Chapter 25: Making a Move (Part 1)

Since Zeng Yi had agreed to the price, Chen Long couldn't say anything more. They quickly drafted an agreement, and after paying the deposit, the house was officially rented.

When they left, Chen Long still had a cold expression, and even when Old Seven apologized to him, he ignored it.

After getting in the car, Chen Long took the initiative to admit his mistake, saying, "Brother Zeng, I really feel bad about what happened today. Now that I think about it, I was really too hasty!" He realized that Zeng Yi wasn't the kind of person who would be swayed by small favors; he had underestimated Zeng Yi's character.

Zeng Yi smiled and said, "You helped me find such a satisfactory house, I'm very grateful." After saying that, he looked at the sky and added, "I'm really sorry for taking up so much of your time today. It's getting late, so let me treat you to dinner."

Chen Long quickly waved his hands, "No, no, I insist on treating you!"

At this moment, the city was lit up with neon lights, making Rongcheng shine brightly. The people of Rongcheng have a habit of drinking tea at night markets. As soon as it gets dark, many shops set up elegant square tables on the sidewalks, selling tea, barbecue, skewers, rabbit heads, and salted peanuts. Some larger night markets even have dance and song performances.

As the car drove along, Zeng Yi found it interesting and suggested, "Chief Chen, why don't we go to a night market for dinner? I haven't experienced Rongcheng's night market yet."

"Too simple, too simple!" Chief Chen shook his head, "Let me arrange something better!"

"No, let's go to the night market. Just pick the most famous and characteristic one in Rongcheng!" Zeng Yi said firmly.

Chief Chen thought for a moment and said, "Then let's go to the Qingjiang River. The night market in the park there is very good."

The Qingjiang River runs through Rongcheng from east to west. Because of its clear water and beautiful environment, citizens love to visit the riverbank. In recent years, the Rongcheng government has invested a lot of money to build a riverside park that stretches for several kilometers on both sides of the river. Several large shopping and dining centers have also been developed along the river, making it the preferred place for entertainment and consumption in Rongcheng.

The night market in the park is located within the riverside park, with dozens of unique night markets connected in a lively scene.

Chen Long took off his police uniform and threw it in the car, wearing only a white tank top. He led Zeng Yi into the night market. At a barbecue stand, they found a seat, ordered the most famous rabbit heads and grilled meat from Rongcheng, and called for a large bucket of draft beer.

"Brother Zeng, I'll toast to you with the first cup of beer!" Chen Long poured a full large glass of draft beer, "For any past conflicts, I apologize with this cup of beer."

"Brother Chen, if you say that, I can't drink this cup!" Zeng Yi covered the glass, not intending to pick it up.

Chen Long thought for a moment and understood, "Yes, yes, I was wrong. Saying that makes you seem petty. I'll punish myself with a cup!"

"No need to punish yourself! The first cup of beer today must be my toast to you, not for any other reason, but because you are the older brother."

Hearing this, Chen Long felt warm inside. Zeng Yi's magnanimity was far greater than he could imagine. Whatever grudges or conflicts, Zeng Yi didn't even care about them. He raised his glass, excitedly saying, "Alright, let's finish this first cup. We won't stop until we're drunk tonight."

In the center of the night market, there was a stage where a singer was performing. This was a major feature of the park's night market. If any guest wanted to liven up the atmosphere with a song, they could go up and request a song, and the resident singer would perform it on stage. The cost was not high, one hundred yuan per song. When no one requested a song, the singer would perform some of their own compositions. If someone in the audience liked the performance, they could give a small tip as a show of support.

It was said that a singer of superstar status had once emerged from here, so some aspiring singers would come here at night to try their luck.

After a couple of rounds of drinks, a female singer took the stage. As soon as she started singing, the noisy night market became a bit quieter. Her voice was as clear as the water of the Qingjiang River, without a hint of impurity, and as free as the clouds in the sky, drifting gracefully and boundlessly.

Zeng Yi was captivated by the singing and turned to look a few times. He found that the female singer's appearance was as fresh and natural as her voice, with a touch of freedom. She looked very focused and charming while singing.

"This singer is really good!" Zeng Yi couldn't help but praise.

"If Brother Zeng says she's good, she must be good!" Chen Long was in high spirits. As the chief of a police station, he might seem powerful to ordinary people, but within the system, he was at the bottom of the pyramid, working hard and tiringly without much recognition. To advance, he needed support from higher-ups, which was almost impossible without it. Today, Zeng Yi inviting him to drink was a pleasant surprise. He could imagine that if he befriended Zeng Yi, it would be like befriending Director Du, or even Secretary Tang.

Waving to the waiter, Chen Long took out two hundred yuan and placed it on the tray, "Go, give this to the singing girl and tell her it's from my brother."

Zeng Yi stopped the waiter and took out another two hundred yuan, saying, "Tell her she sings very well."

Chen Long laughed and raised his glass, "I didn't expect Brother Zeng to not only be good at medicine but also appreciate music. You're truly a versatile talent. Let's keep drinking!"

After finishing her song, the female singer received a good amount of money. In addition to the four hundred yuan from Zeng Yi and Chen Long, another person gave fifty yuan. This was a night market, and most of the customers were working-class people. It was rare for someone to give two hundred yuan at once like Zeng Yi and Chen Long did.

Hearing the waiter's message, the female singer looked over at Zeng Yi, but unfortunately, she only saw his back.

After singing two songs, the female singer stood there for a moment, seeing no one requesting a song, she was about to leave and let the next singer take the stage. Since there were many singers here, they had an unwritten rule: if no one requested a song, they would take turns, each singing two songs before the next one took over. This way, everyone had a chance to perform, and if someone supported them, they would earn some income for the night.

Just as the female singer turned to leave, a group of about seven or eight people suddenly sat down at the seats closest to the stage and shouted, "Don't leave yet, we want to request a song!" They slapped a thick stack of money on the table, "Sing! As long as you dare to sing, all this money is yours!"

The people at the night market knew these people were deliberately causing trouble. One hundred yuan per song, and that stack of money was at least ten thousand yuan, which meant one hundred songs. If someone sang one hundred songs in a row, they would be exhausted.