Director Wang continued, "Ms. Liu plans to make significant changes at the Tower. She's already made a list. I told everyone that the Tower is an economic entity, not a political court, and there's no need for a new ruler to replace the old staff each time."
Wang Jingfei replied, "Let's not dwell on the past. Do you have anything else to report?"
"No, nothing else," Director Wang said quickly, backing out of the office.
After he left, Wang Jingfei picked up the phone. "Director Chen?"
"It's me," Chen Ran replied, his tone respectful.
"This is Wang Jingfei."
"I recognized your voice."
"Have the computer passwords been changed recently?"
"Yes, there have been some changes."
"Send them to me."
"Right away."
In moments, a string of numbers and letters appeared on Wang Jingfei's computer screen. She was decoding them when the phone rang again. Seeing the caller ID, she was slightly surprised and answered enthusiastically, "Hello, Ms. Liu!"
Liu Mei tried to keep her tone gentle, "I need to explain a few things."
"I'm in the office. You can come anytime," Wang Jingfei replied politely.
Liu Mei said, "To be brief, I've done many things to wrong you in the past. I hope you can forgive me."
Wang Jingfei immediately became cautious, her tone turning business-like. "Ms. Liu, we're all colleagues. No need for apologies."
Liu Mei earnestly continued, "To show my sincerity, I'd like to invite you to dinner tonight at seven. I'll pick you up."
Wang Jingfei hesitated, "I have plans tonight..."
Understanding the need to be assertive, Liu Mei quickly said, "Please, don't decline."
Reluctantly, Wang Jingfei agreed, "Alright."
Liu Mei added, "This is a private meeting. Let's not mention it to others to avoid misunderstandings."
Wang Jingfei paused briefly. "Okay." After hanging up, she thoughtfully sent an email from her computer.
At the secluded Lengshuikeng, the evening light faded, and darkness settled. Birds returning to their nests flapped their wings, creating a rustling sound. Lin Xiaoliang walked deeper into the reeds, feeling apprehensive. He couldn't help but recall the time he was nearly caught by Qiang Mingsheng. Afraid to shout, he stretched his neck, looking around. Finally, he found a corner and stood still. Lin Xiaoqiang appeared like a ghost beside him. Startled, Lin Xiaoliang said, "Brother, did you come out of the ground?"
Lin Xiaoqiang didn't answer, straightening his hunched back and extending his hand, "Money!"
Lin Xiaoliang quickly took a large envelope from his briefcase, patted it, and said, "Fifty thousand in total."
"You still have some conscience," Lin Xiaoqiang said, taking the envelope and turning to leave. "Brother, can we talk?" Lin Xiaoliang asked earnestly.
Lin Xiaoqiang didn't look back, "What's there to talk about?"
"I've always missed you," Lin Xiaoliang said sadly.
"What's the use of saying that now?" Lin Xiaoqiang replied without turning.
"Did you visit our father?" Lin Xiaoliang asked.
Lin Xiaoqiang turned suddenly, his eyes sharp, "I won't give him another chance to betray me!"
Lin Xiaoliang tried to explain for their father, "He had no choice at the time..."
"If he hadn't exposed me, he would have lost a few years as head of the People's Congress!" Lin Xiaoqiang interrupted angrily.
Lin Xiaoliang didn't dare speak further.
Lin Xiaoqiang asked darkly, "Is Liu Mei still with that Guo?"
"On and off. They're not always together," Lin Xiaoliang answered.
"Tell those two to enjoy themselves while they can. Their days are numbered!" Lin Xiaoqiang said, gritting his teeth.
Summoning his courage, Lin Xiaoliang defended Guo Xiaopeng, "Brother, you misunderstand a lot..."
"Shut up!" Lin Xiaoqiang cut him off, "I've had five years to think everything through!"
Lin Xiaoliang stood there, speechless and dazed.
Lin Xiaoqiang commanded, "Leave ten minutes after I do."
Lin Xiaoliang nodded mechanically.
In the dimly lit King Louis Café, soft music played. Wang Jingfei and Liu Mei sat across from each other, slowly stirring their rich black coffee.
Liu Mei spoke gently, "I've confessed my mistakes. I truly ask for your forgiveness for my irrational behavior."
"I understand your feelings, but you misunderstood me," Wang Jingfei said, taking a sip of her coffee. "I have no emotional entanglement with Mr. Guo Xiaopeng."
"That's not very straightforward, Ms. Wang," Liu Mei said, clearly not believing her.
Wang Jingfei sighed, spreading her hands in resignation.
Realizing she was too blunt, Liu Mei softened her tone, "I know much of it is one-sided from Guo Xiaopeng, but please reject his advances in the future."
Wang Jingfei shrugged, not responding.
"You are a world-class figure, unlike a small-town person like me," Liu Mei repeated her old complaint.
Wang Jingfei, losing patience, said, "I'll say it again, Ms. Liu, rest assured I won't steal anyone's love."
Liu Mei, determined to make her point, said, "Please help Xiaopeng with external affairs, bring in more funds and open more channels. I'll assist him with internal management."