"And then there's Shang Jing, his third uncle, Shang Mingshu,"
Meng Fan said.
Wen Zhi had some understanding of Shang Mingshu. He was the black sheep of the Shang family, not interested in business or politics but rather in the arts, eventually fulfilling his dream of becoming a director. He achieved some success and at the age of forty, he was dubbed the "King of Terrible Movies."
It was a matter of face the Shang family would rather not mention.
Even though he always made terrible movies, Shang Mingshu still managed to thrive in the director's world, thanks to his family's background. Even though the investors knew they would lose down to their underwear, they still invested, just to get closer to the Shang family.
"This time not even the Shang family can save them," Wen Zhi remarked.
"It's not that they can't save them, this was all a setup," Meng Fan told Wen Zhi, "and it was a trap specifically designed for Shang Mingshu. Shang Jing is just unlucky to be implicated."
Wen Zhi was surprised, "How do you know that?"
Meng Fan leisurely replied, "Our Meng Family is, after all, a side branch of the Shang Family. When something like this happens, my dad is definitely among the first to know."
Wen Zhi suddenly remembered Shang Hexing, and she asked, "Will your uncle intervene in this matter?"
Meng Fan, "It's hard to say. Uncle has just been promoted, and with so many eyes on him, he can't afford a single mistake. Now with this scandal in his own family, he must avoid suspicion, probably pulling some other strings to save Shang Jing."
After listening for a while, Wen Zhi finally understood, "No wonder they set this trap just when your uncle got promoted, counting on him not being able to intervene; it's hard to imagine how deep the grudge must be, blatantly sabotaging Shang Mingshu, with Shang Jing suffering as a result."
Meng Fan let out a chuckle.
Wen Zhi asked him, "What are you laughing about?"
Meng Fan said, "I laugh because now you are calling him 'uncle' with me. It gives me an inexplicable thrill."
Wen Zhi, "..."
Meng Fan, unable to suppress the excitement in his voice, "You should stop calling him Mr. Shang this and Mr. Shang that. It sounds too distant. Just follow me and call him 'uncle.'"
Wen Zhi was stunned.
Casually calling him 'uncle' during a chat was one thing, but to actually call him that in person?
She felt like she couldn't say it out loud…
Especially after having such a dream, how could she bring herself to call him that 'uncle'.
Knock knock knock—
A knocking sound came.
Wen Zhi lowered her voice, "Let's stop talking, someone is knocking at the door."
She ended the call and went to open the door.
Zhao Qin stood outside, "Wen Zhi,"
"Auntie Qin, why are you here so early today?" Wen Zhi responded with a faint smile.
Zhao Qin didn't mention anything about not delivering dinner the night before and went straight to the point, "The lady is going out for a bit and will be back later. Do you want to come along?"
Wen Zhi puzzledly asked, "Where to?"
With Shang Jing in custody, Chong Wanyin going to the police station might not even guarantee seeing Shang Jing, so it definitely wasn't to the police station.
Zhao Qin said, "I'm not sure exactly where, I only know the lady is going to meet a friend."
Meeting a friend = asking for help
With the Shang family's powerful background, pulling someone out of the police station would be an easy task. Yet now, with the family being scrutinized from all sides, what should have been easy suddenly became difficult.
Chong Wanyin likely wanted to pull some strings quickly to get Shang Jing out.
Wen Zhi could understand Chong Wanyin's feelings; she was afraid that if Shang Jing went in this time, he might never come out.
Zhao Qin was being diplomatic earlier but the intent was clear, she wanted her to accompany Chong Wanyin. The decision was still hers, depending on whether she knew what would be wise.
She understood, but truly didn't want to go.
However, it seemed she might have to.
"It just so happens I'm free as well, so I'll accompany Madam," Wen Zhi said.
Zhao Qin smiled, "I'll wait for you."
Wen Zhi went inside to change into more appropriate clothing.
Her knee still hurt, so before leaving, she carefully applied the erythromycin ointment Bei Sheng had given her and changed into loose pants to avoid irritation.
After changing, Zhao Qin led Wen Zhi to a car where Chong Wanyin was already sitting inside waiting for her.
"Zhizhi is here," Chong Wanyin said gently, reaching out her hand to Wen Zhi.
Wen Zhi took Chong Wanyin's hand to get into the car and sat beside her, asking, "Madam, where are we going today?"
Chong Wanyin replied, "Red River Bank."
Red River Bank was a famous golf course in Bai City, exclusive to members and frequented by dignitaries for their leisure. Naturally, Wen Zhi knew that Chong Wanyin was not there simply to enjoy a game of golf today; she had requested to meet someone here on the course.
The drive took nearly half an hour.
The car arrived at the entrance to the parking lot of Red River Bank.
Wen Zhi and Chong Wanyin got out of the car, and after the receptionist registered the license plate, they proceeded forward, led by the staff.
"Zhizhi," Chong Wanyin turned her head to look at her and asked, "Do you drive?"
Wen Zhi, puzzled by the question, nodded under Chong Wanyin's inquiring gaze, "Yes, I do."
"Good to know."
Chong Wanyin placed her hand on the back of Wen Zhi's hand, saying, "Today, I'm here to deal with something very important. I am here to ask for a favor and so I will need to humble myself a bit."
Wen Zhi knew it concerned Shang Jing.
But she had to pretend to be oblivious, otherwise Chong Wanyin would suspect how she knew so much about the Shang family matters so quickly.
Wen Zhi bit her lip gently, nodding obediently, "I understand, I will follow your lead later."
Chong Wanyin's lips curled into a satisfied smile, "I'm putting you in a tough spot this time. I will make it up to you when we return."
Wen Zhi, watching the seemingly kind-faced Chong Wanyin, subtly pulled back her hand, her expression turning a bit cold at an angle invisible to Chong Wanyin.
...
The morning sunshine slanted across Red River Bank, and in the distance, several caddies could vaguely be seen moving around the course.
The rest area was built beside the riverbank. When Chong Wanyin led Wen Zhi there, under a large sunshade umbrella, several people were engaged in lively conversation.
"Xiaoyin."
Chong Wanyin walked toward the umbrella, calling out a nickname that Wen Zhi did not recognize.
Wen Zhi followed her gaze and saw a man stand up, his upturned phoenix eyes containing a trace of a chilling smile, "Auntie Chong."
Wen Zhi recognized him.
This was Liang Yin, the son of the director of Bai City's Public Security Bureau.
Recently, Director Liang had been away on official business in another province, and Chong Wanyin, unable to meet with the Director, had instead sought out his son, presumably to ask him to intervene on her behalf.
"Auntie Chong, what a coincidence, are you here to play golf too?" Liang Yin was very tall and stood straight, maintaining a respectful demeanor in front of his elder.
Whether it was a coincidence or not, it had all been orchestrated by Chong Wanyin.
Chong Wanyin, outwardly cheerful yet inwardly unflustered, replied with a smile, "Yes, what a coincidence. But at my age, I'm just here for some exercise, I can't compete with you young people."
Liang Yin also smiled, his smile carrying a deeper meaning, "Auntie Chong, in my eyes, you're always as young as the first time I met you when I was a child."
Chong Wanyin was delighted by the compliment, "You're just as sweet-talking as you were when you were little."
Liang Yin chuckled, "Is that so?"
His gaze shifted past Chong Wanyin to Wen Zhi, who was standing not far away. A hint of curiosity appeared in his eyes as he asked Chong Wanyin, "Auntie Chong, who is that?"