When Chen Xiaomin said this, Lin Yilan happened to be drinking tea.

After hearing his words, the tea in her mouth almost spurted out.

"Cough cough cough -"

"What did you say?"

Lin Yilan covered her mouth and reached out to pull out the tissue on the table.

Chen Xiaomin didn't expect that she would have such a big reaction, so he had to push the tissue in front of her.

"Xiao Lin, are you okay?"

Lin Yilan wiped her mouth with a tissue. She originally planned to put on a dismissive expression in front of Chairman Chen, but he ended up saying this...

Her grandma is somehow Shang is also a legendary figure. During the summer vacation after she finished her college entrance examination, she stayed at her grandparents' house and heard her grandparents talk to her about their past experiences.

At that time, her grandparents mentioned her grandma's fiancé, and the two of them sounded very grateful, saying that if it weren't for that fiancé's help, they wouldn't have been able to get married together so quickly.

She just didn't expect that the kind-hearted fiancé whom her grandparents were thanking turned out to be the one in front of her...

It was really embarrassing, as if she was trying to show off her authority in front of her elders.

When the toes dig into the ground, the force is barely enough to break the soles of the shoes.

She quickly stuffed the tissue in her trouser pocket, stood up and bowed to Chen Xiaomin to apologize, "I'm sorry, Chairman Chen, I really didn't expect that you and my elders have such a connection. I was rude just now, and I'm really sorry."

Chen Xiao Min waved his hands cheerfully, exuding a kind aura.

"It's okay, Xiao Lin, please sit down. My grandparents and I are friends. You don't have to call me Chairman Chen. Just call me Grandpa Chen."

Lin Yilan also imitated Chen Xiaomin and nodded obediently, "Okay. , Grandpa Chen."

She put her hands on her legs from the table, sat upright, and faced Chen Xiaomin with the same attitude she had in front of her grandparents.

Chen Xiaomin picked up the teapot and refilled her cup, "Are your grandparents okay now? We old friends haven't seen each other for a long time. I will definitely go to Beijing to visit them next time I have a chance."

"Grandpa and grandma are now. They are all retired and live in a special retirement compound. The state arranges regular physical examinations for them every year, and someone will take them to Beidaihe for recuperation and rest in the summer."

Lin Yilan did not hide anything and told her grandparents about their current situation . Got him.

Chen Xiaomin picked up the teacup and said with emotion, "Looking back now, your grandparents had more foresight and more backbone than I did. They stayed in the mainland and drove away the Japanese. It's not like I knew at that time that I took my family and ran to Hong Kong City.

"After so many years, your grandparents' juniors are more promising than mine." Lin

Yilan couldn't accept this, so she had to lower her head and smile shyly.

Chen Xiaomin put down the tea cup, put his hand on the table, leaned over and waved to her, "Xiao Lin, tell me how your grandparents mentioned me to you."

She laughed a few times, She scratched her temples and tried hard to recall the chats between her grandparents.

Her grandmother's name was Li Xiuyun, the daughter of the first wife of a wealthy businessman in the old society. Not only did she have her in the palm of her hand since she was a child, she also wanted whatever she wanted. It can be said that she grew up wealthy and pampered.

It was also popular to bind feet at that time. My grandma's parents tried to bind her feet for the first time. Grandma was so painful that she cried for a whole day without saying a word. Then she got a high fever in the middle of the night, which frightened her parents, so they didn't bind their feet.

In order to prevent grandma from being criticized by other elders, they also helped grandma fight against the clan elders at home.

At this time, we have to talk about her grandma's ancestors. If Lin Yilan remembered correctly, her grandma's ancestors were either high officials, Jinshi, or wealthy businessmen. It is considered a very big clan in the local area.

Grandma's parents were afraid that her marriage would be affected because she didn't have her feet bound, so they found a fiancé from the most liberal family among their friends early on.

Now it seems that this fiancé is Chen Xiaomin.

Before today, Lin Yilan only knew that her grandma's former fiancé was named Chen.

But when grandma grew up, because her family asked her to study, she became aware of many problems in society, and because of the bullying from European and American powers, she decided to contribute to saving the country.

It was this decision that made her meet her grandfather, a poor boy who came from a rural area and didn't even have a family tree.

