Chapter 754 - 724: Tears
Xu Chunliang immediately perked up at the mention of He Dong Group. He looked up to see that Qi Shuang had a height comparable to a model, with somewhat Westernized features, exuding both professionalism and charm. She didn’t seem to be over thirty; having graduated with a Ph.D. at such a young age, she probably took a shortcut like him.
Ever since Xu Chunliang attended Europe Business School, he gained a whole new understanding of academic qualifications—any degree in this world can be manipulated.
Qi Shuang shook hands with Su Qing and Su Mingxiu one by one, then nodded gracefully at Xu Chunliang and Xing Yongjin, her manners impeccable.
Su Mingxiu asked, "President Zhan, you guys are..."
Qi Shuang replied, "Friends!"
The brief answer made everyone laugh; others laughed because they thought it wasn’t that simple.
Zhan Tianhang himself laughed because they were indeed friends, and he invited everyone to sit.
The restaurant at Qinghuai Residence had just been upgraded. When Xu Chunliang last visited, it was still tea party-themed, but today the cuisine had changed to Huaiyang style, clearly more down-to-earth than before, even serving crayfish.
It wasn’t that Zhan Tianhang didn’t value his guests; rather, his tea feasts were too highbrow and solitary in reality, and businessmen ultimately have to bow to money.
Xing Yongjin couldn’t stop praising the food’s flavor. His residence was not far from here, yet he had no idea there was such a hidden gem of a hotel.
Zhan Tianhang said, "Mr. Xing, feel free to come by whenever you have time. Just let me know in advance, and I’ll definitely make proper arrangements."
Xing Yongjin smiled and said, "I’ll try. I’m off to Dongzhou soon, and who knows when I’ll return to the headquarters."
Zhan Tianhang remarked that their group was also exploring the Dongzhou market, with a hot spring hotel under construction on Weishan Island.
Xing Yongjin said, "If President Zhan needs any loans, feel free to contact me."
Zhan Tianhang then realized Xing Yongjin was heading to handle the credit business at Nanjiang Bank’s Dongzhou Branch. No matter how big the business, there is always a need for loans. As Xing Yongjin was sent to Dongzhou, he must be facing the need to expand business. The two hit it off and exchanged contact information.
Qi Shuang also took the initiative to add Xing Yongjin’s WeChat.
Xu Chunliang intentionally asked, "Miss Qi, is He Dong Group also in the hotel business?"
Qi Shuang laughed and said, "Hotels are indeed one of He Dong Group’s main businesses. My work doesn’t involve specific management; I belong to the company’s finance department." She turned to Xing Yongjin and said, "Speaking of which, my work nature is somewhat similar to Mr. Xing’s; we’re both into investments."
Xing Yongjin commented, "Credit and investment are indeed quite similar."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself that if Xing Yongjin knew He Dong’s background, he probably wouldn’t say that. He Dong’s investment probably demands a much higher return than theirs, and this Miss Qi might just be a loan shark.
Observing the interaction between Zhan Tianhang and Qi Shuang, they seemed to be just ordinary friends. However, Qi Shuang’s background still raised Xu Chunliang’s vigilance.
Zhan Tianhang, in the hotel and catering industry himself, naturally paid attention to the recent popularity of Dongzhou Barbecue. He planned to ride this trend and organize a Dongzhou Barbecue Festival in Nanjiang. He even considered asking the Dongzhou Culture and Tourism Bureau for a lift, as the saying goes, "with a name that justifies the cause."
After a little thought, Xu Chunliang agreed to Zhan Tianhang’s request. Zhan Tianhang’s idea was essentially to create a branch venue in Nanjiang, which would also help promote Dongzhou and expand its influence. Why not engage in such a win-win situation?
Qi Shuang asked Su Qing, "Miss Su, have you been to Dongzhou?"
Su Qing replied with a smile, "I am from Dongzhou and even worked there for a while."
Qi Shuang said, "I’ve only passed through by car; I haven’t actually visited Dongzhou yet."
Zhan Tianhang said, "When my hot spring hotel opens, you’re welcome to come and guide the work."
Qi Shuang looked at Xu Chunliang with a smile and said, "I wonder if Town Mayor Xu would welcome that?"
Xu Chunliang replied, "I was just about to say welcome, but President Zhan beat me to it."
Su Qing said, "Don’t worry, Town Mayor Xu most welcomes beautiful women."
Everyone laughed together.
After a few drinks, Qi Shuang got up and went to the adjacent room; she had a friend also dining there, so she went over to offer a toast.
After Qi Shuang left, Xu Chunliang said, "President Zhan, you and..."
Zhan Tianhang laughed and said, "Friends, really just friends. She has a boyfriend. I’m just borrowing her temporarily tonight; otherwise, it’d be awkward and lonely with you all paired up."
Su Qing interjected, "Please don’t say that; Town Mayor Xu and I are also friends."
Zhan Tianhang laughed, "Yes, we’re all friends."
Xing Yongjin commented, "Things continuously evolve and change; we started as friends and developed from there as a couple."
Su Mingxiu said, "Yes, from friends to a couple, and now from a couple back to friends."
Zhan Tianhang chuckled, "Hearing that from my sister-in-law makes marriage sound a bit redundant."
Xu Chunliang grinned and said, "It’s actually all about the joy of being together, no need to worry about formalities."
