In principle, this matter couldn’t be discussed in detail.

Since Pan Baohua was no longer part of the unit, the organization couldn’t acknowledge anything he did… In principle, that was how it worked – even if Pan Baohua sacrificed himself, there would be no honors.

Zhou Cheng had long suspected that Pan Baohua was still working for the unit, just without his official position, moving from visible to invisible.

Previously, he thought it was because of Jiang Wu – that the organization had arranged this to protect Pan Baohua. But even after Jiang Wu was arrested and faced trial for his past mistakes and subsequent madness, Pan Baohua still couldn’t return to the unit. That’s when Zhou Cheng realized Pan Baohua’s “mission” was extraordinary.

Being mentally prepared was one thing; accepting Pan Baohua’s disappearance was another entirely. They had parted ways in Hong Kong just a week ago! The brothers had even shared drinks. Third Brother had left in high spirits, and now they were saying he was missing. This wasn’t the kind of disappearance that would normally alarm him.

“What exactly is the situation?”

The driver hesitated, but since higher-ups had instructed everyone to cooperate with Zhou Cheng, it would be difficult for him to assess the situation without knowing some facts.

“Three days ago, Comrade Pan Baohua was supposed to meet with our people and hand over something extremely important, but he missed the appointment! The item in his possession is crucial. Disappearance is the most optimistic estimate. Right now, there are two most likely possibilities: either Comrade Pan Baohua has sacrificed himself, or he has defected!”

Bullshit!

Zhou Cheng didn’t believe either speculation. Third Brother wasn’t the type to defect.

Money or no money, it made little difference to Third Brother. There was nothing that could sway him. Even Jiang Wu, whom Third Brother despised most, had been dealt with – what could make Third Brother defect?

Defection couldn’t have been a sudden decision either. Zhou Cheng prided himself on knowing Pan Baohua well enough – when they had met recently, their rapport was unchanged, and Pan Baohua showed no signs of anything unusual!

The organization’s other judgment was that Pan Baohua had sacrificed himself. Zhou Cheng refused to accept this possibility as well – he would rather believe Pan Baohua was simply missing.

“Pan Baohua would never defect. Isn’t that why you came to me, because you believe I know him well enough? He wouldn’t disobey orders either. He must be in trouble right now and needs our help.”

Needs my help, Zhou Cheng silently added in his heart.

It was always Third Brother helping him; now it was his turn to help Third Brother.

He couldn’t let Third Brother bear an unfounded charge of defection, nor could he leave Third Brother in danger without support.

Zhou Cheng didn’t want to hear these people’s judgments. “For now, let’s classify this as a disappearance. We need to use every means possible to contact him, find him, and rescue him! This is a rescue mission, not an arrest! I’ll accept this task on one condition – everything goes under my command, otherwise, forget it!”

“Zhou Cheng, we need your cooperation, mind your words!”

Zhou Cheng smiled slightly. “Then let me rephrase: if you won’t let me command, I won’t accept this task. You can find someone else who’s willing to cooperate.”

The wording was milder, but the message remained unchanged – his attitude was still resolute, though his expression was rather provocative.

“This is an order—”

“I know it’s an order, and I’m willing to accept punishment for disobeying it.”

Zhou Cheng was just being stubborn.

Zhou Cheng should obey orders, but a stubborn man didn’t fear punishment for disobedience – they had no way to handle him.

Zhou Cheng was right – these people had sought him out because of his close relationship with Pan Baohua.

Pan Baohua had mentored many people, but Zhou Cheng undoubtedly knew him best… After Pan Baohua left the unit, he maintained contact only with Zhou Cheng – no one else compared in this regard.

They had even met just a week ago.

Who else could they turn to if not Zhou Cheng?

These people finally yielded, reporting the situation through their special line, and the higher-ups ultimately agreed to Zhou Cheng’s demands.

…

“Zhou Cheng left?”

Tang Hongen usually wouldn’t return home for lunch, but since Xia Xiaolan and Zhou Cheng were there, he hadn’t eaten at the unit.

Xia Xiaolan nodded, “Yes, emergency task, he had to report back early.”

“That’s what it’s like being a family member, you’ll have to get used to it early!”

Tang Hongen’s attitude was fair; he wasn’t intentionally criticizing Zhou Cheng. If he had complaints, he would voice them directly, not speak ill of Zhou Cheng behind his back. He was just stating facts – this was the reality of being a family member, what else could one do but get used to it early?

Xia Xiaolan was a bit worried about Zhou Cheng, unsure how dangerous his task might be.

Seeing her somewhat dejected, Tang Hongen changed the subject: “How are things going with your work in Pengcheng?”

“I’ve given all the necessary instructions. I’ll meet with Teacher Mao again this afternoon. I don’t need to draw the construction plans for the new project – I’ll just discuss the layout design with Teacher Mao. There are people following up domestically, and I’ll handle other matters after I return from America.”

What other matters?

First was the originally planned building materials city.

In May this year, while Xia Xiaolan was busy passing Professor McCarthy’s assessment in America, ‘Anjia Building Materials’ opened their third and fourth branches.

The third store was still in Pengcheng, but the fourth opened in Yangcheng.

They could have opened more branches in Pengcheng, but Xia Xiaolan deliberately controlled the expansion speed, preparing for the future building materials city.

Another matter was naturally the sales returns issue for Qihang’s “necessity properties.”

Third was Du Zhaohui’s electronics plaza. When Xia Xiaolan returned to China, it wasn’t yet January – whether the electronics plaza would be profitable and whether Du Zhaohui could beat Second Young Master Du would be clear by then. Since she had taken 10 million Hong Kong dollars from Du Zhaohui, she naturally had to help him operate!

Fourth, Xu Jing and Ma Hai had been starting their business in Pengcheng for half a year by year’s end – surely they needed to show her some results, or did they think her money came easy?

There was also Luna to check on.

Without realizing it, Xia Xiaolan had spread her operations so wide. Fortunately, not everything needed her attention.

Xia Xiaolan listed each item on paper, making a plan, and checking off items as they were completed.

Seeing her worried and chewing on her pen, Tang Hongen suggested:

“You need a secretary now, someone to arrange your schedule and help you work more efficiently.”

Xia Xiaolan slapped her forehead, “That’s what was wrong!”

Xia Xiaolan hadn’t thought it through.

Why should she rack her brains thinking about everything herself? With a secretary, couldn’t all these matters be arranged properly? Even in her previous life, President Xia never lacked assistants.

In this life, starting her own business and often being away from the company, she had forgotten she should find a full-time secretary.

She needed a sharp, perceptive, diligent, and capable female secretary.

Suddenly, a name popped into her mind.

She knew someone quite suitable for the position.

Xia Xiaolan dialed Beijing’s number. Liu Fen and Grandmother Yu were still in Shangdu; she was calling to find Little You. Before going abroad, Xia Xiaolan had arranged for Little You to work at the clothing store, and after half a year, Little You had become a key sales staff member.

Liu Fen had also said this girl was willing to work hard. Little You was surprised to receive Xia Xiaolan’s call:

“Sister Xia, do you have something you need?”

“Little You, I have something I’d like to get your opinion on. Would you be willing to work by my side?”