Chapter 80

It seemed that the person on the other end of the phone also sensed Gao Yang's anger. After a pause, Claude's voice finally sounded, "Boss, I'm not sure if it's the President's intention, but it is indeed a government official. They have submitted a formal document, stating that they plan to impose a 100% luxury tax on our company! As for the oil mine, they said the government will compensate us double the exploration fees we paid according to the original contract. Boss, what should we do now?"

"Hmph!" Gao Yang coldly snorted without saying anything, reaching out to grab a cigarette. Suddenly, he remembered that Jung Soo-kyung was still there, so he retracted his hand. After a moment, he said calmly, "Alright, I know about this. I'll go to Africa as soon as possible to resolve this issue. You keep an eye on the company and stall this matter. If anyone tries to cause trouble..."

A hint of coldness flashed in Gao Yang's eyes as he continued, "Tell James to take care of anyone who shows hostility! I'll take responsibility for any consequences!"

Claude, who had been in Africa for a long time, understood many things. After a brief pause, he immediately replied, "Yes, boss." Gao Yang nodded slightly, said nothing more, and hung up the phone.

The African mine was not particularly important to Gao Yang. Although the gold and oil production was not insignificant, it was not a big deal to him. The most important thing about the African mine was that it could be used to conceal the source of his gold and oil! Although there were many loopholes and it could not withstand a thorough investigation, it was at least a reasonable excuse! Moreover, it could serve as a process for laundering large sums of money in the future.

Putting away his phone, Gao Yang calmed down and put on a smile, returning to the living room. Under Jung Soo-kyung's concerned gaze, he sat back on the sofa, the corners of his mouth curling up in a light smile, "What are you thinking about? The coffee is almost cold."

"Ah." Jung Soo-kyung, who had been staring at Gao Yang, remembered the coffee in front of her and quickly took a sip, relieved that the temperature was just right.

After putting down the coffee, she turned to look at Gao Yang, her face somewhat hesitant. She asked softly, "OPPA, is something wrong? Your expression just now was quite scary."

"Ha ha, nothing serious. It's just a small matter at the company, and it will be resolved soon. Don't worry," Gao Yang reassured her gently.

"Oh." Jung Soo-kyung softly responded and picked up her coffee cup again. They were still just a couple, and she had no intention of interfering with Gao Yang's work. She had only asked because his cold expression had frightened her.

The TV was playing an entertainment show, but neither of them was in the mood to watch. Jung Soo-kyung held her coffee cup with both hands, taking sips from time to time. Although she seemed to be watching TV, her gaze did not linger on the screen for long. Most of the time, her eyelids were slightly lowered, and her cheeks were tinged with a light blush.

Gao Yang, sitting beside her, was not paying attention to the TV or the coffee. His eyes were fixed on Jung Soo-kyung, and his intense gaze made her blush deepen.

Before long, Jung Soo-kyung finished her coffee and, as if savoring its sweetness, lightly licked her lips. "Gulp." Gao Yang, sitting beside her, swallowed hard.

Jung Soo-kyung bit her lip slightly, her small nostrils flaring, and her face turning red. Gao Yang's face showed a hint of awkwardness as he coughed lightly, lowered his head, and touched his nose, looking embarrassed. He felt he had overreacted, but even with his thick skin, he felt a bit uncomfortable. However, she had been very alluring just now.

In the end, it was the man with the thicker skin who recovered faster. Gao Yang composed himself and moved closer to Jung Soo-kyung. He lifted his hand to brush the hair from her ear and then wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

Jung Soo-kyung's body trembled slightly, but she did not resist. Her blush deepened, and even her ears turned slightly red.

Gao Yang was overjoyed inside, holding Jung Soo-kyung's soft, fragrant shoulder. He took a deep breath near her ear and said with a contented look, "So fragrant."

Feeling that Jung Soo-kyung was very shy, Gao Yang wanted to ease the atmosphere. He cleared his throat and said with a smile, "I saw something online yesterday..." But before he could finish, the phone rang.

Gao Yang clenched his fists. What's going on? Why are there so many interruptions during a romantic moment? Why are you so active now when you're usually not! Gao Yang thought resentfully.

The ringing continued, and seeing that Gao Yang had no intention of answering, Jung Soo-kyung looked up and saw him with a reluctant expression. She couldn't help but laugh, "Pfft."

Gao Yang grimaced and reluctantly took out his phone, still holding Jung Soo-kyung's shoulder. This was a rare opportunity, and he couldn't let go easily.

