Movie/TV series: Starting with Ode to Joy, I opened my own private kitchen.

Page 190

"By the way, Su Chang, why did you suddenly come to pick me up from get off work today?" Zhu Zhe suddenly remembered something and asked curiously.

Su Chang smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "I didn't have anything planned for today, so I thought I'd pick you up from get off work and take you out for a nice meal. How about it, is there anything you'd like to eat?"

Zhu Zhe thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "I want to eat hot pot. I haven't had much of an appetite lately, so I'd like some hot pot to whet my appetite."

Su Chang nodded: "Okay, then let's go eat hot pot."

The car quickly pulled into the parking lot of a high-end hot pot restaurant. After getting out of the car, Su Chang took Zhu Zhe's hand and walked into the restaurant. A waiter warmly greeted them and led them to a window seat.

After sitting down, Zhu Zhe looked at the night view outside the window, and her mood gradually relaxed. She turned her head and looked at Su Chang, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Su Chang, actually, I've always wanted to ask you a question."

Su Chang raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "What's the problem?"

Zhu Zhe hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "You have so many outstanding women around you, and I... why would you choose to make me your woman too?"

Su Chang paused for a moment, then laughed. He reached out and took Zhu Zhe's hand, saying earnestly, "Zhu Zhe, you don't need to doubt yourself. In my heart, you are unique. Although there are indeed many outstanding women around me, none of them can replace you in my heart."

Zhu Zhe's eyes flashed with emotion upon hearing Su Chang's words. She nodded gently and said softly, "Thank you, Su Chang. I will try my best to become a better person and not let you down."

Su Chang smiled and gently squeezed her hand: "Silly girl, you're already great. You don't need to change anything for me, just be yourself."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere became warm and sweet. The steaming hot pot reflected on their faces, adding a touch of warmth to the night.

However, just as they were enjoying this wonderful time, Su Chang's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up, glanced at it, and frowned slightly.

"What's wrong?" Zhu Zhe noticed the change in his expression and asked with concern.

Su Chang shook her head, her tone calm: "It's nothing, I just have some company business to attend to. You eat first, I'll take this call."

Zhu Zhe nodded, watching Su Chang get up and walk aside to answer the phone. A vague unease crept into her heart; she had a feeling something was about to happen.

A few minutes later, Su Chang returned to his seat, his expression still calm, but Zhu Zhe could sense a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

"Su Chang, is something wrong?" Zhu Zhe couldn't help but ask.

Su Chang smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "It's nothing serious. There's a small problem at the company that I need to go back and take care of. You eat first, and I'll take you home later."

Zhu Zhe nodded. Although she was still somewhat uneasy, she didn't ask any further questions. She knew that Su Chang was a sensible person, and since he wouldn't say anything, she shouldn't press him.

After finishing their hotpot meal, Su Chang drove Zhu Zhe back to Joyful Song. Before getting out of the car, Zhu Zhe gently hugged Su Chang and whispered, "Su Chang, if anything happens, you must tell me. Don't bear it all alone."

Su Chang smiled and gently patted her back: "Don't worry, I will. You should get some rest..."

Zhu Zhe nodded and watched Su Chang's car leave before turning and walking into the apartment.

However, she didn't know that Su Chang's car didn't leave immediately, but instead stopped at a corner. Su Chang sat in the car, took out her phone, and dialed a number.

"Hello, it's me." Su Chang's tone turned icy: "Investigate Chen Zufa's background, especially his recent activities. If he dares to get close to Zhu Zhe again, you know what to do."

A deep voice came from the other end of the phone: "Understood, Mr. Su."

After hanging up the phone, Su Chang's gaze deepened. He knew that Chen Zufa wouldn't give up easily, and he had to ensure Zhu Zhe's safety.

"Zhu Zhe, don't worry. Now that you're my woman, I won't let anyone hurt you," Su Chang muttered to herself, then started the car and disappeared into the night.

After leaving Zhu Zhe, Su Chang drove straight to Junyue Mansion. The night was deep, and the city's neon lights streaked across the car window, but his mood was far from relaxed.

