Night had fallen, and Lin Fan parked the second-hand BYD outside a villa in the suburbs.
This was the dinner location Zhang Caini and he had agreed upon.
There was no grand signboard, no bustling spot, but being an official worker, Lin Fan knew this private cuisine was quite expensive.
"Yo, looking sharp tonight."
Dressed in a crisp suit, Lin Fan had just entered the gate when Zhang Caini, who had been waiting at the door, came over to greet him.
Her curvy figure was clad in a black evening gown tonight, revealing snow-white, jade-like shoulders and a voluptuous chest that moved up and down with her steps. Her beautiful legs, accentuated by high heels, added charm to her petite stature of less than 1.6 meters, enticing one to take a few extra glances.
"People rely on clothes, just like Buddhas rely on gold. I definitely had to dress formally for dinner with Sister Cai Ni. But as for Sister Cai Ni, you're so beautiful, anything looks good on you."
Lin Fan's flattery was well-practiced, making Zhang Caini chuckle with delight.
"I'm already fading and old, how can I compare with a handsome young man like you? I fear in a few years, you won't spare me another glance."
"How could that be? Sister Cai Ni, you've helped me so much, I'll never forget you in my life."
Lin Fan's greedy eyes lingered on the white expanse of Zhang Caini's chest. The image of her leaning out of the car last night by the lake, her wanton pose returning to his mind. That flirtatious fishing moment almost got right to the point.
"You sweet talker, always charming women. I wonder how many young girls you've led astray."
Zhang Caini hooked her arm into Lin Fan's, her soft chest pressing tightly against his elbow.
"None of them are as fragrant as you, Sister."
Lin Fan recalled what Chen Jiayi had once said, that if a woman is interested in you, she'll be more forward than you'd expect.
Just as the two were chatting and laughing on their way inside, someone suddenly called out Lin Fan's name from behind, making him curiously turn around, but his face fell when he saw who it was.
"Wow, it really is you, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me."
The newcomer, about the same age as Lin Fan but dressed in glaring designer clothes, smirked dismissively at Lin Fan while glancing at Zhang Caini, "I didn't expect a top talent like you to afford dining here; been embezzling a lot lately?"
"Li Chuanchun, watch your mouth. Which of your eyes saw me embezzling? If you have evidence, go report me to the Discipline Inspection Commission!"
Lin Fan looked at Li Chuanchun with disgust. The two were college classmates, and their conflicts were not something that could be resolved in a few words. His arrogance was backed by his father, who held a managerial position, always acting high and mighty.
"I'm just kindly reminding you that this place isn't somewhere you can afford on your three thousand a month salary. So much for studying hard. Got dumped by Chen Jiayi and now wooing a rich lady, huh? Your taste... really isn't picky!"
Li Chuanchun, hands in his pockets, looked disdainfully at Zhang Caini standing next to Lin Fan.
"Shut your damn mouth if you can't speak properly!"
Lin Fan clenched his fists, finding this guy just as annoying as when they were in school.
"Yo, yo, yo, why are you so petty? A few words and you get mad? Can't you be a bit more magnanimous? You really don't understand the ways of the world; no wonder you've been around so many years and are still so invisible."
Li Chuanchun mocked Lin Fan with a smug face but didn't notice the change in Zhang Caini's expression. She didn't say anything and just took Lin Fan's arm and turned to leave. "Come on, let's go!"
"Sister Cai Ni, I'm sorry for dragging you into this."
Lin Fan awkwardly apologized to Zhang Caini, but she just smiled lightly. "What's that matter? When you're at your lowest, all you see are asses. When you're weak, everyone wants to step on you. If you want revenge, you have to keep climbing until you reach a high enough position where, looking down, you see all smiles. So, as a man, you have to strive to become stronger. Don't worry, I'll take care of this matter for you."
"Thank you, Sister Cai Ni."
Lin Fan recalled what Chen Jiayi had once said: the women who can stay by a leader's side the longest aren't necessarily the prettiest, but they're definitely the smartest. Zhang Caini was definitely such a person.
Talking and laughing, the two of them arrived at the upstairs private room where Zhu Defu was already waiting. Seeing Lin Fan and Zhang Caini come in, he put down his phone and smiled.
"Mayor Zhu!"
Lin Fan hurriedly greeted Zhu Defu with a serious face, but Zhu waved his hand with a smile. "It's after hours; no need for formalities. You're my lifesaver. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it through last night."
"Mayor Zhu, it was just a lucky coincidence. If it hadn't been for me, it would have been someone else. It was merely a small effort."
Lin Fan humbly responded.
"Your small effort solved a big problem for our family, and I've heard that many of the city's documents are drafted by you. Your literary talent is quite remarkable—a true talent, but unfortunately, you lack connections and have always been frustrated."
Zhang Caini, smiling, took Zhu Defu's arm. "Now that we've met him, he's also your lucky star. You should look after him in the future so he won't be bullied again."
"Of course, talent shouldn't go to waste. Gold will always shine."
Zhu Defu nodded with a smile.
"Lin Fan, did you hear that? Old Zhu said you're gold. From now on, you have a backer in the office too. Why don't you drink a toast to Uncle Zhu?"
Zhang Caini chuckled as she lifted her glass. Their dialogue was intended for Lin Fan; everything that needed to be said had been said. The rest was up to Lin Fan to respond.
"I will offer this cup in your honor then, Uncle Zhu, and I hope you will promote and guide me in the future."
Lin Fan quickly picked up his glass, well-versed in climbing up the ranks. This cup of wine signified a commitment, and drinking it meant he was now one of Zhu Defu's people.
"Well said, well said. Being able to interact with a talented person like you is also a great joy in life."
Zhu Defu smiled and downed his glass before starting to casually chat with Lin Fan, mainly to find out his basic information and education while also subtly inquiring about any connections he might have with Hou Changyao and Guo Baoming, ensuring there were no ties. With that confirmed, things were set.
As they chatted and laughed, Zhu Defu suddenly noticed that Zhang Caini had been quiet for a while. He turned to look at her curiously, and she pouted, "I just remembered what happened when Lin Fan and I walked in, being mocked again. It's bothering me. He even said I had 'no taste' for liking you and called me an 'old yellow pearl.' Am I ugly?"
"Who dares call my baby ugly? I'll kill him!"
Indeed, with just one sentence, Zhu Defu's anger was ignited, and he pounded the table as he scolded.
Lin Fan witnessed firsthand what was meant by "pillow talk."