novelonline Chapter 1438 Ex-husband
Chapter 1438 Ex-husband
Chapter 1438 Ex-husband
For Qin Hao and Tang Jing, signing a three-year contract at Wukesong was not the end, but a brand new beginning.
In the following days, the two were even busier than before. In addition to completing other daily tasks assigned by He Han, they also needed to frequently go on field trips to the headquarters in Wukesong to assist them in building the online platform.
Tang Jing didn't complain about this intense work pace; on the contrary, she seemed unusually excited. Every day after get off work, she would meticulously record the new knowledge and experiences she had learned that day in her notebook, and she would occasionally pull Qin Hao aside to discuss certain technical details or operational strategies.
"You know what? I had a long chat with the marketing manager of Wukesong today. It turns out their promotional methods in traditional channels are so interesting..." Tang Jing shared her day's takeaways while organizing documents.
Qin Hao leaned back in his chair, watching Tang Jing's energetic demeanor, and couldn't help but chuckle to himself. At this stage, Tang Jing hadn't yet experienced the cutthroat competition of the workplace or the emotional turmoil that would follow; she still retained the enthusiasm and purity of someone just starting out in her career. She was like a sponge, greedily absorbing all the knowledge she could learn, tirelessly running forward.
"Oh right, there's a gathering at Ziju's house tomorrow, don't forget to go early." Tang Jing reminded Qin Hao while packing her things before leaving get off work.
Qin Hao stretched and loosened his stiff shoulders: "Got it. If you're not eager to freeload, you're out of your mind. How could I miss out on such a good thing as a free meal?"
Tang Jing shook her head. She couldn't quite understand her old classmate anymore. Despite being exceptionally capable, with proposals that even He Han praised, she always seemed unmotivated and lazy when it came to getting things done.
What's even more infuriating is that he often spouts nonsense like, "The amount of money the client pays isn't worth me wasting so many brain cells on."
But whenever it mattered most, he always managed to deliver a stunning performance. This contradiction left Tang Jing both confused and curious.
"What time will you be arriving tomorrow?" Tang Jing asked. "Zijun said dinner will be served at 11:30. If you're late, don't blame me for not reminding you."
"Don't worry, I set three alarms." Qin Hao yawned. "Let's go, I need to go to bed early tonight, I'm exhausted these past few days."
Tang Jing: ...
The next day, Saturday morning, Luo Zijun's house was already bustling with activity.
Early in the morning, Luo Zijun got up and started busying herself. She was preparing various ingredients in the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune, with a happy smile on her face.
"Junsheng, Ping'er's awake. Quickly get him dressed so he doesn't catch a cold. The flu is pretty bad right now," Luo Zijun said, poking her head out from the kitchen.
Chen Junsheng yawned and got out of bed: "Okay, I'll dress him right away."
After getting dressed, Chen Junsheng walked to the kitchen doorway and watched his wife busy at work. He gently hugged Luo Zijun from behind and whispered in her ear, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer? It's still early."
Luo Zijun turned her head and kissed her husband on the cheek, her face beaming with happiness: "It's Ping'er's birthday today, and Tang Jing is coming too. You know how much Tang Jing works, I need to give her some extra nourishment, otherwise her body won't be able to handle it."
"Tang Jing is so lucky to have you as a best friend," Chen Junsheng said, feigning jealousy. "You're too good to her, aren't you?"
Luo Zijun chuckled: "Then aren't you even happier to have me as your wife? I cook for you every day, do your laundry, and even gave birth to such an adorable son for you."
"And I'm here too!" Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Ping'er quickly put down his toys, ran over and hugged his mother's leg to assert his presence.
Luo Zijun and Chen Junsheng exchanged a smile, then picked up their son and said affectionately, "Yes, we are happiest with Ping'er. Today is your birthday, what gift do you want?"
"I want a Transformer!" Ping'er exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"Okay, I'll buy you a Transformers toy after we finish eating and go to the mall," Luo Zijun agreed with a smile.
Just as the family of three was enjoying a happy time, there was a knock on the door. Luo Zijun hurriedly urged, "Go open the door quickly, it must be Tang Jing."
Chen Junsheng opened the door and, sure enough, saw Tang Jing standing there, holding an exquisite cake box in her hand.
