Upon hearing Chen Yan's words, Zhao Xuan chuckled but did not directly answer his question.

He waved at the butler and pointed at the cup.

The butler immediately came over to Chen Yan and bowed, asking, "Hello, Mr. Chen, what would you like to drink?"

Chen Yan didn't know what he could drink.

So, he made the safest choice, "Water, please."

"Alright. Please wait a moment." The butler responded and then went to prepare the drink for Chen Yan.

However, with this interruption by the butler, the rhythm of the conversation swiftly returned to the jovial Zhao Xuan.

He looked at Chen Yan and asked with concern, "Xiao Chen, um... may I call you that?"

Chen Yan nodded, "Yes, you may."

Zhao Xuan nodded and, as if diverting the topic, said, "Xiao Chen, starting a company from scratch and bringing it to where it is today isn't easy, right? Have you encountered any difficulties recently?"

Chen Yan glanced at Zhao Xuan, unsure of his intentions.

So, Chen Yan carefully replied, testing the waters, "Um... It hasn't been easy. I've indeed faced some minor troubles recently."

Zhao Xuan made an "Oh?" sound and asked, "Can you, perhaps, speak about them?"

Chen Yan nodded and briefly explained the recent problems.

Essentially, his gaming company wanted its next new game to go global, so it required translators who were familiar with anime culture or gaming terminology in various languages. Moreover, having voice actors for localization would be ideal.

After listening to Chen Yan's troubles, Zhao Xuan smilingly said, "The translation issue... isn't difficult."

"Our group has always been involved in international trade and has resources in these areas. If you trust me, I can help you make contact."

"As for voice actors, although we haven't engaged in related businesses, I can still help you find partnership companies."

"I believe the terms offered will be fair."

"With the global influence of Zhao Group, the issues your company faces now or in the future can be resolved by ninety percent."

Listening to Zhao Xuan's words, Chen Yan did not feel happy.

On the way here, when Chen Yan was looking up information about this estate, he had guessed the identity of Zhao Ying's father: the family head of the Zhao Family's branch in Qindong Province. Within Zhao Group, he was a significant figure and a titan in Qindong Province.

Thus, after entering the door, Chen Yan had been on high alert.

After all, the man in front of him was not benevolent; the Zhao Family always prioritized the capable. Thus, managing a branch and a province's business worth billions was enough to indicate this man was not as simple as he appeared.

When Cheng Yan inquired about his purpose, the man talked about his company, which was already the most evident hint.

So, Chen Yan tensed internally and took the initiative to ask, "Uncle Zhao, are you interested in my company?"

A hint of admiration appeared in Zhao Xuan's eyes as he replied cheerfully, "Not me, but Zhao Group."

Chen Yan countered, "Why?"

Both were astute. Chen Yan was not asking why Zhao Group was interested in his company but rather why it had noticed his company.

Therefore, Zhao Xuan didn't beat around the bush and directly said, "Initially, several of your company's veterans were talents on loan from Zhao Group, recruited by Ying Ying."

"The internal mechanism of the group keeps track and records of these loans."

"Thus, your company naturally came under the group's radar."

As they spoke, the butler arrived with a glass of water and placed it in front of Chen Yan.

After bowing, the butler left.

Zhao Xuan gestured and then poured himself some jasmine tea.

Chen Yan's nose twitched slightly; the tea smelled of jasmine flowers. It seemed to be jasmine tea.

Jasmine tea was never high-grade or costly in the variety of teas available, so Chen Yan was somewhat surprised that Zhao Xuan was drinking it.

But upon further thought, in Zhao Xuan's position and with his wealth, he probably didn't care about the price or what others thought. Whether it was cheap or expensive, what mattered was what he liked.

Even if he drank tea at 100 yuan per gram, nobody would think he was poor.

As Chen Yan was speculating about Zhao Xuan's choice of tea, Zhao Xuan took a sip and continued speaking, "Then, after that, the talent loaned to your company came to a point where they needed to make a choice."

At that moment, Zhao Xuan also introduced Chen Yan to several individuals like Cheng Tianxiang and Fat Phoenix who could make decisions.

Then he said, "And the employees loaned to your company all wish to stay with your company."

"This situation, while not rare, also sufficiently demonstrates the potential and cohesion of your company."

"So, after initially investigating and evaluating your gaming company, the group wants to invest in your company."

Chen Yan frowned slightly.

Because he suddenly realized... he didn't seem to know any of these things.

