Upon entering the Chen family's restaurant, Chen Kezong was already waiting, accompanied by Chen Guangwei and Chen Shuxian. Chen Xinxin stepped forward to greet her mother and nodded to Chen Guangwei, which was better than ignoring him.
Chen Kezong glanced helplessly at his granddaughter, knowing that it would take time and patience to resolve this issue.
"Mr. Zhao, I am so glad that you could come to my humble abode." Chen Kezong stood up and shook hands with Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang's identity was somewhat special, so it was not appropriate to address him by name. Therefore, most people called him 'Mr. Zhao'.
Zhao Qiang said indifferently, "I've caused you trouble again."
Chen Kezong said, "No trouble at all. How could I not know about your help to my Chen family? I should be the one causing trouble. I haven't had a good opportunity to thank you yet. Please sit down, please sit down. We should have a good drink today."
Zhao Qiang sat to Chen Kezong's right. He was a guest today. After greeting Zhao Qiang, Chen Kezong then greeted Yang Shiqi and Yang Shiyun. These two women were not simple. The Yang family in the capital had always been at odds with the Chen family in the south. However, the fact that the two women came with Zhao Qiang this time puzzled Chen Kezong. Were they here to make amends or to cause trouble?
"Gentlemen, please feel free to point out any shortcomings in our hospitality," Chen Kezong said.
Yang Shiqi said, "No, Grandpa Chen, you're too kind. We just stopped by for a meal, you won't mind, will you?"
Chen Kezong chuckled: "How could that be? I am honored that you could come."
Yang Shiyun said, "Old Master Chen is too modest. Please forgive our unauthorized visit."
Chen Kezong smiled again: "How is Old Yang?"
Yang Shiyun said, "My grandfather is in good health, thank you for your concern."
Chen Kezong said, "I'll visit him in Beijing when I have the chance."
Yang Shiyun said, "I will definitely be waiting for the old man's arrival at that time."
Chen Kezong said, "Our generation is getting old, and the world should be handed over to you young people. Yaohui and Yaocan, you should get closer to Sister Yang and the others in the future."
Chen Yaohui and Chen Yaocan stepped forward and extended their hands, saying, "Sister Yang, please guide me in the future."
Yang Shiqi and Yang Shiyun hesitated for a moment but still took the brothers' hands. They shook hands lightly and then separated. The brothers wanted to hold on tight but failed, mainly because they didn't dare to be presumptuous in front of Old Master Chen.
Chen Kezong nodded to the nanny, and then the dishes were brought to the table in a continuous stream. They had been kept in the warming cabinet because they didn't know what time the guests would arrive.
"I heard you encountered some trouble on your way here?" Chen Kezong asked.
Zhao Qiang knew that the matter of Wulong Mountain could not be kept from Chen Kezong. He said, "Yes, we went hiking together for fun, but we didn't expect an accident to happen and several people died. Old Master Chen, you must help us resolve this matter."
Chen Kezong smiled easily: "With the two Yang sisters here, I think there shouldn't be any problems. But the thing that happened in the hospital seems to be quite troublesome. Mr. Zhao, could you tell me what happened?"
"I was reckless." Zhao Qiang sincerely apologized to Chen Kezong. He knew that Chen Kezong couldn't possibly be unaware that he was the one who did it, unless Chen Kezong's men were blind and deaf. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Chen Kezong was using the meal as an opportunity to punish him.
Chen Kezong stroked his chin, feigning profundity, "Mr. Zhao, are you admitting that the mecha man is you?" Countless people saw Zhao Qiang remove his mecha; could he possibly deny it? Chen Kezong's question was completely pointless and unnecessary.
Zhao Qiang said, "Yang Shiyun was seriously injured at the time, so I had no choice but to resort to this tactic. I did not consider Elder Chen's feelings. Please punish me."
Chen Kezong said, "Mr. Zhao, you're overthinking it. Let's not talk about the hospital anymore. But what's the deal with Xinshi Investment Company? It seems you were there on the day of the bloodshed."
Zhao Qiang also honestly admitted, "Gu Yue ordered someone to assassinate me, so I had no choice but to fight back."