Chen Zufa's harassment, Zhu Zhe's unease, and the phone call he had just received all created an invisible pressure on him. However, these were just the tip of the iceberg. What truly troubled him was the matter of that overseas island.

The car slowly drove into the underground parking lot of Junyue Mansion. After parking, Su Chang took the private elevator directly to the top floor. As soon as the elevator doors opened, the luxurious interior of the top-floor penthouse of Junyue Mansion came into view. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city's nightscape, but Su Chang had no time to appreciate it.

In the living room, Zheng Fangxiu and her ten sisters had been waiting for some time. Some sat, some stood, their expressions serious, clearly already knowing the purpose of Su Chang's visit.

As soon as Su Chang entered, Zheng Fangxiu greeted him with a hint of anxiety in her voice: "Young Master, you've arrived."

Su Chang nodded, walked to the sofa with a gloomy expression, sat down, and glanced at everyone present before finally fixing his gaze on Zheng Fangxiu: "Tell me, what exactly happened?"

Zheng Fangxiu took a deep breath and quickly recounted the whole story.

It turns out that the small island in Southeast Asia that Su Chang had obtained by signing in with Han Xiaoli had recently attracted the attention of local forces in the nearby country of Baboon due to its large-scale infrastructure construction project. As soon as these forces heard that the island owner was from China, they began to harass him frequently and even threatened to stop the project unless Su Chang paid a high "protection fee".

“Their demands are simple: they want money.” Zheng Fangxiu’s tone was tinged with helplessness. “But I advise you not to give them money. These people are insatiable. Once you open that door, they will become even more demanding and may even threaten our safety on the island.”

Su Chang frowned after hearing this. He knew Zheng Fangxiu was right; giving money was definitely not the solution.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, "So what is your suggestion?"

Zheng Fangxiu, prepared for this, immediately replied, "There are two options. First, we can build our own armed forces to teach them a lesson and deter them from further aggression. Second, we can sell the island directly, but this might drive the price down significantly, as the current situation is very unfavorable for buyers."

Chapter 350 David's Invitation

Su Chang didn't answer immediately, but instead lowered his head in thought. He knew that the postponement of the wedding was inevitable, but more important was how to ensure their future safety. Giving money was absolutely out of the question; it would not only trap him in endless extortion but could also endanger his and those around him's lives.

“Establish an armed force…” Su Chang repeated in a low voice, then looked up at Zheng Fangxiu: “How exactly do we do it? Are there any feasible plans?”

Zheng Fangxiu nodded and continued, "We need to take a two-pronged approach. First, we can use Tan Zongming's connections to contact the higher-ups and try to gain the country's support. This way, we can directly purchase weapons from the government and even obtain some official protection. Second, we can upgrade the Fiery Shield and turn it into a private armed organization entirely under your control. However, this would require relocating the Fiery Shield's headquarters to the island."

After listening, Su Chang had a general idea in mind. He knew that Tan Zongming had extensive connections at the highest levels, and if he could get the country's support, things would be much easier.

If the Fiery Shield, as his elite force, could be upgraded into a private army, it would undoubtedly greatly enhance his control over the island.

“Okay, let’s do it your way.” Su Chang said decisively, “But before that, I’d like to hear Liang Dawei and Xiong Kuohai’s opinions. They are professionals and might be able to offer some more specific suggestions.”

Zheng Fangxiu nodded in agreement: "Liang Dawei and Xiong Kuohai are indeed the most suitable candidates. They are experienced and very familiar with the formation and operation of armed forces."

Without hesitation, Su Chang took out her phone and dialed Liang Dawei's number.

On the other end of the phone, Liang Dawei's voice remained calm and powerful: "President Su, what are your instructions?"

"You and Xiong Kuohai come to Junyue Mansion now. I have something important to discuss with you," Su Chang said briefly.

"Understood, we'll be there right away." Liang Dawei agreed without asking any further questions.

After hanging up the phone, Su Chang leaned back on the sofa and let out a long sigh.