A few people looked at Su Qing simultaneously when they heard him say that. Su Qing felt a bit embarrassed, thinking, why is everyone looking at me? Actually, what Xu Chunliang said wasn’t wrong.
At this moment, someone knocked on the door. It was Qi Shuang who had returned and brought someone along.
Xu Chunliang never expected that this person was Qiao Rulong. Qi Shuang actually knew Qiao Rulong and had even revealed that he was dining here. Xu Chunliang didn’t believe there could be so many coincidences in this world. If he was told that this wasn’t deliberately arranged, he wouldn’t believe it.
Xu Chunliang stood up and said, "Brother Long, you’re here too."
The others didn’t know Qiao Rulong, not even Zhan Tianhang, the restaurant owner, knew Qiao Rulong’s identity. Qi Shuang had asked him to prepare the best room, saying she was introducing a friend to dine here. Friends helping each other in business is common in the restaurant industry. Because Qi Shuang had explained beforehand, Zhan Tianhang didn’t come out to disturb them.
Seeing Xu Chunliang stand up so seriously, everyone realized that Qiao Rulong’s identity was special and stood up at the same time.
Qiao Rulong smiled calmly, "Everyone, sit down. I heard Chunliang was here, so I came over to say hello. How about this, I won’t disturb you all too much, I’ll join you for a drink and leave. Let me do the honors first."
Qiao Rulong downed the glass of wine.
Xu Chunliang said, "Since you’re here, sit down and chat."
Qiao Rulong smiled and patted his shoulder, "No need, I have important guests to attend to. I’m hosting tonight and can’t be rude. This table is on me."
Qi Shuang laughed, "Brother Qiao, Zhan is the restaurant owner."
Zhan Tianhang quickly said, "I’ll arrange it, I’ll arrange it."
Qiao Rulong didn’t glance at him and said to Xu Chunliang, "I’m heading off, won’t disturb you anymore." Before leaving, he glanced at Su Qing.
Su Qing didn’t know who this person was, but somehow felt that his gaze carried a certain pressure.
After Qiao Rulong left, Zhan Tianhang said to Qi Shuang, "You didn’t even introduce him."
Qi Shuang laughed, "He came to find Town Mayor Xu, I thought Town Mayor Xu would introduce him."
Xu Chunliang thought to himself, introduce my foot, Qiao Rulong looks down on you. He smiled at Qi Shuang, secretly cursed, this woman isn’t good, tonight’s scene might have been her deliberate setup, making sure her future brother-in-law happened to catch him dining with Su Qing.
But on second thought, he and Su Qing didn’t do anything out of line, just having a meal. Didn’t he have a scheming female friend like Qi Shuang?
Qi Shuang said, "Town Mayor Xu, I didn’t know I knew President Qiao. He just asked who I was dining with, and I said some friends from Dongzhou. He asked who they were, and I mentioned your name. I didn’t expect he’d come over immediately. What’s your relationship with President Qiao anyway?"
Xu Chunliang said, "I have no relation with him, his sister is my girlfriend."
Xing Yongjin choked on a mouthful of tea and turned to cough violently into the corner. Not only him, but even his wife Su Mingxiu was also surprised. They always thought Xu Chunliang and Su Qing were a couple; turns out Xu Chunliang had a girlfriend. Yet he was still going out with Su Qing. Isn’t this guy a bit scummy?
Zhan Tianhang knew about Mei Ru Xue, but he didn’t know Qiao Rulong was Mei Ru Xue’s brother. He laughed, "No wonder, it’s rare to see Town Mayor Xu being so low-key."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "I’ve been polite since I was young. Come, let’s continue drinking."
Aside from the small episode with Qiao Rulong, the evening was very pleasant. Xing Yongjin followed his father’s instructions and did not express gratitude to Xu Chunliang the whole time. When it was time to leave, he and his wife walked back together.
Xu Chunliang parted from him at the gate. Xing Yongjin shook his hand and said, "When I get to Dongzhou, let’s have a good chat."
Xu Chunliang understood his meaning and gently patted the back of his hand.
Xu Chunliang said to Zhan Tianhang and Qi Shuang that he would see Su Qing home.
Zhan Tianhang had already helped call a car.
After the car started, Su Qing whispered, "Sorry for causing you trouble."
Xu Chunliang laughed, "What’s the trouble?"
Su Qing sighed, "He won’t talk nonsense, will he?"
"He’s not that idle."
Xu Chunliang remembered what Qiao Rulong had said to him at Zhou Renhe’s funeral hall in Jizhou. It seemed Qiao Rulong was not satisfied with his actions.
They had known each other for quite some time. Qiao Rulong was very calculating, but he always remained polite with him.
Su Qing said, "Don’t worry, if necessary, I can explain to Mei Ru Xue in person."
Xu Chunliang said, "Explain what? There’s no need to explain what’s clear, and trying to explain what’s unclear is useless. She’s not that petty."
Su Qing nodded, "I... can handle it any way." After saying that, she turned her head to look outside the window.
Xu Chunliang understood what she meant, feeling a little touched, but he didn’t respond, pretending not to hear Su Qing speak.
The car continued down the long street, the orange light from the street lamps occasionally brushing over Su Qing’s beautiful face. She saw her reflection in the window and realized she was crying. She didn’t dare wipe them away, fearing that the action would reveal her tears to Xu Chunliang. She quietly rolled down the window halfway, hoping the night breeze would dry her tears, but instead, they flowed even more abundantly.