chsdbacks Chapter 748 - 718: A Small Affair
Chapter 748 - 718: A Small Affair
Han Tai’s attitude was fairly decent: "Director Xu, we’re victims too, we didn’t know what they were renting the car for. Yes, there were indeed some misunderstandings between us in the past, but it’s all been cleared up, and we’ve let it go. Think about it, if we wanted revenge, we wouldn’t use our company cars, right?"Xu Chunliang said, "Boss Han, you should take this up with the police. I’m not a cop; I’m only responsible for explaining what I know. Whether the police suspect you or not is none of my business."
Xu Chunliang hung up the phone, and Su Qing returned with coffee and desserts: "Quite busy, huh."
Xu Chunliang smiled and explained to her what Han Tai had said.
Su Qing said, "Really, why is he looking for you?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "He probably thinks I reported his son. Actually, this has nothing to do with me. During the investigation, the police found out he had conflicts with me before, so naturally, they included him as a suspect."
Su Qing said, "Could it really be him who orchestrated it?"
Xu Chunliang shook his head and said, "How could it be? He’s not that stupid. Even if he wanted revenge, he wouldn’t use his company cars. Besides, he wouldn’t have the guts."
Xu Chunliang saw through the likes of Tang Tianyi and other second-generation rich. Finding someone to beat me up is very likely, but hiring someone to take my life requires a courage they don’t possess. After all, they’re used to a pampered lifestyle, and nobody dares to easily challenge the law.
Su Qing said, "Might it be Tang Tianyi?"
Xu Chunliang said, "Since the police found Han Wensheng, they will likely investigate Tang Tianyi as well."
Su Qing said, "Hope they can find the results soon."
Xu Chunliang asked about the condition of her car. Su Qing’s Beetle was a total loss, but according to the division of responsibility, Dongtai Car Rental Company should bear full responsibility. Of course, it doesn’t cost Dongtai money, since they have insurance, and ultimately the insurance company will foot the bill.
Xu Chunliang was initially worried that Su Qing would be traumatized by the incident, but she seemed to be doing quite well.
The two discussed and Su Qing made a call to Xing Yongqing, whose mother, Zhang Meilan, answered. Zhang Meilan first clarified who she was speaking to before telling Su Qing that her daughter was ill, with a high fever of 39 degrees, and was recuperating at home.
Su Qing didn’t chat much more, she said a few words of concern and then hung up the phone, turning her gaze back to Xu Chunliang and said somewhat sheepishly, "It’s all my fault, causing you this trouble."
Xu Chunliang said, "Like I said, last night’s car accident was aimed at me, it’s me who should be feeling apologetic."
Su Qing knew he was taking the responsibility on himself to lessen her load, which warmed her heart even more, and her eyes sparkled like spring water as she looked at Xu Chunliang.
The calmness of Grandmaster Xu was disturbed by the ripples in these pools of spring water, his palms began to feel slightly warm.
Su Qing noticed the change in him, lowered her long black lashes, and softly said, "A lot of videos about last night have surfaced online, will that cause you trouble?"
Xu Chunliang said, "It’s a small thing. I’ve been a trending topic before; compared to that, this is no big deal."
Su Qing laughed, her laughter enchanting like the spring breeze. Xu Chunliang noticed her neckline was a bit low today, revealing a fair portion of her skin.
Xu Chunliang took a sip of coffee, delicious! How come he never realized Starbucks coffee tasted so good before?
Su Qing’s phone rang, and it was her office confirming the interview arrangements for tomorrow. The interview, which Su Qing had secured for Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau, was essentially a favor for Xu Chunliang.
Su Qing sought Xu Chunliang’s opinion; Xu Chunliang expressed no problem, since the police department requested him to stay longer in Dongzhou. Fan Lidada had to leave the day after tomorrow, so tomorrow afternoon was the best time.
Xu Chunliang had initially planned to invite Xing Wenhua to support them, but after last night’s incident, it became inappropriate to make such a request.
Su Qing sent the prepared script to him, asking him to prepare in advance, and Xu Chunliang forwarded it to Fan Lidada.
Xu Chunliang had never done a TV interview before, so Su Qing advised him on some points to note. While they were chatting, Hua Zhuyue called.
Hua Zhuyue also heard about Xu Chunliang’s car accident last night, but she didn’t find out through short videos; it was because He Dong’s CEO, Pan Tianhua, contacted her. Due to this incident, Pan Weidong was also questioned by the police.
In Pan Tianhua’s view, it was Xu Chunliang’s provocation against them. Since Pan Tianhua and his son were forced to relinquish their position as Sect Leader of Orchid Sect, in essence, He Dong Group had split from Orchid Sect.
After Ji Buyao mysteriously disappeared, Ji Jiajia inherited everything from him. On the surface, she is the Sect Leader of Orchid Sect, but in reality, the one in power is Hua Zhuyue.
Hua Zhuyue shut down many nightclubs and bars under Blue Star Group, making a determined shift in direction, while He Dong Group seized the opportunity, buying up properties that once belonged to Blue Star.
Now, Blue Star Group is no longer able to rival He Dong in terms of influence.
