At Chen Xinyu's home, Zhao Qiang had already finished washing up and gone to bed. Chen Xinyu was still in his room. She sat at the table and turned on her computer. Zhao Qiang asked, "Don't you need to go back to your room to sleep? Your parents will start worrying about you again soon."
Chen Xinyu winked and said, "Don't worry, if my mom keeps interfering, I'll elope with you. You're not angry about what happened tonight, are you?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Angry? Do I look angry to you?"
Chen Xinyu said, "Zhang Zihan and Geng Qiuhan are shameless. I know why they left us at the hotel—they just wanted to see us make a fool of ourselves. This time, I'll let them laugh their heads off."
Zhao Qiang asked, "What are you planning to do?"
Chen Xinyu said, "You go to sleep, I'll write a report."
Zhao Qiang ignored Chen Xinyu. She was a grown woman, and soon she would be running the media company on her own. If she couldn't even handle such a small matter, what else could Zhao Qiang trust her to do?
The next morning, a news item circulated online and spread like wildfire. "Beijing officials and entrepreneurs promote a new style of clean governance, splitting the bill for meals and drinks, sparking a nationwide wave of learning." The article then used exaggerated language to describe what happened the previous night, a mix of truth and fiction, humorously portraying the stingy and petty nature of an official and entrepreneur.
The article appeared positive on the surface, but all officials could see it was a satire of Zhang Zihan and Geng Qiuhan. Zhang Zihan nearly fainted from anger after the news was published.
With a crash, Zhang Zihan swept all the items off the desk. Several junior staff members trembled and remained outside the office, waiting for orders. None of them dared to approach, fearing that Zhang Zihan might dislike them and scold them.
"Director Zhang," someone called from outside. The person who came was the mayor's secretary. He didn't need to give Zhang Zihan any face, so even though Zhang Zihan was angry, she still had to respond quickly.
"Secretary Kong, what's the matter?" Zhang Zihan greeted him with a smile.
Secretary Kong said, "The mayor requests your presence immediately."
Zhang Zihan's expression changed: "Okay, I'll be right there."
Zhang Zihan straightened his appearance. Just then, his phone rang. He took it out and looked at the caller ID. He frowned and rejected the call, but the other party persisted and called again. Zhang Zihan knew that if he didn't answer, the caller would keep calling, so he had no choice but to press the answer button: "Brother Geng, I'm in a meeting here. We can talk later."
Geng Qiuhan said, "Stop talking nonsense. If you don't answer my call, I'm coming to your office."
Zhang Zihan was genuinely afraid that Geng Qiuhan would come to the municipal government, which would make him lose face even more. Geng Qiuhan was no kind person; he was a prominent figure in Beijing. "What do you want to say? Hurry up and tell me. I'm in a hurry to see the mayor."
Geng Qiuhan said, "You've seen the newspaper, haven't you? The mayor probably called you here for this matter."
A deep frown appeared between Zhang Zihan's brows: "Geng Qiuhan, my affairs are none of your business. If there's nothing else, I'm hanging up."
Geng Qiuhan said, "Director Zhang, we are allies, but you have gone too far. You have to admit that what happened last time was entirely your doing. It's one thing for me to be called a miser and no one wants to associate with me, but you should bear the consequences." After saying that, Geng Qiuhan hung up the phone. The alliance was broken without a fight. Geng Qiuhan would never trust Zhang Zihan again. This person seemed shrewd, but in reality, his arrogance would only lead to messing things up.
Zhang Zihan was furious with Geng Qiuhan. This was deliberately trying to make him angry. Zhang Zihan stomped his foot on the ground angrily, but he still had to put on a smiling face to see the mayor. He was just an office director. He could be arrogant in front of his subordinates, but he had to pretend to be humble in front of the mayor.
In the mayor's office, Zhang Zihan stood nervously in front of the mayor's desk. The mayor was reading a newspaper and would occasionally glance at him. Zhang Zihan couldn't figure out what the mayor was going to say. He was so nervous that he was sweating profusely, but he didn't dare to interrupt or ask any questions at this moment.
After a long pause, the mayor finally spoke: "Director Zhang, you saw the newspaper, didn't you?"
Zhang Zihan nodded, blushing, "Mayor, the newspaper report is inaccurate; some things are not like that at all."
