The female soldier said very respectfully, "The old lady truly deserves our respect. In that case, let's release her." Then, she tapped Liu Fang's forehead and said, "You should thank this uncle properly. If it weren't for him, you would have been thrown in a dark room for a few days."
Liu Fang felt so wronged, but she dared not speak out. Instead, she put on a grateful face and said, "I invited them here to dinner to express my gratitude. I must offer them a few more drinks later."
After the female soldier left, Liu Fang wiped the sweat from her face, and this wipe revealed her true appearance: under the thick foundation was a wrinkled old face, no younger than Liu Huilan.
"Brother Weidong, Uncle Zhao, let's go inside quickly. It seems like there's martial law outside. Maybe some high-ranking official from the Central Committee is coming to have dinner. We shouldn't be misunderstood if we stand here. I was really unlucky just now; I almost got arrested." Liu Fang was still shaken. Although the female soldier had let her go because Zhao Weidong seemed honest, Liu Fang felt that she had been arrested because she was welcoming Zhao Weidong, so her gratitude was somewhat offset.
Zhao Weidong had no idea that the soldiers nearby were protecting him, so he didn't think much of it and followed Liu Fang into the hotel. The luxurious decorations in the lobby dazzled Zhao Weidong; how much money must all this cost?
(Thanks to zggeyi and model husband for their monthly ticket support)
Volume 2 [605] Connecting the Thread
【6o5】Connecting thread
Zhao Weidong and Zhao Tiancheng looked around with the air of country bumpkins visiting the city, which made Liu Fang feel that the 'hardship' she had endured to welcome them was not worth it, and she could 'understand' her husband and daughter's previous attitude.
As Liu Fang walked, she said to Zhao Weidong, "My husband is hosting a banquet here tonight for several officials from central ministries. But you don't need to worry about it. I'll set up a table in the next room. Just eat whatever you like. If you need anything, just tell the waiter. Their service is absolutely top-notch, and they certainly won't make you feel uncomfortable."
Zhao Weidong was like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden, everything was so curious and new. He listened to whatever Liu Fang said. He couldn't help but envy Liu Fang's life. Back then, everyone ate the same cornbread, but now she had become a phoenix.
Zhao Qiang followed behind, pouting. It wasn't that he was unfilial for not bringing his parents and grandfather to live in the big city sooner. In fact, Zhao Qiang knew perfectly well that his parents were not used to this kind of life. They would soon get tired of the hustle and bustle and extravagance of the city. It would be more comfortable for them to live in the countryside, where there were fewer rules and no high-end consumption. Although his parents were not short of money now, Zhao Qiang knew that they were reluctant to spend it.
Lu Yalong was speaking with Manager Huang of the hotel through a connection, and the two were having a lively conversation. Lu Yalong said, "Manager Huang, you are truly young and promising, and you are destined for great things under the emperor's nose."
Manager Huang was in his early thirties, in the prime of his life, and his future was naturally bright. He chuckled and said, "Mayor Lu, you're too kind. You regional officials have much better prospects. We're stuck in the capital with a bunch of high-ranking officials around us. What future do we have? If we want to make any moves, countless people are watching us."
Lu Yalong took an envelope out of his pocket and slapped it on Huang Jing's hand during the handshake, saying, "Manager Huang, I'll consider you my friend from now on. Don't look down on me, okay? Let's get together next time you come to Beijing on a business trip."
Manager Huang casually stuffed the envelope into his trouser pocket and said, "No problem, I'll take care of everything once Mayor Lu arrives in Beijing."
Lu Yalong said, "Manager Huang, you're so kind. We're like family, so let's not stand on ceremony. I might be considering a transfer to the provincial government soon. I've pretty much smoothed things over with the provincial authorities, but there's someone trying to trip me up at the central level. I'd like to ask Manager Huang for advice on how I should proceed."
Manager Huang said, "Mayor Lu is naturally happy to be promoted to a higher position. Now that there is no more resistance from the province, everything will be easier. Tonight, I will introduce you to a friend. As long as he can speak on your behalf, it will be much more useful than entertaining high-ranking officials from ministries. Even if someone in the province wants to obstruct you, they will have to think it over carefully. His influence is far-reaching."
Lu Yalong asked, "Who? Who has such power?"
Manager Huang whispered in Lu Yalong's ear, "Zhang Lingfeng."
