The Wealthy Tycoon's Game of Life

Capítulo 1197: Chapter 453: A Date with a Beauty (Part 2)

In response to Luo Yongkang’s inquiry, Zhou Wang merely smiled and calmly replied.

“Mr. Zhou, I certainly have no intention of covering up for anyone. Objectively speaking, Director Wang’s actions indeed violated school regulations and had a rather negative impact, but…”

As Luo Yongkang observed Zhou Wang’s expression, he hesitated and said, “I still want to apologize on his behalf. At the previous welcome event, Director Wang may have acted somewhat inappropriately. If there were any displeasures caused to you…”

“Are you implying that I’m abusing my power for personal vendettas?”

Zhou Wang immediately cast a cold glance at Luo Yongkang.

What Luo Yongkang referred to was actually a minor incident that occurred when Zhou Wang first arrived this morning at the school gate.

At the time, Luo Yongkang had organized all of the school’s management to hold a welcome event for Zhou Wang. During the event, when Zhou Wang shook hands with Director Wang, he not only smelled the lingering scent of alcohol on him but, most importantly, Director Wang only extended one hand, and his responses to Zhou Wang’s words were not particularly enthusiastic…

This incident at least revealed two things. First, Director Wang didn’t place much importance on Zhou Wang’s arrival. Knowing since yesterday that the new shareholder would be inspecting, he still went out drinking heavily. Second, Director Wang possessed an inexplicable confidence in the face of Zhou Wang, so he wasn’t afraid.

“Sorry, Mr. Zhou, I misspoke. I never meant it that way!”

It was as if Luo Yongkang had just realized his mistake and hastily explained in embarrassment.

Zhou Wang found it somewhat odd because, given Luo Yongkang’s previous displays of meticulousness, even if he truly thought Zhou Wang was holding a grudge, he wouldn’t make such a “rookie mistake” by directly asking him.

This reckless behavior must have another purpose.

Quickly, after a moment of thought and recalling Director Wang’s previous nonchalance, Zhou Wang seemed to understand something.

With a smile that was not quite a smile, he asked, “Does this Director Wang have a good relationship with the other shareholders?”

“Director Wang has a familial connection with another major shareholder. He was recommended by that major shareholder to work in the teaching office…”

Indeed, hearing Luo Yongkang’s emotionless response, Zhou Wang suddenly understood.

So that’s how it is.

Luo Yongkang was both testing Zhou Wang’s resolve and subtly reminding him that Director Wang had “backing”. No, he had a third purpose too: by prompting Zhou Wang to make a formal statement, he distanced himself from the situation to avoid retribution from another major shareholder…

Zhou Wang held 30% of Pinghe Education Group’s shares, making him the actual largest shareholder, but he still hadn’t reached the point of having absolute control.

Previously, Zhou Wang had briefly reviewed the situation. Behind Pinghe Education Group, there were officially over a dozen shareholders, though only a few with more than a 10% equity stake, and those individuals were likely not simple.

His thoughts spun, but Zhou Wang simply responded with a faint smile, “No matter what his background is, rules are rules. Fair without mediocrity, harmony without uniformity. As the principal, you should uphold the school’s motto of Pinghe more than anyone.”

“You’re right, Mr. Zhou. I understand what to do. So, Mr. Zhou, should we head back to the meeting?”

Luo Yongkang promptly nodded in agreement, noticing that Zhou Wang had finished his cigarette, he asked.

…

The impromptu meeting concluded with the decision that Director Wang would submit a written self-criticism and a disciplinary notice would be published on the school’s official website.

A pale-faced Director Wang hurriedly left under the schadenfreude-filled gazes of several vice-principals, completely devoid of his previous arrogance, but he didn’t react like a villain in a novel by tossing a few harsh words at Zhou Wang, not even daring to make eye contact.

He knew full well that he wasn’t qualified to be Zhou Wang’s “enemy”.

As Zhou Wang left the meeting room accompanied by Luo Yongkang, Xiao An and Xingxing, having completed the enrollment procedures with Teacher Meng’s guidance, returned. Seeing Xiao An, Luo Yongkang tactfully distanced himself, leaving space for the two.

