Chapter 70

Chapter 64: Old Ninth

After making their plans, the two felt relieved. They didn't find the food, which looked and tasted terrible, hard to swallow. Instead, a warm and happy feeling flowed through their chests. They ate very slowly, and it wasn't until around nine o'clock that the meal ended. As soon as Zuo Yuxi put down her chopsticks, she stretched lazily, yawned, and said, "I'm so sleepy, I need to go to bed." Without waiting for Wen Liang's reaction, she ran into the bedroom and slammed the door.

Wen Liang looked at the messy table, speechless. Could it be that every woman was naturally good at this? Even the strong-willed Zuo Yuxi could learn it on her own. She clearly didn't want to wash the dishes, so she found an excuse to run away. He shook his head with a bitter smile and started to clean up. After washing and tidying up, the kitchen looked brand new. Wen Liang washed his hands and came out to find Zuo Yuxi sitting on the sofa watching TV, showing no sign of embarrassment.

Wen Liang walked straight to the entrance, putting on his shoes as he said, "Director Zuo, I have to go. Please stay here!"

Zuo Yuxi, who had been pretending to be indifferent, suddenly stood up when she heard this. The remote control in her hand fell onto the sofa. Surprised, she said, "Leaving now? Hmm, are you angry?"

Wen Liang wanted to laugh out loud. Who would have thought that Zuo Yuxi could act so meek and anxious? But his face remained calm as he said, "How could I dare? I'm just a nobody, so I'll do whatever Director Zuo arranges."

Zuo Yuxi knew he was teasing her. She took two steps forward and knelt on the sofa, her hands lightly pressing against the backrest. Even in loose pajamas, her alluring figure was evident, with a slender neck and a slim waist that curved down to a full, round bottom. She smiled and said, "You've worked so hard, don't you deserve a reward? Like, you know, a big accomplishment?"

Seeing her mischievous eyes, Wen Liang suddenly understood. "Alright, you really know the next line. You even tricked me just now. Sister Yuxi, you shouldn't play with people like that, right?"

Zuo Yuxi laughed and fell back on the sofa, gasping, "Who made you so shameless? At your young age, you're always talking nonsense, huh."

Wen Liang was so annoyed that he wanted to die. He rolled his eyes and suddenly said in a lecherous tone, "Isn't that just slander? Who said I'm small? The important parts are definitely not small..."

"Ah? I'll beat you, you little brat!"

Wen Liang dodged the cushion thrown at him and said seriously, "I really should go. It's too late to go home."

Zuo Yuxi was taken aback by his expression and couldn't throw the slipper in her hand. She said irritably, "Go quickly, don't make me annoyed." She paused and added, "Then I'll go see Liu Tianlai tomorrow and have him prepare?"

Wen Liang stopped pulling the door, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's do it now. Since it's late, I'll stay out a bit longer. Call him now and ask where he is. I'll go meet him directly. He helped us so much last time, and we haven't had a chance to thank him."

"What's there to thank? He wants what he wants, so he'll do his best." Zuo Yuxi took out her phone, not really caring.

This was where she and Wen Liang differed. Zuo Yuxi, with her distinguished background, was used to the flattery of subordinates due to her father's influence. She never considered them as equals, just as mutual beneficiaries in an interest group. There was nothing wrong with this; Liu Tianlai joined because Zuo Yuxi or Zuo Jing could give him what he wanted. But Wen Liang was different. With no background, he had no right to act superior, especially when Xu Fuyan wasn't firmly established and Wen Huiming hadn't risen to power. People like Liu Tianlai should be cultivated.

"Hello, Director Liu? Yes, there's something... Yes, Wen Liang will talk to you. He's here with me. Yes, his opinion is mine... Yes, what are you talking about? I trust your ability, just do your best..."

After hanging up, Zuo Yuxi tilted her head, thought for a moment, and suddenly glared at Wen Liang.

Wen Liang was confused: "What's wrong? I've been standing here the whole time, I didn't even scratch my butt."

"You're still pretending! You said you'd go to thank him in person. Didn't you already calculate that he would immediately offer to pick you up when I called?"

Thinking about it, Liu Tianlai, being so considerate and knowing the situation, would naturally come to pick him up after Zuo Yuxi's call. Wen Liang sighed. Although he had been trying hard to understand these people's thoughts, the endless rules of the political arena still left him exhausted.

Downstairs, he waved at the second-floor balcony. Wen Liang knew Zuo Yuxi was definitely watching him leave from behind the curtain. As he passed the gate, he glanced at the guardhouse, where a tall security guard was voraciously eating a large braised pig's foot, his mouth covered in grease.

