Chapter Sixty: Meeting an Old Friend

  Mentioning the Zuo family gathering, although it was unexpected for Zuo Wenting's reaction, at the same time, a faint smile also appeared on Zuo Xiaoyao's mouth, with profound meaning. She would definitely go and make sure that everyone in the Zuo family has an unforgettable experience!

  "Really? I hope I won't miss it!"

  Thinking of the theme of this Zuo family gathering, Zuo Wenting was filled with joy and anticipation, thinking that Zuo Xiaoyao had learned from Zuo Zhenglong that the Zuo family gathering would be held next month. Although she was curious why Zuo Zhenglong was so considerate of this "daughter" who appeared halfway, even telling her about the Zuo family's clan meeting, it seemed that he planned to take Zuo Xiaoyao to attend the meeting, but she didn't think much of it.

  As Zuo Jingxuan walked into the VIP room, he saw that the two women seemed to be chatting happily. He couldn't help but feel a little surprised, after all, in his impression, these two women were not easy to get along with, and their auras didn't quite match up either. However, he had no idea what each of them was thinking as they smiled and appeared to be in good spirits.

  "Xiao Yao, you're still here, that's great. The financial handover has been completed and the asset restructuring plan is already on the agenda. After this acquisition, Dad wants to confirm the share allocation scheme with you. When are you free?"

  The implication was clear, and Left Wén Tíng's face changed slightly. "Jìng Xuān, our Left family has made such a big move this time, but some things need to be decided after discussion with the family. Especially when it comes to stock allocation, it's a major family matter. How can Fifth Uncle make decisions without consulting Xiǎo Yáo?"

  Although she knew that Zuo Shi was able to acquire Hongxin at a very low price this time, and the 'mysterious' emergence of Zuo Xiaoyao's contribution could not be ignored, when she heard Zuo Zhenglong's casual decision to give shares to Zuo Xiaoyao after the reorganization, Zuo Wenting felt a surge of anger in her heart. As someone who had held important positions at Zuo Shi for over two years, she had long regarded Zuo Shi as her family business.

  Of course, Zuo Wenting understood what was on Zuo Jingxuan's mind, but he just gave her a light glance and had no intention of telling her what Zuo Zhenglong had entrusted to him. In fact, the current problem is not how much equity should be given to Zuo Xiaoyao, but whether Zuo Xiaoyao can accept it or not. To put it bluntly, it's actually about whether Zuo Xiaoyao, who has messed up the Hongxin Group, looks down on these things and is willing to stand behind the Zuo family.

  "Wen Ting, Dad currently controls the Left family, this point is still feasible. Moreover, although Si Jia has changed her name to Left, she doesn't belong to the clan's industry. Shouldn't be under the jurisdiction of the Clan Elder Council, right?"

  It's not soft or hard to say, but it's a fact that leaves Zuo Wenting speechless. However, thinking of the upcoming clan meeting next month, Zuo Wenting still smiled brightly and said, "I was wrong earlier. The division of equity is a big deal after all. It affects the development of the Zuo family and needs to be approved by the shareholders' meeting. With the clan meeting coming up next month, we have many things to attend to, so it's not convenient to hold a large-scale shareholders' meeting continuously. Let's discuss this matter again after the clan meeting is over."

  Xiao Xiang glanced at Zuo Wenting and nodded in agreement, "Yes, this matter is not urgent. The two major groups are merging smoothly. First, we need to stabilize market confidence. There are still many things to be done. Let's talk about this after the clan meeting!"

  It was clear from Zuo Xiao's gentle tone that she had made up her mind, and he knew he had no room for objection. Zuo Jingxuan responded quite tactfully, "Alright then, it's going to be a busy time ahead, Wen Ting, would you please go discuss some details of the reorganization plan with Deputy Zheng first?"

  Although she knew that Zuo Jingxuan was obviously trying to get rid of her, and was saying something else to Zuo Xiaoyao, a flash of displeasure flickered in her eyes. With a calm smile, Zuo Wenting asked, "Alright, but isn't the restructuring plan a big deal? Why isn't Jingxuan joining us? Or is there something else you want to discuss with Xiaoyao?"

