Chapter 119: It Is a Problem with the Design Schematics

The Yang Family.

Zhao Fan followed the guide into the living room, which was brightly lit, giving no sign that it was nearly midnight.

“I apologize for summoning you at such an hour, but there are some matters I must get answers to. Please, have a seat.”

Zhao Fan remained still. “If, Mr. Yang, you’re referring to the mall’s design plans, then I’m sorry, but I have nothing to say. I can only tell you that there was an initial discarded draft of the design.”

Yang Tiancheng’s expression shifted slightly. “A discarded draft? What do you mean by that?”

“Just what it says—something that can’t be used.” Zhao Fan added, “You’ve probably heard about this, Mr. Yang, given that the mall collapsed during construction once. It wasn’t a minor incident.”

Yang Tiancheng’s face darkened. “The mall collapsed—isn’t that because of...”

“Because of what?”

“External factors.”

“Why do you believe the mall’s collapse during construction had external causes?” Zhao Fan asked innocently.

Yang Tiancheng remained composed. “If it wasn’t external, then why would the mall collapse for no reason?”

“It was due to problems with the design plans. Fortunately, despite the collapse, no one was injured, so that counts as a silver lining.”

Yang Tiancheng’s expression tightened further, the reality clashing completely with what he had been told.

Bai Yongyuan!

Bai Yongyuan had the audacity to deceive him over this matter.

“Is there anything else, Mr. Yang? If not, I’ll be going now. After all, I’m still a student and need to focus on my college entrance exams.”

Yang Tiancheng offered a hollow smile. “True enough, but since you’re here as a guest, why not sit and have some tea first?”

“No, thank you. My family would worry.”

After several refusals, Zhao Fan finally managed to leave.

To show goodwill, Yang Tiancheng even had his driver escort Zhao Fan back home.

Soon, the beginning of the month arrived, and Feiteng Company disbursed salaries. Among the employees, some rejoiced, but Han Chen, after several rounds of discussion, finally managed to alter the game’s framework.

Simultaneously, a new batch of programmers joined the company.

Though Feiteng was still small, it had already recruited top graduates from the country’s first computer science class.

As the staff grew, a new problem emerged—the office space was insufficient.

Several executives gathered to discuss and ultimately decided to postpone the matter until after the college entrance exams.

Amidst this atmosphere, Zhao Fan faced the gaokao.

Endless hours of studying were about to be put to the test.

After three days of exams, while other candidates relaxed, Zhao Fan immediately turned back to the company’s affairs.

Mobile phone development, game production, software promotion...

All these intertwined tasks became urgent issues to resolve.

Fortunately, with reliable personnel managing the bulk of operations, most problems were nearly resolved, leaving only a few critical documents.

Zhao Fan spent three days addressing these details.

Then Han Chen brought up the issue of limited office space again.

“We need to find a new place.”

Rubbing his forehead, Zhao Fan said, “You all look for one. As long as it’s suitable, renting or buying is fine.”

Han Chen sat down with a grave expression. “I think neither renting nor buying is feasible.”

“Why not?”

“The company can’t operate in its current model forever. Renting works short-term but becomes costly over time. Buying is risky if we need to expand again.”

Han Chen smiled slightly. “I suppose, Zhao Fan, that since you’re growing the business so large, you’re not aiming for a small company.”

None of the projects currently under the company’s wing were small.

Resting his chin on clasped hands, Zhao Fan said, “You’re right. I’m not aiming for a small company.”

“In that case, why not aim to build your own premises?”

Zhao Fan looked at Han Chen steadily, leaning back. “Who gave you that idea?”

Han Chen’s eyes flickered. “What do you mean?”

“If I’m not mistaken, until recently you were fully focused on computers. How did you suddenly take an interest in company operations?”

“The company holds my shares—it’s only natural I care about its management.”

“At first, that seemed normal. Now, ha!” Zhao Fan scoffed, his tone filled with sarcasm.

“Come on, who’s been feeding you nonsense?”

Though his words were light, Zhao Fan was already pondering possible culprits. His thoughts shifted to Han Chen’s girlfriend, and his expression grew strange.

“Han Chen, is it your girlfriend?”

Han Chen’s face changed abruptly. He instinctively wanted to deny it but lowered his head before speaking.

Seeing this, Zhao Fan realized it was indeed Han Chen’s girlfriend, Han Yurou, behind it all.

Sharing the same surname, Han Yurou’s scheming far surpassed Han Chen’s.

Most importantly, whether He Xinwen was involved remained uncertain.

“Han Chen, how do you see your girlfriend?”

Without hesitation, Han Chen said, “Gentle and virtuous. She truly cares for me.”

“Truly cares for you?”

Zhao Fan found the question almost laughable—was it necessary to emphasize genuine feelings?

“Han Chen, do you believe that?”

Han Chen fell silent, his expression distant. Did he believe it?

“You don’t,” Zhao Fan answered for him. “Han Chen, open your eyes and really see the people around you. Not everyone is meant to stay. Enough—I have other matters to handle. I’m off.”

Leaving Han Chen alone in the office, Zhao Fan picked up his phone and left. During his exam preparation, Shi Wenxuan had been discharged from the hospital, and Zhao Fan hadn’t yet had time to speak with him. He needed to visit Shi Wenxuan’s current residence.

“Ah, Mr. Zhao, finally done with your busy schedule?”

“Are you mocking me by calling me busy?”

“No, just stating the truth. Have a seat.”

After his discharge, Shi Wenxuan had relocated to a quieter, more remote place.

He poured a glass of water and handed it to Zhao Fan. “What brings you here today?”

“Remember the tampered design plans we worked on?”

“I remember.”

“Before my exams, that design plan ended up in Yang Tiancheng’s hands, then—boom!” Zhao Fan made an explosion gesture, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Shi Wenxuan was aware of the mall collapse in the Yang family but unaware of the design plan’s involvement, leaving him momentarily stunned.

After a moment, he shook his head. “Bai Yongyuan is truly shameless, stealing and then handing over stolen goods.”

More importantly, he gave the stolen item to an ally, showing no fear of being double-crossed.

This reflected Bai Yongyuan’s arrogance—he believed he couldn’t be outmaneuvered.

Taking a sip of water, Zhao Fan said, “That’s not the main issue. I came today about something else.”

“Go ahead.”