I AM

Chapter 7

"Thank you for the ride...and the cure, Zhao Yunlan," Shen Wei smiled as he got out and walked through the doors to the building.

"You're very welcome, Xiao Wei," Zhao Yunlan whispered.

Later that night, there was another cash card in Zhao Yunlan's mailbox.

Shen Wei's day was spent meeting the heads of other companies who came to pay their respects to the new CEO of Shen Enterprises. President Zhao Xin Chi also sat in most of the meetings, but mostly kept quiet and instead observed the different interactions. He knew many of them expected either a spoiled, clueless, arrogant brat, or a sheltered, ignorant, stumbling child. To their surprise, they met a shy, quiet, but quite knowledgeable young man. Shen Wei had obviously spent time with his father, learning the business and company, not like his cousin, the flamboyant Zhu Jiu, who only wanted to show off. Shen Wei was an untested tool, and he knew many of those who left today would go back to their companies and figure out a new strategy on how to deal with the new CEO.

Fortunately there were no dinner dates tonight, so Shen Wei and Zhao Xin Chi decided to go back to the house and watch the video and listen to the recording from the previous night. The voice on the recording was indeed very smooth and witty without any arrogance, easily charming the Minister. There was no recording of Shen Wei's voice ordering Zhao Yunlan to stop and buy the street food, but Zhao Xin Chi confirmed that Shen Wei's demeanor at that time was very similar to the video taken in his bedroom. Although he was more animated in the video, the look in his eyes and explosive gestures were the same as the time in the car. Then at the end of the video, Shen Wei seemed to close in on himself, and he drew his knees up to his chest and seemed to quiet down.

After watching the video, Shen Wei leaned back with his eyes closed. Three apparent mood shifts. And it was only his first day at work! How was he going to do this?

"I blame last night's changes on your stressful day and the alcohol, even though it was only a little at first. Remember, you not only faced Zhu Jiu - which you handled exceptionally well, I must add - but you met the Minister of Finance. You must have already been at your emotional limit, and then you had that drink at dinner which pushed you over the edge," Zhao Xin Chi said thoughtfully. "Fortunately you didn't start your drinking binge until after the Minister left."

That was true. There were many times when he had acted inappropriately during his periods of lost time.

That night, he whispered to the night air before he fell asleep.

"I have my first workout with Zhao Yunlan tomorrow morning. Please, please let me be myself. I really want to try this."

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He squinted at the buzzing alarm clock and checked the date. Yes, he was still himself! He mentally said his thanks and then sent a quick text to Zhao Yunlan to confirm that he would be joining him this morning. Zhao Yunlan's reply was immediate, as though he was waiting for Shen Wei's text. No, that was just his job, to always be available to his boss. Well, he would get Zhao Yunlan to relax more around him.

He quickly washed up and got dressed in his workout clothes, then put together his suit, shirt and tie for the office. He looked at his watch, wondering if he would have time to grab something quick to eat.

Jia Qiu and the house staff were having breakfast in the kitchen while going over their duties when Shen Wei walked in. They all jumped up in surprise and bowed, obviously not expecting him so early.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but we did not expect you so early," Jia Qiu said, as he led Shen Wei to his chair and sat him down, as he gestured to the others to bring some breakfast over.