The cold air fills the brightly lit meeting room at the top floor of the Long Corporation. Attendees from both Long Corporation and Heng Enterprise along with Government officials filled the room. The Government officials were talking among themselves as the entire room was filled with the unspoken tension between Long Corporation and Heng Enterprise. Everyone is present in the meeting room except for the two main CEOs who are yet to make their arrival.
As everyone's waiting for the arrival of the CEOs, the meeting door opens as a black high heels enter the room. The person who just entered wore a chic black office suit which highlights the curves and cleavages. That person went to their assigned seat, placing her file down. They looked at the attendees present, greeting them before announcing as her bright red lips curved into a smile, "Greetings to everyone present, Mr. Long is caught up with something so I want everyone to be patient and stay calm till he arrives. I thank everyone for your understanding."
The room was once again engulfed in silence as everyone was so engrossed by the beauty of the person who just entered the room. A male employee from Long Corporation said, "Ms. Zhu Lian, it's already time for the meeting, we can't keep the officials waiting anymore. I think we can start the meeting."
Just as Zhu Lian was about to respond, the doors of the meeting room opened with a creak as a deep cold voice resounded, "Who dares to start the meeting without important parties?"
A cold, slender black suited person entered the room with a tall, strong build dark blue suited person following behind. Everyone in the room stood up, greeting the people who just entered with a bow, "Greetings Mr. Long!..... Greetings Mr. Yan!"
Yan Jiuheng's cold eyes landed on the person who just suggested that they start the meeting with them. He didn't say anything as he just glanced at Long Yuzhou for a second before occupying this seat which is across from Long Yuzhou's.
Long Yuzhou stood at the centre of the desk, politely accepting everyone's greeting. Before he could sit, he noticed Yan Jiuheng's gaze, understanding the meaning behind. His gaze as well fell on the person who just spoke, his eyes darkened as he announced in his authoritative tone, "Mr. Ma, get out of this meeting right now!"
Everyone in the room felt a shiver at his words as Mr. Ma quickly left the room without any protest. Long Yuzhou glanced at Mr. Ma one last time before turning his attention to the attendees in the meeting room.
Now that everything is settled, the presenter from the Government official's side came up to explain the project's context.
The project is termed as "Project-Recreation", which focuses on creating a serum which can make humans immune to various diseases and live for a long time. The idea, purpose are impressive but what makes it unsettling is the use of a dragon's essence. As the presenter mentioned the usage of dragon's essence, Yan Jiuheng couldn't help but glance at Long Yuzhou who didn't even waver as he looked so focused on the presentation.
The Government officials were proud of their suggestion as they looked at the presentation with pride. Soon the presentation was over as the session was now open for questions.
Yan Jiuheng couldn't control himself anymore as his cold voice demanded, "On what basis do you think a dragon's essence could be extracted when it's all myth?"
Long Yuzhou looked at him, while the presenter from the Government side explained.
"We will be extracting the DNA's from the fossils which are available and make them undergo some acceleration process before a potent extract could be derived from them."
Yan Jiuheng listened intently but he couldn't bring himself to agree to it. As Yan Jiuheng was perplexed about the suggestion, Long Yuzhou announced, "Officials, I would like to propose Ms. Zhu Lian is the lead for this project as she excels not just in pharmacology but also in anthropology and paleaontology. I think she could be the best fit for your proposed idea"
Zhu Lian stands up to acknowledge his suggestion. Everyone cheers for Zhu Lian as Yan Jiuheng's cold gaze falls on Zhu Lian for the first time. He notices his doe shaped hazel eyes, bright red lips, wavy blonde hair. He couldn't help but admit that she looks attractive. He quickly averted his gaze, turning it back to the presentation.
The Government officials congratulated Long Yuzhou and Zhu Lian before turning to Yan Jiuheng waiting for his agreement. Yan Jiuheng thought for a moment, glancing between Long Yuzhou and Zhu Lian before announcing, "Since this project holds high significance, I'll directly be involved in it to ensure its completeness."
A spark of shock appeared in Long Yuzhou's eyes as everyone cheered and congratulated Yan Jiuheng. Zhu Lian glared at him, her hatred clearly visible in her eyes. The Government officials were so glad as they gestured to Long Yuzhou and Yan Jiuheng to come to the centre to sign the merger.
