He spoke unhurriedly, "I believe you know why you’re sitting here today."
Although everyone was prepared, they didn’t expect Chen Cheng to gather them all together and talk about switching jobs all at once.
After all, headhunting usually involves privately breaking through one person at a time.
"I like playing it straight."
Chen Cheng spoke eloquently, "Dili, though not yet as large as CGG, you must know about the recent deals we’ve made."
The conference room was silent, with everyone listening attentively to Chen Cheng’s speech.
They were certainly aware of Dili’s recent maneuvers, causing quite a stir in the industry, filling them with curiosity and anticipation for the burgeoning private equity firm.
"What I need is a group of capable, ambitious, and driven people to grow Dili stronger."
Chen Cheng’s eyes swept over the audience, "I know you’re all the backbone of CGG’s business and well-compensated, but I believe Dili can offer you greater opportunities and higher returns."
He paused and then continued, "I offer you double your current salary."
The terms Chen Cheng presented were undoubtedly very tempting.
In the financial industry, high salaries are always an irresistible lure for talent.
"Of course, I won’t force you."
Chen Cheng stated, "The choice is yours. If you’re willing to join Dili, you’re welcome anytime. If you choose to stay, I respect your decision."
After finishing, Chen Cheng looked around the audience, waiting for their response.
The atmosphere in the conference room was somewhat delicate.
The candidates exchanged glances, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Li Mingbo spoke first, "Chairman Chen, I’m very optimistic about Dili’s prospects and I’m willing to join your team."
With Li Mingbo’s lead, others also expressed their willingness.
Wang Xiaoyan said, "Chairman Chen, I also want to join Dili."
Zhang Qiang added, "Me too."
Liu Yang, Zhao Kai, Sun Li, and Lin Wei each expressed their willingness to join Dili.
Chen Cheng’s face showed a satisfied smile, "Great! I give you two weeks to finish handing over your tasks. If there are suitable subordinates, you can bring them along."
His gaze encompassed all the faces filled with fighting spirit, "I’ll be awaiting you in Beijing."
The group also stood up one after another, "Okay, boss!"