"Gu Yue wants to assassinate you?" Chen Kezong asked in surprise.
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, as far as I know, she was the head of Japanese spies in Shanghai. I disposed of her without Mr. Chen's permission. Mr. Chen, you won't have any objections, will you?"
Chen Kezong's lips twitched slightly, and he laughed heartily, "You've done me such a big favor, I don't even know how to thank you enough. Let me toast you first."
Zhao Qiang said, "Mr. Chen, you're too kind. I've been causing you a lot of trouble in Shanghai, so I'm planning to leave in the next couple of days."
Chen Kezong said, "Oh? You're going back to Beijing?"
Zhao Qiang said, "No, I plan to go to the United States. You know I'm a country boy who hasn't seen much of the world. This is a good opportunity to see the glamorous world of capitalist countries."
Chen Kezong's brows furrowed deeply. Clearly, he hadn't received any news about Zhao Qiang's departure from the country. In fact, he understood Zhao Qiang's importance better than anyone else. Letting such an important figure leave China was a very dangerous thing. Not to mention whether foreigners would try to win him over or corrupt him, if he were to be forcibly detained by the US government, it would be a huge loss for China.
(Thanks to KouLiKouFei123588 coins for the reward, thanks to Gri for the reward, and thanks to KouLiKouFei123 for the monthly ticket support. Yesterday's monthly ticket record was cleared when I checked this morning, oh dear. I would like to express my gratitude to all the friends who voted for me yesterday. I was busy this morning and was online a little late. Sorry everyone.)
Volume 2 [657] Protected
【657】Protected
Chen Kezong asked Zhao Qiang, "Were you sent abroad by the state?" As soon as he said it, Chen Kezong regretted it. How could the state send Zhao Qiang abroad? Given his current importance, it was safest to keep him in the country and keep him under surveillance.
Zhao Qiang said, "Old Chen, you misunderstand. I have no connection with the country now, so no one will appoint me. It's purely a personal matter."
“Zhao,” Chen Kezong changed his form of address, “Xin Xin is here today, and given your relationship, we’re not strangers. So I’ll tell you the truth.”
Zhao Qiang said modestly, "Please go ahead, Mr. Chen."
Chen Kezong said, "Your decision to go abroad is inappropriate."
Zhao Qiang smiled. "What's wrong with that?"
Chen Kezong said, "I think you also know your own identity..."
Zhao Qiang interrupted Chen Kezong: "'Status'? Old Chen, I don't think I have any status."
Chen Kezong waved his hand: "Zhao, don't underestimate yourself. You are very important to the country and the nation now. As for your safety within the country, that's fine..."
Zhao Qiang interrupted Chen Kezong again: "Is it safe to talk about things in China? Old Chen, you must not be unaware of what's been happening lately."
Chen Kezong looked somewhat ashamed, but he was not responsible for Zhao Qiang's repeated attacks. Although he still had some responsibility behind the scenes, it was none of his business on the surface. Thinking of this, Chen Kezong felt relieved and said, "With your skills, Zhao, you are naturally not afraid of those scoundrels."
Zhao Qiang said, "Since I'm not afraid of the scum in the country, why should I be afraid of the scum abroad?"
Chen Kezong said, "The situation is different. Foreign countries are always other people's territory."
Zhao Qiang said, "Old Chen, you never know. Maybe I'll be even more popular abroad."
Chen Kezong's expression changed. What did Zhao Qiang mean? Did he mean he was going to betray the country? Impossible. If he were going to betray the country, he wouldn't say it out loud, and moreover, he wouldn't leave several women behind in the country.
Chen Guangwei and Chen Guangmin ate their meal in silence, tacitly keeping quiet. Their father was always autocratic and wouldn't allow the two brothers to get involved in Zhao Qiang's matter. To avoid being scolded by their father, it was best not to get involved.
Aside from the girls Zhao Qiang brought, the only person who seemed to care was Chen Shuxian. However, Chen Shuxian had little influence in the Chen family and was afraid of upsetting her father-in-law, so she kept quiet, though her eyes revealed her concern.
Chen Kezong thought for a moment and said, "Zhao, does Beijing know about this?"