"Aunt Tang Jing!" Ping'er called out sweetly, opening her arms to hug her.
Tang Jing greeted Chen Junsheng, bent down to pick up Ping'er, and gently pinched his cheek: "Happy birthday, Ping'er! You've grown taller again."
"Thank you, Auntie." Ping'er hugged Tang Jing's neck.
"Your favorite strawberry cake," Tang Jing said with a smile.
"Great!" Ping'er cheered.
Tang Jing handed the cake to Chen Junsheng and carried Ping'er into the living room. She walked to the kitchen door and saw Luo Zijun busy inside. The cutting board was piled high with chopped ingredients, soup was simmering on the stove, and an enticing aroma wafted from the oven.
Watching Luo Zijun bustling around the kitchen in her apron, Tang Jing couldn't help but shake her head inwardly. She neither liked children nor longed for marriage, and she couldn't understand this kind of life where one revolved around their husband and children every day and devoted all their energy to the family.
In her opinion, it was unwise for Luo Zijun to choose to be a full-time housewife right after graduating from university and to place all her hopes on her husband.
"You're here?" Luo Zijun put down the knife in her hand and looked behind Tang Jing. "Where's Lao Qin? Why didn't he come with you?"
Tang Jing rolled her eyes: "I sent him a message first thing this morning, and he still hasn't replied. He's probably still fast asleep. He won't get up until the very last minute."
“You work so hard every day, it’s normal to want to sleep in a little longer on the weekend,” Luo Zijun said understandingly. “If you ask me, you don’t really need to come so early. I still have a lot of things to finish, you’ll just be waiting here.”
"Look at what you're saying. Do you think I'm the kind of person who would take something for granted?" Tang Jing rolled up her sleeves. "If you need any help, just let me know. I may not be good at other things, but I can still wash and chop vegetables."
Luo Zijun laughed and scolded, "I can tell, you're just destined to be a workaholic. Working yourself to death at your job isn't enough, you also have to come to my house to do chores on weekends."
Tang Jing rolled her eyes at Luo Zijun: "At least I get to rest on weekends after all my hard work, but you don't. You're a full-time housewife, on call 24/7, 365 days a year."
"I'd rather face all these bottles and jars in the kitchen than the open and covert struggles in the office," Luo Zijun said while stirring the vegetables in the pan. "You have no idea, every time Junsheng talks about the backstabbing and infighting in his company, it gives me goosebumps. It's better at home, simple and peaceful."
"That's called lack of ambition," Tang Jing said, pursing her lips as she started helping wash the vegetables. "People should have some aspirations. Look at you now, besides shopping and getting beauty treatments, what serious things do you do?"
"Isn't taking care of children a serious matter?" Luo Zijun retorted. "Educating children is much more difficult than developing those business plans. Besides, what's wrong with me going shopping? I'm spending my husband's own money; I'm not stealing or robbing."
"Yes, yes, you're absolutely right," Tang Jing said with a laugh.
The two bickered as they prepared a large lunch. One was in charge of cooking, and the other was his assistant; they worked together quite well. Time flew by amidst their laughter and conversation, and before they knew it, it was 11:30.
Luo Zijun glanced at the clock on the wall and said to Tang Jing, "Why don't you call Qin Hao again? Ask him where he is so I can prepare to serve the dishes."
"Come if you want, or don't. Why make people rush you when you're already eating?" Tang Jing reluctantly picked up her phone, found Qin Hao's number, and dialed it.
The phone rang twice before being hung up. Immediately afterwards, the doorbell rang.
Luo Zijun and Tang Jing exchanged a glance and both laughed. Chen Junsheng had already gone to open the door.
When the door opened, Qin Hao saw a tall, bespectacled, and seemingly refined man holding a child, smiling at him: "Old Qin, right? I've often heard Ziju mention you. Please come in."
Qin Hao chuckled. This was going to be Chen Junsheng, the future "ex-husband"?
"Really? You must have said a lot of bad things about me, right?" Qin Hao joked as he changed his shoes.
Chen Junsheng smiled somewhat awkwardly. Indeed, when Luo Zijun mentioned Qin Hao to him, she talked a lot about his romantic escapades during college, saying that he changed girlfriends more often than he changed clothes. After meeting him today, Chen Junsheng had to admit that Qin Hao certainly had the looks to back it up—over 1.8 meters tall, handsome, with an outstanding presence, he was eye-catching just by standing there.