The two of them resonated with each other because of their shared experiences and common ideals, and fell in love with each other.

At this time, the situation in the mainland was getting worse and worse, and her parents and her fiancé's family decided to leave the mainland for their own safety.

It was also at this time that grandma told her family about her ambitions and about grandpa.

As soon as this incident came out, grandma's family strongly disagreed without thinking about it, but at this time grandma's fiancé came out to speak for her and mediated before grandma and grandma's family to prevent them from completely falling out.

In the end, the parents couldn't control the child, and grandma's parents respected grandma's decision.

Since then, the mountains and rivers have changed, and grandma and her family have never seen each other again. Even because of the chaos of the situation, five years after grandma's family left, grandma can't even hear from them.

In this way, grandma became a nurse in the army, and grandpa became a soldier.

When grandma received news from her parents again, the war was completely over. At that time, grandma's parents had already passed away due to age.

Although grandma said that she and her fiancé had no relationship at all, and were only casual friends at most, she was still very grateful to her fiancé at that time for helping her mediate the relationship with her parents. Let her not be still angry with her parents before they parted ways.

As much as she is grateful to her grandparents, Lin Yilan also wants to thank Chen Xiaomin.

After recalling these emotional pasts, she stood up and walked to Chen Xiaomin and thanked him seriously, "Grandpa Chen, thank you for letting my grandma have no regrets before she separated from her parents."

After saying that, she said deeply again. Bowed deeply, "I would like to thank you for your help on behalf of my grandparents."

Chen Xiaomin's eyes flashed, and he patted her shoulder, "It's okay, I also hope that lovers will eventually get married, your grandparents are great "

So can you tell me now why you don't want to take on the church project?" After saying that, he raised his hand and made a gesture of invitation.

Lin Yilan straightened her expression and sat back in her seat apologetically.

"My graduate school has just started. I still hope that I can focus on my studies in the next period of time."

Besides, Pei Ba was so crazy that he wanted to kidnap her in order to take down the project leader . .

What's wrong with her to accept such a project?

She would only consider approaching these "dangerous" projects unless it was extremely urgent.

The expression on Chen Xiaomin's face froze. He originally thought that Lin Yilan would take over his project if he revealed his relationship with her elders.

"Are you worried about your studies? I can ask the group to send a letter to Beijing Institute of Technology to explain the situation. I think your school and teachers will be very willing for you to help Xingmin Group."

Lin Yilan smiled. She became more wary of him after knowing the emotional cards this man started playing with her.

"I'm afraid my teacher won't agree. Before leaving, he told me to return to school as soon as possible and not to delay my studies."

"Grandpa Chen, I'm really sorry that I can't help you with this matter. But I believe that Hong Kong City Other designers will be willing to take on this project. And there are many outstanding young designers in Hong Kong, such as Liang Zhixin Architect of Liang's Office."

She also recommended other colleagues to him, which was very polite.

After she finished speaking, a polite smile appeared on her face. If you just looked at her expression, there was no clue that she was rejecting someone just now.

Chen Xiaomin stared at her for a while, then smiled and nodded at her.

"Xiao Lin, I admire your stubbornness. You are exactly the same as your grandma when she was young. You are worthy of being Li Xiuyun's granddaughter."

As he said this, he took out a folder.

Lin Yilan's heart skipped a beat for some reason. She felt as panicked as if she had missed the stairs.

What he brought out at this time was probably Chen Xiaomin's ultimate move.

She straightened her back, waiting for him to make a move.

Chen Xiaomin looked through the resume in his hand, "Xiao Lin, you have a rather complicated family background. Your parents have their own children."

Lin Yilan's heart sank, "Hahahaha, yes, but my brother and sister and I The relationship is not bad. "

Don't be the Liao family.

"Your teacher's name is Wu Congshan, and your teacher's wife's name is Li Elan, right?" After Chen Xiaomin finished speaking, he closed the folder and pushed the folder aside.

"It can be seen that your parents attach great importance to their children's education, otherwise they would not let your eldest brother study for a Ph.D., the second sister study for a master's degree, and you, the youngest, also study for a master's degree. So I understand how much you value academic work."

