“Who’s the culprit?”
Ye Qiu asked.
Xiao Zhan replied, “It’s a foreigner. I checked, his name is Mai’er, the young master of the Rodell family.”
It was him!
Honestly, Ye Qiu was a bit surprised.
In his impression, Mai’er was just a useless playboy, and their feud began in Dadong. He hadn’t expected this bastard to follow him to Jiangzhou.
Xiao Zhan continued, “Last month, Mai’er appeared at Tangtang’s concert and proposed to her on the spot, but for some reason, he ended up exposing his own scandal…”
“That was my doing,” Ye Qiu said.
Xiao Zhan paused, then said, “I was wondering why he targeted you, Boss, when you had no connection. Now it makes sense, he’s doing this to get revenge.”
Ye Qiu said, “Given this guy’s intelligence, he couldn’t possibly come up with a plan like poisoning the driver. Is there an expert by his side?”
“By the way, where is he?”
Xiao Zhan said, “He’s staying at the Dynasty Hotel, with five bodyguards and an old foreign man.”
“I was going to grab him, but that old man is very vigilant. I nearly got spotted several times.”
“That old man sticks close to Mai’er, making it hard to act.”
Ye Qiu was surprised. He knew Xiao Zhan’s skills well, so if even Xiao Zhan couldn’t get close, the old man with Mai’er must be a master.
Xiao Zhan asked, “Boss, should I call Han Long and Qilin for backup…”
“No need,” Ye Qiu said. “Have two sharp guys keep watch, then come back for the banquet.”
“What about Mai’er?” Xiao Zhan asked.
Ye Qiu said, “Let him live a few more hours. After the banquet, I’ll deal with him myself.”
Han Long said, “Got it, I’m coming back now.”
Ye Qiu hung up, glanced at his watch, and said coldly, “Mai’er, you’re lucky to have a few more hours.”
With that, he turned and entered the hotel.
At seven in the evening, the full moon banquet officially began.
After Ye Qiu gave a short speech of thanks, the room filled with the clinking of glasses and cheerful chatter.
Ye Qiu approached Deputy Mayor Huang, saying, “Are you free now?”
“What’s up?” Deputy Mayor Huang asked.
“Come with me.” Ye Qiu led him to the table where Old Master Ye sat.
“Old Master, let me introduce you. This is Jiangzhou’s Deputy Mayor Huang. He’s not only been kind to me but has also governed Jiangzhou well,” Ye Qiu said.
Deputy Mayor Huang’s heart raced as he stepped forward to shake Old Master Ye’s hand, respectfully saying, “Hello, Old Master Ye.”
Old Master Ye smiled kindly. “Xiao Huang, I’ve heard of you. You’re doing well. How old are you this year?”
“After the New Year, I’ll be fifty,” Deputy Mayor Huang replied.
Ye Qiu said, “Deputy Mayor Huang has been in this position for quite a while. Someone of his calibre deserves a promotion.”
“Ye Qiu’s right. People need to progress,” Old Master Ye said. “Xiao Huang, when you take a new post, keep up the good work.”
“Thank you, Old Master Ye, thank you,” Deputy Mayor Huang said, visibly excited.
Though Old Master Ye made no direct promise, his words were clear, and Deputy Mayor Huang knew a promotion was imminent.
Seeing his goal achieved, Ye Qiu said, “Old Master, enjoy your meal. I’ll go greet the other guests.”
He gave Deputy Mayor Huang a subtle nod.
Stepping aside, Deputy Mayor Huang said gratefully, “Xiao Ye, thank you. I, I…”
“It’s nothing, don’t mention it,” Ye Qiu said.
“Sorry, I got too excited and stumbled over my words. You must think I’m foolish,” Deputy Mayor Huang said. “I come from a humble background, my parents were laid-off workers. I got into Tsinghua University as the top scholar in my province, then entered politics after my master’s.”
“With no background or connections, reaching this position already feels like a miracle.”
“I thought I’d stay in this role until retirement, but you’ve given me such a huge opportunity.”
“Xiao Ye, you’re truly my benefactor.”
Ye Qiu smiled. “Deputy Mayor Huang, I recommended you to Old Master Ye because you’re a good official.”
“People like you, with higher positions and greater power, can do more good for the country and its people.”
“I’m just recommending talent for the nation.”
Deputy Mayor Huang said, “No matter what, I owe you my thanks. Xiao Ye, I’m older than you. If you don’t mind my lowly status, how about we call each other uncle and nephew?”
“Sounds good!” Ye Qiu agreed readily. “Uncle Huang, when you take your new post, roll up your sleeves and do great things. I believe you’ll have an even brighter future.”
“I will,” Deputy Mayor Huang nodded firmly.
Bang!
Suddenly, a loud slap on a table rang out.
Then came the War God’s angry shout, “You old fool, you took my benefits, then not only abandoned your post but also quit entirely. Have you no shame?”
Longbrow Master, toothpick in mouth, smirked, “War God, you know what I’ve relied on all these years wandering the world? Shamelessness.”
“You—” The War God was speechless with anger.
Longbrow Master grumbled, “That damn Kunlun Mountain, where even birds don’t shit, I’m not going back.”
“I’m telling you, you’re not getting that top-grade white jade coffin back either. I guarded that place for over a month, after all.”
“Not even if Old Tang were here today would I change my stance.”
The War God said, “Longbrow, as a sect leader, how can you be so untrustworthy? Are you worthy of Dragon Tiger Mountain’s ancestors?”
Longbrow Master, unfazed, said, “Enough, War God, don’t try to guilt me with Dragon Tiger Mountain’s ancestors. If you want me to guard Kunlun Mountain, fine, but only if you beat me first. Otherwise, no deal.”
The War God’s face turned livid; he was no match for Longbrow Master now.
“Old man, how about a fight?” Ye Qiu walked over, saying.
Longbrow Master’s face froze, and he forced a smile. “Little rascal, why fight for no reason? Let’s drink, drink.”
Ye Qiu said, “Drinking’s fine, but are you going back to Kunlun Mountain?”
Longbrow Master said, “That place is boring as hell. I stayed a month and nearly went mad. I’m not going back.”
Ye Qiu’s expression darkened, his fist clenching. “For someone who breaks their word, I usually let my fists do the talking.”
Longbrow Master paled, stammering, “Little rascal, don’t be rash. Let’s talk this out…”
Just then, a thunderous roar came from outside the hotel, “You dog, get out here and face your death!”
