Apex Predator - Chapter 12

Because of Uncle Heng’s statements, Shen Dai was restless all morning.

In reality, many things did not need to be mentioned because he is already aware of them. People, on the other hand, will fool themselves; they will negotiate, flee, get fortunate, and let reason and sensibility struggle continuously like a problem.

He needs to learn to be more reserved. He shouldn’t become Qu Moyu’s “troubles” at the very least.

“Shen-shixiong, laoshi asked you to go to his office,” one of his juniors interrupted Shen Dai’s sadness.

“Okay, thanks.”

Professor Liu Xi is a mentor of Shen Dai and one of the most significant authorities in the field of worldwide rare earth study. Shen Dai was chosen for the talent plan and admitted to Xingzhou, China’s top Rare Earths Research Institute, under his guidance. Shen Dai admires him not just for his contributions in academic circles, but also because he is a beta who broke through a mob of alphas.

“Laoshi.” Shen Dai entered the office and took Liu Xi’s teacup. “How many times have I warned you that making such strong tea is bad for your health?” You also use it to water the flowers all the time, dying one pot after another.”

“There’s not enough taste if it’s light,” Liu Xi said, pulling a manuscript from a stack of papers. “The investor meeting materials are well written.”

Shen Dai smiled and replied, “Thank you, laoshi.”

“Because it was written by you, you take my place and deliver the speech this time.”

“Ah?”

“Those people, the meeting time was changed for the third time, and my flight was changed again and again,” Liu Xi grumbled. Even now, the mine in South Africa is not finished. I simply cannot wait any longer. I’ll be going the next day. “I already told them you’d fill in for me at the meeting.”

“Isn’t it happening at the beginning of next month?” Shen Dai was perplexed.”

“Yeah, since you work on tasks every day, is there anything else you need to prepare?” You’ve already been to the meeting; simply talk about our accomplishments and future objectives. Many of them will not even comprehend.”

The investors’ meeting is an annual work report to the group’s senior management, important shareholders, and shareholder representatives. Their team receives hundreds of millions of dollars each year, thus they must inform the payers of their activities. This is a critical meeting.

This indicates that Qu Moyu, as CEO, will undoubtedly attend.

“… Okay, when will you be back?”” Shen Dai’s intuition informed him that this level would be difficult. During the investing stage, investors frequently purposely toss away certain unpleasant challenges as a form of psychological compensation. Because a sound could be heard if the money was just tossed into the water, however it was being thrown at scientific research that could be found anywhere and hasn’t yielded results in eight to ten years.

“I’m not sure. This mine has not proven its reserves, however the neodymium and dysprosium concentration is high. I’m thinking of staying for a bit. Your seniors are camping in Gansu once more. For the time being, I’ll have to leave this land to you and Zimei.”

“Okay, Laoshi, you can rest assured.”

Shen Dai has been working late these days in order to prepare for his speech. This was even scarier than his thesis defense. If he screws up the defense, it’s only his problem, but fouling up the investors’ meeting will bring the entire squad down. Despite his teacher’s advice to relax, he didn’t dare to ignore it.

Shen Dai and Qu Moyu arrived home at the same time one night — the two haven’t seen one other since.

Shen Dai nodded and said, “Hello, President Qu.” He reasoned that since Qu Moyu would not mention that insignificant dish, it would be as if nothing had happened. That is the case for what he stated while drunk and his self-assurance after sobering up.

“Did you come back so late? Was it overtime?””Qu Moyu inquired casually.

“Yes, there’s been a lot more overtime recently.”

“I heard Professor Liu asked you to give the investors’ meeting speech.”

“Yes, my teacher is in a hurry to go prospecting in South Africa,” Shen Dai joked. Please be gentle with me when the time comes.”

“You must confront not only me, but also senior management, shareholders, and shareholders’ representatives,” Qu Moyu said as he dropped his head to gaze at Shen Dai. “Be well-prepared, avoid stage fright, and say whatever comes to mind.” “Please accept my greetings.”

“Thank you, President Qu,” Shen Dai said, his heart warming. With Qu Moyu being so wonderful, the fact that it’s difficult not to admire him wasn’t a defect, but rather a strength.

“From the research institute, your team’s topic has the most potential.” The board of directors is quite hopeful and will not reduce your budget. It may even be expanded if exploration in South Africa goes well.”

“That’s great,” Shen Dai said, “my teacher is very confident about the mine in South Africa.”

Qu Moyu nodded and said, “Rest early.”

Shen Dai replied gently, “Good night,” and a flash of both sourness and sweetness rushed through his heart. Good night is not the same as good morning. folks often say good morning or good night to folks at school or work, but they usually say good night to someone close, giving these two phrases a misty romantic ambiguity.

