色爱A∨综合区

Ever since the last time Li Weifeng proactively called him to discuss Qian Quan, Zhao Chunjia became increasingly intrigued by his father-in-law’s remark that “Qian Quan is destined for great things.”

His father-in-law’s advice and his years of hard-won experience had taught him that when investing in talent, one should offer help when they are still obscure and unproven.

Waiting until someone gains influence and then befriending them would be like doing something unnecessary.

According to the original plan, when his father-in-law visited Azure Bay at the end of October, they could invite Qian Quan for a game of chess at home and formally meet him.

What he didn’t expect was to hear Qian Quan’s name from Lin Xiaohuang today, in this setting.

First, it was Li Weifeng, and now Lin Xiaohuang.

Zhao Chunjia was unsure whether to attribute this to his father-in-law’s uncanny intuition or the mysterious ways of the universe.

“Mr. Zhao, do you know Qian Quan?” Lin Xiaohuang noticed the change in Zhao Chunjia’s expression.

“Are you talking about the Qian Quan from Seacoast Normal University?” Zhao Chunjia responded.

“Yes. He was from Seacoast Normal University.”

“Then yes,” Zhao Chunjia confirmed, “He is my father-in-law’s chess partner and a fellow townsman. Let’s get in the car, and we can talk more there.”

With the intervention of Zhao Chunjia, a local big shot, Lin Xiaohuang and Tan Tuhu were no longer concerned about the aftermath of the accident and the subsequent investigation.

After getting in the car, Zhao Chunjia picked up the conversation where it had left off. He briefly introduced Qian Quan, emphasizing Qian Quan’s chess friendship with his father-in-law as well as the alumni relationship between Qian Quan and his wife. The underlying theme was that of highlighting a sense of community and shared background.

“Did he practice martial arts or sprinting?” Tan Tuhu inquired.

“I’m not sure. Why do you ask it?”

“When I braked, 1 noticed how fast he sprinted toward the forklift. It was almost like an afterimage, not something an ordinary person could achieve.”

“Interesting, he must be quite athletic then,” Zhao Chunjia speculated, growing even more intrigued by Qian Quan.

So far, besides his daughter, who was a martial arts fan and had a more balanced opinion of him, everyone else seemed to hold Qian Quan in high regard.

“Either way, it’s fate. We were meant to survive this.”

Lin Xiaohuang commented with a frosty smile and then she said, “Before I go back to Cloud City, 1’11 take my daughter to meet Qian Quan and thank him personally.”

“Alright,” Zhao Chunjia nodded. “But what happened earlier? How did you collide with a forklift, and how did you run into Qian Quan?”

Tan Tuhu recounted the incident once more.

“Do you mean that you took a detour because of a traffic accident?” Zhao Chunjia focused on the key point.

“Yes.”

“So is it a deliberate act?” Zhao Chunjia’s expression grew serious. “Ms. Lin, any thoughts?”

Lin Xiaohuang responded pensively, “I’ll wait for the investigation results from your end.”

“Alright,” Zhao Chunjia didn’t press further. “Don’t go back to the hotel; you can stay at my place.”

This time, Lin Xiaohuang did not refuse; she still held her daughter’s hand nervously. “Thank you, Mr. Zhao.”

Upon returning to Tulip Community, Zhao Chunjia received feedback from his earlier inquiry.

“As I suspected,” he said solemnly, “the person driving the forklift ran away and wasn’t caught. As for the tailgating incident, it seemed innocuous, but the timing and location were too coincidental.”

Zhao Chunjia shared the surveillance footage with Lin Xiaohuang, who watched it without showing any signs of surprise. “The key to this accident was that truck,” she said after watching the video.

Zhao Chunjia nodded. “Yes, it’s too much of a coincidence. It’s closely related to the two previous incidents. I’ve had people look into the truck’s information.”

Lin Xiaohuang replied, “There’s no need to look further. There are only two possible outcomes: either the license plate is fake or the truck driver just happened to be assigned to that spot. Either way, it doesn’t matter anymore.

H

The pawns had failed to serve their purpose; the crux of the matter now was to uncover the puppet master behind the scenes.

“Oh, I see,” Zhao Chunjia knowingly nodded, “Do you have someone in mind whom you’re suspicious of?”

Lin Xiaohuang offered a subtle smile as a response.

Being a seasoned player himself, Zhao Chunjia could tell from Lin Xiaohuang’s reluctance to discuss further that this was an internal matter for them.

As it was an internal issue, it wasn’t his place to pry further.

“Stay as long as you like,” Zhao Chunjia changed the topic.

“Thank you for all your help this time,” Lin Xiaohuang sincerely expressed his gratitude.

“Let’s not talk like that. If I were to visit Cloud City, wouldn’t you treat me well?” Zhao Chunjia jested.

“I would certainly treat you as an honored guest,” Lin Xiaohuang responded with a grin.

“Alright, I have some matters to attend to. You guys take some rest. I’ve asked

Ms. Yu to prepare lunch; it should be ready soon.”