Long Yuzhou and Yan Jiuheng stood side by side as they signed the merger. Yan Jiuheng is a head shorter than Long Yuzhou but far colder than him. Once the merger was signed both Long Yuzhou and Yan Jiuheng shook hands with the officials before turning to each other. Long Yuzhou offered his hands to Yan Jiuheng who shook it but their smile earlier disappeared as a complex expression appeared on Yan Jiuheng's face while Long Yuzhou maintained his dominant attitude.
Soon the meeting ended as the Government officials were escorted out, leaving behind Long Yuzhou, Yan Jiuheng and Zhu Lian. Zhu Lian completely ignored Yan Jiuheng as she turned towards Long Yuzhou expressing her gratitude.
"Mr.Long, thank you so much for giving me such an important role in this project. I'll work hard and won't disappoint your hope in me."
Long Yuzhou nodded as he politely dismissed her words, "Don't thank me. I just suggested you to them because I know you will be best suited for it."
He turned towards Yan Jiuheng, introducing her, "Mr. Yan, this is Zhu Lian. One of the hardworking people who has great expertise in various fields. As you two will be working together on this project, I hope you both will get along well in future."
Zhu Lian subtly rolled her eyes at his words before saying with a charming smile, "Mr. Yan, I have heard a lot about you. I'm happy to work with you. Let's make this project a great success."
She said as she offered her hands to Yan Jiuheng who acknowledged her words before dismissing her coldly, "I want to talk with Mr. Long about something privately"
Long Yuzhou looked at Zhu Lian, saying in a gentle tone"Ms. Lian, let's continue any discussions later. If you may give us some privacy"
Zhu Lian nodded before excusing herself, leaving them both alone in the meeting room. The doors of the meeting room shut as Zhu Lian went out. The air inside the meeting room was heavy as both Long Yuzhou and Zhu Lian faced each other.
No one spoke for a long time as they let the silence prevail over them.
Long Yuzhou was the first to give in as he broke the silence, "what do you want to know?"
Yan Jiuheng was so angered by his words that his amber eyes started flickering to golden orange.
"You really don't have any idea what I want to know?" He asked as he glared at Long Yuzhou.
Long Yuzhou was not frightened by him as he said, "I previously knew about the usage of dragon's essence and knew that Government officials have some ulterior motives with this project..."
Before he could continue Yan Jiuheng barked, "If you previously knew it then why did you agree to it? If I had known it earlier I wouldn't have agreed to sign this merger with you. If any harm happens to anyone like us because of this project, don't think I'll stay calm and continue this project"
Long Yuzhou moved closer to Yan Jiuheng, placing his hands on his shoulder to calm him down while saying, "Jiuheng, calm down! Don't get worked up so much. I know what I'm doing. I won't let anything happen to our people. I agreed to it because to keep an eye on the Government and safeguard our people from them. If the Government really have such ulterior motives, I'll be the first to destroy them before you could even plan it so don't worry much and go with their flow for now."
Yan Jiuheng swat his hands away sharply, saying with hatred, "This is the reason why I hate you so much. Acting all calm and high when the current situation might bring out tragic outcomes."
Long Yuzhou's calmness snapped at his words as he growled, "Just because I'm calm and listen to you once in a while doesn't mean you could run your mouth as you wish."
As Yan Jiuheng was about to retort back, he heard Long Yuzhou's phone ring. Long Yuzhou calmed down before picking his phone, moving a little away to answer it. Yan Jiuheng calmed as well as his eyes turned back to his usual amber.
Yan Jiuheng noticed Long Yuzhou's eye brows furrow as he nodded twice before giving some instruction as he hung up.
Yan Jiuheng looked curious as he asked, "Who is it?"
Long Yuzhou turned to Yan Jiuheng saying in a low cautious tone, "It's Liu Zhong"
Yan Jiuheng once again tensed up as he became serious remembering the incident before the meeting, "What happened to him? Did that pervert do anything to him?"
Long Yuzhou didn't answer him as he held his wrist before walking towards the exit of the meeting room, "Let's go meet them in the basement."