HPDBC Chapter 72 So what are you planning to do?
Chapter 72 So what are you planning to do?
When Su Chen walked out of the old street, his steps were much lighter than when he came.
Lin Muyuan waved to him from the alley entrance.
Su Chen didn't turn around, but waved to him with her back turned before stepping into the eye-catching sports car.
The engines of their sports cars roared one after the other, the huge sound echoing through the narrow alleyway.
Then, the two beams of light sped off in different directions.
Su Chen did not go home first, but went directly back to an office building in the financial center.
That was his office. When he entered, everything was as usual.
The atmosphere here always seems tense; everyone wears impeccably pressed suits and walks with a brisk pace.
Inside the elevator, several managers carrying briefcases were staring down at their phone screens.
Their fingers flew across the keyboard, occasionally exchanging hushed conversations, their words filled with terms like "tens of millions," "hedging," and "mergers and acquisitions."
It has a business-like feel to it.
When Su Chen pushed open the door to his office, a familiar feeling of suffocation washed over him once again.
The expensive aromatherapy blends with the smell of air conditioning, along with the oppressive atmosphere created by countless reports and KPIs.
He unbuttoned the top button of his shirt and sat down calmly in the executive chair.
"President Su? Didn't you go to inspect the project today?"
Assistant Xiao Zhao pushed open the door carrying a stack of documents, a professional smile on her face.
The pair of leather shoes touched the ground without making a sound; the movement was extremely light.
But when she smelled the lingering scent of dish soap on Su Chen, her smile froze for a second.
Xiao Zhao subconsciously sniffed.
A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it and neatly placed the documents in front of Su Chen.
"This is the latest progress report for the North District project, and also what General Manager Su Ang just sent over..."
"Call in the project leader of the old city renovation project in the North District, along with several key personnel."
Su Chen didn't waste any words, and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
"Now? But President Su Ang wants you to attend an investment evaluation meeting in half an hour." Xiao Zhao seemed a little embarrassed.
"Let them in," Su Chen repeated, his tone resolute.
He looked up at Xiao Zhao, his eyes no longer showing the hesitation he used to have.
Xiao Zhao paused for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, I'll go and inform them right away."
In less than ten minutes, five or six project team members stood awkwardly in the office.
The project team leader, Lao Wang, was a middle-aged man in his early forties with thinning hair. He was constantly adjusting his cuffs.
He was followed by several young people, each carrying a laptop or folder, looking ready for anything.
They looked at the "second young master," who was usually somewhat melancholy and even timid, wondering what was wrong with him today.
"Mr. Su, is there some problem with the demolition plan for the North District?" Old Wang asked tentatively, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
"We have already adjusted the compensation standards according to your wishes..."
Su Chen waved his hand, signaling him to stop.
He pulled out the official document from the drawer; it was the highest authorization letter for the North District project, stamped with the heavy official seal of the Su Group.
Su Chen gently pushed the document to the center of the table.
"Starting today, I'm officially relinquishing control of this project." Su Chen looked into the group's eyes, his tone calm.
This sentence was like a depth charge, exploding in the cramped office.
"I'm transferring all signing rights, execution rights, and subsequent commission quotas to you."
A deathly silence fell over the office.
Old Wang's outstretched hand trembled slightly in mid-air.
He looked at the document, then at Su Chen, and stammered, "President Su, what...what do you mean by this?"
His eyes widened in disbelief, and he even wondered if he had misheard.
"This project is about to yield results. Although Chairman Su has not given a clear answer, this is, after all, your chance to turn things around."
Su Chen sat up straight and leaned back in the chair.
"Turn over?" Su Chen chuckled self-deprecatingly, recalling Chen Feng's retreating figure.
"I used to think that achieving something here would be a turning point in my life. Now I feel that every second I stay here is a waste of my life."
He stood up, walked over to Old Wang, and patted the old employee's hunched back.
"This project was just something my dad casually threw to me to 'play around with.' He didn't care about the results at all, but I know you guys worked hard for a long time to get those survey data."
Old Wang opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"I've seen you sleeping on the floor in the office," Su Chen continued, his voice low but each word clear.
