Volume 1 Chapter 4 Some Information Is Confidential (1/2)

Han Changhong was at Han Co.'s building, at work, where he had just finished a meeting. The Vice President was on the way back to his office, but after settling down, someone had abruptly knocked on his door. ”Come in,” declared Han Changhong.

It was Assistant Tong. He swiftly opened the door, with no response, and entered the room.

Han Changhong sighed. ”Oh, Tong it's you.”

Assistant Tong didn't want to beat around the bush. ”Vice President Han, have you thought of a plan?”

The company pressure was too heavy for Han Changhong to carry himself. Strands of his hair had turned white overnight because of overwhelming stress, and a shadow formed underneath his protruding eyes. As his forehead wrinkled, Han Changhong retorted, ”I have decided to become the Acting President until Xiao Wei wakes up.”

Assistant Tong had felt a fog of distress build in his chest. ”Vice President Han, I see where you are coming from, but what about your work? Surely you cannot do all this work yourself. Overworking is not good for your health!” He blurted his thoughts out in one stream, but the assistant knew how hard it was for Han Changhong both mentally and physically. His superior's brother just had an accident and he could do nothing for him; no amount of comforting could bring him inner peace.

Han Changhong nodded firmly in agreement. He looked up at Tong with a face seemingly blank of emotion. ”I know that's why I have a request for you, Tong.”

Assistant Tong started wondering what Han Changhong had in mind. He replied in a resolute tone, ”You can ask me anything. You can ask me to do anything. If what I do helps President Han, I will do anything.”

”Then become the Vice President.” Han Changhong's face did not waver, with eyes completely fixed onto Tong's. His countenance was swathed in solemnity.

”Vice President?!” Assistant Tong cried. He couldn't believe it. He didn't want to believe it. Never in a million years had he thought to hear these words. Tong followed Han Ying Wei because he believed he owed his life to him. If it wasn't for Han Ying Wei's selfless, kind heart, he wouldn't even be alive. He felt as though it was his purpose in life to serve Han Ying Wei unconditionally, and he promised to do so; promised to do so as an assistant. The very thought of becoming Vice President turned him cold. He thought that he was unworthy of the title ”Vice President”.

Han Changhong exhaled, seeming to understand Tong's dilemma. ”I know that I'm asking a lot from you but, Tong, you are the only one I can trust.” He let out a weak smile. ”Xiao Wei would want the same thing.”

Assistant Tong let out a shaky breath. He hesitated before replying, ”Let me think about it.”

Han Changhong responded with a sense of growing urgency. ”We don't have much time, Tong. The shareholders and Board of Directors are putting extra pressure on me that could be relieved.” He softened his voice. ”They want you to quit don't you understand?”

The fog inside of Tong had cleared. He understood that he was loyal and wouldn't let anyone betray or harm the Han Corporation. That's why the Board of Directors wanted him to leave. Han Ying Wei was a strong-willed person, whose presence burned like the sun; no devotee could dare defy him. But Han Changhong was different. He was rather weak, like the moon trying to shine light through a legion of clouds. The shareholders and the Board of Directors could defy Han Changhong easily. They could even control him and use him as a pawn. However, Tong's obedience was an obstacle they had to remove if they truly wanted to put pressure on Han Changhong.

'Looks like I have to decide as quickly as possible,' thought Tong. 'But it's too soon and I don't want to make the wrong decision out of impulse...' Tong decided to briefly change the topic.

”I will give you your answer soon oh yes! Did you speak with Inspector Zhao Jie?” Tong half-smiled, feeling slightly bad at his decision to change the topic.

To Tong's surprise, Han Changhong replied, ”He said he would call me if he found something.” There was a brief moment of silence until Han Changhong's cell phone suddenly rang. ”Ah! speak of the devil.”

Assistant Tong decided that changing the topic wasn't so bad after all.