36 Klaus Zhi's suspicions

"Does Young Master Keir prefer to hide his identity as investor and shareholder of the company?" Klaus Zhi asked, they're currently at his study discussing the terms.

"I do not see any reason to hide my identity. Master Zhi need not worry about such things as I do not expect nor want any preferential treatment." Shin leaned on the couch, feeling comfortable after that quick bath.

He initially planned to anonymously invest in Zhi Corporation to tighten his ties with Yeri Zhi but after his thorough investigation, he felt respect and admiration as a person and fellow businessman to Klaus Zhi.

The business industry is cruel and highly competitive, the wider you cast your net, the higher the risk and competitors.

A single scandal can be an incurable cancer to a company and an opportunity for competitors to strike.

However, Klaus Zhi managed to keep the company afloat these past 3 years without settling to any of the acquisition and merging proposals.

Moreover, he rejected all possible investors and shareholders who want his daughter as a bargain.

Shin Keir was furious yet thankful and fortunate that Klaus Zhi rejected all these indecent and devious proposals, especially from men in their 40's.

"It's good to know that Young Master Keir is rational and straightforward, I will finalise all the necessary documents and forward them to you for signing."

Shin quickly agreed and stood up, eager to wrap up their conversation, it's still early night and he's hoping to spend more time with Yeri.

"Since we are done with business matters, shall we move on to a very important and personal matter?" Klaus Zhi narrowed his eyes to Shin, whilst tapping his pen onto the table.

Shin Keir slightly frowned, standing across Klaus Zhi with his hands in his pockets.

"What is going on between you and my daughter, Young Master Keir?" Klaus asked in a cold and forbidding tone, gone was his affable demeanour.

"..." The corners of Shin's mouth turned up, intrigued and impressed, how did Klaus Zhi know?

"I suggest you do not fabricate any lies, I take things seriously when it comes to my daughter."

"I admit I'm not a good person Master Zhi but fabricating lies isn't my strong point, I do not need to." Shin sounded arrogant and confident.

Klaus Zhi's expression turned dim, is this young man implying that it doesn't matter if he knows the truth since he's incapable of harming him?

"Let me tell you what I think..." Klaus took a deep breath and walked towards the window, there's no point in antagonizing the devil if it can be resolved by talking.

"First, my daughter likes pretty things, people included, she never bothered with trivial things and rarely hides her fondness...that's why I had my suspicions when she acted indifferent to you and Young Master Felan at the hospital."

"Secondly, we aren't acquaintances but I had seen you many times at the global business conference, you were always surrounded by your people but not a single woman." Klaus clearly uttered the last couple of words.

"I'm not easily swayed by rumours and society gossips but as you said...you do not need to lie. Tonight, you were uncomfortable with my wife and Venice but friendly and tolerant towards my daughter."

"Lastly, if you are interested in Zhi Corporation alone, it would have been easier for you to acquire the shares worth more than 50% instead of settling on a mere 10% and becoming an investor. I presume my daughter asked you for a favour or...you know about my outstanding debt."

Klaus gaze was like a death scythe, it's a well-kept secret unknown to his wife and daughter.

"Master Zhi's perception is very impressive, could this be the ability of a doting and a loving Father?" Shin had an unfathomable grin and his eyes carried an oppressive gleam.

"Well, your assumptions were right, we are in a relationship, however, she didn't ask me to help the Zhi Corporation nor she's aware of your debt."

Klaus Zhi was disgruntled but still retained his calm composure, that brat! how did she get entangled with this devil?

Should he let such a dangerous man around his daughter?

"What do you know about my debt?" Klaus calmly asked.

"I only know that you owe your allied mafia clan a certain amount of money." Shin shrugged.

Klaus Zhi fell into silence, the Zhi clan had been plagued with a tragic state of affairs the past 3 years and they are again facing another threat.

"Vulture has been our trustworthy ally for generations so I had no problem dealing with money from them, they helped us a lot with our current financial issues but they suddenly lost in a power struggle to another mafia group. I don't know much of the details yet but I just received a letter yesterday from this mafia group pertaining about what we owe."

Klaus returned to his desk and took out an envelope from his drawer, giving it to Shin.

"I am telling you this because I plan to send my daughter abroad once she graduates from high school for her safety-"

Klaus Zhi paused, taken aback, somehow, Shin Keir abruptly appeared like a malevolent being who just crawled out of hell.

Is this the true face of the infamous demon god of the business world and tyrant emperor?

Shin Keir was caught in a swirl of emotions reading thru the letter and hearing Klaus Zhi.

The letter from the mafia stated that they will not accept money as repayment but instead demand a 5% share from the company and they also want the Zhi's only daughter?!

Why would Klaus Zhi send his daughter away when he, Shin Keir, can make any scumbags who dares to covet his woman suffer a living hell?!

Is he not satisfied with him as his future son in law?

-----

Meanwhile, at the Ricci residence, the sound of glass breaking, crying and screaming has been going on for days now.

Sergei Ricci, Calin's eldest brother and family heir felt annoyed as he passed by the hallway.

He had heard that his sister's meeting with Shin Keir was a complete disaster and despite both the family pushing the engagement, Shin Keir has been ignoring all attempts of family gathering.

Moreover, Allister Keir's active involvement made it even more complicated.

"Is it Calin again?" their mother anxiously stepped out of her room.

Sergei looked completely unconcerned, he answered an incoming phone call and headed to his study.

"There's still no improvement? what's so hard in taking over a mere coffee company? your people are incompetent and useless!" Anger rose in his voice.