Lu Yalong was taken aback: "That Zhang Lingfeng who is richer than a country?" There aren't many people on the official road who don't know 'Zhang Lingfeng'.
Manager Huang said, "That's right. Don't underestimate the Zhang family and their in-laws just because they aren't huge. They are an unshakeable force in each province. And Zhang Lingfeng has somehow made connections with a large number of high-ranking central government officials. He's riding high right now. He's very generous. If he can't handle something, he'll just throw money at it until it's settled. So, Mayor Lu, as long as you befriend him, everything will be fine."
Lu Yalong had some doubts: "Zhang Lingfeng is incredibly wealthy and doesn't lack money at all. I wonder how I can get in touch with him?"
Manager Huang said, "Because he is not short of money, Mayor Lu does not have to worry about spending money on this matter. Zhang Lingfeng is an extremely generous person. You must not act stingy. As long as he considers you a friend, Mayor Lu can just wait to be promoted and make money. What difficulty would it be for him to become the Minister of Organization of the Province or the Vice Governor?"
Lu Yalong was tempted. Manager Huang's words were like a shot in the arm. The gift he had just given hadn't been wasted. He had received such important information right away. Zhang Lingfeng was not usually in Beijing. Even if Lu Yalong wanted to get to know him, he wouldn't be able to find him. It was Manager Huang who had connections everywhere. He had made the connection right away. Whether it would work out or not depended on his performance that night.
Thinking of this, Lu Yalong took out another envelope and slapped it into Manager Huang's hand. "I really have to thank Manager Huang for his help. I'm new here and don't know much about the situation in Beijing, but with Manager Huang's help, I'm sure everything will go smoothly."
Having received the benefits, Manager Huang became even more enthusiastic. "Mayor Lu, you're too kind. Let me remind you of something else. As far as I know, Zhang Lingfeng may not lack money, but he lacks beautiful women. Hehe, Mayor Lu should understand. If this matter is handled well, it will definitely benefit you."
Lu Yalong chuckled: "I understand, I understand. I am very grateful for Manager Huang's good intentions. We should have a good drink together later."
Manager Huang checked the time: "I have a meeting to attend. Mayor Lu, feel free to visit the hotel. Recently, the company's leadership has moved to Beijing, so I'm too busy and can't accompany you any longer."
Lu Yalong bowed and nodded: "Manager Huang, you're busy. I'll naturally ask you for help if I need anything."
Manager Huang left with two envelopes containing 20,000 yuan. Lu Yalong was reluctant to part with it. Although he didn't need the money, watching it slip through his fingers still felt like a painful blow. However, the thought of Zhang Lingfeng immediately energized him. If Manager Huang could introduce him to Zhang Lingfeng, his chance for a meteoric rise would arrive. Since the other man had so much money, he would seduce him with his beauty.
However, Lu Yalong was immediately caught in a dilemma. He had tried to win over Zhang Lingfeng with his beauty, but where was his weapon? Where could he find a beautiful woman so quickly? He figured the hotel girls wouldn't even look at him, and if he gave himself away, Zhang Lingfeng would scold him, and he might even offend him. Cold sweat poured down Lu Yalong's back. He was anxious; time was running out, and he hadn't prepared any decent beauties.
Lu Chun Chun and Gong Shijie walked around the hotel for a while. When they returned, they saw that their father was covered in sweat. Lu Chun Chun was startled: "Dad, what happened? Are you not feeling well? I'll take you to the hospital."
Lu Yalong waved his hand, anxiously considering how to deal with the current difficulties. Lu Chun Chun went over to wipe her father's sweat with concern. Lu Yalong saw his daughter's face and suddenly smiled. It's better to rely on yourself than others. It's better to let your family benefit than to let others take advantage of you. However, it seems there are still some ideological and work-related difficulties to resolve.
Liu Fang led Zhao Weidong and his family into a private room. It was a large banquet hall, comparable in scale and class to a big hotel in Hedian District. Liu Fang said, "Brother Weidong, please order whatever you would like to eat later. I'm in the next room. If you need anything, just ask the waiter to call me."
Zhao Weidong said, "Fang, this place is too big. I'm not used to it."
Liu Fang patted Zhao Weidong on the shoulder: "Brother Weidong, you'll get used to it. You've spent your whole life holed up in Shantou Village and it's not easy for you to come to Beijing. You should broaden your horizons. Don't be so stingy. Besides, this meal is on me, so you can eat without worry."