For the first time, he freely said good night to Qu Moyu.

When he returned home on the weekend, Shen Dai brought over some veggies and daily essentials as usual, but as soon as he walked through the door, he sensed that the vibe was off. With a long look, Grandma sat on the sofa waiting for him.

“Grandma, have you cooked yet?” So I’ll do it.”

“There’s no need to rush,” Grandma said, patting the area next her, “come here and let’s talk.”

Shen Dai realized he couldn’t get out of this stage. He determined to speak the truth the moment he sat down.

“How did you get so much money and pay off your debt so quickly?”” Grandma shook her head, as if she couldn’t believe it. “When I received the call, I assumed it was a hoax. You mentioned getting a bonus the previous time you took me to the doctor. How did you manage to acquire such a large bonus?”

“Grandma, don’t be alarmed; let’s take it slowly.”

Grandma took a long breath and said, “Okay, we can talk slowly, but you must tell me the truth.”

Shen Dai gave a nod. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know how to tell you.” I was also concerned that you might become enraged.”

“Did this money come righteously?”” Grandma clinched her fists nervously

“Don’t worry, it’s absolutely righteous,” Shen Dai responded quickly. “Don’t make wild guesses.” This money was, in fact, handed to me by the You family.”

Grandma opened her eyes and said angrily, “You family?!” She despises You Xinghai to the core because You Xinghai destroyed her son.”

“Grandma,” Shen Dai murmured quietly, taking grandma’s hand and asking, “Will you listen to me?””

“Why did the You family give you so much money?” Grandma said, her bosom still fluttering. It’s not feasible. Why?”

“The reason may sound hard to believe, but it’s true.” Shen Dai offered a brief explanation of his need to fulfill the engagement for You Baiyue while concealing the identity of Qu Moyu.

Grandma remained silent for a long time, her grasp on Shen Dai’s hand becoming uncomfortable, but she said nothing. She silently wept tears a minute later.

“Grandma, I know you don’t want me to have anything to do with the You family, and I never thought of looking for him, but we really need money right now,” Shen Dai said, gently wiping grandma’s tears. This collaboration does not harm me; I can work and live normally while also paying off my obligations. We can even utilize the remaining funds to upgrade the house and pay for your therapy. This money has been quite beneficial to us.”

“I know,” Grandma said, “it’s because I know I’m unhappy.” These should not be on you. Although that thug is nasty, your father became that way because your grandfather and I did not raise him correctly. You are innocent, but you were forced to work and support the family. You even had to use a key life event as payment, which pushed everything back.”

“It’s not causing any delays.” We will divorce as soon as their collaboration is concluded, which should be shortly.” Shen Dai faked a grin. “Grandma, consider the positive aspects. All of these things are positive. The You family’s situation has deteriorated in recent years; they even have a son who makes them anxious. We stole his money and witnessed his misery; doesn’t that feel good?”

“He gave you ten million dollars, such a large sum of money, and all he told you to do was get a marriage certificate?””With a creature like You Xinghai, I’m really worried he has different intentions,” Grandma stated anxiously.

“No, he looked for me because he didn’t have any other options.” What else can he do to me now that I have the money and have spent it?”

“I hope so,” Grandma said, shaking her head. Then who is your… the person you married? What about how he treats you?”

“This is a stranger.” I haven’t even seen him in a long time. He’s courteous,” Shen Dai said as he massaged grandma’s frail back. “Our collaboration will not last long.” When we’re divorced, it’ll just be another chapter in our married history. Isn’t it a fantastic bargain that we pay such a tiny money to live a regular life?” Although the first half was a falsehood, the second half is true. The contract specifies a five-year term in order to completely secure Qu Moyu’s benefits. It wouldn’t even take that long. Soon, the one fake link he has with Qu Moyu will go.

“Don’t get too close to people from the You family,” Grandma groaned.

Shen Dai remembered You Baiyue and, in some ways, Qu Chengchen. “I won’t,” he said with a faint pout.

“Then…” Grandma stopped, “If you get married, will the other want you to, despite the fact that it’s cooperation?”

“No, I already told you,” Shen Dai understood grandma’s hesitancy. I haven’t even seen him in a long time. We don’t contact one other for no reason.”

Grandma was relieved just then, saying, “That’s good, that’s good.” Omegas are the most vulnerable to disadvantage. Whatever you do, you must set appropriate boundaries. “Learn from your father’s mistakes.”

Shen Dai’s eyes became darker. Nobody knew it more than him, because he had paid the price for the error. When he was obliged to use his life to endure the consequences of faults he did not make, he murmured quietly, “I understand.”