Chapter 700: A Call from Ru Meng

I laughed and said, "Hou Laoban, what kind of person are you imagining me to be? Let me tell you this: the room I'm staying in doesn't have to be free; I'll settle every cent with you."

This amount, I, Zhao Jianqiang, can still pay.

I have no other intention; I just want you to arrange a room for my friend. You don't need to overthink it.

I'm only giving you face, that's all; if it's inconvenient here, we can stay at another hotel."

"Brother Jianqiang, looking at what you said, during the New Year,

our conversation keeps getting more distant. Do we still need to discuss money between us,

I'll arrange it for your friend right away, completely free. Is that okay?" Hou Laoban said apologetically, laughing on the phone.

"Then thanks, Hou Laoban." I said and hung up.

After hanging up the phone,

I told Li Jia,

"In a moment the staff will arrange a room for you; just stay boldly, they're free for us."

"Alright, Mr. Zhao, then I have nothing else, I won't disturb your rest. Let me know in advance when we should go see Tian Shi." Li Jia finished and stood up.

I escorted Li Jia out of the door,

Just after seeing Li Jia off, Yang Tao pushed the door open and came in,

"Alright, this year is going well, Jianqiang, you're not lacking women company."

"Yang Tao, speak of business when there's business; if not, stop rambling." I said, looking at Yang Tao.

"What am I rambling about.

Actually, who doesn't know about your relationship with that Li Jia. Hmph. Don't pretend innocence in front of me." Yang Tao said at this moment.

I laughed,

"What am I pretending in front of you? Is it your business?

Yang Tao, don't covet meat you can't get, it's just a craving.

Enough, quickly tell me what's the matter."

"What's the matter, it's about settling accounts. Huaihai has arrived, we've settled a total of three million, you give this one tens of thousands, that one tens of thousands.

Now see how much is left." Yang Tao said angrily.

"How much is left?" I asked.

"Less than one hundred thousand yuan left.

That really makes me furious.

I've been busy here and there, and that's all the money left.

What was I aiming for?

I want as much as Li Jia's reward." Yang Tao said directly.

"Yang Tao, what did you do in Huaihai, and what did Li Jia do? You need to know for yourself.

All the remaining money is yours." I said angrily.

Seeing me angry, Yang Tao smiled,

"I was just joking with you; am I such a money‑loving woman? There's something I want to tell you,

didn't you say before that Wang Ge would come after the New Year to handle that 400‑million matter?

Now the New Year is already over.

What should we do? We can't wait for him to arrive and then figure it out." Yang Tao said, looking at me.

"Now that's the main issue.

What you just said are all minor matters.

Yang Tao, this matter is very important.

Let me put it this way: we no longer have the authority to handle it.

Tomorrow I plan to arrange a meeting with Tian Shi to discuss, and conveniently raise this issue to see what he says." I said.

Yang Tao could only nod,

"Jianqiang, you are now my backing; I only trust you.

Lao Qi has already had Wang Ge bring him back to Sijiucheng; his life or death is unknown.

I'm too lazy to ask.

I can't rely on anyone else. Jianqiang, only you can help me.

Then, you arrange for me; whatever you say, I'll do.

"Yang Tao, to be honest, we are tied together.

This 400‑million has become a deadlock, hard to untie.

We can only take one step at a time.

If you just follow my lead, there should be no problem.

"Jianqiang, when will the Xue County tourism project be developed? I think this project looks good; after returning from Huaihai Ancient City, I've been thinking,

tourism projects are very profitable." Yang Tao said.

"Do you want to invest?" I asked Yang Tao directly.

Yang Tao shook his head,

"Where would I have money? You know my situation." Yang Tao immediately pleaded poverty.

That's how this woman is; as soon as money is mentioned, she pretends to be broke.

At that moment my phone rang,

I saw it was a call from Ru Meng.

He hurriedly answered the phone.

"Dad, when are you coming back to Niushiling?"

"You dumped me in Niushiling and then didn't ask about me." Ru Meng said on the phone.

I laughed.

"Ru Meng, Dad, I really forgot you. I've already returned to Zaocheng, and the Huaihai matters are finished."

"Like this, I'll try to see you in Niushiling tomorrow afternoon."

"How is your grandmother's health?"

"My grandmother's health is fine; she also mentions you every day."

"My aunt also mentions you. My older brother Shitouge also mentions you. I also mention you. Come quickly." Ru Meng chattered on the phone.

"Okay, I know. I'll return as soon as possible." I promised Ru Meng on the phone.

After Ru Meng hung up the phone,

Yang Tao sighed, "Jianqiang, you're happy, having a precious daughter who thinks of you. I have nothing."

"Ya Ya is not your daughter." I said.

Yang Tao shook her head,

"Not being blood-related makes a difference; plus she received a foreign education, so she has no sense of family ties. A couple of days ago, I spoke with her on the phone."

"She gave me a perfunctory reply, then asked for money."

"Really boring."

"She doesn't call me Mom; it's always Yang Tao, Yang Tao calling."

"Just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable." Yang Tao sighed.

Hearing Yang Tao's sigh, I truly didn't know what to say.

Ya Ya has grown up; wanting to return to the past is impossible.

Although Ru Meng is somewhat immature, she is still by my side,

and she is also receiving education from me and Qian Niang.

In some aspects she does quite well.

When Ru Meng is on vacation, I have Xiao Shitou pick her up and bring her back to Niushiling to live with Qian Niang, accompanying Qian Niang and receiving her education.

Xiao Shitou also had time off; he originally wanted to go to Huaihai Ancient City, but I didn't let him go.

Because it's too dangerous there.

I had him stay in Niushiling to accompany Ru Meng.

After meeting with Tian Shi, I'll return to Niushiling to see Qian Niang.

To pay her a New Year's visit.

I believe Li Ming definitely didn't go back to keep Qian Niang company for the New Year.

If I don't go back, Qian Niang will surely miss us.

Li Ming and I have completely lost contact.

The last time in Niushiling, his words hurt me too deeply.

From the heart, I don't want to contact him.

How could he look at me like that?

What kind of person did he imagine me to be?

Sigh, after decades of brotherhood, we don't even have this bit of trust?

Really.

This Li Ming, what can I say about him.

As for the matter between Xiao Long and Fang Rui, I also don't want to interfere.

Asking too much brings no good; what am I seeking?

Xiao Long is an adult; how he chooses his love life is his own business.

No one can help him; everything must rely on himself.

Thinking of this, I let out a breath.

At this moment Yang Tao asked,

"Jianqiang, tonight Li Ming invited me to dinner; will you join?"

Upon hearing that,

I directly refused: "Yang Tao, I have other things tonight; you go, and don't mention me in front of Li Ming."

"You two really hold a grudge. What can I say? You're both in your sixties; how can you act like children?"

"Jianqiang, you're broad-minded; why do you quarrel with Li Ming so much?"

"I think, tonight we should all drink together and talk it out; that would settle it." Yang Tao said with a smile.

"Yang Tao, even though I'm broad-minded, some things can be tolerated, others cannot. His words have already touched my bottom line."

"Forget it; I won't say more about this. From now on, in my presence, also don't mention him." I said coldly.