"Oh, right, this is a birthday present for Ping'er. See if you like it." Qin Hao took out a beautifully wrapped box from the bag and handed it to Ping'er in Chen Junsheng's arms.
Ping'er took the box and eagerly tore it open. His eyes lit up when he saw that it contained the latest Transformers toy.
"Transformers! It's Optimus Prime!" Ping'er shouted excitedly, clutching the toy tightly, reluctant to let go. "Thank you, Uncle!"
"You're welcome, I'm glad you like it." Qin Hao rubbed Ping'er's little head.
Seeing his son's happy expression, Chen Junsheng's impression of Qin Hao improved considerably.
"Zijun was being so polite to you, and you actually came to eat what was served to you. You didn't even know to come and help beforehand," Tang Jing said bluntly as she came out of the kitchen.
Qin Hao shrugged: "Consider this meal a favor. I'll treat you next time, okay? I promise you can eat your fill."
"You're going to cook yourself?" Tang Jing looked Qin Hao up and down suspiciously. "Can you even cook? Don't blow up the kitchen."
"Who do you think you are?" Qin Hao raised an eyebrow: "I guarantee you'll lick the plates clean, and you'll want more after you've eaten."
"Bullshit." Tang Jing scoffed. "If you can cook, pigs will fly. I still remember how you couldn't even cook instant noodles properly back in college and almost burned down your dorm."
"That's all ancient history," Qin Hao said without changing his expression. "You should look at someone with new eyes after three days of separation, don't you understand?"
Just as the two were bickering, Luo Zijun's voice came from the kitchen: "Junsheng, come and help me bring out the dishes. The soup is ready, we can eat now!"
Soon, a large table of sumptuous dishes was served. Braised pork belly, steamed sea bass, sweet and sour pork ribs, garlic broccoli, corn and pork rib soup... every dish was delicious and visually appealing, showing that Luo Zijun had put in a lot of effort.
When they sat down, Luo Zijun deliberately made Tang Jing sit next to Qin Hao. Tang Jing glared at her, but didn't say anything and obediently sat down.
"Come on, let's raise our glasses and wish our little birthday star Ping'er a happy birthday and happiness every day!" Chen Junsheng, as the host, took the lead in raising his glass.
Qin Hao, Tang Jing, and Luo Zijun also raised their glasses. The four glasses clinked gently in the air, making a crisp sound.
"Me too!" Ping'er joined in the fun, holding up her small cup—which was filled with juice.
"Yes, and our Ping'er too." Luo Zijun smiled and clinked glasses with her son: "Happy birthday, baby."
"You really love joining in the fun." Tang Jing couldn't help but laugh as she looked at Ping'er's serious little face.
Everyone started eating. Luo Zijun's cooking skills were indeed excellent; every dish was authentically prepared. Qin Hao praised her as he ate, "Zijun, your cooking is amazing! It's better than many restaurants outside."
"That's right, I even took cooking classes," Luo Zijun said proudly. "If you're going to do something, you have to do it the best. That's my motto."
Qin Hao looked at Chen Junsheng with a half-smile: "Old Chen is lucky to have married such a virtuous wife."
Chen Junsheng chuckled.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere grew increasingly harmonious. Luo Zijun glanced at Qin Hao and Tang Jing sitting opposite her, her eyes darting around, and said in an ambiguous tone, "Old Qin, you and Tang Jing are really destined for each other. Among our college classmates, you two are the only ones working at the same company, right?"
Qin Hao shrugged: "Yeah, who would have thought I'd be assigned to the same group as this workaholic? I should have changed companies. I'm under her watchful eye every day, I have no freedom at all."
"It's not like I wanted to be in your group," Tang Jing protested. "You're getting cocky after just one win? Don't forget, if I hadn't come to your rescue back then, you wouldn't have even made it through your internship. The proposal you made back then was full of flaws. If I hadn't helped you revise it, He Han would have fired you long ago."
"That's all in the past, why bring it up?" Qin Hao waved his hand: "People should know how to look forward."
