“Do you guys hate him?” Nan Chen really wanted to know.
Although one could never really guess a person’s actual thoughts, Nan Chen still wanted to know how the employees thought of him.
“No no no! We really love him.” The managers quickly clarified.
“Then why is he called a demon king? Aren’t demons evil?” Nan Chen asked.
“In Internet language, demon doesn’t necessarily refer to evil beings. It can also mean a super force, a formidable being.” One of the managers explained.
Nan Chen still wasn’t able to fully grasp that idea.
“Why do you guys love him?” He carried on asking.
Saying that out loud felt kind of mushy to Nan Chen.
“Boss is pretty amazing. He keeps bringing the company to greater heights, and we got increments in salaries. It would have been hopeless for us if a good-for-nothing was our boss instead……”
“Ahem……” One of the other managers pretended to clear his throat, hinting to stop the conversation there, in case someone got offended.
“Of course, Mr. Nan, you are pretty amazing yourself. We heard that your business operation in Africa is going well.” The manager attempted at an awkward salvage of the situation.
“Is my brother really that great?” Nan Chen still had doubts.
“Of course he is not all good. He is too fierce, which causes everyone to be scared of him, not to mention he is also super strict. I remember I pulled an all-nighter to complete a proposal last time, but he barely took a glance before rejecting it. I feel so sad every time I recall that incident.”
Nan Chen vaguely recalled that incident, but he wasn’t aware that the manager had pulled an all-nighter to prepare the proposal.
He was only concerned with the end results. It didn’t matter how much time was taken to prepare the proposal, it had to be reworked on if it was not acceptable.
“Isn’t being strict a good thing?” Nan Chen asked.
“It is. We do appreciate honest feedback so that we can improve.” That manager gave a genuine reply.
Nan Chen was relieved upon hearing that.
Although he did not need that recognition, it always felt good to be appreciated and respected by his subordinates.
Nan Chen dismissed the managers.
He went back to his own office but stepped out again after two minutes.
He drove to Cheng Xiangyun’s apartment. After parking his car, Nan Chen knocked on the door. He had brought along a fruit basket.
Even though Nan Chen had attended the Asian Economic Forum and spoke in front of world leaders before, he did not feel as nervous as he was feeling right now.
He smelt a familiar citrus scent when the door opened.
“Why are you here?” Ning Ran looked at Nan Chen in disgust. Her brows furrowed at the sight of him.
This got Nan Chen even more nervous. Did she see through my disguise?
“I just happened to be passing by.” Nan Chen handed the fruit basket to Ning Ran.
“Where were you intending to go?” Ning Ran picked an apple from the fruit basket, wiped it on her blouse, and starting munching on it.
Nan Chen was stunned. She ate the apple without washing it? There could be pesticides on it. It’s common sense! How could she not know? Did she think that the apple would be safe to eat just by wiping it on her blouse? Didn’t she know how many germs there are on the blouse?
“Dad!” Erbao ran into his arms.
Upon hearing the commotion, Cheng Xiangyun rushed out from the kitchen. “Wow, what made Young Master Nan Xing decide to grace us with your presence today? It is such an honor to us.”
“Aunt, seriously? Why are you being so polite? It is making my hair stand.” Ning Ran was annoyed.
It seemed like dinner was ready. The table was laid with a hotpot and utensils. Steam was rising from the soup.
This is too unhealthy. Dinner at such a late hour, and the soup looks so oily! Nan Chen frowned.
“Why do you look so unhappy? Did someone owe you money? What exactly are you here for? If you think it makes you so uncomfortable to be here, you are free to leave. Don’t ruin our appetites.” Ning Ran said rudely to Nan Chen.
Nan Chen was extremely unhappy about the way he was being treated, but he could only keep quiet.
He wasn’t sure if Ning Ran was treating him as Ning Xing or himself.
Nan Chen was actually feeling hungry. He hadn’t had dinner yet. The food smelt good, but it was too oily.
“How can you talk to our distinguished guest like that? It is our great honor that Young Master Nan Xing is visiting us. Please take a seat, Young Master Nan Xing.” Cheng Xiangyun was being overly polite, a stark contrast to Ning Ran’s attitude.
Nan Chen sat down at once. He had been standing awkwardly since he stepped into the house.
“Eat with us, dad. The hotpot mommy prepared is delicious!” Erbao joined in.
Nan Chen lifted Erbao onto his lap and stroked her hair.
“I don’t suppose Young Master Nan Xing eats food like this, right? Hotpot is for commoners like us, it is not like the usual feast you are used to.” Cheng Xiangyun said.
“That’s not right, dad brought us to eat hotpot the last time. He loves spicy food!” Erbao contributed.
“Really? If that’s the case, would you like to eat with us?” Cheng Xiangyun looked at Nan Chen.
“Let’s ignore him. We didn’t prepare his share anyway. If he eats, it wouldn’t be enough for us.” Ning Ran said while scooping rice into her bowl.
This woman is indeed very mean. Shouldn’t the guest come first? Nan Chen was fuming mad.
The more you don’t let me eat, the more I shall eat!
“Yes, I am happy to join you for dinner.” After making this important decision, Nan Chen stood up to go and wash his hands.
“Don’t you know you are already taking up a lot of space? Why did you suddenly stand up? Are you a pole?” Ning Ran yelled at him.
“I am going to wash my hands then eat.” Nan Chen felt aggrieved.
“There’s no need to. Just wipe your hands on the towel.” Ning Ran passed him a towel.
That works? Nan Chen thought. Didn’t she know that the proper way was to wash hands with soap for at least three minutes? You can’t get rid of germs by just wiping your hands with a towel!
Nan Chen put down the towel and insisted on washing his hands.
He was stopped by Ning Ran again. “Let the kids wash first.”
Nan Chen was confused. Didn’t she just say wiping with a towel was enough?
“The kids need to wash their hands to prevent them from falling sick. As for you, your skin is too thick and rough for any germs to penetrate. So, there is no need for you to be so cautious.” Ning Ran explained.
Nan Chen felt even more fed up now. Thick and rough? My skin is obviously smooth and delicate. Is this woman blind?! Or maybe she is just a habitual liar.
Nan Chen took a deep breath to calm himself down.
He waited for the kids to finish before he went into the toilet to wash his hands.
While he was washing his hands, Dabao stood beside and stared.
“Why are you not eating outside?” Nan Chen asked.
“Are you Uncle Nan Chen?” Dabao asked softly.
Nan Chen was caught unaware. How did he know?
Since Dabao already knew who he was, he didn’t want to lie to the child.
“Can this be our secret?” Nan Chen asked him back softly.
Dabao agreed, feeling very pleased with himself.
Just as Nan Chen was going to ask him what gave it away, Ning Ran walked in.
“Why are you taking your own sweet time? Come out quickly if you still want to eat. Otherwise, there will only be the dishwater left for you to drink later.”
Nan Chen was furious. This woman had been offensive from the moment I arrived. Incorrigible! Uncouth! Unforgivable!!!
