chapter 15 Meet again

Upon hearing her question, Clark Gu suppressed his smile and responded seriously, "I've been working on solving this issue." Ja Jiang furrowed her brow as she looked at him, waiting for him to continue. "Recently, I've been in touch with a herbal supplier and we've discussed the possibility of a long-term partnership. We're just a step away from signing the contract, and that's scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The reason we faced so many difficulties earlier was due to the institute was in the construction phase initially, with various complexities to address, and an unstable staff situation. Only recently have things stabilized. Furthermore, in Hai City, most of the herbal supplies are monopolized by big players, and they are not very willing to provide to newcomers. Add to that the fact that we are relatively unknown, and many suppliers were intentionally raising prices. This led to us spending quite some time negotiating and finally getting to this point." Clark briefly explained the situation, and while it might sound simple, as a researcher, he had indeed faced many challenges negotiating with these cunning suppliers during this period. Ja Jiang didn't need him to go into the details; as the head of the institute, handling such difficulties was part of her role, and she had encountered similar situations while studying abroad. After listening to Clark's explanation, Ja Jiang's expression softened. "You've worked hard during this period." Clark's lips curled into a slight smile. "Not at all, this is what I should be doing." She changed the subject, "Which herbal supplier are we partnering with?" Ja Jiang brought up the main topic again. "If possible, I'd like to accompany you during tomorrow's contract signing. In the future, I'll be responsible for the institute's affairs, so it's only proper that I introduce myself to them." Clark didn't object, "Sure, I'll call you tomorrow." Ja Jiang nodded in agreement. The two of them headed back to Ja Jiang's office. When they noticed someone still lingering behind, she asked, somewhat puzzled, "Is there anything else?" Clark smiled politely, "I wanted to ask if you're available tonight. Since today is your first day here, I've organized a dinner gathering to welcome you and introduce you to your colleagues." Upon hearing this, Ja Jiang's brows relaxed. "Thank you. I'll host it tonight. We'll be working together in the future, and as the person in charge, I should show my appreciation." Clark, seeing her acceptance, didn't dwell on the minor details and nodded with a smile, "Great, see you after work then." With that, he turned to leave, but Ja Jiang called him back, "Later, please bring the documents that require my attention. Since I have some free time now, I might as well take a look." "Alright, I'll go get them now," Ja Jiang said. Clark Gu quickly fetched the documents and handed them over. Afterward, he politely exited the office, closing the door behind him. Ja Jiang was now alone in her office. She took out her phone and called Ava Xi. "Ava, are you available tonight? Could you pick up Hale and Harlan for me? I have something to attend to, and I might be home late." Ava Xi didn't inquire about the details and simply replied with a "Sure." After arranging for the two kids, Ja Jiang turned her attention to the documents. She was engrossed in her work until Clark knocked on the door from outside, pulling her out of her tasks. It was already the end of the workday. "Time has passed quite quickly," Ja Jiang remarked as she grabbed her coat and got ready to leave. Clark smiled, "You were so focused on your work; it's normal not to notice." The two of them chatted as they walked out. After leaving the research institute, they got into Clark's car and headed to the restaurant. After about fifteen minutes, Clark gestured for her to look ahead. "We've arrived." Ja Jiang raised her gaze and saw an elegant building by the river, adorned with intricate dragon and phoenix carvings on its façade. This restaurant was called "Wangjiang Tower." Clark parked the car, and the two of them made their way to the grand entrance of Wangjiang Tower. Just as they entered, a Rolls-Royce pulled up by the roadside in the dimly lit night. Barry Lu stepped out of the car and opened the rear door. Andrew Li's tall figure emerged into the night, his dark eyes squinting as he fixed his gaze on the entrance of Wangjiang Tower. While they were in the car moments ago, he had unmistakably spotted a figure that resembled Ja Jiang.