He said from just now Where the folder was, a box of cigars and cigar cutters were taken out.

"Well... I know your teacher's wife, and her father is a very good friend of mine. I will ask him to contact your teacher's wife, and then ask your teacher's mother to tell your teacher that she can take a period of leave for you. Do you think it's OK?"

He took out a match and lit the cigar in his hand. "As for the lessons you owe, I'll talk to your teacher's wife and ask your teacher to make up the lessons for you. How about it?"

The amount of smoke in the cigar is not comparable to that of ordinary cigarettes. .

In addition to the smoke from the burning cigar itself, there is also the smoke coming out of Chen Xiaomin's mouth.

Double attack.

The pavilion was filled with smoke for a moment.

Through the thick smoke, in addition to making Lin Yilan's nose, lungs, and head uncomfortable, it also made her unable to see Chen Xiaomin's eyes clearly for a while.

She raised her head and stared into his eyes, and saw a pair of inorganic pupils in confusion.

The whites of his eyes were red and turbid due to fatigue and age, coupled with his somewhat pale eye color, making people shiver.

She didn't know the relationship between the teacher's wife and her father, but she knew that the teacher's wife had not contacted her parents for many years.

If Master’s father and Chairman Chen are good friends, it means that Master’s father is in Hong Kong City.

For a while, she had some guesses about the relationship between her master's wife and her family.

Thinking back to what Chen Xiaomin said to her before, it was a naked threat to her.

He sent a letter to the school and asked his wife's father to call his wife. Maybe the teacher would come to Hong Kong if he got anxious.

No, that's too much trouble. What if the teacher is kidnapped?

And after all the hard work, she still had to take on the project.

"Grandpa Chen, can you answer me a question?" She stood up and opened the straw curtain next to the window to let the smoke out.

Chen Xiaomin shook the ash from the cigar in his hand, "You ask."

She opened the window, sat back in her seat, pretending to be curious about the elders, and folded her hands on the table, "Why are you in the resort?" Designing a church?"

Chen Xiaomin looked at the birds flying by the window and said with some emotion: "I want to apologize to someone. She is a Christian.

She was interested in you after accidentally seeing the news. Over the years, I have been wanting to build a church for her, and I have looked for many designers, but none of them had much interest in the design.

Until I chatted with you a few months ago, you said you wanted to use light. "

I don't know why, but I suddenly told her about our conversation, and she was indeed interested in your design. Later, we found a way to see the design of the Aizhen Memorial Hall from Ms. Qiu.

" When I saw the design of the entrance road to the memorial hall, I fell in love with your design.

"That's why I put so much effort into finding you to design it. " The position of person in charge of the Minhe Hengxin cooperation project."

He looked down at the teacup, "Otherwise, what does asking you to design the church have to do with the Hengxin and Xingmin projects?"

These words moved the listener and the speaker. Feeling.

Lin Yilan couldn't help but shake her head, her eyes filled with water as if she was moved.

"You are so..."

"So this church is designed for a woman?"

Chen Xiaomin nodded, "Give it to my wife."

Lin Yilan clasped her hands together and crossed her fingers, "The relationship between you and your wife sounds really touching. "I am very moved."

"Because of your feelings for your wife, I will definitely accept this project."

"But Grandpa Chen, since you are a friend of my grandparents, you don't have to cooperate with the two parties for this church." The position of project leader is gone."

Chen Xiaomin waved his hand, "No, how can I take advantage of the junior?"

"But I am very happy if you agree to take over the design. It depends on you. It's decided."

"It's getting late. You should think carefully. I won't delay your date with Yan Jiayue. If you ruin your relationship, you will be struck by lightning."

He said while twirling the cigar on the ashtray. He was buried in the ashtray and left the pavilion without giving Lin Yilan a chance to speak.

Seeing Chen Xiaomin leaving, Lin Yilan quickly stood up and saw him off, "Grandpa Chen, I'm sorry to trouble you today. Please walk slowly."

When he left the pavilion, her shoulders slumped and she sighed heavily.

It's really annoying to talk to someone like Chen Xiaomin. Not only do you have to guess what he wants to say, but you also have to act in front of him.