"I've also heard you argue with suppliers until your voices are hoarse over those few percentage points of profit."
My presence here would only allow this project to be labeled as "a way for the second young master of the Su family to gain prestige," which is unfair.
For the first time, Su Chen showed a sincere expression in front of his subordinates.
"These efforts should not be wasted because of my departure."
I have already transferred the power to you; I have signed it, and it's on the last page of the document.
"As long as you file this with the HR department, this project will belong to the Wang family, not the Su family."
My dad won't pursue this matter.
After all, in his eyes, the success or failure of this project was as insignificant as a pebble falling on the roadside.
He raised an eyebrow with a self-deprecating smile. "He probably can't even remember the full name of the project."
"So take it and make something of it; that will be your achievement."
It's not mine, nor does it belong to the Su family; it's yours.
Old Wang and the others had red eyes.
They followed Su Chen, and in the past they always felt that this second young master had no future, was hesitant in his actions, and had to put up with Su Ang's temper.
Unexpectedly, at the last moment, this "playboy" actually preserved all their hard work.
"President Su... what are you planning to do there?" Assistant Xiao Zhao couldn't help but ask curiously.
Upon hearing this, Su Chen's mind conjured up images of Mengmeng's two wobbly rabbit ears, a plate of steaming shredded pork with garlic sauce, and a small kitchen filled with the warmth of everyday life.
He smiled slightly, his tone surprisingly relaxed.
"I want to work as a waiter."
"ha?"
A series of synchronized gasps filled the office.
Xiao Zhao thought he had misheard. He rubbed his ears and subconsciously asked, "President Su, what... did you say? Is it an operations manager for a high-end private club? Or...?"
"It's in the old street, a small restaurant called 'Human Fireworks'," Su Chen said, emphasizing each word.
As he spoke, he walked to the coat rack, took off his suit jacket, and casually draped it over his arm.
"Serving dishes, wiping tables, and occasionally washing those mountains of bowls with others."
Oh, and by the way, I might also be ordered around by a little girl to sweep the floor.
Looking at the stunned crowd, he added:
"By the way, if you ever want to eat authentic Yu Xiang Rou Si (shredded pork with garlic sauce), remember to come and support us, but you have to come early, otherwise it might be sold out."
The sound of people gasping for air filled the office.
"President Su, are you crazy?" Xiao Zhao's face turned red with anxiety. He took a step forward, as if trying to stop Su Chen.
"The second young master of the Su family is going to serve the dishes?"
If this gets out, how could your parents possibly allow something like this to happen?
Isn't this a disgrace to the Su family?
"Xiao Zhao, thank you for reminding me." Su Chen patted his shoulder, her eyes showing relief.
He stopped and looked back at the spacious, luxurious, yet empty office.
I used to be afraid too.
I was afraid of embarrassing them, afraid of disappointing them, and afraid of becoming a "useless" burden.
I always wanted to prove them wrong, I wanted to show them that I could do these things too.
"But today I realized something—when I'm here working on projects that they 'look down on' with trepidation."
Living like a puppet to gain some vague, elusive approval—that's already shameful enough.
He turned around and gently placed the office keys on the table.
"Now, I want to live for myself for once. As for whether they're ashamed or not... that doesn't matter anymore."
Looking at Su Chen's back, Old Wang suddenly felt that the second young master's shoulders seemed much broader than before.
The melancholy that had lingered between his brows for years had also vanished completely.
Old Wang took a deep breath and solemnly bowed to Su Chen.
"Mr. Su, now that you've come to terms with it, we wish you... a happy time there."
Although I don't understand why you're working as a waiter, you're in such a much better state than before.
"Don't worry, we brothers will definitely be regulars at your place from now on! We'll be the first to object to anyone who dares to laugh at you!"
"Yes! We'll definitely go and support them!" Several young people behind him shouted.
Su Chen turned his head, waved to his former subordinates, and smiled brightly.
He strode out of the office, past the employees who were staring at him, his steps light and confident.
Su Chen returned to the Su family's quiet detached villa.
The marble steps gleamed coldly in the moonlight.
As soon as he entered, the old butler came to greet him, skillfully took his coat from his hands, and asked in a low voice if he wanted dinner arranged.
