Gu Huiyuan reacted with incredulity that Guan Jing was willing to forsake his own career and reputation. She had previously thought that he was only acting on impulse.
“Stop being so obstinate, Guan Jing! Don’t you think that I wouldn’t dare!”
Guan Jing scoffed, “Why can’t I be, seeing how you have pushed me to the brink? I can only be obstinate in order to defend this last shred of honor I’m left with.”
“You…”
Gu Huiyuan was flustered.
“I neither want to see you nor speak to you. Go on and do as you wish, and don’t ever call me again!”
With that, Guan Jing ended the call. He thought it inadequate as he fumed, so he proceeded to turn his phone off. Guan Jing breathed heavily as he muttered to himself, “Damn this rich girl! Despicable!”
Zong Jinghao asked calmly, “Who was it that pissed you off?”
When Guan Jing saw Zong Jinghao at his door, he froze.
“Zong… Mr. Zong, when did you get here?” Guan Jing stammered.
Zong Jinghao loosened the tie around his neck and pulled up the chair across the table from Guan Jing. “Not that long ago. I didn’t overhear too much.”
Guan Jing brought himself closer to Zong Jinghao. “I’ve broken up with my girlfriend…”
“Since when have you got a girlfriend?” Zong Jinghao asked in astonishment.
“We haven’t been together that long.” Guan Jing was reluctant to discuss this. He felt embarrassed for a grown man like himself to become the target of sextortion. If word were to spread, he would not be able to look anyone in the eye again.
“Mr. Zong.” Guan Jing recollected himself and put on a solemn face as he placed his resignation letter on the desk before Zong Jinghao. “Thank you for placing your trust in me and giving me so many opportunities. I wish to take a break…”
“Are you headhunted?” Zong Jinghao took one glance at the letter but left it where it was.
“No. Really, I just wish to take a hiatus…”
“But you told me that you only wish to make more money?” Zong Jinghao scrutinized Guan Jing in a way that made him feel uncomfortable. Guan Jing tried to avoid eye contact. “There’s no one. I just want to rest.”
“I’ve heard that the Fuyuan Group has promised you the position of vice president?” Zong Jinghao probed as he swiveled his chair to face Guan Jing.
Men of talent would naturally be poached.
“That was several months ago. How did you know?” It was true that such an offer was extended to him but Guan Jing was never tempted. He understood where his own future lay.
Guan Jing then chuckled at himself, “I think I’ve just asked a silly question.”
If Zong Jinghao did not know that his subordinate was being poached, he might as well stop being the boss.
Wanyue Group would not have come so far as it did if Zong Jinghao could not keep tabs on such things.
Zong Jinghao decided to cut to the chase. “Just tell me your real reasons. If you have some thoughts about me, feel free to bring them up.”
Guan Jing shook his head vigorously. There was nothing he could complain about in terms of his treatment at the company.
“Truly, my reasons are personal. I’m really sorry for the trouble I’ve caused, Mr. Zong.”
Zong Jinghao narrowed his eyes. “How long have you been following me, Guan Jing?”
Guan Jing’s reply was prompt. “Eight years.”
Zong Jinghao got to his feet. “Come back to me after you’ve thought this through carefully.”
Zong Jinghao then walked out, leaving Guan Jing stranded. Guan Jing felt deeply ashamed of himself for the problems he has created through his own carelessness.
What he had not counted on was Gu Huiyuan trying to instrumentalize him.
After Zong Jinghao left Guan Jing, he did not leave the building but went straight into his own office.
It was clear to him that Guan Jing was hiding something from him.
This was cause for vexation for Zong Jinghao. With his hands full dealing with Lin Xinyan’s situation, he just had no time to dabble in work matters. Guan Jing’s resignation could not have come at a worse possible moment.