Zhao Qiang asked, "Old Chen, where do I need to go and who do I need to report to?"
Chen Kezong smiled and said, "Yes, you're a free man. Let's not talk about this. Let's drink." If they continued, the situation would become awkward.
After a few drinks, Chen Kezong asked Zhao Qiang some business-related questions, mostly about new products from several chemical plants in the south. In fact, Chen Xinxin and Li Jingjing's companies had already occupied the forefront of the world's chemical industry. If it weren't for this, Chen Kezong wouldn't have been so polite to Zhao Qiang. After all, no one wants to be subservient to others. Zhao Qiang hadn't been bribed by any party. No matter who he partnered with to open a factory, he always wanted absolute control. This was what made the big shots extremely unhappy. The factory wasn't in their hands, and the technology wasn't in their hands either. What goodwill could they have for a rebel like Zhao Qiang?
After returning from dinner at the Chen family's house, Zhao Qiang went to bed early to rest. Killing so many assassins in black was no small matter; he needed to fully restore his energy, otherwise, things could get messy if something happened while he was abroad.
The next morning, Zhao Qiang was awakened early by the noise outside the villa. Logically, Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling's residence had strict security; no one should dare to cause trouble there. Yang Shiqi, still half asleep, pulled a gun from under her pillow: "Who is it? It's so noisy! I'm going to go out and shoot him!"
Zhao Qiang patted Yang Shiqi's smooth back: "You sleep a little longer, I'll go out and take a look."
Yang Shiqi slithered into Zhao Qiang's arms like an eel, "Hold me, or I won't be able to sleep."
Zhao Qiang got out of bed and put on his clothes. "Alright, if you can't sleep, get up. It's getting late, and I still need to make some equipment today."
Yang Shiqi complained, "What? You only came to my room in the middle of the night, okay? Who knows where you were fooling around in the first half of the night?"
Zhao Qiang ignored Yang Shiqi's complaints and left the villa. Six men in black suits stood in the yard, all with serious expressions. Chen Xinxin was negotiating with them. Judging from their tone, the matter seemed very serious, and the men's waists were bulging, indicating that they were carrying guns.
"I've already said this is a private residence, please leave!" Chen Xinxin practically roared. No one had ever dared to cause trouble in this residence before, but the man in the black suit seemed not to hear her and was not afraid of Chen Xinxin's anger at all. As for the security guards, although they were all on edge, the other party was no pushover either, so Zhao Ling stopped them from taking action, after all, the person who came represented the country.
“Sister Chen, please cooperate with our work, otherwise we will arrest you for endangering national security,” said the leader in the black suit.
Chen Xinxin was furious. "Fine, arrest me then! Arrest me! I'm endangering national security? I think it's you who are endangering national security and that's why you've broken the law against us. Tell me!"
The man in the black suit remained silent, but his hand was on the gun at his waist. The security guards at Chen Xinxin's villa were all retired soldiers equipped with top-level gear. They realized that the man in the black suit intended to commit a crime, so they were on high alert, and the situation was on the verge of a confrontation.
Zhao Qiang walked out and glanced at the men in suits. The men in black suits breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Zhao Qiang, and the hand they had been holding on their waists relaxed. The security guards naturally noticed this as well, and only then did the atmosphere on the scene ease slightly.
Zhao Qiang asked coldly, "What's going on?"
Chen Xinxin said, "Who knows? They came to our door early in the morning and started making a ruckus, even trying to arrest us, saying we were endangering national security."
Zhao Qiang looked up and glanced at the man in the black suit: "What's your name?"
The man in the black suit stepped forward and said, "My surname is Zhang, Zhang Shan, and I am Mr. Zhao, the leader of Special Operations Team 2 of the Ministry of State Security. Please cooperate with our work to avoid any unnecessary trouble."
Zhao Qiang said, "Ministry of State Security? I don't know it. Besides, your work has nothing to do with me, and I won't cooperate. If you want to arrest people from here, then go ahead." After saying that, Zhao Qiang ignored Zhang Shan and said to Chen Xinxin, "Are we going to go back and stand in the yard breathing fresh air so early in the morning? You can't eat air."