Xing Yongqing was beaten up at the entrance of OMMIA, and although Ma Zhong was the one who attacked her, OMMIA Nightclub was affected. From today, they have faced inspections from multiple departments; nightclubs and bars are under the jurisdiction of cultural departments, and Xing Wenhua is the head of Pinghai Culture and Tourism. His daughter being beaten in front of a bar is intolerable, how can he possibly swallow this?
Hua Zhuyue was also in Nanjiang at the moment, and she arranged to meet Xu Chunliang in the evening to discuss matters in person.
Pan Weidong spent an entire afternoon in the police station before he was finally allowed to leave. The lawyer waiting outside handed him a cellphone, informing him that his father, Pan Tianhua, had called several times.
Pan Weidong got into the car and returned his father’s call.
Pan Tianhua was in the Capital City, planning to head to Nanjiang. Upon hearing that his son was released, he felt slightly relieved and asked why his son was involved in this matter.
Pan Weidong was full of complaints. He had nothing to do with this incident, and both father and son suspected it was a conspiracy against them. Was Xu Chunliang deliberately opposing them? Wherever He Dong’s nightclub opened, trouble seemed to follow.
The Dongzhou branch had just opened when it was disrupted by some chaos and ordered to rectify by the city, losing a large sum before it could even earn. Now, the newly opened Nanjiang Store barely started when Xu Chunliang appeared, followed by random inspections from multiple departments, affecting business inevitably.
There couldn’t possibly be such a coincidence. Both father and son believed Xu Chunliang was deliberately targeting them, and perhaps the Blue Star Group was behind it.
The meeting place chosen by Hua Zhuyue was at Jingyuan, right next to the hot spring hotel, conveniently located for Xu Chunliang. The attention to detail showed how thorough Hua Zhuyue was in considering everything.
Xu Chunliang arrived on time. Since Ji Buyao’s disappearance, they rarely contacted each other. Although Hua Zhuyue had recently attended Zhou Renhe’s funeral in Jizhou, they hadn’t had the chance for much interaction.
Hua Zhuyue had withheld a lot of information about Ji Buyao’s disappearance from Xu Chunliang, and seemingly had used him. Xu Chunliang didn’t express much about it, but Hua Zhuyue felt quite guilty and always wanted to find an appropriate opportunity to explain things to him.
After Xu Chunliang sat down, he smiled and said, "The environment is nice here. Didn’t see any other guests when I came in. Don’t tell me you booked the whole place?"
Hua Zhuyue smiled and said, "Walls have ears; it’s quieter this way."
Xu Chunliang replied, "Sister Hua, you’re getting bolder by the day."
Hua Zhuyue said, "Don’t tease me. I’m just a housekeeper, destined to worry."
Xu Chunliang said, "Women who worry too much age quickly."
Hua Zhuyue sighed and said, "At least you’re honest."
Xu Chunliang said, "Don’t get me wrong; I don’t think you look old at all. Sitting together, you look like my sister."
Hua Zhuyue scoffed, "Nonsense. I’m much older than you."
Xu Chunliang said, "Sister Hua, you know you’re older. No need to keep it on your lips all the time."
Seeing his sly glances around, Hua Zhuyue knew he was hinting at something. She playfully raised her cup as if to splash him, not actually upset. Only Xu Chunliang dared to tease her like this; anyone else would have had their ear twisted off.
Hua Zhuyue arranged for the food to be served. She wasn’t here to reminisce with Xu Chunliang. She had heard about the car accident last night and was worried it might be an act of revenge by the Pan family father and son.
Xu Chunliang saw it differently. Although he took all the responsibility in front of Su Qing, he suspected the car accident was more likely targeting Su Qing. Clearly, that pickup truck was meant for the Beetle, especially after today’s news of two people’s deaths, making Xu Chunliang recall Su Tianyu, who had left home abruptly.
Apart from himself, surely there was someone else watching over Su Qing, and that someone was undoubtedly her father.
Hua Zhuyue said, "I heard OMMIA was shut down for rectification."
Xu Chunliang smiled and said, "Serves them right!" He never had much fondness for the Pan family father and son anyway.
Hua Zhuyue sighed and said, "They took over that store from Blue Star. Pan Tianhua is very vengeful. He already resented us for not becoming the Sect Leader last time; this time, he’ll surely hold another grudge against us."
Xu Chunliang said, "He thinks I caused his nightclub to close?"
Hua Zhuyue nodded.
Xu Chunliang said, "It’s got nothing to do with me. The girl who got beaten at their nightclub entrance last night is Secretary Xing’s daughter."
Hua Zhuyue exclaimed, "You mean Secretary Xing Wenhua, who oversees Pinghai Culture and Tourism?"
Xu Chunliang nodded.
Only now did Hua Zhuyue understand why the actions of the relevant departments were so swift this time. Thus, it seemed OMMIA deserved the rectification order.
They clinked their glasses and shared a drink. Xu Chunliang said, "Are you familiar with someone named Ma Zhong?"
Hua Zhuyue shook her head.
Xu Chunliang happened to have a photo on his phone. Yesterday, when Ma Zhong hit Xing Yongqing, he had taken a picture.
Hua Zhuyue glanced at the photo and said, "The long-haired guy! I know him. This young punk never does anything legitimate. They have a group that specifically lures naive young girls, then uses illegal means to control them and force them to work in various nightclubs, profiting from it."