"No need, I've already eaten out." Su Chen changed into slippers.
"Madam is resting on the second floor. Master has not returned yet. Should I go and inform Madam?" The butler bowed slightly.
Su Chen shook his head and walked straight to the most secluded corner on the third floor.
That's his studio.
As you push open the door, the fresh scent of various types of wood wafts out.
Unlike the luxury downstairs, this room is filled with raw wood materials, wood shavings, and various sanding tools.
The cabinet displays all of his wood carvings from the past ten years.
There were curled-up withered leaves, rushing clouds, and some strangely shaped birds and beasts that exuded a certain spirituality.
He stood in front of these works for a long time.
These are his only solace over the years.
But in their parents' eyes, these were "playing games and wasting their time"; in their brother's eyes, these were "immature behaviors".
Su Chen chuckled self-deprecatingly and pulled a suitcase out of the storage room.
He crouched down and carefully picked up each of his painstakingly crafted works.
He gently placed them into the box, surrounding them with protective foam.
Next was the set of carving knives he was most comfortable using, each one polished to a shine.
Su Chen opened the wardrobe and picked out a few loose-fitting pure cotton sweatshirts and a few pairs of durable work pants to change into.
After quickly packing, Su Chen pulled her suitcase out of the room.
He turned around and took one last look at the studio.
A moment later, the dull thud of suitcase wheels rolling on the wooden floor was heard.
He looked around his magnificent yet cold home, feeling no attachment whatsoever.
His mind is now filled with images of the second-floor room, a place of everyday life.
Although the place wasn't big, you could smell the aroma of Brother Chen's cooking as soon as you opened the window, hear the neighbors chatting, and hear Mengmeng's clear laughter.
As he carried his suitcase downstairs, he bumped into Su's father, who had just returned from a social engagement.
Mr. Su had just handed his coat to the housekeeper, his face reeking of alcohol and showing signs of exhaustion.
Su's father frowned as he looked at the suitcase in his hand, then at the extremely casual hoodie Su Chen was wearing, his tone revealing impatience:
"Are you moving out again for a few days? Is it because the project in the North District isn't going well, and you want to escape?"
As Mr. Su spoke, he walked to the sofa and sat down. The housekeeper quickly handed him a cup of warm honey water.
"Su Chen, when will you be able to be like your brother, thinking of solutions first when faced with difficulties, instead of just hiding away and slacking off with your rotten wood?"
In the past, Su Chen would have explained with a pale face, and might even have locked himself in his room in depression because of this misunderstanding.
But at this moment, he simply and calmly pulled the suitcase down the last step and stood in front of his father.
"Dad, I've handed over the North District project to the team. They'll do a better job than I did."
I've already signed the papers; from now on, that project has nothing to do with me.
Su's father paused, his hand holding the water glass still. He suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing with anger.
"You're just giving up like this? At least you used to persevere, but now you can't even manage that!"
"As for me..." Su Chen tightened his grip on the luggage handle, not responding to his father's anger, "I found a truly 'useful' job."
"Useful?" Su's father sneered.
"What, your brother needs an assistant for his overseas acquisition, and you're finally willing to lower yourself and beg him?"
I told you before, as long as you're willing to back down, your brother won't treat you unfairly.
If you had figured it out sooner, things wouldn't have turned out like this...
"No. It's a restaurant on the old street that needs a waiter," Su Chen interrupted him.
The expression on Su's father's face froze instantly, then turned from anger to astonishment.
"Say that again? What are you going to do?"
"Washing dishes, serving food, wiping tables," Su Chen added calmly, "the kind of work those low-level people do."
Su Chen looked at his father's ashen face and his trembling beard, which was trembling with anger.
Su's father suddenly stood up, pointed at the door, and his voice became shrill:
"Su Chen! If you dare to leave this house, don't ever come back!"
The Su family doesn't have a disgrace like you!
The roar behind me dissipated in the night wind.
Su Chen didn't turn around. He pulled his suitcase and walked briskly towards the car parked by the roadside.
He knew that what he had lost was the title of the second young master of the Su family, but what he had gained back was Su Chen, who was on the verge of death.