769: 584 Business 769: 584 Business “Thank you, I don’t drink.”
In the Jiangnan region where he commanded power like a storm, Geng Long worked like a waiter, pouring wine for the two newcomers.
Cao Jinse politely refused, her every word and action exuding the breeding and refinement of one born to privilege.
When it was Jiang Chen’s turn, he behaved just as courteously, not sitting with overbearing confidence, but standing up to take the wine bottle himself, “I can pour my own.”
“Brother Jiang, that game of poker in Las Vegas last time, I still remember it vividly.
I’ve been looking forward to another match with you.
Do you have any time coming up?
I could gather some friends and arrange a game.”
Song Chaoge initiated the conversation.
A straight flush against a royal flush, an unforgettable encounter for anyone.
Last time Jiang Chen won over a hundred million US Dollars, he knew it wasn’t by his own skill.
One can be confident, but not arrogant.
Without Vera’s “assistance,” he’d never stand a chance against the other party.
Winning big once was enough.
To play again, in Luo Peng’s words, wouldn’t that be crazy?
Thus, he gave a reply that took everyone by surprise.
“Mr.
Song, playing these games is illegal in our country.”
Geng Long was startled.
Cao Jinse’s expression also slightly stiffened.
Apart from Lan Peizhi showing no reaction, Song Chaoge was silent for a moment before laughing heartily, “Brother Jiang, you really have a sense of humor.
Now, there are professional clubs in the country, and Texas Hold’em has been classified as a competitive sport.
It’s not illegal.”
“Is that so?”
Jiang Chen said sheepishly, “Sorry, I wasn’t aware.”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Cao Jinse’s mouth.
Although it wasn’t their first meeting, it was the first time she experienced this man’s wit.
Seeing that he clearly didn’t wish to play along, Song Chaoge didn’t press further and changed the subject, “Brother Jiang, do you have some business in Capital City this time?”
Jiang Chen replied naturally, without changing expression, “I have a friend who’s a lawyer.
It was her first time in court today, so I came to watch her.”
As he spoke, he looked at Geng Long and said with vivid mimicry, “By the way, I saw someone who resembled Mr.
Geng in court today.”
“Brother Jiang, the case you mentioned, is it the Guan Libing case?”
A look of surprise flashed in Song Chaoge’s eyes.
When it came to acting, the two were well matched.
“Yes, that’s right, the Guan Libing case.
My friend is the lawyer entrusted with the case, she was even abducted because of it a couple of days ago.”
Geng Long’s gaze flickered, his face expressionless.
“It’s thanks to Miss Lan’s help that my friend was rescued in time.
I haven’t had the chance to thank Miss Lan.”
Jiang Chen continued, then turned to look at Lan Peizhi, sincerely expressing his gratitude, “Miss Lan, thank you.”
“I owed you a favor before, now we’re even,” Lan Peizhi said indifferently, as expected of someone who kept clear accounts of debts of gratitude and grudge.
Of course, Jiang Chen understood she was referring to the matter with Korea.
He couldn’t help but find it amusing.
What favor, what debt?
He didn’t believe that Lan Peizhi had helped so diligently just to “repay a debt.”
It seemed that no matter the type of woman, they all had a haughty side.
“Brother Jiang, that friend you mentioned, isn’t her name Fang…?”
As if he couldn’t quite recall, Song Chaoge looked towards Geng Long.
“Fang Qing.”
Geng Long prompted.
“Right, it’s her.
Mr.
Song, what about it?”
Jiang Chen showed just the right amount of puzzlement.
Cao Jinse quietly took a sip of tea, watching the two men perform with an air of amusement.
The intrigue at hand was arguably on par with the Peking opera featured at the Hengfu Garden.
Upon meeting Jiang Chen’s gaze, Song Chaoge showed a trace of guilt.
“It turns out that Lawyer Fang is a friend of yours, Brother Jiang.
Actually, I was just discussing the matter with Aunt Lan.
To be honest, Brother Jiang, the people who took Lawyer Fang were men from Mr.
Geng.”
Jiang Chen’s face showed shock, seemingly incredulous, and naturally, his gaze shifted to Geng Long.
“Tang Xiaosheng is indeed one of my men,” Geng Long spoke up, locking eyes with this young man who was brought to see him by Liao Xiangdong for the first time, “But I had no knowledge of this incident.”
Jiang Chen remained silent.
“So it seems that this was all a misunderstanding,” Song Chaoge said with a smile.
After a pause, Jiang Chen didn’t rashly create a scene; he nodded with a keen sense of the bigger picture, “I too believe it was a misunderstanding, and that Mr.
Geng isn’t involved.”
Song Chaoge’s smile grew broader, but then, he heard Jiang Chen looking at Geng Long and saying, “Tang Xiaosheng also told me that Mr.
Geng was unaware of what he was doing.”
Song Chaoge’s smile stiffened slightly.
Geng Long instinctively clenched his jaw.
He could not miss the sarcasm in the other man’s words.
Indeed.
His subordinate had taken all the heat.
But as the boss, he didn’t hesitate to distance himself from the situation.
What commendable loyalty one expects in the underworld.
With Jiang Chen’s words, the atmosphere in the private room grew somewhat tense.
Fortunately, the waiter knocked on the door at just the right moment.
It was time to serve the dishes.
“I’ve heard about that case as well; it’s had quite a social impact.
What was the final verdict?” Song Chaoge asked during the meal.
“Death penalty with a two-year reprieve,” Jiang Chen replied.
Song Chaoge nodded, “That’s a not bad outcome; I thought for sure there would be a death sentence.
It seems your lawyer friend is quite outstanding.”
Then he said to Geng Long, “Even though you were unaware, one way or another, you still owe Brother Jiang an apology.”
Jiang Chen appeared unruffled, and was rather curious about what Lan Peizhi might be thinking at that moment.
Without a doubt, this nine-patterned dragon had switched allegiances.
“Mr.
Jiang, I owe you an apology,” said Geng Long, who once dismissed Jiang Chen in the underground boxing ring.
Now able to bend as well as stretch, he stood and offered a toast to Jiang Chen.