“Sure,” Lin Xiaohuang refrained from further thanks, “Go ahead, Mr. Zhao.”

After Zhao Chunjia left, Lin Xiaohuang started making calls, dialing out seven or eight numbers in succession.

Upon confirming something, she muttered without emotions.

“This could have ended gracefully…”

Her eyes suddenly hardened, and her entire aura shifted, blossoming into a ferociously beautiful ‘blood-thirsty peony,’ full of deadly intent.

She sent out a message.

“What did you say about never making mistakes with your ‘accidents’? Why did this happen? Explain this to me!”

Xun Bailiang screamed into the phone, hysterically, from within a private club.

The person on the other end of the line remained calm, “We indeed didn’t anticipate that even Al could make an error. We’re deeply sorry, and as an apology, we will not charge you the remaining fee.”

“What do you mean by that? Are you saying you’re dropping this?”

“I’m sorry; if we don’t succeed at first, we make a point to disappear; it’s an industry rule. Otherwise, we risk total exposure and failure.”

“So, you took my 10 million, sent a few trucks, and that’s it. Are you serious?”

“You haven’t fulfilled the contract!”

“I asked you to make sure Lin Xiaohuang stays in Azure Bay forever!”

“You’re not getting a dime less!”

“Sorry, Mr. Xun, we’re now abroad and plan to lay low for a year or two. Good luck.”

“I can offer more money!”

The line was already disconnected.

“F**ing hell! A bunch of bloody frauds!”

Xun Bailiang cursed loudly, abandoning any pretense of business decorum.

After venting, he started to consider his options more calmly.

The years had seen him silently cashing out and transferring his assets abroad. In another three to five years, he would have successfully relocated all his wealth and could then comfortably relocate overseas.

However, not long ago, he received information that Lin Xiaohuang was displeased with his actions and was considering replacing him, even contemplating putting him behind bars.

Having been a long-standing executive in the company and wielding considerable power, it would be incredulous to believe that he hadn’t indulged in corruption or embezzled company funds over the years.

Where else would his foreign mansions and vineyards have come from?

So, if Lin Xiaohuang truly decided to take action, imprisoning him wouldn’t be out of the question.

Yet, he still had stocks worth over two billion that he hadn’t cashed out. How could he willingly let things end prematurely?

Amidst these chaotic thoughts, a knock echoed from the door.

Then he recalled that to celebrate Lin Xiaohuang’s permanent stay at Azure Bay, he had specifically invited fake “Lin Xiaohuang” for fun.

But in the current circumstances, how could he be in the mood for celebration and games?

He considered sending her away but then thought that even if he decided to leave the country today, a short delay wouldn’t matter.

Since he couldn’t permanently keep the real Lin Xiaohuang at Azure Bay, he might as well vent his anger on fake “Lin Xiaohuang” and punish her!

Getting up to answer the door, he didn’t wait for the impersonator to play her role and forcefully pulled her inside.

Swiftly closing the door behind them, he commanded, “Kneel!”

His pent-up anger, bitterness, and fears

were all being taken out on this fake “Lin Xiaohuang”.

In order to prolong the punishment, he found himself taking repeated doses of Sildenafil.

Eventually, he was exhausted.

He collapsed on the bed, unmoving.

Even if the real Lin Xiaohuang were to visit now, he wouldn’t have the strength to turn over.

The fake “Lin Xiaohuang” tenderly sat on his back, massaging and kneading his shoulders and neck.

Her long, pristine fingers, reminiscent of spring onions, delicately grazed Xun Bailiang’s nape, seemingly measuring or seeking something.

“Who’s sitting on me?” Xun Bailiang asked lazily, a smirk on his face.

“Lin Xiaohuang.”

The young woman responded, simultaneously retrieving a long needle, resembling the kind used by forensic experts, from under the bed sheet and aiming it at a particular spot on Xun Bailiang’s neck.

Hearing the answer, Xun Bailiang laughed delightedly and inquired further, “What’s your name?”

“My name is Ji Cuicui,” the woman answered, her needle swiftly and precisely piercing its target.

“Ouch!” Xun Bailiang felt a sting, akin to a mosquito bite.

“Sorry, my nail,” she apologized.

“Be careful!” A buzz in Xun Bailiang’s head left him irritable. Continuing, he said, “If your name is Ji Cuicui, then who is Lin Xiaohuang?”

“Oh, she’s my boss.”

The young woman gently twirled the needle in her hand.

“Ouch!”

Startled, Xun Bailiang convulsed momentarily. Soon after, his limbs trembled weakly and struggled, gradually settling down until he lay motionless.

The young woman deftly removed the needle and pressed a tissue to the back of his neck.

After patiently waiting for seven to eight minutes, she began to organize and arrange the scene.

For a well-trained professional, this was no difficult task, but it was still essential not to overlook any detail.

Her boss had once told her that sometimes, a single hair could be fatal.

When everything was ready, she called the hospital in a panic..