The next day, Gua One delivered a progress report of the conference preparations: the ships for voyage were already in place, various supplies were gradually being transported to this location, and personnel were being gathered. Everything would undoubtedly be ready before the arrival of April.

Shi Jin carefully read through the report, then called Zhang Zhuoyuan to ask if the date for this year’s conference has been finalized.

This was the first time Shi Jin had officially contacted Zhang Zhuoyuan in his role as the deputy leader of Annihilation. Zhang Zhuoyuan felt somewhat unused to the change as he privately harbored a hint of disdain for Shi Jin. 

He still remembered last year when Shi Jin was just a lackey pushing Lian Jun’s wheelchair. With Zhang Zhuoyuan’s status, he didn’t even need to pay much attention to him. However, now, taking advantage of Lian Jun’s illness, Shi Jin had transformed into the spokesperson for Annihilation. Everyone has to treat him with respect and they have to carefully choose their words when speaking in front of him.

What the hell, why does Lian Jun have to let Shi Jin handle these negotiations? Why not let Gua One do it? Clearly, he’s just a brat that has only recently come of age, still burying himself in homework on the sofa. 

He’s far from being worthy of the deputy leader position. He should honestly just stick to being protected and stop pretending to be a leader.

With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Zhuoyuan couldn’t help but be a bit indifferent and formal in his words. 

However, Shi Jin had no patience to play mind games with him. Seeing his attitude, Shi Jin directly hung up the phone. When Gua One saw this, his brows rose and the corners of his mouth curled up.

A few minutes later, Zhang Zhuoyuan called back and started a lengthy tirade. Shi Jin, once again, hung up the phone without giving him any face.

After being dismissed twice, even someone as clueless as Zhang Zhuoyuan understood that Shi Jin didn’t want too much “guidance.” He initially felt like ignoring him, but thinking about Lian Jun’s instructions, he reluctantly made another call.

“The date,” Shi Jin cut to the chase.

Zhang Zhuoyuan was taken aback and suppressed his desire to lecture Shi Jin. With a forced tone, he replied, “The New Year ended early this year and the higher up’s intend to hold the meeting earlier. The specific date hasn’t been finalized, but it’s basically set for early April. Make preparations to set sail by the end of March on your end.”

“Thanks for the information,” Shi Jin expressed his gratitude politely. Then, his tone turned cold as he continued, “Director Zhang, I can overlook your perfunctory attitude today, but there’s something I’d like to remind you. In the event that something happens to Lian Jun, I will be the next leader of Annihilation. If you continue to disregard me now, don’t blame me for doing the same to you in the future. Don’t think you can manipulate me just because I’m young. My temperament is not as good as Lian Jun’s.”

Zhang Zhuoyuan was startled and he nearly blurted out, ‘What did you do to Lian Jun?’ 

He stiffly said, “Mr. Shi, you’re quite good at making jokes. Does Mr. Lian know that you—”

Shi Jin hung up the phone again, determined to assert his dominance over Zhang Zhuoyuan today. 

Dealing with seasoned individuals in the political arena like him could be quite vexing. If you didn’t establish dominance from the first encounter, even if you collaborated later on, you probably wouldn’t get the maximum assistance and honesty from the other party.

“Bastard who judges people based on the dishes they’re served,” he muttered with a frown. Seeing Gua One looking at him, his expression froze. He silently suppressed his emotions and spoke seriously, “Prepare to set sail by the end of March. This year’s conference will start earlier.”

Gua One stifled a laugh and replied with a muffled acknowledgement.

Having sorted out the meeting date, Shi Jin silently reflected on his lack of composure. He then turned his attention to the towering stack of documents on the desk. Slowly, he rallied his spirits and reached for one of them.

—Even though Lian Jun had arranged for Gua One and the others to share these tasks in advance, they still had other matters to attend to. As the only “idle person,” Shi Jin had to contribute to the workload as well.

Half an hour later, he got stuck on a decision making document that was clearly beyond his knowledge. He thought about asking Lian Jun’s opinion but remembered his current condition. 

Suppressing the impulse, Shi Jin hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to call Shi Weichong. When the call connected, he awkwardly said, “Big Brother, I have something I’d like to ask your advice for. Regarding the integration of A City’s external business. I…”

On the other side of the Earth, Shi Weichong stood there holding his phone in a daze. It took him over ten seconds to realize that Shi Jin had taken the initiative to call him and was seeking help. 

After snapping back to reality, he almost lost his composure as he stood up from his chair while walking briskly towards the study. As he spoke, he said, {Is it about the foreign trade? I have a dedicated explanation in the notes I gave you… Wait a moment, let me find some paper and pen. Take your time, I have the whole day today. Feel free to ask any questions you have.}

On this day, Shi Jin spent his time reviewing documents, seeking advice from Shi Weichong, and processing even more documents. 

Neither of them noticed that this was their first extended period of communication without any negative emotions since the incident involving Xu Jie, or rather, since the death of Shi Xingrui.

After a busy day’s work, Shi Jin had dinner with Fei Yujing and then went to the laboratory. With the help of Li Jiuzheng, he changed into a sterile gown and entered the isolation ward to visit Lian Jun.

Lian Jun, who was awake, was leaning against the headboard while watching the news on television. He actually wanted to handle some work, but Uncle Long wouldn’t allow it, not even letting him touch a book. When he saw Shi Jin coming in, he quickly turned off the TV, extended his hand toward his lover, and asked, “Have you had dinner?”

Shi Jin nodded and, without holding his hands, immediately leaned over to hug him.

Lian Jun was slightly stunned but then gently hugged him back. He softly asked, “Did I scare you the other day?

Shi Jin shook his head and hugged him quietly for a while until he was sure that all his turbulent emotions of worry and longing had settled. Then, he sat up, smiled, and replied, “No, I just missed you. By the way, I contacted Zhang Zhuoyuan today and got the meeting date. I also handled half of the documents for you.”

“Very impressive. Did Zhang Zhuoyuan give you a hard time? And what about the documents, is there anything you don’t understand?” Lian Jun followed up on the topic. There was a smile on his face but little joy in his eyes.

“Zhang Zhuoyuan was pretty easy to deal with. As for the documents, there are some parts that I don’t understand. I’ve noted them down, could you teach me?” Shi Jin took out a small notebook and pen, looking like an eager student seeking guidance from a teacher.

Lian Jun watched him act as if everything was as usual. He lowered his eyes, gently squeezed his lover’s hand, and softly replied, “Okay.”

The two talked about work for over an hour and the atmosphere remained relatively relaxed. Eventually, Shi Jin restrained himself and packed up before 9 o’clock, preparing to leave.

“I’ll try to move out of here as soon as possible so I can be with you,” Lian Jun couldn’t help but call out to Shi Jin before he left, making a soft promise.

Shi Jin’s steps paused as he was leaving, then he turned around and hugged him again.