He involuntarily looked at Zhao Ying.

Why hadn't Brother Ying told him anything?

Seeing Chen Yan look towards Zhao Ying, Zhao Xuan chuckled and said, "Don't blame Ying Ying. She actually didn't know about this."

"When she came to me, she said she and a friend wanted to start a business together."

"So, I arranged talent from the group for her."

"Unexpectedly, this led the group to notice your company."

Chen Yan nodded and then said, "But... I didn't know about the talent needing to return to report and make career choices."

Zhao Xuan looked at him with a smile. "Impossible."

"Think again."

"I discussed this with Ying Ying. Although I told her not to disclose it to you, given her loyal nature, she would have hinted at it."

'Hint?'

Chen Yan pondered for a while then suddenly remembered Zhao Ying reminding him about "Xu Brothers Film Company trying to poach Song Chuang"...

At that time, Chen Yan thought Zhao Ying had received some intel to give him a heads-up, so he began secretly investigating several of his company's executives.

And when he looked into Song Chuang, he found irregularities.

But... at that time, Chen Yan also found it strange but guessed Zhao Ying might have heard through some special channels.

But now, thinking about it...

Did Zhao Ying's reminder about "someone targeting our employees" actually mean Zhao Group recalling those talents?

So, was everything just a series of misunderstandings and coincidences?

And the real heads-up from Zhao Ying had actually been quietly resolved long ago?

For a moment, Chen Yan's expression became odd....

Seeing the changing expressions on Chen Yan's face, Zhao Xuan sipped his tea cheerfully, then said, "You must have figured it out by now?"

Hearing Zhao Xuan's words, Chen Yan came back to his senses and nodded.

"Right. Zhao Ying did give me a heads-up."

Though he maintained a calm exterior, Chen Yan became even more alert inside.

This man indeed wasn't as simple as he appeared to be.

He had everything planned out clearly, even calculating his daughter's personality into the scheme.

However... he was clearly representing Zhao Group in acquiring his company, so why would he let Zhao Ying give him a heads-up in advance?

That didn't make sense.

Chen Yan didn't voice his thoughts, but Zhao Xuan seemed to guess Chen Yan's thinking and laughed, saying, "Xiao Chen, you really don't need to be too nervous or cautious."

"Since you entered my home, you've been on edge."

Zhao Xuan slowly shook his head. "It's unnecessary."

He spoke earnestly,

"Zhao Group is vast, but because it's so large, not all the branches and segments share the same interests."

"The headquarters is keen on you, but aren't I keen on you too?"

"However, while the headquarters wants to invest in you, I think it's better not to."

He winked, "After all... investing means it has nothing to do with me or Ying Ying."

"But without investment, having previously helped you form your team, you'd owe me a favor. And considering Ying Ying is your friend, if we need help in the future, you wouldn't just stand by, right?"

Stunned, Chen Yan looked at Zhao Xuan.

Zhao Xuan, pleased with Chen Yan's reaction, then heartily said, "Don't overthink it. Zhao Family is too large. The philosophies vary."

"For instance, I prefer to focus on one sector, make it big and strong, lead globally, then create technological barriers and set technical standards to secure an invincible position."

"Some people think about utilizing Zhao Family's existing power to expand as much as possible, extending into various fields to form a diversified ecosystem."

"Whether it's taking a cab, reading a book, listening to music, or even buying a car, it's under a company owned by Zhao Family."

"Neither approach is superior; they're just different paths."

Having finished speaking, Zhao Xuan stood up and patted Chen Yan's shoulder with his plump hand, saying, "Enough, don't think about it too much."

"Let's go. Let's have dinner."

"I'm telling you, the chef today was specifically requested for you."

"Don't miss it."

Somewhat dazed, Chen Yan followed Zhao Xuan to the restaurant.

His mind nearly froze due to the overload of information.

While nearby, Zhao Ying, who had been practicing boxing, saw the two heading to the dining room and stopped her exercise.

She took off her gloves, threw them to the ground, washed her hands in the restroom, and followed them.

Zhao Xuan had indeed not lied; tonight's chef was truly skilled. The Qin Island specialty seafood he cooked was incredibly delicious, devoid of any fishy smell or earthiness. Even Chen Yan, who had grown up eating seafood, internally praised its tastiness.

During the meal, Zhao Xuan truly didn't bring up the investment issue again, as if he had just been fulfilling a task assigned by the group.

Chen Yan covertly used his internal headphones.

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