Hearing Qin Ruohan's explanation, Chen Liuhe grinned, casting a sideways glance. "Looks like you're not completely clueless."
"Of course not," Qin Ruohan snorted. "If I couldn't figure that out, how could I manage such a big club? Don't underestimate me."
She paused, furrowing her brows. "Chen Liuhe, aren't you worried at all?"
Chen Liuhe chuckled carelessly. "Why should I be?"
Qin Ruohan stared at him. "Did you already know that Zhou Yunkang would mess things up? Have you been planning your next move all along?"
"Smart," Chen Liuhe snapped his fingers. "When you're extracting a tooth from a tiger, you need to be cautious. Not to mention Zhou Yunkang's competence—do you really think Zhang Yongfu, the big shot from Black Dragon Society, is blind? He must know all about Zhou Yunkang's dirty deeds."
Chen Liuhe continued, "How could a shallow, oily loser like Zhou Yunkang fool Zhang Yongfu, who's a shrewd and cunning old fox? I never had high hopes."
Qin Ruohan was stunned. "Then why did you scare Zhou Yunkang with that pile of evidence yesterday? You knew it wouldn't help, and it would only make Zhang Yongfu think you're provoking him."
Chen Liuhe laughed lightly. "That's exactly what I wanted. Zhou Yunkang is just a pawn. What I want is for Zhang Yongfu to pay attention to me, the sudden newcomer." He smiled at Qin Ruohan. "You know, people always exercise caution with the unknown."
"Because he can't figure me out, he won't dare to take action against your club easily, which is why Zhou Yunkang made this call." Chen Liuhe smirked. "The feast will indeed be a feast of the hongs, but who's Liu Bang and who's Xiang Yu is still uncertain."
"Chen Liuhe, you're playing with fire." Qin Ruohan was shocked, looking at him. She didn't expect Chen Liuhe, who seemed so carefree and slick, to have such deep schemes. He appeared mundane but had clearly calculated everything.
She suddenly had the feeling that this young man was very scary, a highly dangerous individual. At that moment, she even thought Chen Liuhe was more terrifying than those old foxes.
But her feelings were complex; she couldn't read Chen Liuhe anymore. She knew that behind his lazy exterior lay astonishing stories and experiences.
Here was a stranger who, at this moment, was risking his life for her, a person with no personal connection to him.
"Is it worth it, what you're doing for me?" Qin Ruohan took a deep breath, gazing intently at Chen Liuhe. Her emotions were undeniably conflicted—grateful, touched, and even a bit curious.
Chen Liuhe glanced at her sideways, jokingly. "Don't get too sentimental. I'm doing this for my position as Vice President. I don't want to be out of a job right after I start; I can't afford that."
He waved dismissively. "Spare me the empty gratitude. If you really feel thankful, find a quiet night, dress a bit sexier, and let's have a candlelit chat."
"Get lost, you perverted jerk." Qin Ruohan shot him a disdainful look, then straightened her expression and asked with concern, "Are you sure about this? Dining with someone as ruthless as Zhang Yongfu is like courting death. One wrong move and you might get swallowed whole."
Chen Liuhe waved his hand nonchalantly. "Don't worry about it. Just be a good boss. Tomorrow, I'll make sure Zhang Yongfu hands over the 20% equity transfer agreement."
Time passed quickly. Soon, it was getting dark outside. Chen Liuhe, who had been browsing some green adult content, reluctantly shut down his computer and sauntered out of the office.
"After hurting me, you still want more, asking for five times in one night—it's a bit much," Chen Liuhe hummed a disjointed parody of a song, his mood exceptionally relaxed.
In the lobby downstairs, he immediately spotted the Mercedes-Benz business car parked outside. He approached the door, glancing at Huang Baiwan, who was squatting on the ground smoking, and then at Qin Ruohan standing by the door.
Huang Baiwan threw away his cigarette, stood up, and grinned at Chen Liuhe. "Brother Liuhe, I'm coming too."
Chen Liuhe laughed and kicked him lightly. "You're well-informed, but don't come. Guard the door properly and make sure no one messes up our place."
Huang Baiwan nodded, leaned in to Chen Liuhe's ear, and whispered to stay safe.
Chen Liuhe then turned to Qin Ruohan. "What are you doing here? Coming to see me off?"