The mayor tapped the table with his index finger: "The report is inaccurate? It seems you told me before that Chen Xinyu was your girlfriend. How could she deliberately vilify you? This doesn't make sense."
Zhang Zihan dared not boast at this moment: "Mayor, my relationship with Chen Xinyu is in crisis. She has been bewitched by a man from out of town and has now changed her mind. That's why she vilified me in the newspaper. Please, Mayor, see the truth."
"Mingjian?" the mayor said angrily. "Going to those kinds of restaurants and bars is already a violation of regulations, and then you even tried to split the bill! This will make officials all over China laugh at and curse you, Director Zhang. It's fine if you want to be famous, but don't try to embarrass the entire Beijing municipal government in this way."
Zhang Zihan's body began to tremble, but he still insisted on arguing his case: "Mayor, please let me explain, this is truly a case of someone framing me."
The mayor asked, "Did you split the bill?"
Zhang Zihan said, "Yes, but it wasn't my idea..."
The mayor interrupted Zhang Zihan: "That's enough. Do you want everyone to follow your example and split the bill at every banquet from now on? Fine, then you draft a document and have everyone study and sign it. This can also be considered a government anti-corruption campaign."
Zhang Zihan asked in surprise, "Mayor? You're not kidding, are you?"
The mayor retorted, "Am I joking? You've pushed things to this point. Do you think your personal level of thinking is so high that it makes our government seem backward? It's fine if you want to make progress, but don't hinder the progress of our entire government."
Zhang Zihan knew he would be in trouble if he really got everyone to sign his name to study it. Not only would Beijing civil servants have less to skim off the table, but the endless eating and drinking would also cause a lot of trouble. But if he didn't split the bill, the public would criticize him. But if he did, wouldn't that be a slap in the face to the person who was treating? This was a real dilemma.
Zhang Zihan felt a headache and aggrieved, but Zhao Qiang and Chen Xinyu were quite relaxed. The two spent their days conducting interviews. Zhao Qiang was now working as a volunteer photographer. Through investigation and interviews, a demolition report on the old district of Shihezi was soon released. Although the demolition brought high economic benefits, these benefits only increased the wealth opportunities for real estate developers. They had little effect on the residents in the entire area to be demolished or on Beijing's overall planning. The report focused on the layers of exploitation in the demolition compensation fees. By the time it reached ordinary residents, it had become a life-threatening expense. After receiving this money, they could no longer afford to live in a house and became homeless renters because the difference between the compensation and the current housing price was too great.
The report on Chen Xinyu naturally attracted considerable attention from the municipal government. The government ordered a temporary halt to the demolition work, and future plans are pending further study. As for the compensation funds that disappeared during the process, a special investigation has begun. Whoever took them will be held accountable; individuals found guilty of embezzlement will face criminal charges, and those who collectively intercepted the funds will be held responsible. In short, this incident, following the "AA system" (a system where officials share the costs equally with each other), is another major shock to Beijing officials. There's no way around it; Chen Xinyu has a significant influence in the media, and it's not easy for anyone to intercept her articles.
Fortunately, no one knew that Zhao Qiang was behind both of these incidents; otherwise, he would have been drowned by the spittle of Beijing officials.
Although he might become the target of public criticism, Zhao Qiang still leisurely strolled around Beijing. One day, he was drinking tea at an old lady's tea stall when Chen Xinyu drove up to him.
"You seem to be having a really leisurely time." Chen Xinyu looked travel-worn; Zhao Qiang hadn't been her photographer today, and she had gone to a conference to conduct interviews on her own.
Zhao Qiang poured Chen Xinyu a bowl of tea: "You look hot, have some tea."
Chen Xinyu didn't stand on ceremony, sat down, and picked up her teacup: "What are you doing tonight?"
Zhao Qiang said, "What else could I do? Of course, I'll go to your house to sleep."
Chen Xinyu said, "If you don't have any plans, come with me."
Before even asking where it was, Zhao Qiang refused, saying, "I'm not going."
Chen Xinyu said, "Don't refuse so quickly, okay?"
Zhao Qiang said, "In short, I don't plan to get to know your social circle anymore. You do your thing, I'll go back to your house and wait for you."