"I'm just reminding you not to get too cocky." Tang Jing snorted. "I'll definitely beat you in the next project."
Luo Zijun watched the two bickering, a playful smile playing on her lips. She quietly nudged Chen Junsheng beside her, gesturing for him to look at Qin Hao and Tang Jing.
Chen Junsheng smiled knowingly and said nothing.
As they chatted, the topic turned to work. Tang Jing mentioned the Wukesong project that Qin Hao had recently worked on. Although she still seemed a little unconvinced, she had to admit that the project was indeed very well done.
As Chen Junsheng listened, he became increasingly interested. His company, Chenxing, also provided business consulting, though it couldn't compare to Bianti in scale. However, because he had been working there for a long time and was now the head of a project team, he could naturally appreciate the unique aspects of Qin Hao's proposal.
"Old Qin, your idea of integrating online and offline channels is indeed very forward-thinking," Chen Junsheng said earnestly. "I have a few projects on hand that are also researching e-commerce recently, but I always feel like I'm missing the key point. Could you explain in detail how you came up with this solution?"
Qin Hao glanced at Chen Junsheng. He didn't have any particular aversion to this "ex-husband." To be fair, Chen Junsheng was a decent man—hardworking, responsible to his family, giving all his salary to his wife, and never interfering with household expenses.
The problem is that Luo Zijun has absolutely no awareness of saving to mitigate risks, and spends money extravagantly. She buys shoes that cost 80,000 yuan a pair without hesitation, and has so many designer bags that cost 10,000 to 20,000 yuan that they can't all fit in her closet. She also frequently gives money to her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, claiming that "her mother raised her with great difficulty."
Chen Junsheng's annual after-tax salary is approximately 150 million yuan, but after ten years of marriage, his savings are only a few hundred thousand yuan. This gives you an idea of how extravagant Luo Zijun is. Faced with increasing workplace pressure and his wife's unrestrained high spending, it's understandable that Chen Junsheng might feel escapist.
His mistake was cheating on his wife with Ling Ling, a divorced woman with a son. This proves just how difficult divorced women with sons can be.
"Actually, there's nothing special about it." Qin Hao pulled himself out of his thoughts and began to explain seriously, "It's just about thinking from the customer's perspective. Wukesong is a startup with limited funds. If we follow the traditional asset-heavy expansion model, it simply won't work. So I was thinking, is there a way to both expand the brand and control costs?"
He paused, then continued, "Moreover, e-commerce is on the rise, but it hasn't fully gained customers' trust yet. So, we do brand display and experience offline, and sales and promotion online. This saves on the cost of opening a store and breaks through geographical limitations, killing two birds with one stone."
Chen Junsheng nodded repeatedly: "That's a great idea. But how can you be sure e-commerce will take off? What if it doesn't?"
"This requires data support and trend judgment," Qin Hao said. "I have studied Taobao's transaction data over the past few years, and the growth rate is astonishing. Moreover, with the popularization of the Internet, the consumption habits of the younger generation are changing. They are more willing to shop online because it is convenient, offers more choices, and has transparent pricing. This is an irreversible trend."
He picked up his glass, took a sip, and continued, "When doing consulting, you can't just focus on the problems at hand; you also have to see future trends. Only by going with the flow can you achieve twice the result with half the effort."
"Well said!" Chen Junsheng exclaimed sincerely, "Old Qin, your words are worth more than ten years of study. Our company's consultants only know how to use templates and recite theories all day long, and they never consider the client's actual situation. If our company had someone like you, we would have developed long ago."
Faced with Chen Junsheng's offer, Qin Hao simply smiled and remained silent.
Chen Junsheng was also quite tactful: "This is real professional ability. Lao Qin, let's exchange phone numbers. If I encounter any problems in the future, I can ask you for advice."
"Well, we have to make it clear first, you can't teach me for nothing." Qin Hao said half-jokingly, "How about a question and a drink? I'm a simple man, I like practical things."
“No problem!” Chen Junsheng readily agreed: “Then it’s settled. Come on, Lao Qin, let me toast you again.”
The two of them clinked their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.
Luo Zijun, standing to the side, was completely baffled as to why her husband was so agitated. Just as she was about to advise him not to drink too much, Tang Jing stopped her. Only after officially entering the workforce did she realize how rare it was to have a mentor. It's no exaggeration to say that sometimes a mentor's words can save someone ten years of hard work.