The night in Qingzhou was quiet and gloomy, and the cold night wind made the few passersby hurry along. After about ten minutes, a silver Jetta A2 stopped in front of Wen Liang. Liu Tianlai got out, rubbing his hands and laughing, "It's really damn cold today. Did you wait long? This old car can't go fast, sorry."

The Jetta, Fugang, and Santana, known as the "old three" of the 1990s, might not be comparable to luxury cars, but they were far from being considered old in China at that time. Wen Liang stood with his hands in his pockets, not responding, and smiled, "Director Liu, shall we find a place to talk?"

In a private room on the second floor of a club, a beautiful waitress served two cups of tea and left respectfully. Wen Liang looked around; the place had a certain charm and was well-decorated, ranking among the best in Qingzhou at this time. However, limited by the perspective and constraints, it lacked a grand atmosphere. Noticing Wen Liang's attention, Liu Tianlai introduced, "This Dashi World Club just opened. Young Master Wen hasn't been here before, right? It's very quiet, with no unnecessary people coming and going. Even if you're not here to talk business, it's a good place to relax."

Wen Liang laughed, "Don't call me that, Director Liu. You know my background. Calling me Wen Liang or Xiao Liang is fine. Zhihe is my good friend, so please don't be formal."

Liu Tianlai chuckled but didn't say anything more.

Wen Liang was genuinely surprised that Qingzhou already had such a large-scale leisure club in 1995. The six-story building, with over 4,000 square meters of business area, had stylish decoration and design, and offered a wide range of services including dining, entertainment, relaxation, and fitness. From the moment he entered, he could see the good management and professional standards here.

The owner of this place must be quite extraordinary!

The first "Royal Club" in Beijing was established in 1990, funded by foreign investment and introducing high-end club management from abroad. It gradually developed. By 1994, Beijing had member-based clubs like the Chang'an Club and the Beijing Club, which were luxurious and high-end, offering comprehensive leisure and entertainment services. They primarily served the wealthy, officials, and other people of status, playing an important role in high-level social circles.

Qingzhou, at this time, had not yet reached the prosperity of later years. People's acceptance of new things lagged far behind the southern coastal areas, let alone cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Even karaoke was just becoming popular in Qingzhou. The existence of such a seemingly avant-garde business club was a significant surprise to Wen Liang.

However, his face showed no surprise. His every move was like that of someone who frequently attended such places. It wasn't strange, as even if he hadn't seen top-tier private clubs in the future, he had been to many places of higher standards. In terms of variety, complexity, and completeness of entertainment facilities, this place was far from comparable.

Liu Tianlai had been secretly observing Wen Liang since they met. Wen Liang's impression on him was profound. Afterward, he secretly investigated Wen Liang but became even more puzzled, unable to understand why Zuo Yuxi would follow his orders. From any perspective, Wen Liang shouldn't have a connection with Zuo Yuxi, especially given Liu Tianlai's keen eye, which could see that Wen Liang seemed to be in the dominant position.

This was simply unbelievable!

Seeing Wen Liang's calm and composed demeanor, unaffected by the luxury and layout, and his detailed knowledge of some features he himself didn't understand, Liu Tianlai felt a chill and became even more puzzled about Wen Liang, becoming more cautious. Although his manner was rough, his mind was extremely meticulous, which was why he had risen from a regular police officer to his current position.

His success relied on three points: boldness, meticulousness, and ruthlessness!

"Young Master Wen, what do you need me for? Director Zuo mentioned something about dealing with someone?"

Before Wen Liang could respond to the title, the door to the private room suddenly opened without a knock. Liu Tianlai's face darkened, and he turned around. When he saw who it was, he immediately put on a smile.

Does everyone in the world have countless faces?

"Back from outside, heard Brother Liu was here, so I came to say hello."

The man who entered was not very tall, about 1.78 meters, wearing a dark black Zhongshan suit. A thin scar was visible on his chin, extending down his neck and disappearing into his collar, indicating a past life-threatening experience.

His hair was closely cropped, his bronze skin exuded toughness, and his long arms almost reached his knees. His narrow eyes slanted toward his temples, forming a long, narrow slit, and his face, carved like stone, was full of determination and stability.

This was a person you couldn't forget after seeing once, and you had to remember him!

Hearing his words, Liu Tianlai stood up and laughed, "Boss An, you're too kind. I'm just here with a friend, didn't expect to disturb you."

Boss An? Is there such a person in Qingzhou?

Wen Liang remained seated, but Boss An smiled and extended his hand, "I am An Baoqing, the ninth in my family. Those who know me call me Old Ninth..."