A man in a black suit leaped out from behind Zhang Shan, blocking Zhao Qiang's path back to the villa. He said in an unfriendly tone, "Zhao Qiang, don't push your luck. We're acting on orders from the state. You have no choice but to cooperate, or don't blame us for being impolite."
Zhao Qiang threw a punch, but the man in the black suit didn't flinch. He confidently threw a punch to meet the attack. The two fists collided in mid-air with a bang. The man in the black suit staggered back three steps, still unable to stand steadily. Seeing the situation was bad, another man in a black suit immediately stepped forward to support his companion. The two of them staggered back two steps before finally stopping their retreat. The man in the black suit who had exchanged a punch with Zhao Qiang had a bloody fist, and it was estimated that the bone was broken. This was something that the men in black suits had not expected.
With their comrade injured, the other men in black suits naturally rushed to his aid. At the same time, several guns were pointed at Zhao Qiang; for this violently resisting arrest, force was the only option. Zhao Qiang sneered, preparing to teach them a lesson, when Zhang Shan, the leader, shouted, "Put your guns away! Mr. Zhao is not someone you can point guns at!"
Zhao Qiang ignored Zhang Shan and continued to lead Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling back to the villa. Zhang Shan called out from behind, "Mr. Zhao, please wait. We have official documents from the government. Don't make things difficult for us."
Zhao Qiang turned around and said, "Just say what you want to say. I don't like beating around the bush."
Zhang Shan looked around and said, "You all step back." The men in black suits retreated to the doorway, and Chen Xinxin waved to the security guards, who then returned to their posts. Only then did Zhang Shan speak: "Mr. Zhao, I have been ordered to take charge of your daily security from now on, and to protect you 24 hours a day."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not protection, it's surveillance."
Zhang Shan said, "You can think that way, but this is the country's concern for you. There has been a series of attacks recently, so the country must take your safety seriously. You need to know that you cannot afford any accidents, otherwise it will cause incalculable losses to the country."
Zhao Qiang said, "I can take responsibility for my own safety. Don't you think it's a bit late for you to come now? If I weren't capable of protecting myself, I might have died several times over by now. So you don't need to worry about my safety in the future. Please go back."
Zhang Shan said, "I'm sorry I can't comply. Also, I must remind Mr. Zhao that you cannot leave the mainland from now on. This is a special instruction from the central leadership. Foreign hostile forces are determined to destroy us. It would be very dangerous for you to leave the protection of the mainland."
Zhao Qiang snorted, "Don't step into this yard, or don't blame me for being impolite." After saying that, he led Zhao Ling and the others back to the villa.
Chen Xinxin said angrily, "How can this be? Zhao Qiang, we must not be manipulated by others."
Zhao Qiang said, "Alright, forget about that, go cook."
Yang Shiqi and Yang Shiyun had already woken up. After Chen Xinxin and Zhao Ling went to the kitchen, the two women came out of the room. Yang Shiqi said, "I have already called my grandfather. He said that this decision was approved by the central leadership. You cannot leave the country now, otherwise you will be punished."
Zhao Qiang snorted: "Tell your grandfather that I am not a pawn. They couldn't manipulate me before, and they still can't manipulate me now. Yang Shiyun, are you going to America or not?"
Yang Shiyun said, "Of course I'll go."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'll take a plane to the United States first thing tomorrow morning."
Yang Shiyun said, "You're going too? No way, I absolutely cannot let you and my grandfather become adversaries."
Zhao Qiang said, "What I dislike most is their way of doing things, so I won't give them another chance. If you don't leave, I'll leave on my own tomorrow. I can find out about the changes in your body even without you."
Yang Shiyun bit her lip and remained silent, glancing at her sister. Yang Shiqi shrugged helplessly; she really didn't have the final say on those old men's affairs, and besides, they were extremely stubborn and wouldn't back down until they hit a brick wall. Actually, Zhao Qiang's stubbornness also played a part. All the technology was in his hands, and entrusting the fate of the nation to him was something even a group of middle-aged people might not agree to, let alone the old men.
Volume 2 [658] Going Abroad
【658】Going abroad