Zhao Qiang said to his mother, "Mom, I really regret not taking the civil service exam. Look at Aunt Fang, her husband is a civil servant and she can live a life of luxury everywhere. So being a civil servant must be very lucrative."
Xu Xiaoya said, "No way, as far as I know, civil servants only earn tens of thousands of yuan a year."
Liu Fang said mysteriously, "Let's not discuss this anymore. Anyway, someone paid for it. You guys have some tea first, I'll go out and take a look."
Before Liu Fang had even left the private room, Zhao Qiang's phone rang. He glanced at the number, answered, and after a few words, put down the phone and said, "I have something to do outside. Xiaoya, you stay with Mom, Dad, and Grandpa."
Xu Xiaoya nodded without asking any further questions. Zhao Qiang followed Liu Fang out. Sure enough, Lu Yalong and the others were next door. As soon as Liu Fang opened the door, Zhao Qiang saw through the crack that Gong Shijie had a pale face. Lu Yalong was earnestly trying to persuade him, while Lu Chun Chun, who was standing next to him, looked embarrassed and wondered what the three of them were up to.
Wang Meng stood at the corner of the doorway. Zhao Qiang went over and said, "I need to go out for a bit. Could you stay here and watch over things?"
Wang Meng nodded: "Brother Qiang, don't worry, as long as I'm alive, I won't let them get into trouble."
Zhao Qiang said, "It's not that serious. If something really happens, just hold on until I get back. Let me know to Liu Jia and tell him to stay alert."
Although there were many people coming and going in the hotel, it was no longer an outdoor public place, so the security work was easier; otherwise, Zhao Qiang would not have dared to leave his side.
After waiting for a short while at the hotel entrance, Chen Xinyu arrived in her car. Zhao Qiang got in, and Chen Xinyu sped away from the hotel, saying, "Qingqing has already gone there, but they won't let her go."
Zhao Qiang said, "You shouldn't have come out alone; it's very dangerous now."
Chen Xinyu said, "I have high-level equipment on me, so I should be fine."
Zhao Qiang said, "Don't be careless. That thing can only solve a temporary problem. If a real fight breaks out, none of you will be a match for the enemy."
Chen Xinyu stuck out her tongue and made a face: "Yes, I was just worried about my cousin. She went into the wolf's den all by herself, and I was afraid something would happen if she was late."
Zhao Qiang said angrily, "Since Zhou Wan escaped from Wang Yipeng, she should have gone home immediately. Instead, she went out to gamble. Do you think she's out of her mind?"
Chen Xinyu said, "How can we possibly consider the thoughts of today's young people?"
Zhao Qiang chuckled: "It sounds like we're already old."
Chen Xinyu said, "Yes, so it's time for you to get married and have children. Do you have any concrete plans?"
Zhao Qiang was sweating profusely. Xu Xiaoya had been pestering her mother to let her marry into the Zhao family as soon as possible, and it turned out that she had also been considering marrying into the Zhao family. Zhao Qiang could only use the current complicated and dangerous situation as an excuse, saying, "The situation in Beijing is not peaceful these days. Let's talk about it after we get through the danger period."
Chen Xinyu naturally couldn't force Zhao Qiang to make any promises, so she focused on driving. Li Qingqing had already arrived ahead to handle the situation, but Zhou Wan had lost too much, and Li Qingqing couldn't redeem her at all. Helpless, she could only ask Chen Xinyu for help.
Volume Two [606] Redemption
Redeeming people
Yang Shiqi was in a dilemma and turned her clothes upside down in the room. Hearing the rummaging around, Yang Shiyun, who had nothing to do at home, knocked on the door and came in.
"Third sister, what are you doing?" Yang Shiyun asked, puzzled, seeing clothes scattered all over the floor.
Yang Shiqi said, "Second sister, tell me, am I a man or a woman?"
Yang Shiyun was stunned by the question, "What's wrong with you? Don't you know better than I whether you're a man or a woman?"
Yang Shiqi said, "But why is there not a single piece of women's clothing that suits me?"
Yang Shiyun chuckled, "What's wrong? Going on a date with your lover? I've never seen you this nervous before. What's going on?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Zhao Qiang's parents have come to Beijing."
Yang Shiyun said, "I know, you were the one who picked me up, so what?"
