"Heh heh." Su Ziye sneered repeatedly, his posture making it clear he wouldn’t bother arguing with her. Then, remembering the task Old Master Su had assigned to Su Xiyang, he became arrogant again. "Su Xiyang, don’t forget! In seven days, if you don’t complete the task, you’ll have to get lost!"
His words instantly struck Su Xiyang’s weak spot. This was indeed her biggest challenge yet, and she truly didn’t have the energy to engage in open and covert struggles with Su Ziye. It was simply a waste of her time.
"I wonder if that boyfriend of yours can handle Wang Laohu for you," Su Ziye continued to provoke, seemingly afraid Su Xiyang would ignore him.
Chen Feng furrowed his brows. He’d heard that Wang Laohu had his eye on an important Su Family project, and the latter intended to snatch food from the tiger’s mouth. Wang Laohu was a notoriously fierce figure in Hangcheng City. Otherwise, outsiders wouldn’t respectfully call him Wang Laohu, a name that in itself showed immense deference to the strong.
It’s unlikely. Yunxiao Hotel is no match for Wang Laohu’s influence in Hangcheng City. Even though that kid has a good relationship with Yunxiao Hotel and doesn’t seem like an ordinary person, Wang Laohu is a local powerhouse. He’s no slouch either. If things really turn sour, he won’t give Yunxiao Hotel any face. And what could the hotel even do about it?
Yunxiao’s advantage was its top-tier service, which earned it a measure of respect from various powerful figures. Over time, its influence grew accordingly. However, this didn’t mean Yunxiao could run roughshod over Hangcheng City, much less blot out the sky with one hand and do as it pleased. In most matters, one couldn’t afford to drop all pretenses. Once someone decided to do so, Yunxiao’s golden reputation would likely be useless.
Moreover, rumors were circulating that Yunxiao Hotel’s stringent hospitality standards had already dissatisfied some local tycoons. They were supposedly preparing to personally teach Yunxiao a lesson and set some new rules.
In other words, although Shen Fanyun’s incredibly close relationship with Yunxiao had surprised Chen Feng and even Old Master Su, it wasn’t enough to make them hold him in particularly high esteem. At most, they acknowledged the guy was probably rich. However, money wasn’t everything, especially in a metropolis like Hangcheng City—a melting pot of all walks of life where the good mixed with the bad.
"Good luck." Su Ziye raised his glass, offering Su Xiyang a patronizing smile.
Su Xiyang’s expression was impassive. She paid Su Ziye no mind.
After the earlier scene, Old Master Su had completely lost face and was in no mood to continue eating. Muttering something about heading home, he stood up to leave. The others naturally didn’t dare to linger. The meal ended on a sour note.
"Old Master, this was my fault. I’m very sorry you couldn’t enjoy your meal," Chen Feng apologized.
Old Master Su waved his hand magnanimously. "It has nothing to do with you. No need to take it to heart."
With these words from Old Master Su, Chen Feng immediately relaxed. As long as the old master didn’t blame him, everything would be fine.
"Xi Yan, hurry up with your task," Old Master Su added, his tone clearly stricter with her than it had been with Chen Feng.
Su Xiyang tensed. With her head hung low, she quietly replied, "I understand."
She knew better than anyone that if she failed to secure this project, Old Master Su would oust her. Then Su Ziye, who had long coveted the CEO’s position, would immediately take her place. Su Ziye had been at odds with her since childhood; their relationship was terrible. For years, she had relied on her business acumen to barely keep him in check. If she lost this time and was forced out, her standing in the family would become even more precarious.
Therefore, she could not lose! Even if the project was as difficult as reaching for the sky, and even if Old Master Su himself had only a slim chance of success, she had to try!
「The next day.」
Su Xiyang took the initiative to call Wang Laohu. "Boss Wang, do you have a moment? I’d like to discuss something with you."
Wang Laohu naturally knew who Su Xiyang was. After all, they had clashed more than once over a certain project. As for the purpose of this meeting, both of them knew perfectly well what it was about.
After a brief pause, Wang Laohu’s hearty laughter came through the phone. "Free, I’m free."
"I’m at the Jinhao Entertainment Club. Let me know when you arrive."
Jinhao Entertainment Club? Su Xiyang knew perfectly well what kind of place that was. However, Wang Laohu himself moved in underworld circles, so it made perfect sense that he would like such a place.
"Lin Jia, tidy yourself up and grab the documents. We’re going out to discuss some business." After ending the call, Su Xiyang immediately began to prepare. She knew she couldn’t force a change of venue.
Although Jinhao is an entertainment venue, this is a society ruled by law. Besides, nothing unexpected should happen in broad daylight. No matter how formidable Wang Laohu was, he surely wouldn’t dare to do anything too outrageous.
Just the other day, Lin Jia had received her first five-figure salary since joining the company, making her ecstatic. That very night, she bought a bodycon dress and a sleeveless knit top she had been wanting for a long time. Su Xiyang’s company had no strict dress code, as long as outfits were appropriate and not too unconventional.
"Lin Jia, you look very pretty today!" Su Xiyang complimented her.
"Really? Thank you for the compliment, Boss Su, heehee!" Lin Jia was thrilled. Her slightly naive face beamed with a smile as refreshing as a spring breeze. Even Su Xiyang couldn’t help but sigh internally. Youth really is a wonderful thing, especially in your early twenties.
Along the way, Lin Jia pulled a handful of White Rabbit Creamy Candies from her pocket and pressed them into Su Xiyang’s hand.
Su Xiyang was speechless. "You’re an adult. Why do you like to eat children’s snacks?"
"I just like them."
Lin Jia had a good personality and was well-liked at the company, with the exception of Lu Qi. Even the typically aloof Su Xiyang found that after spending some time with Lin Jia, the girl’s youth and passion could unknowingly put her at ease. Some people just had an indescribable magic about them. Like Lin Jia, and like Shen Fanyun.
Su Xiyang cursed herself through clenched teeth, annoyed for bringing up a sore subject. That scumbag... Why am I even thinking about him? Are you crazy, Su Xiyang?!
「Twenty minutes later.」
The two arrived at the Jinhao Entertainment Club.
"A club?" Lin Jia asked, looking at Su Xiyang with a puzzled expression.
Su Xiyang explained helplessly, "He insisted we talk here. I couldn’t refuse. If we miss today’s appointment, I don’t know when we’ll get another chance to meet him."
"Oh," Lin Jia nodded. This place is strange, but it can’t be a lawless land. Besides, with Boss Su here, nothing unexpected should happen.
The two entered the club directly.
With a glass of foreign liquor in hand and his legs crossed, Wang Laohu had clearly been waiting for some time. On the table in front of him sat a contract, with an open bottle of foreign liquor placed on top of it.
"Well now, Boss Su! Long time no see. You’re as stunning as ever. No wonder you’re ranked as one of Hangcheng City’s greatest beauties," Wang Laohu said with a cheeky grin.
With a forced smile, Su Xiyang responded, "You flatter me."