When I finally rushed into the restaurant, my tense nerves started to relax.
The head waiter of this upscale restaurant, an older man from Yunnan, warmly greeted me as I entered, "Hey there, what can I get for you?"
Running a restaurant here is no easy feat; most owners have some connections with the park's bosses.
I walked over to a window seat and sat down. "Bring me all the good dishes, but no unidentified red meat or crocodile meat. Also, get me a bowl of three-delicacy soup and stir-fried vegetables. Skip the liquor, just bring me milk and some soft drinks."
"Got it!" He placed a sign in front of me and immediately headed to the kitchen.
The restaurant's layout was similar to those outside, but since it was in the notorious KK Park, prices were several times higher than in China. This meal would empty my wallet.
Soon, Wrench and the others arrived. Yanzi looked particularly happy, laughing non-stop.
She had changed.
She seemed even prettier than before.
Money truly makes a difference.
Now, following Boss Ning, she lived a lavish life with the best clothes, food, and accommodations, even having someone like Tang Tian as her bodyguard. She had really hit the jackpot.
Her previous life as a casino hostess was now a distant memory.
Abu, who was on patrol, joined us as it was shift change time, including Tang Tian's lackey.
Most people had already finished eating and left, leaving only those paying for their meals out of pocket.
When Yang Lian Ting entered to order, he saw us and walked over with a smile. "Hey, having a group meal?"
I shifted over to make room. "Supervisor Yang, if you don't mind, you can join us."
"Not at all, I don't mind one bit." He laughed heartily, patting my shoulder.
However, his lecherous eyes were fixed on the beautiful and sexy Yanzi sitting next to Bayi.
Luckily, Yanzi was with Boss Ning. If she were doing phone scams in the park, who knows what kind of misery she'd suffer under him.
I pulled out a bamboo chair for him. "Supervisor Yang, has the inspector returned?"
"No, he hasn't. Your incident today, killing four Thais, has even reached the military advisor. It's going to be tough; they came to collect ashes, and you sent them all to heaven instead."
Yang Lian Ting sat next to me and called the waiter to add more dishes and two bottles of Wuliangye liquor.
I was shocked. "All of them died?"
"Yeah, are you doubting your own abilities? The entire KK Park is buzzing, saying you took on four Muay Thai experts single-handedly and sent them all home. Kid, you've made quite a name for yourself!"
Fame, my foot!
Yang Lian Ting then pulled out his phone and showed me the video of our fight.
I glanced at him. "Hearing this from you just feels off."
"Whether it feels off or not depends on the outcome. I recently got some top-grade tea, want to come over tonight to try it?"
"Uh, okay!"
Hearing this, everyone gave me a knowing look, especially Yanzi with her peculiar gaze.
Yang Lian Ting was used to such reactions and ignored them, continuing to eat his peanuts.
As the waiter brought out the dishes, I picked up my chopsticks and broke the silence. "I'm hungry, let's eat."
"Eat well, live well! Let's dig in!"
Bayi, the foodie, rolled up his sleeves and started attacking the fragrant stir-fried beef as soon as it hit the table.
One might think he hadn't eaten in days.
"Engineer Chen, my office computer went black. Can you help fix it this afternoon?"
Yang Lian Ting asked Chen Weiqiang to fix his computer. Was that computer even legit?
Chen Weiqiang, expressionless, replied, "Sure."
"Everyone, try this Burmese Tuhlu fish maw I brought. It's top-quality."
Yang Lian Ting enthusiastically ordered several Burmese dishes, including the fish maw he brought for us to try.
None of us wanted to drink with him, so he stored the liquor and joined us in drinking milk and soft drinks.
Our eight-person table was laden with 17 or 18 dishes.
The Tuhlu fish maw, golden and delicate, was authentic and delicious.
Even Yanzi, who was strict about her figure, couldn't resist having two bowls of rice.
Her tight qipao showed her bloated belly.
She had to keep sucking in her stomach to make it less obvious.
Being a woman is tough.
After we had our fill, we left the restaurant together.
Yang Lian Ting insisted on treating, and I didn't argue, saving some money.
"Oh, my darling, you're here! Yang Lian Ting, you dirty dog, what are you doing here?"
As soon as we stepped outside, we saw Liu Shiyi storming over.
Seeing Yang Lian Ting with us, his face turned livid.
"Inspector Liu, this is a restaurant. Can't I eat here?"
Yang Lian Ting sneered and left.
"..." Liu Shiyi, at a loss for words, glared at his back before turning to me. "You, come with me."
"Uh? Where to?"
Fearing he would lock me in the basement with animals named Lion or Tiger, I asked instinctively.
"Yanzi too, we're going to Myawaddy."
Liu Shiyi regained his usual calm, smiling as he held Yanzi's hand. "Yanzi, Boss Ning is waiting for you in town."
"Okay, I know." Yanzi forced a smile and linked arms with him. "Cousin, let's go."
I glanced at Chen Weiqiang and the others before following Liu Shiyi to the parking lot.
Tang Tian's lackey followed immediately.
Hearing about this, Boss Ning had rushed over from the Fourth District. He was likely discussing how to deal with me with Professor Ais.
"Don't worry, the professor and Boss Ning will protect you. But it depends on your skills!"
Once in the car, Liu Shiyi patted my hand comfortingly.
The three of us sat in the backseat, with him insisting on sitting in the middle, leaving me speechless.
Yanzi clung to him, speaking sweetly. "Inspector, did Boss Ning say anything?"
"He didn't say much, just told me to bring you to the casino."
"Inspector, can you put in a good word for my cousin? I don't want anything bad to happen to him."
Liu Shiyi, enjoying her closeness, grinned. "Sweetheart, it all depends on you later."
I turned to look out the window. The less Boss Ning said, the more dangerous it felt.
Businessmen don't do things for nothing. If Kuang really wanted my life as compensation, would he protect me?
Highly doubtful.
With a heavy heart, I followed Liu Shiyi to the Golden Casino.
We headed straight to Professor Ais's luxurious office upon arrival.
"Boss Ning! Professor!" I called out, trying to sound confident as I entered.
Boss Ning got up immediately, cigar in hand, laughing and patting my shoulder. "Good brother, you're here! You look great, truly a master!"