Based on what he just said about his wife, and his refusal to let her separate the Xingmin and Hengxin cooperation project from the church design, she could guess what he was probably planning in his mind.

As far as she knows about Chen Xiaomin now, he has more than one wife at all, and the number of wives he has married into his family is no less than that of Pei Yan's grandfather.

Not to mention, he is an 80-year-old man who still appears in entertainment tabloids from time to time, either with his secretary or some "confidant".

No matter how old he is, he can be the father or grandfather of those girls.

How can such a rotten person have the right to be affectionate?

She was really disgusted just now.

As for the cooperation project between Hengxin and Xingmin, she didn't understand what he wanted from her.

It was definitely not the way she thought before, scheming against the Pei Yan family through her. Because of the expressions on the Pei Yan family's faces when they came out of the pavilion after talking to Chen Xiaomin just now, she estimated that even without her, the Pei Yan family would have to fight for the person in charge of this cooperation project.

So what is there in her that is worthy of being plotted by a billionaire?

She couldn't figure it out no matter how hard she tried, so she rubbed her head and walked out of the pavilion.

"Are you out?"

Looking at the Pei Yan family standing in front of them, Lin Yilan nodded.

He seemed to have adjusted his mood, but unfortunately she was depressed now.

The Pei Yan family looked at the limp Lin Yilan and didn't know what to say to comfort her, so they had to pat her on the shoulder.

"Tell me if you need my help."

Lin Yilan nodded and said, "I've finished meeting with Chairman Chen. Let's go back. I'm a little tired."

Pei Yan's family was relieved to see her cheer up. The tone was, "Okay, I happen to be a little tired too."

The two looked at each other, sighed in unison, and then laughed because of the sigh.

"Let's go!" Lin Yilan made a forward motion.

Pei Yanjia quickly followed her.

They all had a tacit understanding not to ask what Chen Xiaomin said to the other party, because they all knew that if she/he wanted to say something, they would say it without asking.

When the two found Gary, he was watching his watch spinning in the room.

This was the first time since he became the Pei Yan family's assistant that the Pei Yan family disappeared for so long without him knowing anything.

Seeing Gary who was so anxious that sweat was pouring from his forehead, Lin Yilan quickly stepped forward and said hello.

"We're back."

Gary took out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead, "Mr. Pei, Miss Lin, you are finally back."

This resort is so remote, and there doesn't seem to be many security guards. Who knows if you will run out of money? The kidnapper attacked Mr. Pei because he had no money.

Fortunately, Mr. Pei came back safe and sound.

Lin Yilan watched Gary rush to Pei Yan's house, checking whether he was injured like a worried mother.

She couldn't help but tsk twice, it was indeed a port city at this time.

If the boss disappears and there is no news for three hours, you have to worry about whether he has been kidnapped.

The Pei Yan family waited patiently for Gary to finish the inspection before asking, "Is the car ready?"

Gary nodded, "Okay, the driver and I will take turns guarding the car. You don't have to worry about safety. We'll go there now."

Get in the car . , Lin Yilan leaned on the back of the car seat and sighed.

Then she slowly closed her eyes again, she was now physically and mentally exhausted.

After a while, she felt the wheel pass over a speed bump, and she opened her mouth and asked: "Pei Yanjia, are you planning to participate in the competition for the person in charge of the cooperation project between Hengxin and Xingmin?"

Pei Yanjia turned to look at her, "Yes, I'm here Think about it. I'm really sorry that I didn't hold on. After hearing what Mr. Chen said, I decided to go back to Hengxin. I hope you won't be angry. "

What's wrong with me?" Not only did you change your mind temporarily, but I also promised him to take over the church project."

She opened her eyes, turned in the direction of Pei Yan's house, and blinked in an effort to look energetic.

"So Mr. Pei, shall we cooperate?" She extended her right hand and waved it in front of Pei Yan's house.

Pei Yanjia turned to look at her, showing a crooked smile, and then held her hand, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity to cooperate."

Gary glanced at the person sitting in the back seat through the rearview mirror of the car. The two of them looked at each other, so what happened? After they agreed, they still looked full of resentment.

Lin Yilan ignored Gary's voyeuristic gaze. She moved closer to Pei Yan's house and lowered her voice.

