“No!” Nan Chen turned down his grandfather.
“If you don’t agree, I won’t allow you to make the trip. Have I not made myself clear? That’s the only viable plan we have for now. We’ll get Nan Xing to take over your position because we need someone reliable to oversee the entire operation and ensure everyone’s safety. If Nan Xing is the one hiding in the dark, do you think he’s able to keep you safe from any harm? This is the only way to resolve the issue in Vietnam while keeping both of you safe!” Nan Zhengde insisted.
“No, Grandpa! Please don’t force me to repeat myself one more time!” Nan Chen made himself clear.
Similarly, Nan Zhengde showed no signs of giving in. “If you’re not willing to listen to me, none of you are allowed to make the trip to Vietnam! We can’t afford to put any one of you at stake! This is too much of a cost to bear! After all, the project in Vietnam is merely a project. You don’t need to put your life at stake for a mere project.”
“Grandpa, I have made countless business trips abroad previously. This is merely another ordinary business trip.”
“It’s not the same! Someone else is in charge of the itinerary of the entire trip! You don’t get a say at all! Either you get Nan Xing to take over your position, or none of you gets to make the trip!”
Nan Chen was aware of his grandfather’s temperament. Things would turn out to be messy if he refused to give in to his grandfather’s suggestion.
Although he had taken over the role of leading Nanshi Corporation, Nan Zhengde still wielded great influence in the corporation.
Since Nan Zhengde was aware of the possible risk associated with this trip, Nan Chen wouldn’t get to make the trip if he didn’t acquire his grandfather’s consent.
“Fine. I’ll make the necessary arrangements to execute the plan.” Nan Chen finally gave in to his grandfather’s suggestion.
His grandfather was surprised; he didn’t expect his grandson would adhere to his suggestion.
Hence, he had his fair share of doubts and stared at Nan Chen in the eyes to ensure he hadn’t been hearing things.
Nan Chen nodded once again to assure his grandfather, “You heard me right, Grandpa. I will have Nan Xing take over my role.”
“You’re not lying to me, are you?”
“I’m not lying, Grandpa,” Nan Chen nodded and reassured his grandfather.
Feeling a sense of relief, Nan Zhengde finally nodded in return.
“I’ll have to leave now and make the necessary arrangement, Grandpa.”
“Okay. I want you to send Nan Xing over once he has disguised as you. I want to see if he’s able to execute the task because I’m afraid there’s a huge difference in terms of temperament between the two of you. We can’t afford to have the plan head south,” Nan Zhengde expressed his concerns.
“Alright, Grandpa.” Nan Chen took note of his grandfather’s instruction before heading out of the room.
Once he got out of the study room, he called Nan Xing and found out he had been working hard lately.
He didn’t spend his time fooling around with his friends because he spent most of his time in the office lately.
After all, he had promised Nan Chen he would bear the consequences as the person in charge of the project.
Immediately after he received Nan Chen’s call and the instruction to return home, Nan Xing made his way back to Commoner Residence.
He reached home within a few minutes because Nanshi Corporation Headquarters was merely a short distance away from Commoner Residence.
Nan Chen told him the plan that had been devised by their grandfather. The moment Nan Xing figured out the details of the entire plan, he agreed without any hesitation, “That’s a great idea! Grandpa has come up with a brilliant plan!”
Initially, Nan Chen thought Nan Xing would feel dejected, yet he seemed to have been overly paranoid because his brother wasn’t against the plan at all.
“Are you mad? This is so unfair to you. We’re literally going to put your life at stake!” Nan Chen asked calmly.
“What are you talking about, Chen? Why would I be mad when it’s the most viable plan we have for now? I’ll take over your role while you keep an eye out on me in the dark! It’s a flawless plan!”
“The reason we have to resort to such an extreme countermeasure is because of the possible risk associated with the trip,” Nan Chen explained.
“I have faith in you. You have always been an observant man. As long as you’re around to keep an eye on me, I’m sure I will be safe. Therefore, this trip is none other than another business trip.” Nan Xing reassured his brother.
In return, Nan Chen tapped on Nan Xing’s shoulder and said, “Thanks for having faith in me.”