Yang Shiqi said, "I just received a tip from an inside source that Xu Xiaoya, that vixen, is instigating Zhao Qiang's mother to force Zhao Qiang to get married."
Yang Shiyun said, "So you're in a hurry?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Of course, it should be me and Zhao Qiang who get married. What does it have to do with Xu Xiaoya?"
Yang Shiyun said, "I just don't understand, what's so good about that Zhao Qiang?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Of course you don't understand. I love him. I can't live without him. Don't say anything to stop me, or our sisterly bond will be ruined."
Yang Shiyun said, "Really? I know you love Zhao Qiang, but do you think it's worth it?"
Yang Shiqi jumped up: "Of course it's worth it! If I can't marry him, I'm prepared to die!"
Yang Shiyun teased, "Oh, I didn't realize that my third sister, who never considered herself a woman, was in love so passionately. Speaking of which, I should thank Zhao Qiang. If it weren't for him, you'd still be a tomboy."
Yang Shiqi said, "Stop making such sarcastic remarks. I have to defeat Xu Xiaoya. They went to a hotel to eat, and I'm going to disrupt their plans. I can't watch Xu Xiaoya steal Zhao Qiang's parents' hearts. I have to fight back."
Yang Shiyun said, "You have almost all unisex clothes on the ground. How about I lend you my clothes?"
Yang Shiqi immediately laughed: "That's right, how come I didn't think of that? Hurry up, hurry up, I'm afraid we won't have enough time."
Yang Shiyun led Yang Shiqi into her room, and as she took clothes out of the closet, she asked, "What kind of style are you going to wear? Business attire? Casual wear? Ladylike attire?"
Yang Shiqi said, "Be sexy, you have to be able to seduce Zhao Qiang."
Yang Shiyun took out a low-cut dress: "It shouldn't be difficult to hook up with Zhao Qiang. That guy is a lecherous man. But have you considered his parents' feelings? Won't dressing too revealingly make them uncomfortable?"
Yang Shiqi realized: "That's right, thanks for reminding me, I should wear a ladylike outfit."
Yang Shiyun changed into a different outfit and held it up against Yang Shiqi, saying, "Why does this feel so awkward? None of these clothes suit you. I think you should just wear a business suit."
Yang Shiqi asked doubtfully, "Will it work?"
Yang Shiyun said, "Winning over Zhao Qiang isn't a problem, since you're already living together. The key is to win over Zhao Qiang's parents, so you need to dress more formally and try to make a good first impression on them."
Yang Shiqi said, "Okay, I'll listen to you. But second sister, you should come with me. That way, I'll have someone to talk to."
Yang Shiyun said, "Okay, I'll sacrifice some time for my third sister's marriage."
When Zhao Qiang and Chen Xinyu arrived at the underground casino, Li Qingqing was holding a knife to Zhou Wan's neck. This scene left Zhao Qiang and Chen Xinyu completely bewildered. What was going on?
A group of people surrounded the two of them, and someone shouted, "Don't be impulsive, let's talk this out."
Li Qingqing said, "What else is there to say? If you don't move aside, I'll kill her and make sure you don't get a single penny."
A man who appeared to be a foreman said, "You'll pay with your life if you kill her, and we'll also go to her home. Don't think you can escape responsibility just because you're the child of an official. Let me tell you, our big boss specializes in targeting high-ranking officials."
Chen Xinyu said to Zhao Qiang, "Although this underground casino doesn't look very big, it has a very deep background. Otherwise, with Zhou Wan and Qingqing's status, they would have taken care of it long ago."
I was hardly questioned when I entered the casino, which shows that the owner is very confident that no police dare to come and check.
Li Qingqing pressed the knife forcefully against Zhou Wan's neck: "I don't care what you're doing, get out of the way right now, or I'll really kill her and there will be a murder here, and none of you will escape responsibility."
Zhao Qiang was really afraid that a crazy woman like Li Qingqing might do something stupid. He pushed aside the casino security guards in front of him and shouted, "Put down the knife. Let me handle this."
When Li Qingqing saw Zhao Qiang, she also saw Chen Xinyu. She breathed a sigh of relief. If she hadn't been quick-witted enough to threaten them with murder, she would probably have been stripped naked and gang-raped by now. Although she wasn't afraid, the thought of being defiled by a group of people she didn't like still made Li Qingqing and Zhou Wan feel resentful.