  Nothing much, Jerry from Xuan Neng is going to the US for an investigation. He and Xiaoyao are old friends too, so he's been wanting to get us together with Xiaoyao for a gathering. It's just that we've all been busy lately, and I'm afraid it might not be convenient for Xiaoyao. Also, I don't know Xiaoyao's current phone number, so I was thinking of asking you if Xiaoyao is free tonight?

  "Alright, I haven't had a chance to contact them for a while, where should we meet? Xuan's influence in the country is getting bigger and bigger, he must have been promoted this time when he returns to the US. We must congratulate him in person."

  Smiling and nodding in agreement, she mentioned a few old friends from S city, and Zuo Xiao Yao's heart slightly stirred. Although she had now embarked on an unusual path different from ordinary people, she had never forgotten the fact that she used to be an ordinary person, nor did she put herself above others. Just like when she was at Jiutai Mountain, she had never acted with the airs of a high-ranking cultivator in the cultivation world, which was probably why Zuo Zheng Long and his son, although they vaguely knew that she had become an existence that ordinary people would find hard to reach, did not behave too stiffly when facing her.

  When she heard the name Xuan Jie Rui, Zuo Wenting's eyes lit up, seeing that both Zuo Jingxuan and Zuo Xiaoyao didn't intend to invite her along, although she had a mind to go, she couldn't muster the courage to propose it herself, forcing a polite smile on her face "You guys have fun tonight, I'll go attend to my business first!"

  After seeing Jerry, Zuo Xiaoyao thought of Cheng Luo, who was also her superior and had been very friendly to her, giving her a lot of help. She took the initiative to call Cheng Luo.

  In a private restaurant, after a simple greeting, looking at Zuo Xiaoyao who was quietly ordering food from the waiter, compared to when she suddenly left two years ago, her appearance and temperament seemed to have changed completely, yet somehow remained unchanged. It felt more real than what he had seen in TV shows or newspapers. Cheng Luo, sitting across from her, let out a long sigh, but his heart was filled with an indescribable sense of bitterness.

  After returning the menu to the waiter, Zuo Xiao Yao couldn't help but smile at Cheng Luo's expression and said, "It seems like this is our first private dinner outside of work, I heard you've become an executive director, congratulations!"

  "Thank you, I'm really glad to see you back safely!"

  This is the sincere words in Cheng Luo's heart, although he didn't know what exactly happened at that time, which made Zuo Xiao Yao prepare to resign and leave at any time and place. But from the reaction of those two people who suddenly rushed into the company's annual meeting later, Cheng Luo knew that things wouldn't be so simple. And after more than two years, Zuo Xiao Yao, who suddenly returned, stirred up a huge storm in S city, which also seemed to confirm this point.

  She could feel the other person's sincerity, and also vaguely sensed that there were different emotions hidden in those deep black eyes, similar to Jerry's intentions towards her last night. Xue Xiao Yao just smiled warmly as usual, "The past two years have made you miss me, thank you! I'm glad to be back too!"

  "Will you stay afterwards?... If there's anything I can help with, just say it, I won't refuse!"

  In everyone's eyes, a lone woman suddenly turned a powerful listed group into this, it was almost impossible, even if Zuo Xiaoyao did it now, and just like everyone thought, Cheng Luo also believed that there must be unknown secrets and hardships behind this.

  "No, after gathering with you old friends and handling some follow-up matters, I will leave and rarely come back to this city."

  Zuo Xiao Yao replied calmly, pausing for a moment before continuing, "Doing these things doesn't trouble me at all. In the future, I will live very well!"

  He could hear the comfort in her words, although he knew things wouldn't be as simple as she said, but since his heart was understood by the other party, Cheng Luo smiled and said "That's good!"

  Some time ago, I accidentally learned some news. When saying goodbye outside the private restaurant, Zuo Xiao Yao handed a painting in her handbag to Cheng Luo and said: "I heard that your good things with Kong Qian are approaching, at that time I may have left, so take this as my wedding gift to you, also to thank you for taking care of my painting business in the past!"

  The bitterness in his heart was even more intense, and with a forced smile, Cheng Luo took over the handbag. Just as he was about to thank her, a voice filled with tears suddenly reached their ears.

  "Xiao Yao, please spare me, I...I won't dare again!"

  PS: Thanks for the support from Dizzy Girl, although the second update is a bit late, but the two chapters of the main text add up to over 6,000 words, please give more support, thank you!