After dinner, Luo Zijun brought out the birthday cake. Ping'er blew out the candles and made a wish while everyone sang "Happy Birthday."
"What wish did Ping'er make?" Luo Zijun asked curiously.
Ping'er blinked and said mysteriously, "I can't tell you, or it won't work."
Everyone laughed.
After finishing the cake, Luo Zijun suggested taking Ping'er to the nearby amusement park. The weather was lovely today, sunny and perfect for an outing.
"I think I'll pass," Tang Jing said. "I have some work to do this afternoon, so I have to go back and work overtime."
"Why work overtime?" Luo Zijun grabbed her arm. "Weekends are for resting. Come on, let's go together, it'll be more fun with more people."
Tang Jing had no choice but to agree: "Okay, okay, I'll go, alright? Don't pull me, you're going to ruin my clothes."
Luo Zijun then let go of her hand and smiled triumphantly.
Qin Hao was personally escorted downstairs by Chen Junsheng. The two chatted about work for a while in the elevator, and Chen Junsheng was full of admiration for Qin Hao's insights, repeatedly expressing that he would definitely seek his advice more often in the future.
"Old Qin, thank you so much for today." As he saw him off downstairs, Chen Junsheng said sincerely, "Not only did you come to Ping'er's birthday party, but you also shared so many valuable experiences with me."
"So polite. They even said they consider me a friend and that I can call them anytime if I have any problems in the future."
"Definitely, definitely." Chen Junsheng nodded repeatedly.
After Qin Hao left, Chen Junsheng returned home. Luo Zijun and Tang Jing had already packed their things and were ready to go to the amusement park.
"Junsheng, why don't you come along too?" Luo Zijun asked.
Chen Junsheng shook his head: "I won't go. I have some documents to review this afternoon. You guys go ahead and have fun."
"Alright then." Luo Zijun didn't insist and took Ping'er and Tang Jing out.
While waiting for the elevator, Tang Jing said to Luo Zijun in an annoyed tone, "Alright, everyone's gone. Say what you want to say. You kept me here today, it definitely wasn't just for the amusement park."
Luo Zijun chuckled: "You really know me. Don't be angry when I tell you."
"Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I'm leaving!" Tang Jing pretended to press the elevator button to go downstairs.
"Tell me, tell me!" Luo Zijun quickly grabbed her: "Actually, I think you and Lao Qin are quite a good match. What do you think, have you considered it?"
Tang Jing, who was drinking water, almost sprayed it all over Luo Zijun's face: "Luo Zijun, what nonsense are you talking about? Me and Lao Qin? How could that be!"
"Why not?" Luo Zijun counted on her fingers: "Look, Lao Qin's family is well-off, they'll definitely be able to help you in the future. Besides, he's tall and handsome, no less than those male celebrities. They're classmates, they know each other well..."
Tang Jing interrupted her rambling: "Stop! Qin had so many girlfriends in college, they could practically stretch from the school gate to your house! Didn't you always say he was a playboy and told me to stay away from him? Why are you trying to set us up now? What are you thinking?"
"Oh, relationships from college don't count," Luo Zijun waved her hand. "We were young and naive back then, just playing around. Besides, didn't you say he hasn't been dating recently and is very focused on his work? That means he's matured and knows how to settle down."
She leaned closer to Tang Jing and lowered her voice: "Besides, you're already 28 this year, and in two more years you'll be 30, an old maid. Don't be too picky, if you meet the right one, grab him quickly. There are so many women eyeing someone like Lao Qin, if you don't make a move, someone else will snatch him away."
Tang Jing rolled her eyes: "Do all women feel particularly sorry for other unmarried women after they get married? Do they have to drag everyone into the grave of marriage before they're satisfied?"
“That’s right!” Luo Zijun said earnestly, “Think about it, a woman who has lived for more than 20 years without ever enjoying the sweetness of love or experiencing the warmth of family, isn’t that pitiful? I’m doing this for your own good, you know?”
Tang Jing was speechless for a moment: "Stop, I can't understand the thought process of you married women. And stop trying to play matchmaker. Anyway, I'm fine now. I have absolutely no intention of dating, getting married, or spending my days with men, kids, and the kitchen. Don't try to brainwash me, it's useless."
