I AM

Chapter 18

As Zhao Yunlan watched from another room, he saw Zhu Jiu off to one end of the room with his little group of supporters which seemed to have gotten smaller. On the other hand, most of the guests had gathered around Shen Wei instead, who was happily smiling and bowing and shaking hands. President Zhao caught his eye and smiled. Maybe this would not be such a bad year after all.

Ever since Shen Wei was formally sworn in as the CEO, leaders of other companies, not to mention his own company, treated him with the full respect he was due. Everyone realized that he deserving of the title, not only because he had the powerful last name, but because he was a capable, compassionate businessman. When he was able to, he continued to eat at the employee cafeteria, standing in line, getting his own food, sitting wherever there was an open seat, and chatted with anyone who would talk to him. He won over everyone with his quiet, humble and shy charisma.

Shen Wei's days on a personal level were more peaceful as he and Zhao Yunlan resumed their daily workouts. After learning about Brother Chu, Shen Wei realized that in the past, he tended to be more restless and nervous on days he skipped his workout, and was more prone to "losing time." Perhaps exercise was one way of "taming" Brother Chu. He also noticed that he was less afraid around Zhu Jiu, more able to handle his snide remarks, and in fact, had also delivered some of his own choice words. Was this Yezun and Zhu Hong helping him? He wondered what he could do to help poor, frightened Little Guo, who he could relate to very easily.

The Singapore branch of Shen Enterprises was installing a new Vice President, and at President Zhao's suggestion, Shen Wei decided to attend the ceremonies. The company jet was prepped and made ready to take Shen Wei, Zhao Yunlan, and a couple of the directors. Fortunately, they had all been fully vaccinated the previous month, but they still had to take a PCR test seventy-two hours prior to their departure. By right, they were also supposed to spend fourteen days in quarantine, however, the government officials quickly gave Shen Wei and his group a waiver, allowing them to go out as needed.

Although it was for work with all the COVID restrictions, Shen Wei could not help but be excited and nervous. He had been with there with his father as a child; now he was going as an adult, representing the company his father built. He realized how much he had relied on President Zhao's presence, his strength. But President Zhao would not be accompanying him on this trip. He felt alone and scared...then a text from Zhao Yunlan came, telling him that the jet was ready, and that they would depart the next morning. Yes! Zhao Yunlan would also be there! Shen Wei no longer felt alone, and in fact, felt a warmth growing strong in his heart.

The company jet was a Gulfstream G700, which had taken his father all over China, not to mention to various parts of the world. He had sent it to the States to bring Shen Wei back home; now Shen Wei would be riding it as the CEO. President Zhao's driver took Shen Wei and Zhao Yunlan to the airport where the private jet was parked. The pilots were outside, doing a final check of the aircraft, while the two cabin attendants inside were preparing the cabin with a last minute check of the galley. It would be about a six-hour flight, and refreshments and lunch would be served. This was the first time the new CEO would be flying with them, and the crew took extra care to ensure that all was in order.