136: 13th Rejection

The pomegranate-red liquid swirled gently in Su Ye's mouth. The tannins were light, and it was obvious that this was a vintage aged for over ten years. After slowly swallowing, Su Ye pursed his lips and inhaled gently; a lingering scent of black fruit and spices filled his senses for over ten seconds before fading away.

After letting out a long breath, Su Ye said slowly, "Not bad!"

Zhang Jing, sitting opposite him, had also finished tasting the wine and smiled, "To receive a 'not bad' from Chairman Su makes this bottle of wine worth it."

Su Ye smiled, then picked up a piece of suckling pig with caviar from the table and slowly chewed it. The first sensation was the crispiness of the pork skin, followed by the richness of the caviar, carrying a hint of savory fat.

Zhang Jing spun the lazy Susan and said, "Chairman Su, you might want to try this. The Poached Australia Wagyu at the Waldorf is quite good. Compared to the Sichuan-style poached meat slices, it's more tender and juicy, and the beef flavor is much richer."

After taking a small taste, Su Ye found it to be true. He then sampled every dish on the table before setting down his chopsticks, cleaning his hands with a wet wipe, and dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

Seeing this, Zhang Jing knew that it was time to talk business, so he hurriedly set down his own chopsticks.

Su Ye looked at Zhang Jing and said slowly, "To be honest, Manager Zhang, while the few people you recommended earlier were quite good, and I believe they have the capability to serve as the CEO of a large Family Office, they are still a bit lacking in my eyes. I, Su Ye, want the best."

Zhang Jing had been prepared for this. He wasn't the least bit flustered by Su Ye rejecting his recommendations and stood up to take a file out of his Gucci leather bag, handing it to Su Ye.

"Chairman Su, I went back and re-analyzed your requirements in detail. I dare say these three CEOs are well-known globally, and they will certainly satisfy you."

Su Ye did not take the file from Zhang Jing, but instead raised his hand to block it. "To tell you the truth, I already have a candidate in mind."

Zhang Jing paused, then put on a warm smile and offered his congratulations, "Then I must congratulate Chairman Su on securing a great talent."

After saying this, he walked quickly back to his seat and raised his red wine glass. There was no sign of dissatisfaction over a lost deal or the loss of income; instead, his expression was entirely sincere.

Su Ye watched Zhang Jing's movements and also raised his wine glass, saying as if making casual conversation, "It's just that he hasn't agreed yet. Oh, right, Manager Zhang, how is Baron Samuel Alistair Finch-Harper doing now? You probably haven't seen him for six or seven years, have you?"

Zhang Jing's usually steady right hand trembled slightly, causing the liquid in the glass to ripple. His eyes flickered, but then he smiled calmly, clinked his glass against Su Ye's, took a sip, and sat back down, saying, "It seems Chairman Su has taken a liking to me."

Su Ye took a sip of wine and spoke straightforwardly, "That's right. Ever since we spoke last time, I've felt more and more that you are the CEO I've been looking for. So, I had some people look into you. Please forgive me if there was any offense."

Zhang Jing waved his hand dismissively, "It's fine. This isn't a secret in our circle. Besides, in our line of work as headhunters, our backgrounds have already been thoroughly investigated."

Then he asked with some curiosity, "But—why does Chairman Su think I am suitable?"

Su Ye did not hesitate to praise him, "Manager Zhang, I am completely at ease with both your ability and your character. At least in my view, your achievements should not be limited to this; you need a bigger, broader stage."

"In terms of capability, you are absolutely qualified to be the CEO of a multi-billion dollar group, and you could handle it with ease. Moreover, your abilities are comprehensive; after all, your track record speaks for itself. In terms of character, to endure and compromise for ten years in a regional position in South China just for an old man who helped you during your university days—if I don't think such a person is suitable, then who would be?"

Su Ye said bluntly, "I used to find it strange how someone with your abilities could be in your current position. It wasn't until I saw your file that I realized you were already the South China Regional Director for Guangyao International ten years ago. Rising from a regular employee to an executive position in just five years is truly admirable. I believe that when you stood before Baron Samuel Finch-Harper at that time, he must have been very surprised."

Hearing Su Ye's words, Zhang Jing recalled that scene. Ten years ago, during the group meeting, when he stood before that stubborn old man with a full head of white hair, the old man had almost thrown his cane.

Su Ye continued, "Your excellent performance proved that Baron Samuel Finch-Harper's support for you was correct. Of course, you also brought him generous returns. Your contribution accounts for at least 60% of Guangyao International's ability to gain a foothold in Great Xia. Now, among the five regional directors in Great Xia, three are people you trained."

At this point, Su Ye leaned back lazily and spread his hands, "It's just that we didn't expect that after the Baron developed dementia, the successor of the Finch-Harper family who took over would be so foolish. They actually suppressed you in this position out of fear of your abilities. Of course, looking at the data for Guangyao International, you are indeed a genius. In the last five or six years, apart from the growth in the Great Xia region, business volume in other regions has shrunk by at least 30%, and they've even been hit with several international lawsuits."

Su Ye paused here, "To be honest, Manager Zhang, you give me the feeling of a foolishly loyal official from ancient times. You clearly have better prospects, yet you are struggling desperately within a decaying dynasty, trying in vain to patch it up and keep it glorious. Although I don't know what makes you persist, I think you have paid enough. Ten years of wasted time, ten years of your life—no matter how great the debt of gratitude, it should have been repaid by now. I think you can live for yourself from now on. What do you say?"

The private room was silent. Su Ye sat up slightly, holding his red wine glass and swirling the liquid inside, observing Zhang Jing out of the corner of his eye. He was eager to know what choice Zhang Jing would make when faced with his olive branch.

Accept? To live for himself in the coming days and build a career.

Reject? To continue being a foolishly loyal official? And to struggle to prop up Guangyao International, this decaying commercial dynasty on the verge of collapse?

Zhang Jing did not speak for a moment; his thoughts drifted back to when he was studying abroad in the Sun Never Sets Empire. He thought of the old man he met during his most difficult times, who had given him hope and warmth, preventing him from being left with nowhere to go in the heavy rain like a stray dog.