Chapter Thirty: Are You Stupid?

Stepping out of the office, Shen Mowen felt as if even the air had become fresher.

"Chairman?" Xu Bunian, who had been waiting outside, hurried over upon seeing him, looking at him in some bewilderment.

What was going on? Why had the chairman come out alone?

Shen Mowen waved at him, took out his phone, dialed a number, and spoke softly to the person on the other end for a moment, his face clouded with melancholy as he ended the call.

Xu Bunian stood not far away, glancing between Shen Mowen and the office, wearing the look of someone wanting to ask a question but not knowing how to begin.

Just then, Shen Mowen beckoned him over. Xu Bunian quickly approached.

"Did he ever mention resigning to you?" Shen Mowen's expression was rather grave.

Xu Bunian froze for a moment, then shook his head. "No, he didn't."

Shen Mowen frowned deeply, clearly finding the situation troublesome.

Xu Bunian regarded him and ventured, "Chen Qi wants to resign?"

Shen Mowen nodded.

Xu Bunian opened his mouth, but in the end, said nothing. He glanced toward the office, his gaze complicated.

To be honest, he really couldn't understand it. Having such a powerful background to rely on was something people could only dream of for generations, yet he couldn't fathom why Chen Qi would so stubbornly push it away.

Was his pride really that strong?

He knew that Chen Qi, likely due to a lack of affection growing up, was a bit sensitive, and might mistake their care for pity or charity, but faced with such a great opportunity, why refuse it?

With Elegant Group's resources, wouldn't any endeavor be twice as successful with half the effort?

Was he out of his mind?

Xu Bunian was filled with conflicting emotions—unable to understand, yet somewhat admiring him. Had it been him, he would never have had the courage to refuse.

Beside him, Shen Mowen was equally conflicted.

He wanted to help the son of an old friend, but found himself unable to intervene; this feeling of powerlessness was something he hadn't experienced in years.

Did he have any admiration for Chen Qi?

None at all! Not even the slightest!

He felt the boy was simply foolish!

Did he think refusing would make him appear noble? Did he think rejection would make others look at him with respect?

No! Everyone would only think he was a fool!

Did he believe this would protect his fragile pride? No—it was just self-imposed suffering!

Why put himself through this? What was the point?

Granted, from what Chen Qi had shown so far, he could probably get by just fine without Elegant Group's help, but his "fine" and their "fine" were worlds apart.

Did he really believe he could reach the heights his father did by relying solely on himself?

Shen Mowen scoffed at the thought.

Was it possible? Absolutely not.

If Chen Qi knew what was going on in their minds, he'd probably be exasperated and amused in equal measure.

It wasn't as complicated as they imagined. He simply didn't want to owe them any favors, because he was perfectly capable of living well on his own.

Besides, after experiencing the unbelievable event of living two lives, simply living well was no longer his goal.

"Forget it, I'll go try to persuade him again," Shen Mowen muttered, realizing it was pointless to keep hiding outside. After a long sigh, he made his way back toward the office.

Just then, Chen Qi came out.

Shen Mowen was momentarily taken aback.

Chen Qi stepped forward and said, "Uncle, since you're busy, I'll take my leave. I'll visit you another time when I have the chance."

Listening to this, Shen Mowen felt utterly at a loss.

Just arrived and already leaving?

Are all young people today this impatient?

"Everything's already been arranged. Since you're here, you must at least stay for a meal. If your father hears about this, where would I put my old face?" he said, in a tone that brooked no refusal.

Unexpectedly, Chen Qi was equally firm. "It's all right, maybe next time. I'm still in the capital anyway, so there will be other chances. I won't trouble you today."

With that, he bowed slightly and left.

They hardly knew each other, and the other was an elder—what was the point of sharing a meal? Was he supposed to endure that awkward atmosphere again? He had already learned what he most wanted to know; there was little reason to linger.

Watching Chen Qi leave so decisively, Shen Mowen was stunned, hardly able to believe his eyes.

He’s really just going to leave? Just like that?

I hardly even got a word in with you! Even if you don't want my help, even if you don't care about my status as a big boss, can't you show a little respect for your elders and share a meal at least? I held you in my arms when you were two years old! Must you embarrass me like this?

Shen Mowen felt deeply wounded, both in spirit and in body.

"Chairman?" Xu Bunian was a bit dumbfounded as well. But seeing Chen Qi already vanished around the corner, he grew anxious.

So, was he supposed to let him go or try to keep him? Should he follow after him?

"Go on, go on, go on," Shen Mowen waved impatiently.

He couldn't be bothered anymore! Let him do as he pleased—he was curious to see just how far the boy could go on his own!

"Chairman, I'll be off, then." Xu Bunian dared not delay and hurried after Chen Qi.

With a frown on his wrinkled face, Shen Mowen watched Xu Bunian leave, then sighed softly and dialed the same number as before.

...

In front of a certain office building, a tall young woman carrying a folder hurried into a business car with her assistant.

She was tall and elegant, her makeup refined yet understated, her figure accentuated by a tailored skirt suit and a slim-fit blouse with three-quarter sleeves.

No sooner had she settled into the car than her phone rang.

She glanced at the screen, gestured for the driver to start, and answered the call.

"Dad."

Her assistant, who had been about to say something, fell silent at the form of address.

"No need to go anymore? Why? ... Why would I call him? He doesn't even know me."

"Dad! He's already made his attitude perfectly clear. Please don't bother him anymore. Or do you want to drive him out of the capital?"

"Yes, yes, all right, I understand."

A moment later, the young woman hung up and smiled faintly.

"Miss, what is it?" her assistant asked curiously.

"Nothing," she replied with a smile and a shake of her head. "I just heard about a rather interesting person."