Chen Xinyu said, "Okay, it's my aunt's daughter's birthday today, so it looks like I'll have to find another male companion. I'm sure many men will be fighting over him."
Zhao Qiang immediately changed his mind: "Anyway, I don't have anything to do, and I'm afraid your parents will try to talk me out of it if I stay at your house. I'd better go with you to take a look."
Volume 2 [559] Walking into a Trap
[559] Walking into a trap
Zhao Qiang wasn't well-liked by Chen Xinyu's parents, but he couldn't leave after Chen Xinyu pleaded with him. Besides, Chen's parents weren't keeping a close eye on their daughter at night anymore, and Chen Xinyu was already able to go over to Zhao Qiang's side late at night. Otherwise, Zhao Qiang would have run away long ago. Actually, this wasn't the most important thing. The key issue was that Zhao Qiang hadn't seen the person he was supposed to meet; otherwise, he would have returned to Donghai City long ago.
"I can't listen to you this time for your cousin's birthday," Zhao Qiang said. Last time, he listened to Chen Xinyu and brought several kilograms of fruit to Chen Xinyu's house, but he was ridiculed by Zhang Zihan. Even Chen's parents looked down on him. So this time, he had to regain his face no matter what.
Chen Xinyu obediently replied, "Okay, whatever you want to buy, I'll buy it."
While drinking tea, Zhao Qiang said, "How old are you, cousin? If you're a little kid, it's best to buy you toys. If you're about your age, it's best to buy you cosmetics and clothes."
Chen Xinyu said, "She just graduated from university, so she doesn't lack cosmetics or clothes."
Zhao Qiang chuckled: "I don't believe it, unless you gave her the cosmetics."
Chen Xinyu suddenly realized: "You mean cosmetics that are for youth health products? I thought it was some other foreign brand. You know what, it's really good. Zhang Lingfeng is very arrogant now and doesn't give face to anyone. Otherwise, these kinds of cosmetics would be everywhere in Beijing."
Zhao Qiang said, "Then let's give her a set of cosmetics."
Chen Xinyu asked, "But is it possible to get the goods so late?" It was already afternoon, and there wasn't much time left before attending the birthday party. Ever since the slimming tea became a drug to kill the H virus, the distributors of youth health products in various places have almost all been closed down. Because the government has controlled the supply of goods, these distributors have no goods to get at all, so even if they are still open, it is useless.
Zhao Qiang tapped Chen Xinyu's forehead: "How can someone as smart as you sometimes make stupid mistakes?"
Chen Xinyu patted her forehead: "Yeah, you can make that up now. Look at me, my IQ drops when I'm with you. I can't help it, I lose myself when I see you."
Zhao Qiang put down his teacup: "Let's go buy the raw materials now."
Chen Xinyu paid for the tea, and the old lady said to her, "Young lady, you've found a good husband. I think this young man is a good match for you."
Chen Xinyu was very happy; hearing others praise Zhao Qiang was even more pleasing to her than hearing praise for herself. "Thank you, Grandma. Don't worry, I will definitely cherish this opportunity."
Zhao Qiang led the way into a roadside cosmetics store. Just by looking at the decor, you could tell it was a mass-market store. Even if it had a branded product, it was probably a knock-off.
"Boss, you're here to buy cosmetics for your girlfriend? You've come to the right place! My products are genuine and of high quality. Your girlfriend has such good skin, I guarantee she'll be even more beautiful after using my cosmetics." The cosmetics seller was a woman in her early forties who spoke quickly and urgently.
Zhao Qiang hummed in agreement twice: "Give me two bottles of each."
The boss thought he had misheard. "You mean every single one?"
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, my girlfriend is so beautiful and has such great skin. If she doesn't use your cosmetics, wouldn't her beauty be less apparent?" Although she knew that Zhao Qiang was joking with his boss, Chen Xinyu still laughed so hard she almost fell over.
The boss chuckled, "Yes, yes, you're so considerate. If I were ten years younger, I would definitely marry you."
Chen Xinyu snorted. Even if this boss were twenty years younger, he couldn't compete with her.
As the shop owner showered the customers with compliments, he shoved cosmetics into a large plastic bag from the counter. The stock that had been piling up for years was finally going to sell, and the owner was so excited he almost cried.