He knew that every step from here on was crucial, and the slightest misstep could lead to complete failure. But he also knew that he had no way out. Whether for the safety of himself and his women, or for the future of the island, he had to make the most decisive decision.

About half an hour later, Liang Dawei and Xiong Kuohai rushed over. As soon as they entered the room, they sensed the heavy atmosphere. Su Chang didn't waste any words and directly explained the situation to them.

“That’s the situation,” Su Chang said finally. “I need your opinions on how to build a reliable armed force that can both protect the island’s security and deter the local forces.”

Liang Dawei and Xiong Kuohai exchanged a glance, and then Liang Dawei spoke up: "President Su, building an armed force is not a simple matter. First, we need enough manpower; these people must be loyal, reliable, and have some combat experience. Second, we need a legal source of weapons. We don't necessarily have to go to the national leadership; there are plenty of arms dealers in the United States. As long as you have money, you can buy anything. Finally, we also need a comprehensive training and management system to ensure that this armed force can operate efficiently."

Xiong Kuohai added, "In addition, we also need to consider logistical support. The island is located in a remote area, and supplying materials may become a problem. If we want to be stationed there for a long time, we must ensure a stable supply channel. We can even take over a piece of land in the baboon country as our supply station."

Su Chang nodded, agreeing with their analysis: "You're right. These problems all need to be addressed one by one. However, what I'm most concerned about right now is, if we decide to form this armed force, how long will it take at the earliest to achieve combat readiness?"

Liang Dawei pondered for a moment before replying, "If everything goes smoothly, it will take at least six months. That's assuming there's support from higher-ups and sufficient funding."

Su Chang frowned; six months was still a long time for him. But he also knew that these things couldn't be rushed; he had to proceed steadily and surely.

“Alright, let’s proceed according to your plan.” Su Chang finally made the decision: “Liang Dawei, you are responsible for contacting Tan Zongming and trying to get in touch with the higher-ups as soon as possible. We don’t necessarily need to get their weapons support, but at least we shouldn’t cause any misunderstandings. Xiong Kuohai, you are responsible for upgrading the Fiery Shield and recruiting personnel. Zheng Fangxiu, you continue to monitor the situation on the island. Report to me immediately if there is any disturbance.”

The three answered in unison, "Understood!"

Su Chang stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and gazed at the distant night view, silently making a decision in his heart. He knew that the road ahead would not be smooth, but he was prepared to face all challenges.

When Zhu Zhe returned to Ode to Joy, she had just opened the door to find Yu Chuhui and Ye Zhenzhen snuggled on the sofa watching a movie, with a pile of snacks and drinks on the table.

When the two saw Zhu Zhe return, they immediately invited her to join them.

"Gigi, why are you so late?" Ye Zhenzhen asked with concern as she handed Zhu Zhe a glass of juice.

Zhu Zhe sighed, plopped down on the sofa, and rubbed his temples: "Don't even mention it, today was absolutely awful."

Yu Chuhui leaned closer and asked curiously, "What's wrong? Did Chen Zufa come to see you again?"

Zhu Zhe nodded, his voice tinged with weariness: "Yeah, he's here again. This time he even said he wanted to get back together, it's so annoying."

Ye Zhenzhen frowned: "He hasn't given up yet? You two broke up so long ago, why is he still clinging to me?"

Zhu Zhe gave a wry smile: "Who knows? Anyway, I've already made things clear to him today, and the boss helped me out too. I hope he won't come back again."

Yu Chuhui patted Zhu Zhe on the shoulder and comforted her, "Sister Zhu Zhe, don't pay any attention to him. This kind of person deserves to be taught a lesson. If you are soft-hearted, he will only take advantage of you. With Su Chang in charge, he definitely won't dare to come looking for you again."

Zhu Zhe nodded, then picked up the beer on the table and poured himself a glass: "Forget it, let's not talk about him anymore. Let's drink, I'm really fed up today."

Ye Zhenzhen and Yu Chuhui exchanged a glance and raised their glasses in unison. The three clinked glasses, and Zhu Zhe downed his drink in one gulp, then let out a long sigh.