“Mr. Zhou, I’m sorry for causing you trouble again today…”

With no one else nearby, Xiao An, holding her daughter’s hand, felt ashamed and wanted to bow to Zhou Wang.

“You’re one of my people. Your loss is my loss, so no need to thank me. Xiao An, remember, wherever you go, you represent my face. There’s no need to endure humiliation. You have that backing.”

Zhou Wang gently touched the head of the shy little girl hiding behind Xiao An and said casually, “I’ve told Xu Wenqian this before, as long as you’re with me, those words will always hold true. Understand?”

“Mr. Zhou, I…”

Seeing Xiao An about to burst into tears again, Zhou Wang waved her off with a smile.

“I know what you want to say, no need for it.”

Zhou Wang smiled and remembered something, “By the way, how about your parents?”

“They’re still with my ex-husband at the security office. It seems he passed out earlier, so…”

Mentioning her parents made Xiao An’s expression somewhat awkward, and she could only offer a feeble explanation.

Zhou Wang fell momentarily silent at her words, wanting to make a few sarcastic comments but refrained, considering Xiao An’s feelings, and simply offered a subtle comment.

“Xiao An, I hope you understand, no one can choose their starting point, but the path you take is still your decision.”

“Mr. Zhou, I understand. Rest assured, I can handle these matters, and it won’t affect my work…”

“Speaking of which, it’s been a while. How are you getting along with Senior Sister? Her personality is not easy to adapt to, is it?”

Mentioning work reminded Zhou Wang of something, and he asked.

Lately, apart from the daily greetings from Senior Sister, their contact had been gradually decreasing.

There wasn’t any particular reason, just that both of them had become busier.

In Zhou Wang’s case, with the expansion of his enterprises and connections, he could barely manage to take phone calls during his leisure time, let alone respond to a pile of accumulated messages.

Recently, Zhou Wang occasionally reflected that the human heart isn’t infinite. As his experience grew, he found himself less willing to invest emotionally in new relationships because it truly felt exhausting.

That might also be why he recently thought of Li Nuoyi and Bai Feifei as quite nice.

As for Jiang Mo, she’s been busy preparing for her first solo piano performance recently, overwhelmingly occupied.

Zhou Wang thought this was good. Jiang Mo’s soul already belonged to him; she ought to have her own life.

“Not really, Miss Jiang is very kind. Even though she’s not very talkative, she really knows how to take care of my feelings. The other day when she mentioned going out, she simply drove around silently. At first, I thought she wanted to take a drive to ease her mind, but then I realized it was because she wanted to familiarize me with the surroundings…”

Zhou Wang listened with amusement. Seeing that he showed no signs of impatience, Xiao An shared a few more amusing anecdotes about her interactions with Jiang Mo.

Since Jiang Mo had always been alone, understanding her from someone else’s perspective was quite novel for Zhou Wang.

When Xiao An finished speaking, Zhou Wang nodded to her, “There’s not much you need to do here for now. You can head back and rest… By the way, did you book a hotel?”

“I did, it’s near the Bund.”

Xiao An hurriedly nodded. As she saw Zhou Wang turning to leave, she hesitated for a while before calling out.

“Mr. Zhou, this, this is for you…”

Zhou Wang turned around, somewhat surprised, to see Xiao An stepping closer and slipping something into his hand, her face flushed as she spoke softly:

“I, I’m available tonight…”

After saying this, Xiao An turned and quickly left, holding her daughter’s hand.

Zhou Wang looked down to find a hotel key card in his hand…

He paused for a moment, then couldn’t help but smile.

So does this mean there’s a snack to enjoy tonight?

But Zhou Wang just couldn’t figure out why Xiao An gave him a key card, and what about her? Or perhaps she had already prepared and initially had two key cards. And that “available” must only mean the kind of “available” I think it means, right?

Unfortunately, tonight’s snack will likely remain uneaten because Zhou Wang already had plans.

Just then, his phone vibrated, and as Zhou Wang fished it out, a message popped up. An adorable anime girl’s face seemed to be winking at him.

“You big meanie, where are we going for dinner tonight?”