Chen Xinyu paid the money, and the shop owner was so happy he almost fainted. His income for the week was now guaranteed. After seeing Zhao Qiang and his companion out of the shop, she immediately closed the door and prepared to go home to tell her husband the good news.
Whoosh! A sports car whizzed past Zhao Qiang. Zhao Qiang grabbed Chen Xinyu, otherwise she would have been hit by the car's tail if she lost her balance. Chen Xinyu said angrily, "Who is it? Don't they want to die?"
Zhao Qiang glanced at her and advised Chen Xinyu to let it go: "Alright, the other party has already run away, let's hurry up and leave."
Chen Xinyu asked, somewhat puzzled, "What, you're doing the good deed this time?"
Zhao Qiang was sweating profusely: "Could it be that I've been a bad guy all along?"
In a villa on the outskirts of Beijing, Li Qingqing finally found some peace and quiet. Preparations for her 22nd birthday banquet were nearing completion, and guests would begin arriving in two hours.
"Hey, Xiaowan, where are you? Why aren't you here yet? You have to come early to keep me company," Li Qingqing called.
A sports car was speeding down the highway, and the girl inside even dared to make a phone call: "Qingqing, don't worry, I'm in a hurry. Don't worry, I'll get ready and come to be with you. After all, I'm your best friend."
Li Qingqing asked again, "Did you run into that damn guy?"
Xiao Wan said, "What are the chances? If we ran into each other, would I let him go?" Actually, Xiao Wan didn't know that she had almost hit someone just now. If it weren't for her, would Zhao Qiang have let this sports car speeding through the city so easily?
Li Qingqing said, "I really can't swallow this insult. I've already mobilized all our friends in the industry to look for him everywhere. I won't be able to eat or sleep until I've torn him to pieces."
Xiao Wan said, "Me too. Okay, I'm driving now, I can't chat with you anymore, see you later."
Li Qingqing put down her phone and picked it up again. She was indeed bored, and her parents wouldn't allow her to leave home at this time. Besides, her friend might arrive soon, and who would take charge if she left?
"Cousin, when can you come?" Li Qingqing called Chen Xinyu.
Chen Xinyu said, "What's the rush? I'm buying you a gift. I can't go empty-handed."
Li Qingqing said, "I told you beforehand that you must bring a man. Gifts don't matter. I don't even want the things you bought." Li Qingqing and her cousin didn't mince words; they said whatever came to mind.
Chen Xinyu said, "These gifts are definitely ones you can't buy even if you have money, so just wait for the surprise."
Li Qingqing said, "The key point I'm talking about is men. Did you hear me clearly?"
Chen Xinyu said, "I heard you right. Don't force your preference for men on me. But I will definitely bring my boyfriend this time, so don't worry."
Li Qingqing said, "Then hurry up and come, I can't wait."
Chen Xinyu said, "Okay, I'll be there in a bit."
After putting down her phone, Chen Xinyu saw a car in the distance. Someone in the car waved to her, and Chen Xinyu waved back. The person drove away without stopping after saying goodbye. Chen Xinyu said to Zhao Qiang, "Let's find a place to get rid of these cosmetics quickly. That person is Li Hongying, my cousin Li Qingqing's cousin."
Zhao Qiang glanced at the cosmetics in the trunk of the Ferrari: "No need to look for a place, you drive, we'll go straight there."
On the way, Zhao Qiang used his energy to modify the cosmetics he bought. Fearing that the labels might mislead people, he tore them off, and a bunch of super cosmetics appeared, including everything from lipsticks to eyeshadows, skincare products to whitening products. Even the Little Beauty Cosmetics series, which is full of youth health products, didn't have this many varieties.
Nearly an hour later, Chen Xinyu brought Zhao Qiang to the door of Li Qingqing's house. There were already staff members standing at the villa gate to greet them. Although there was no invitation, the staff members all recognized Chen Xinyu, so they did not encounter any obstacles.
Zhao Qiang carried a large bag of cosmetics, with Chen Xinyu leading the way. The two didn't go to the villa's hall, but went straight to Li Qingqing's bedroom. On the way, Chen Xinyu reminded Zhao Qiang, "My cousin is a bit outgoing, especially likes to wear revealing clothes. You should be prepared."