"You're just so stubborn," Luo Zijun sighed. "Don't wait until Lao Qin has a new girlfriend and then you regret it, it'll be too late."
"Tch." Tang Jing raised her chin: "The word 'regret' doesn't exist in my dictionary!"
"Tsk tsk, what a boastful tone." Luo Zijun shook her head: "Alright, alright, I won't say anything more. But as your best friend, I still have to remind you, if you meet someone suitable, don't let them go. Life is short, and youth is even shorter, so you should seize the opportunity when it comes."
Just then, the elevator arrived, and the three of them went inside. Ping'er asked curiously, "Mommy, what is Aunt Tang Jing trying to grab?"
Luo Zijun and Tang Jing exchanged a glance and both laughed.
"Seize happiness!" Luo Zijun picked up her son and kissed his little face.
……
Busy times always fly by, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Many changes have occurred in the past three years. The e-commerce industry has experienced explosive growth, with Taobao's transaction volume doubling year after year, and Singles' Day evolving from a small promotional event into a nationwide shopping extravaganza. Bianti Consulting, by accurately grasping this trend, has risen to prominence in the industry.
Qin Hao's career has been like a rocket, rising rapidly.
Since the Wukesong project became a hit three years ago, its reputation has spread throughout the industry. In particular, in 2009, Wukesong Sporting Goods Co., Ltd. participated in the first Taobao Double Eleven event, and its sales volume exceeded 5000 million yuan on that day, accounting for half of the total sales volume of Taobao Double Eleven.
Wukesong became famous overnight, becoming a classic case study in the e-commerce era. As the planner of this case, Qin Hao's name also resounded throughout the consulting industry.
Since then, more and more companies have come to him for consultation. Starting from the end of 2009, Qin Hao began leading teams on his own, taking charge of one project after another, with a record that can only be described as brilliant.
The companies he led, whether transforming traditional industries or expanding into emerging sectors, experienced explosive growth in transaction volume and profits. Many business owners were drawn to him, offering him attractive contracts with high salaries and stock options.
The top management of Bianti Company could no longer sit still. They knew very well that losing a talent like Qin Hao would be a huge loss to the company. So, they quickly offered him generous terms, promising him a partner status and a higher profit-sharing percentage, just to keep him.
What surprised the company's senior management even more was that Qin Hao not only had strong business skills, but also a knack for leading teams. The project teams he led had a great atmosphere, high efficiency, and rapid employee growth, quickly becoming one of the best teams in the company.
This year, the company decided to send Qin Hao to Hong Kong for a rotational assignment. According to Bianti's unspoken rules, as long as he completes a year's rotation in Hong Kong, he will become a full-fledged partner upon his return. Such a rapid promotion is rare in the company's history.
Tang Jing, on the other hand, chose a different path.
Three years ago, when Qin Hao first offered to lead a team on his own and invited Tang Jing to join, Tang Jing declined. She chose to continue working under He Han.
Tang Jing declined Qin Hao's invitation and continued to work under He Han. In the end, she still couldn't accept the fact that Qin Hao, who was clearly inferior to her before, had completely left her behind.
Of course, Tang Jing's performance over the past three years has been quite good. Aside from Qin Hao, she has the best track record among her cohort of newcomers. She has independently managed several projects, all of which she has completed exceptionally well, achieving high client satisfaction. He Han also speaks highly of her, considering her diligent, professional, and with great potential.
Unfortunately, under Qin Hao's dazzling aura, Tang Jing's performance seemed less outstanding.
Over the past three years, the relationship between Qin Hao and Tang Jing has undergone some subtle changes. They are colleagues, and Tang Jing also sees Qin Hao as a rival. Although Qin Hao was promoted and no longer worked in the same team as Tang Jing, the two still frequently exchanged work experiences, learned from each other, and encouraged one another.
On the surface, Luo Zijun's family still appears happy and content. Chen Junsheng's career is progressing steadily, and he has been promoted to the position of director at Chenxing Company.
Luo Zijun continued to live the life of a full-time housewife, shopping, getting beauty treatments and exercising, and picking up and dropping off her children every day, leading a comfortable and leisurely life.