"I have something to ask you. Is it convenient now?"

The Peiyan family knew what she was worried about. "Tell me, they are very tight-lipped."

Gary also made a zipper gesture with his mouth in cooperation.

"I always feel that Chairman Chen is scheming something through us? Do you feel this way?" Lin Yilan touched her chin and stared blankly, "Why did he involve you and me in this cooperation between Hengxin and Xingmin?" "In the project?"

Pei Yanjia looked at her apologetically, "There may be two reasons for involving you in the project. One is that you may be implicated by me, and the other may be related to the owner of the land where they are doing the project.

Lin Yilan became interested, and she turned to look at him with interest, "Why do you say that?" Pei

Yanjia waved to Gary, "Give Mr. Li's personal information to Miss Lin."

Gary nodded, picked it up and put it down. He took out a document bag from the briefcase on his leg, turned around and handed it to Lin Yilan.

After Lin Yilan took it, she immediately opened it and started reading.

When she was looking at the information, Pei Yanjia continued: "My grandfather and Mr. Chen are said to be friends, but they are actually just for the media. Hengxin and Xingmin actually have a lot of overlapping businesses. These dozen Since Hengxin's development momentum has been good, it has gradually taken away many projects from Xingmin.

If Xingmin had not opened up several new business lines, Xingmin might not be able to breathe now, let alone Hengxin. " Compared."

"You must know that Xingmin was the one that developed better at the beginning. As a result, Hengxin has surpassed Xingmin and the momentum is getting better and better. Do you think Mr. Chen is a person who admits defeat?"

, he said meaningfully.

Lin Yilan thought of an economic commentary she had seen before, "Did the decline of Xingmin back then be due to the infighting of the Chen family?"

The Pei Yan family nodded and raised their eyebrows, "I didn't expect you all knew about this. It seems that the Chen family The scandal was quite big."

"Actually, there was internal fighting in our family at that time, but my grandfather was much more cruel and ruthless in his treatment of his children and grandchildren, so the group of people who were fighting among themselves were quickly eliminated by me. Grandpa suppressed it and kicked out the group."

He didn't know what he thought of, his expression was a little sad, "Hengxin didn't suffer any losses because of this,"

Lin Yilan said clearly . She seemed to know what Chen Xiaomin wanted to do.

"Does he want what happened many years ago to happen again? Use this project to stir up internal strife in your Pei family and thereby attack Hengxin?"

The Pei Yan family sighed, "You react pretty quickly, how about that? Guess why Chen Xiaomin wants you to be associated with this project?"

With this tone, Lin Yilan rolled her eyes.

Although her business sensitivity and knowledge are indeed not as good as those of the Pei Yan family, but...

well, there is no but.

She seriously thought about this problem of Pei Yan's family.

"Because of your grandfather's recent attitude, he discovered this opportunity?" she said tentatively.

Seeing no reaction from Pei Yan's family, she continued, "If I'm not involved in this project and you compete for the project leader, your grandfather will remain neutral and won't help anyone."

"But if I'm involved, then It’s different. I will definitely support you, which means that this election is unfair in your grandfather’s eyes. Plus, he has problems with you recently, so he will find ways to help others.”

The more she spoke, the smoother she became, and her thoughts became clearer.

"At this time, Chairman Chen can use my name to help you. When your grandfather sees this situation, he will definitely try his best to help your competitors."

She made a fist with her right hand and hammered the palm of her left hand heavily. "Chairman Chen, does he regard us as a rope for tug-of-war with your grandfather?!"

The Pei Yan family laughed and clapped their hands, shaking their heads in praise, "You guessed it right, you are really getting better and better."

She did not hesitate just now The words, stand on your own, made him feel elated.

After Gary saw the smiles of Pei Yanjia in the rearview mirror of the car, he coughed a few times.

Boss, the corners of your mouth are grinning to the back of your ears.

Look at how worthless you are!

After Pei Yanjia and Gary looked at each other in the rearview mirror of the car, they immediately realized that his expression was out of control and quickly stopped smiling.

Lin Yilan saw that he didn't speak, his mouth seemed to be twitching, and he was smiling and not smiling, so she had no choice but to push his shoulder.

"Mr. Pei, what are you going to do?"