Qi Yun’s main focus wasn’t this young Zhou, but his father, Vice Mayor Zhou.
Among the city’s several vice mayors, only one is surnamed Zhou, the second-in-command of city Z government, Executive Vice Mayor—Zhou Wenbin.
And he clearly remembered, yesterday that USB drive contained this name...
Qi Yun maintained a normal expression, but inside he was already quietly alert.
Based on his inference, the current search for the USB drive is most likely being led by Zhou Wenbin’s group, and he himself is destined to stand on the opposite side.
The only uncertainty is how deeply Manager Bi is entangled with them. If the situation is exposed in the future, will he stand by my side or their side?
Even though I once helped him recover 80 million yuan, avoiding the company’s peril...
But can these withstand the test when faced with interests??
"Haha, didn’t expect this young Zhou to have quite a background." Qi Yun said with a smile.
Manager Li heard, took a puff of his cigarette, and then sighed deeply: "Brother Qi, in the business world, sometimes you have to go with the flow, otherwise survival is tough."
Qi Yun naturally understood these principles, nodded in agreement: "Manager Li is right."
Manager Bi noticed the slightly tense atmosphere and quickly raised his glass to mediate: "Come, come, let’s drink! Let’s not discuss these matters today."
"Brother Qi joining the company, we’re family now; we all earn together!" With that, he raised his head and drank down the wine.
At that moment, the door of the box was pushed open, and a very beautiful young woman walked in.
She was dressed in a black dress, her steps graceful.
"Leilei is here." Manager Bi turned around to greet.
The girl named Leilei glanced around the room, then pouted and complained: "Manager Bi, I’m off today. Why did you insist on calling me here?"
Manager Bi helplessly sighed, took out 20,000 yuan in cash from the bag on the table, and handed it over.
"I know you’re off, this is your overtime pay. Young Zhou specifically asked to see you, just treat it as a favor for me, alright?"
Leilei looked at the cash, then stuffed it into her handbag, still not very pleased, she pouted: "Alright, who asked you to be my boss."
Just then, Young Zhou, who had stepped out to make a phone call earlier, returned. Upon seeing Leilei in the box, his eyes brightened and he quickly walked over.
"Leilei, long time no see."
Leilei heard the voice, and her initial emotions vanished instantly. She swiftly changed to a cool expression, turned and slightly nodded to Young Zhou: "Hmm."
In the blink of an eye, this woman’s image transformed from a very pretty, forlorn girl into a cold and ethereal fairy, as if above earthly matters.
Young Zhou, seeing this, wasn’t annoyed at all, squeezed out a smile and approached.
"Leilei, I specially brought you the latest Cartier bracelet from the United States." Saying this, he took a brocade box from his jacket pocket, opened it, and handed it to her.
Leilei glanced at the dazzling diamond bracelet in the brocade box, a hint of light flashed in her eyes but quickly returned to her cool demeanor.
She didn’t reach out to take it, just replied indifferently: "Young Zhou, it’s unbecoming to accept such a precious gift for no reason, you better take it back, I can’t accept it."
Young Zhou’s expression froze, but he quickly put on a smile again: "Leilei, what are you saying, aren’t we friends."
"If you like it, just accept it as my gift to you."
Leilei gently shook her head, shifted her gaze from the bracelet to Young Zhou: "Let’s talk about why you wanted to see me first, I still have shopping to do later."
"..."
Qi Yun quietly watched from the sidelines, inwardly marveling at how deftly this woman had hooked Young Zhou.
The mastery of such tactics, to entice first and then hold back, takes at least two and a half years to perfect.
However, the two didn’t stay in the box for long; Leilei just nibbled on a few dishes before departing.
"Uncle, I’m heading off now."
Manager Bi stood up and replied with a smile: "Alright, take care on your way."
Young Zhou, the eager pursuer, quickly chased after: "Leilei, wait for me!"
"Manager Bi, I’ll be off now, let’s gather again next time."
Manager Bi nodded to him: "Alright, as you wish, Young Zhou."
After they left, Manager Bi closed the box door and then took out a cigarette to hand to Qi Yun and Manager Li.
Qi Yun accepted the cigarette, lit it, and asked: "Is she really your niece?"
Manager Bi laughed heartily, casually replied: "It’s just for appearances, some women are like commodities, expensive goods naturally need packaging that matches their price."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yun immediately understood, then asked: "Is this club also owned by Manager Bi?"
Manager Bi nodded: "Indeed, this place isn’t open to the public. I’ll instruct the manager later, if you have friends to entertain in the future, you can bring them here."
"Haha, sure." Qi Yun replied with a smile, though he didn’t want that, secretly wondering how many entanglements such a place might have.
After Young Zhou left, the three’s conversation became less restrained.
Through the chat, Qi Yun found out that Manager Li not only held 25% shares in Blue Sky Jewelry but also owned a large real estate company and two bath centers, running quite a sizable business.
"Brother Qi, we’re all family now, if you encounter anything needing help, don’t hesitate to ask." Manager Li said as he put down his wine glass.
Manager Bi echoed beside him: "Brother Qi, quickly toast Manager Li again, his connections are even stronger than you might think."
"Young Zhou was introduced by him."
Qi Yun was slightly surprised, he had thought Vice Mayor Zhou was Manager Bi’s connection, but it seems he was mistaken.
People are not always as they seem.
Manager Li, I’ll start by toasting you. I’ll depend on your guidance in the future." With that, he raised his head and drained his glass of wine.
Manager Li nodded with a smile: "We’re all family, no need to be so polite, we’ll support each other going forward," then he also raised his glass and drank it dry.
Manager Bi saw this and continued: "Manager Li, don’t look down on Brother Qi’s youth, he is already a member of the ZX committee, even Chairman Jiang and Secretary General Peng favor him."
Upon hearing this, Manager Li raised his brows slightly, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes.
He examined Qi Yun with interest, a meaningful smile appeared on his face: "Oh? Didn’t expect Brother Qi to keep such a low profile, it’s no ordinary treatment to earn Chairman Jiang’s favor."
Qi Yun smiled humbly, waved his hand: "You two are too kind, I can’t compare to you, there’s still much to learn."
He understood in his heart that Manager Bi mentioned these things to showcase his value to Manager Li on one hand, and strengthen their relationship on the other.
No matter if they end up on opposing sides in the future, at least now, he’s truly helping him.