Although Ye Chen was almost certain in his heart that Zhang Xingguo was the contractor for the project, he chose not to ask.

After all, this was in front of the old secretary, Zhang Weimin.

If he brought it up and confirmed that Zhang Xingguo was indeed the contractor, given the old secretary's personality, he'd surely tear into him.

However, even though Ye Chen didn't ask, that didn't mean Zhang Weimin hadn't already caught on from Zhang Xingguo's tone.

After Yan Huaili confidently assured them the issue would be resolved, Zhang Weimin glanced at Zhang Xingguo.

"Xingguo, judging from the question you asked Ye Chen earlier, you know about the situation between the Seventh School and the Three Halls project?"

"Ah... I... I know!" Zhang Xingguo, who never dared to lie to his father, answered nervously.

"Don't tell me the contractor for the Three Halls project is your Yong'an Construction Company!" Zhang Weimin's expression darkened.

There was no need to ask—Zhang Xingguo's face had already given the answer away.

"Yes... I happened to hear about the Three Halls community project in the district, so I approached Secretary Qiu. And... well, I secured the project," Zhang Xingguo swallowed hard.

"You bastard! Do you have to take on every project? And with the teachers and students at the Seventh School so opposed to it, you didn't even tell me? Are you blinded by money? A project with such controversy, even rising to the level of public debate—how dare you take it on? Where do you get the nerve?"

Zhang Weimin didn't hold back at all. Even with Ye Chen and Yan Huaili present, he scolded Zhang Xingguo relentlessly.

"Dad, I didn't know the district hadn't negotiated with the school. If I had known, I wouldn't have taken the project! I passed it to my team to handle after securing it. They tried visiting the school twice but were blocked by the teachers and students. Later, district officials told the team to hold off. They thought it was between the district and the school, so they didn't tell me. I only found out today. That's why I rushed back to talk to you!"

Though nervous, Zhang Xingguo couldn't help but explain. He was used to being scolded by his father, so it didn't bother him much.

"You should be thankful your team didn't clash with those teachers and students. If things escalated, you'd be the one held responsible!" Zhang Weimin scolded again.

Even at his age, Zhang Xingguo didn't dare argue back. He simply remained silent.

"Relax, old leader. Xingguo didn't know the full situation," Yan Huaili intervened.

"Yeah, Uncle Zhang, he was just the contractor. He didn't do anything wrong, and he wasn't aware of the underlying issues," Ye Chen added.

"Fine, no need to defend him. He's always been a handful," Zhang Weimin sighed.

Sensing the mood, Ye Chen quickly changed the subject.

"By the way, Uncle Zhang, since you're back, I won't need to call. The municipal government has allocated land for the Yi Ren Ru Xue production park. I've already finalized the design and planning. I'll send you the blueprints, and you can start preparing for construction. Once I complete the land formalities, you can begin immediately. Sound good?"

"You already have the designs ready?" Zhang Xingguo asked, surprised.

"Yes, I'm trying to start production as soon as possible," Ye Chen smiled.

"Alright, send me the plans. I'll personally lead a team to survey the site and provide you with a detailed budget and schedule. I'll also organize the construction team to ensure we start as soon as the land's ready," Zhang Xingguo nodded decisively.

"Thanks!"

When Ye Chen left the Zhang family's house, the city lights were already bright. He had stayed for hours.

Back at home, his daughter Ye Youyou was working on kindergarten assignments with his wife, Chen Yinuo. She immediately ran to him.

"Daddy! You're finally home!"

"Mom's cooking wasn't good today. I want Daddy's food!"

She clung to Ye Chen's leg, looking up at him.

"You've spoiled her taste buds! She doesn't like my cooking anymore. What should I do?" Chen Yinuo laughed, shaking her head.

"No problem. I spoiled her, so I'll keep spoiling her!" Ye Chen chuckled.

He ruffled his daughter's hair. "I'll make you something special tomorrow, something you haven't tried yet!"

"Yay! Thank you, Daddy!"

"Enough cuddling—get back to your homework. I need to talk to Daddy," Chen Yinuo said.

"Okay..."

Ye Youyou pouted but returned to her spot.

To avoid disturbing her, Ye Chen and Chen Yinuo went to the balcony.

"What's up?" Ye Chen asked with a smile.

"Several trade companies approached us recently. They want to collaborate and buy Wuxia Cream at ¥650 per bottle. Also, several celebrity agencies reached out, offering free endorsements from their stars," Chen Yinuo said, amused.

The trade deals didn't interest her—Wuxia Cream sold well enough directly.

However, the free celebrity endorsements intrigued her.

"Which celebrities?" Ye Chen asked, curious.

"Second-tier influencers, male and female. What do you think?"

Ye Chen shook his head. "Let's hold off for now. We don't need endorsements yet. Wuxia Cream doesn't need them—they need Wuxia Cream to elevate their status."

"Oh? Are you saying they're not famous enough? What if top-tier celebrities offered free endorsements?"

Ye Chen laughed softly. "Wuxia Cream already has the power to attract the top stars."

"But honestly," he added, "even if top-tier stars offered free endorsements, I wouldn't take them—not even if they paid us."

His eyes sparkled as he gazed at the river's shimmering surface under the stars.