Chapter 44

Update time: March 28, 2013

Zhang Yang opened his eyes and was dazed for a moment. The surroundings made him feel a bit uncomfortable at first. The walls were beige, and the most eye-catching thing was a large bookshelf against the wall by the door, filled with all kinds of books. Next to the bookshelf was a purple-red rocking chair.

It seemed this was a study.

Zhang Yang had already regained his composure and remembered he was at Hong Yaqin's house. He was a bit puzzled as to why he had slept in the study instead of a guest room.

He got up, put on his shoes, and walked to the bookshelf.

Zhang Yang loved reading. In the small county, there were no amusement parks or zoos, so his only entertainment was reading. Whether it was martial arts, science fiction, or novels from home and abroad, he enjoyed them all.

However, today, standing in front of the bookshelf, he didn't know what to read.

There were many books, but they were all about cooking, such as "Comprehensive Sichuan Cuisine" and "Comprehensive Shandong Cuisine." Zhang Yang believed that if he wanted to cook a certain dish, he could definitely find the recipe here.

"You're awake! I was just about to call you. It's almost time for dinner," Hong Yaqin said, pushing the door open.

Zhang Yang apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I drank too much."

Hong Yaqin smiled, "It's fine. It's your first time here, and you didn't know the old man's drinking capacity. My mother said that when the old man was young, he would always drink two ounces of liquor before cooking, or he wouldn't have the energy."

Zhang Yang smiled bitterly, "No wonder. By the way, did I do anything inappropriate when I was drunk?"

Having had two previous experiences, Zhang Yang was really worried about doing something improper when drunk. Besides helping Hong Yaqin deal with her parents, he also wanted to get along well with Hong's father. He didn't want to ruin his previous efforts because of one drinking session.

"No, you just fell into a deep sleep after drinking and couldn't be woken up. Aunt Wang and I had to use a lot of effort to get you here. We couldn't carry you any further, so we let you sleep here," Hong Yaqin said.

Zhang Yang replied, "It's fine, I can sleep anywhere! How did I perform? Did your parents have any doubts?"

Hong Yaqin's mind echoed her mother's words earlier: "Xiao Qin, your father said your boyfriend is quite decent and genuine, not the type who talks big. He might achieve something. You should cherish him!"

Her face turned red as she said, "You did well. My parents believed it."

"That's good. I was really worried they would see through it. By the way, can I go back now? I've been busy with your affairs all day and haven't taken care of my own," Zhang Yang said.

Hong Yaqin frowned, "Are you leaving now?"

"If I don't leave soon, it will be dark, and the shops will be closed. Besides, don't you have to go back to the restaurant to cook?" Zhang Yang said.

Hong Yaqin felt a bit annoyed. Am I so unattractive? You don't want to stay with me for even a minute after finishing your business? She didn't remember that she had come to call Zhang Yang because she had to go back to the restaurant.

"Fine, let's go then," Hong Yaqin huffed and turned to leave.

Zhang Yang was a bit puzzled. What's wrong with this woman? Forget it, I won't bother with her.

After going downstairs, Zhang Yang didn't see Hong's parents and asked, "Yaqin, should we say goodbye to your parents?"

"No need. My parents have the habit of taking a nap. Besides, if my father wakes up, he won't let you go unless you drink with him," Hong Yaqin said.

Thinking of Hong's father's drinking capacity, Zhang Yang shivered. He had seen people who could drink, but not like this. Drinking liquor as if it were water was too scary. Forget it, he decided to leave first. Even if it was impolite, he could blame it on Hong Yaqin.

"Alright, let's go then," Zhang Yang said.

Since leaving the kitchen, Hong Yaqin had been in a bad mood and hadn't said much. She changed her shoes and walked out.

"Miss Hong, I think your parents are very reasonable. If you have any difficulties, you can tell them directly. Why do you need to find someone to pretend to be your boyfriend?" Zhang Yang asked casually.

Hong Yaqin shook her head, "That's for outsiders. It's different with me! Besides, there are many things that can't be explained in a short time."

Zhang Yang didn't press further, understanding that Hong Yaqin's reason for finding him to pretend to be her boyfriend was more complicated than just her parents pressuring her to marry. There might be some unknown secrets.