Nan Xing stared at Nan Chen as he orated, “Are you serious, Chen? Why are you thanking me when I’m the one who has been relying on you all along? We’re brothers, right? Didn’t Grandpa want me to drop by his room? I’ll head over and put on one of your monochromic outfits before heading over. Even though I’m don’t look as commanding as you, I’m pretty sure others won’t be able to tell us apart if I keep a straight face in front of them. However, what should I do if I have to make certain decisions on your behalf? I don’t think I have the capability to handle any corporate issues.”
“You don’t need to make the decision on my behalf because I won’t allow you to take over my role.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’ll be heading over to meet Grandpa, pretending as though I’m you.”
“Are you serious?”
“I’ll tell him I’m Nan Xing and ask him if I have done a great job, playing pretend to be you. I’m pretty sure he will be surprised in a pleasant manner.”
“Excuse me? Since you’re literally portraying yourself, there’s no reason you can’t deceive him, but are you sure you want to deceive Grandpa?” Nan Xing wondered.
“Let’s consider this a white lie. It’s gonna be fine as long as we’re able to sort out the issue in Vietnam. Nothing else matters as long as we achieve our goal.”
“No, I’m not going to allow you to put yourself at stake! I have faith in you, Chen! I’m sure you can keep me safe! I mean it! I’m not displeased at all because I’m willing to be part of the plan Grandpa has come up with!” Nan Xing repeated himself.
“It’s going to be fine. I want to be in charge because I have to keep an eye on Ouyang Duo. I can’t wait to figure out the thing he’s up to. If you’re the one by his side, I’m afraid you won’t be able to figure out the plan he has in store for us. Apart from that, if he changes his mind out of the blue, I’ll be able to act accordingly. I don’t think you’re capable of dealing with him, right?”
Nan Xing turned the idea in his mind and found his brother’s words made sense.
“However…”
“Don’t worry. I have everything under control. It’s perfectly fine for Grandpa to be cautious since he’s getting older, but we should move out of our comfort zone and engage ourselves in risky activities since we’re still young.”
“Chen, I still think Grandpa is right! The Nan family can’t do without you, but the family can always move on without me…”
“Shut up! I don’t want to hear another statement of sorts from you in the future! None of us are allowed to be sacrificed for the sake of our family! We’re equally important as part of the family!”
“Alright, Chen…”
“I have told you this, and I’m going to repeat myself for one last time! Since you’re the person in charge of the project, you need to think of a proper solution to jumpstart the project once everything is sorted out. I want you to keep your mouth shut and devise a comprehensive contingency plan for the project!”
“I—”
“Just shut up and do as I have said!”
“I—”
Nan Xing was about to rebut, but Nan Chen put his index finger on his lips, signaling his brother to keep his mouth shut.
Consequently, Nan Xing stopped defying his brother’s words.
After Nan Chen had everything prepared for the trip, things took another drastic turn of events; Ouyang Duo apologized and told Nan Chen they wouldn’t have to make the trip to Vietnam anymore.
He said Mr. Huang had made himself clear; there wasn’t anything they could do to turn the table anymore.
Initially, those from the Nan family had gotten their hopes high, yet the entire operation was brought to a halt again. In other words, they were back to square one.
Nan Chen wasn’t surprised by the seemingly shocking news because he was aware it would take more than a visit to resolve the issue in Vietnam.
Nevertheless, he was frustrated. Nan Chen felt as though Ouyang Duo had been wasting his time deliberately since the latter could easily get in touch with Mr. Huang.
Although their trip to Vietnam had been canceled, Ouyang Duo told Nan Chen he had another proposal to resolve the issue they had encountered in Vietnam.
Nan Chen asked him the details of his proposal, yet Ouyang Duo insisted on telling him in person.
Their upcoming session would be held in a restaurant as they intended to talk about the proposal over the meal.
Ouyang Duo requested Nan Chen to pick up Ouyang Qing on his behalf. He told him it had been some time since he last had dinner with his daughter.
Nan Chen had a hunch Ouyang Duo would reveal his ulterior motive soon.