After a few drinks, Zhu Zhe seemed to relax a bit. Leaning back on the sofa, her eyes somewhat unfocused, she suddenly asked, "What do you guys think of Su Chang?"

Ye Zhenzhen and Yu Chuhui were taken aback, clearly not expecting Zhu Zhe to suddenly bring up Su Chang.

Ye Zhenzhen put down her wine glass, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Su Chang... he's quite capable, he seems like a very competent person. However, I always feel that he's a bit mysterious, as if there are many things we don't know about him."

Yu Chuhui was quite direct, laughing as she said, "I think Su Chang is quite handsome and very rich. However, there's a huge gap between him and us. Although I like him, I feel like he probably wouldn't even look at me."

Zhu Zhe couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this: "Chu Hui, you really are direct."

Yu Chuhui shrugged: "That's just how I am, I say whatever comes to mind. Anyway, I think I could accept being kept by someone like Su Chang even if he kept me as a mistress. But I doubt he'd be interested."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhenzhen couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Chu Hui, you're too bold to say that!"

Zhu Zhe smiled and then looked at Ye Zhenzhen: "Zhenzhen, what about you? What are your thoughts on Su Chang?"

Ye Zhenzhen paused, a hint of unease flashing across her face. She lowered her head and said softly, "Actually... I've been quite conflicted lately. David is pursuing me, and he's really good to me, but I always feel like something's missing. As for Su Chang... I do have some feelings for him, but he seems too distant from us. Besides, I always feel like he might already have a girlfriend."

Zhu Zhe listened and nodded thoughtfully. She had actually noticed Ye Zhenzhen's feelings for Su Chang a long time ago, but she didn't expect her to say it so frankly.

Upon hearing this, Yu Chuhui couldn't help but interject, "Zhenzhen, if you like Su Chang, just go for it! You're so great, what are you afraid of?"

Ye Zhenzhen shook her head and said with a wry smile, "It's not that simple. Someone like Su Chang is definitely not short of excellent women around him. Although I am not bad, I don't think I can make him only have me on his mind."

Zhu Zhe felt conflicted after hearing this. She knew that Su Chang was indeed surrounded by many outstanding women, such as Fang Zhiheng and Qin Shi. But at the same time, she didn't think that Su Chang would treat them differently because of their different statuses; after all, she was now the boss's woman.

“Actually, I don’t think Su Chang is the kind of person who only cares about status and position,” Zhu Zhe said. “He’s quite sincere to his friends. It’s just… someone like him is destined not to live an ordinary life.”

Ye Zhenzhen and Yu Chuhui both fell silent after hearing this. They both knew that Zhu Zhe was right; Su Chang's life was on a completely different level from theirs, even higher than they had imagined. At least Ye Zhenzhen couldn't say that she was on par with Su Chang in terms of circumstances.

After a while, Yu Chuhui suddenly smiled and said, "Forget it, let's not talk about this anymore. Anyway, we're fine as we are now, there's no need to think so much."

Zhu Zhe nodded, not in a hurry. She knew that helping Su Chang win over these two women wasn't something that could be rushed. She then raised her glass: "Come on, let's keep drinking. We won't leave until we're drunk!"

Ye Zhenzhen and Yu Chuhui also raised their glasses, and the three of them clinked glasses again, making the atmosphere relaxed once more.

Chapter 351 Riding on the Island

After a few drinks, Zhu Zhe's cheeks flushed slightly, and his eyes became hazy.

She leaned back on the sofa and suddenly smiled, saying, "Actually, I think Chu Hui and I are quite similar. We're both ordinary people, struggling to make a living, but also full of expectations for the future. Zhenzhen, you're much better off."

Ye Zhenzhen nodded and said softly, "Pretty much. Every family has its own troubles, it's just that everyone's pain is different. But as long as you have friends around, it doesn't feel so hard to get through."

Upon hearing this, Yu Chuhui laughed and said, "That's right! Now that that annoying He Minhong has moved away, the three of us are the Ode to Joy sisters. No matter what happens in the future, we will face it together!"