"By the way, what are you so busy with all day?" Hong Yaqin asked curiously.

Hearing her father's high praise for Zhang Yang, Hong Yaqin was surprised. Her father was known for being picky and liked to give lectures. She was very curious how Zhang Yang could talk with the old man for so long and still be in high spirits.

"I told you, I'm looking for a project," Zhang Yang said.

"Do you really have money to invest?" Hong Yaqin asked.

"Yes, wait a moment," Zhang Yang saw a figure on the road and suddenly hit the brakes.

The car stopped abruptly.

Hong Yaqin was startled and shouted, "Zhang Yang, what are you doing? If you don't want to say, just say so. You almost scared me to death!"

Zhang Yang didn't have time to deal with Hong Yaqin. He looked at the figure on the road and involuntarily gripped the steering wheel.

Duan Fei, what's he doing here?

And what is this shop for? He ignored his well-run nightclub and suddenly came to the capital. Could he have heard something and come to find me?

Zhang Yang couldn't help but feel nervous. He had just arrived in the capital from Jin City and found Duan Fei, which was quite surprising.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Yang suddenly turned around, picked up the leather bag from the back seat, and said to Hong Yaqin, "I have something to take care of."

Hong Yaqin unbuckled her seatbelt and said, "I'll go with you."

Zhang Yang frowned. Taking Hong Yaqin along was fine; it could serve as a cover.

"Sure, but don't speak unless necessary," Zhang Yang instructed.

After getting out of the car, Hong Yaqin followed Zhang Yang, wondering why she had acted so impulsively. She usually hated getting involved in other people's affairs, so why did she follow him without thinking?

Hong Yaqin didn't dare to think too deeply and quickly caught up to Zhang Yang.

As they approached, Zhang Yang saw Duan Fei directing people to unload goods at the door. The items being unloaded were strange, all kinds of stones of different sizes and shapes.

He looked at the shop name: Jade轩 (Jade轩).

As expected, it was a shop that operated in jade. Thinking of the information he had seen online, could these stones be raw jade used for gambling?

Zhang Yang thought for a moment and walked toward Duan Fei.

"Excuse me, do you buy gold here?" Zhang Yang asked calmly.

Duan Fei was in a bad mood. He had been running a nightclub and a casino smoothly when a gambling expert suddenly appeared, causing a lot of trouble and getting him transferred to the capital. He hadn't even settled in when he was called to check the goods. From a powerful boss, he had fallen to this state, which made him very frustrated.

"Go away, can't you see I'm busy? If you have something to ask, go inside," Duan Fei said coldly.

Hong Yaqin said, "Hey, what's your problem? Aren't you the one in charge here?"

Duan Fei glared at Hong Yaqin, "Didn't you hear me? If you have something to ask, go inside."

Hong Yaqin was about to say more, but Zhang Yang pulled her and said to Duan Fei, "Sorry to trouble you."

Then he pulled Hong Yaqin's hand and walked into the shop.

He had just wanted to confirm if Duan Fei recognized him. Seeing that Duan Fei didn't, he felt his disguise was quite successful. Knowing this, Zhang Yang felt much more relaxed.

The shop was newly renovated, and the smell of formaldehyde hadn't completely dissipated. Workers were unloading goods from the front hall to the back warehouse, making it quite busy.

"Excuse me, how much do you charge for gold per gram?" Zhang Yang asked at a counter with gold jewelry.

The female clerk said enthusiastically, "We are a new shop, mainly dealing in jade. Gold is 400 yuan per gram. Actually, gold is outdated now. Jade is more valuable for collection and wearing. Your girlfriend is so beautiful; she would look great with a jade necklace."

Zhang Yang smiled, "What if I want to sell gold? Do you buy it?"

"Yes, but without a receipt from us, the price will be much lower. Do you have gold jewelry to sell? If so, you can sell it and buy jade. We can give you a discount," the clerk said enthusiastically.

Zhang Yang glanced at Duan Fei outside. Interesting, I didn't expect to meet you here. Thinking of the raw jade he had seen earlier and the jade in the shop, Zhang Yang had a vague idea. Maybe this was an opportunity!