Looking at the number, it was Fang Nanyu, the president of SC Trade in the capital. Fang Nanyu was a returnee from the United States, having graduated from Harvard Business School with an MBA. Unlike those who went abroad for a镀金 (gilded experience), he was a management talent with real skills. He had previously worked as a senior executive at Goldman Sachs and was hired by Gao Yang at a high salary to be the president of SC Trade.

Pressing the answer button, Gao Yang said with a resentful tone, "Hello!" The person on the other end was clearly startled and hesitated before softly saying, "Boss?"

"Yes, it's me. What's up?" Gao Yang said, softening his tone.

"Boss, I'm sorry to disturb you. It's like this, at a dinner party tonight, a friend with influence told me that someone is investigating our SC Trade company! Not privately!" Fang Nanyu said seriously.

"Hmm?" Gao Yang's heart tightened! He unconsciously gripped her shoulder tighter, but he forgot that he was still holding Jung Soo-kyung.

"Ah!" Jung Soo-kyung let out a light cry, frowning. Her shoulder was being gripped tightly by Gao Yang, and it hurt.

"Ouch." Realizing what he had done, Gao Yang was startled and quickly let go, dropping the phone. He asked anxiously, "Are you okay? Are you okay? Does it hurt? I'm sorry, I, I..."

Jung Soo-kyung rubbed her shoulder, initially feeling a bit angry, but seeing Gao Yang's flustered and worried expression, she smiled and said softly, "It's okay, OPPA."

Gao Yang breathed a sigh of relief, but then a wave of anger surged in his heart, "What's going on today? A perfectly good date has been ruined!"

He calmed down, reached out, and gently massaged Jung Soo-kyung's shoulder, saying soothingly, "I'm sorry, don't be angry, it was unintentional."

"Okay," Jung Soo-kyung said softly, lowering her eyes, "OPPA, your phone..."

"You are the most important!" Gao Yang immediately interrupted her.

Jung Soo-kyung's body trembled slightly, and she bit her lip, leaning into Gao Yang's embrace. Gao Yang, smelling the faint fragrance from her hair, felt his heart rate increase, and his gentle massage unconsciously became a bit firmer.

"Hehe." Jung Soo-kyung laughed lightly, left Gao Yang's embrace, and tidied her hair, smiling, "OPPA, you should answer your phone first." She had been moved by his words and couldn't help but want to get closer to him. Women can easily be moved by small things or a casual word.

Gao Yang's lips curled up, and he stood up, picking up the phone, "Hello? Are you still there?"

"Boss, I didn't hear anything!" Fang Nanyu's voice immediately sounded, with a hint of obvious denial.

Gao Yang laughed, "It's fine, I was on a date with my girlfriend."

"I'm sorry, boss, for disturbing you," Fang Nanyu said, feeling frustrated. He had called at the wrong time!

Gao Yang had offered him a salary three times what he earned at Goldman Sachs, and the position of president of a large company! The purchase of the 57-story office building had made SC Trade quite famous in the business world.

Gao Yang said calmly, "It's not your fault. Yes, the matter you mentioned is important. Can the information be confirmed?"

"Boss, the person who gave me the information is a person of influence!" Fang Nanyu said vaguely.

"Okay, don't make it public. I'll return as soon as possible to handle it," Gao Yang said softly. "Yes, boss."

After hanging up, Gao Yang couldn't help but rub his temples. Today was truly frustrating. He had wanted to have a pleasant date, but...

Seeing that Gao Yang had finished his call, Jung Soo-kyung said softly, "OPPA, I had a great time today. Thank you for the gift, I will cherish it. It's getting late, can you take me home?"

Gao Yang's lips curled up, and he stood up with a faint smile, "I'm glad you liked it. My focus will be on Asia in the future, and I will come to see you whenever I can."

Jung Soo-kyung visibly relaxed. She had been testing him to see if he would try to keep her overnight after giving her an expensive gift. Fortunately, Gao Yang's behavior did not disappoint her.

After changing their shoes, they went down to the parking lot. Gao Yang drove Jung Soo-kyung home. At the door, she lightly hugged him and gave him a farewell kiss. He touched his lips, still feeling the faint scent of her kiss.

On the way back to his residence, Gao Yang was in a good mood and even hummed a few tunes. However, after returning to his apartment and the romantic mood faded, his expression immediately turned serious