"I'm going with you," Qin Ruohan lifted her chin and said.
Chen Liuhe shook his head. "No need. You'll only cause trouble. You won't be of any use."
But Qin Ruohan ignored the advice, biting her lip stubbornly. "No, I'm going with you."
Chen Liuhe looked at her in surprise, noting her determined expression, and laughed. "What, looking for excitement?"
Qin Ruohan replied, "This is happening because of me. I can't let you risk yourself alone."
Chen Liuhe chuckled. "You're quite loyal." He said no more and walked out of the club, with Qin Ruohan in her elegant high heels and carrying an expensive bag hurrying to keep up.
Upon arriving at Zhou Yunkang's place, Qin Ruohan, with a frosty expression, said, "Lead the way. We have our own car."
The two cars smoothly left the club. Inside the car, Chen Liuhe glanced at Qin Ruohan, who was calmly driving, and a quirky smile played at his lips. "When we get there, leave that gun in your bag in the car. No need to carry it."
Qin Ruohan's body jolted in surprise. She looked at Chen Liuhe, bewildered. "How do you know there's a gun in my bag?"
"Why else would you be so confident?" Chen Liuhe said casually, taking Qin Ruohan's bag and pulling out a black pistol. He chuckled. "A Glock 17, 185mm long, 9mm caliber, with an initial velocity of 360 meters per second, maximum range 50 meters, and a 19-round magazine."
Chen Liuhe accurately listed the gun's model and specs, leaving Qin Ruohan stunned. He didn't open the magazine but weighed the gun in his hand and laughed. "Planning a massacre with a full magazine?"
"You—" Qin Ruohan was so shocked she could barely speak. She couldn't imagine someone could identify a gun's specifics just by handling it.
Seeming to read her thoughts, Chen Liuhe said nonchalantly, "Don't be so surprised. I was a soldier for a few years and happened to come across this type of gun. But I'm surprised you could get your hands on one."
Qin Ruohan gradually calmed down and huffed, "If you have money, there's nothing you can't buy."
Chen Liuhe nodded in agreement. "That's true." He paused and then added, "But could you use a bit of common sense before acting? With a gun, you're no match for Zhang Yongfu. I guarantee you'll get searched before you even enter. Don't you fear getting shot if you anger him?"
Qin Ruohan bit her lip. "I didn't plan to kill anyone. I just wanted to protect myself. If we go empty-handed, we might never come back."
Chen Liuhe rubbed his head in frustration, rolling his eyes. "Do you think I'm an idiot? If I had no confidence, would I be running into a trap?"
"Fine, if you're coming, then trust me. Just stay quiet and follow my lead. I'll bring you back safe and sound," Chen Liuhe said, closing his eyes to rest and ignoring the panicking woman beside him.
The "Tianxiang Grand Hotel" was a luxurious-looking place. Chen Liuhe and Qin Ruohan followed Zhou Yunkang up to the top floor. On the top floor's corridor, they were searched. No weapons or potentially threatening items were allowed in.
Qin Ruohan's face turned pale, admiring Chen Liuhe's foresight.
Under Zhou Yunkang's guidance, they arrived at a private room guarded by several burly men.
Entering the room, they saw a man in his fifties seated at the dining table. The man was tall and plain-looking but exuded a formidable presence.
There was no doubt this was Zhang Yongfu, the man of the hour.
Upon seeing them, Zhang Yongfu didn't rise but simply looked up, taking a moment to assess Chen Liuhe. His years of dangerous experience told him that Chen Liuhe had an air of danger about him.
"So, you're Chen Liuhe?" Zhang Yongfu asked.
"Ah, didn't expect Boss Zhang to know my name. Should I be flattered?" Chen Liuhe said with a chuckle, showing no sign of discomfort.
Zhang Yongfu waved his hand with a smile. "No need for flattery. I'm just glad you came today."
"Hope Boss Zhang is genuinely glad," Chen Liuhe replied with a hint of meaning.
Zhang Yongfu was momentarily puzzled, then laughed heartily, pointing at Chen Liuhe and then addressing Qin Ruohan. "Chairman Qin, don't just stand there. Please sit down. We'll have the dishes served shortly
." He and Qin Ruohan had met before.