Yao Chengren lived his wild days to the fullest, playing as much as he could. After he had his fill of fun, he returned home to inherit billions. With Edmond pulling him along and a group of capable people pushing him from behind, his life was enviable to anyone. General Manager Wu knew his limits—he wasn't born under a lucky star like Yao and didn't expect to be. His goal tonight was to seize the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Edmond.
As he pondered how to close the distance, he was pleasantly surprised when Edmond approached him first.
"Mr. Zhou, why did you come personally? I should have come to toast you instead," General Manager Wu hurriedly stood up, clinking glasses with Edmond.
After finishing his drink, Edmond gestured for him to sit down. "A toast is a toast, Mr. Zhou. No need to be formal."
Once seated, Edmond refilled his glass. "I came here specifically to find you, Mr. Zhou. I have something to ask you."
General Manager Wu, older than Edmond, was flattered by the respectful tone. He assured Edmond that he would answer any questions he had.
Edmond asked, "I heard you joined L&S right after graduation and stayed for ten years. Can you tell me about Zhao Jun?"
General Manager Wu didn't expect him to mention Zhao Jun, Zoya's biological father.
"It's been a long time, and I don't really like to recall that period at L&S. But if you need to know, I can tell you," he began.
"When I first joined L&S, Zhao Jun was the Deputy Manager of the Production Department. His abilities were average, but he rose quickly because he was Brooks's classmate. However, his promotion went to his head, and he made many enemies. He mistreated his subordinates, and whenever he made a mistake, the whole department paid the price. I was unlucky enough to be his assistant during those years, which were like a nightmare. I almost got depressed from the high stress and pressure. I didn't resign because of the good salary and the reputation of a big company; I needed the experience."
Fortunately, he didn't resign because later, Zhao Jun died.
General Manager Wu wasn't very clear on the details of Zhao Jun's death. He was out of town when it happened, sent by Zhao Jun on a business trip to inspect a distributor's factory along with the sales department. It wasn't his job, but he went in place of Zhao Jun's mistress who didn't want to go because the factory was in a remote area and the trip was scheduled right before the Dragon Boat Festival. She didn't want to miss the holiday and persuaded Zhao Jun to send him instead. This was common; since Zhao Jun got involved with her, he often sent General Manager Wu to help the sales department.
"Zhao Jun and his mistress were in Warehouse No. 2 when it caught fire. They couldn't get out and were trapped," he continued.
The night deepened as the drinking continued in the private room at Pingxi Club on the second floor. Edmond had informed Yao Chengren beforehand that he needed to speak with General Manager Wu privately, so after a few rounds, Yao Chengren called for a card game, gathering everyone in a corner to give them space.
General Manager Wu, who couldn't hold his liquor well, was already slightly drunk after a few drinks with Edmond.
"So, karma caught up with Zhao Jun. He did too much evil and got what he deserved," General Manager Wu said as Edmond handed him a glass of warm water.
"Karma? What do you mean?" Edmond asked.
General Manager Wu thanked him, taking a sip of water to soothe his stomach. "L&S's Warehouse No. 2 stored valuable goods worth millions. It was regularly inspected, and only authorized personnel could enter. Zhao Jun had access, and that day he locked himself in with his mistress. When they were found, they were already late by a few minutes. Those few minutes were spent breaking the door. If he hadn't locked the door, they probably would have survived. That's karma."
"What caused the fire?" Edmond asked.
"Officially, it was due to electrical wiring short-circuiting," General Manager Wu recalled, rubbing his temples. "Zhao Jun was just unlucky. It was the first incident since the warehouse was built."
Edmond then asked, "Why did Brooks adopt Zhao Jun's daughter, in your opinion?"
General Manager Wu was taken aback by the question. "Brooks and Zhao Jun were college roommates and best friends. When Brooks inherited the family business, he brought Zhao Jun into L&S. Given their relationship, it seemed natural for Brooks to adopt his daughter after he died."
After Zhao Jun's death, his wife remarried, taking her daughter with her. The new husband turned out to be abusive, and their lives were miserable. When the man died in a drunk driving accident, both parents perished, leaving Zoya an orphan. She was twelve then and sought out the Jian family on her own, and Brooks and his wife took her in, even changing her name to Zoya, treating her like their own daughter. Despite Brooks's flaws, he was loyal to his friends.
After a moment, General Manager Wu asked, "Why are you asking about Zhao Jun?"
Edmond didn't elaborate but took out his phone. "Can I add you on WeChat?"
Thrilled, General Manager Wu quickly took out his phone, "Of course! Of course!"
After adding him, Edmond poured another glass of warm water. "I need your help with a couple of things."
When the gathering finally ended at eleven, everyone dispersed, with Edmond being seen off by the others. General Manager Wu remained in place, deep in thought about the conversation.
Yao Chengren, sending off another guest, noticed him and approached. "What did Mr. Zhou ask you to help with?"
General Manager Wu sighed, "I don't understand it myself."
Edmond had asked for two things: to find some old acquaintances and investigate the cause of the Warehouse No. 2 fire, and to look into the life of Zhao Jun's wife after her remarriage until Zoya joined the Jian family.
General Manager Wu didn't know Edmond's reasons but was determined to help—earning Edmond's favor wasn't an opportunity everyone got.
Edmond instructed the driver to circle back. He had noticed Lily's car parked outside her studio, its lights still on. Despite not wanting to make another trip, he had no choice—his wife had banned him from the studio.
"When we reopened the studio, I told him he shouldn't come here. If people know I'm your wife, they'll keep coming to curry favor. I'd have to serve tea all day and waste money on tea leaves. I'm just starting out, so we need to be frugal," she had explained.
Understanding her point, Edmond respected her wishes, avoiding the studio to allow her to prove herself. Thus, he only dared to circle back late at night, parking nearby to wait for her.
Tonight, after drinking quite a bit, he leaned against his car, smoking, while thinking about what General Manager Wu had said. Zoya approaching the Jian family on her own was suspicious.
"Mr. Zhou," the driver called out as Edmond flicked the ash off his cigarette. "Madam has come out, and she seems drunk."
Aria hadn't expected this. She had just stepped out to take a video call, and Lily managed to get herself drunk. True, the call did take a while. It was from her family back in Yangcheng, reminding her to take good care of her sister-in-law and herself, which led to a lengthy conversation.