Chapter 989: Invitation

Shanghai No. 1 People’s Hospital, outside the ward, a crowd waited there.

Tao Tao, leaning against the wall and repeatedly banging his head, called out: “Boss Wang is here!”

At his words, everyone anxiously waiting in the corridor turned to look; Lingzi rushed over and grabbed Wang Yan’s arm: “Boss Wang, do you know any doctors? Can you find someone else to go in and check? Boss Bao…”

Wang Yan patted her hand and gently stroked her back: “This hospital is among the best in the country. Don’t rush. Be patient.”

After speaking, he gently guided her toward Linghong, who had just walked up.

At that moment, Postage Li came over and said: “Boss Wang, Boss Bao was hit by a taxi as he opened the car door after leaving the Peace Hotel. The taxi fled immediately, but I memorized two digits of its license plate.”

“Boss Bao has been stabilized. The doctors say he has internal bleeding, a concussion, and a broken leg—his life isn’t in danger, but he needs extended rest. They also say he won’t wake up until tomorrow morning. Everyone refuses to leave; they all insist on waiting for him to regain consciousness.”

“Look, the doctors said he’s fine. Have faith in their expertise,” Wang Yan chuckled, shaking his head. “You called me sounding like Boss Bao was dying.”

“I’m just so worried…” Lingzi spoke weakly, truly terrified.

Wang Yan shook his head and asked Postage Li: “Do you know who did it?”

“That’s exactly why we’re worried! Boss Wang, you’re so powerful—please help us figure something out.”

“Come on, even if I’m powerful, am I more powerful than the police? Did you report it?”

“Of course we reported it when Boss Bao was hit! Right away, I held back the crowd while calling for an ambulance. The Peace Hotel staff also called the police immediately. The ambulance and police arrived together. The police came to the hospital, checked the situation, then left, saying they’d return tomorrow and asking us to notify friends to come to the police station for questioning.”

Wang Yan nodded: “Leave it to the police. It’s not a big issue. What were the two digits you remembered?”

“The last two are 68.”

“Good.”

Wang Yan responded, then took his mobile phone aside to make a call.

Though he eventually found the car anyway, since they were all friends, he couldn’t just do nothing. If he had no ability, fine—but since he had ability, he had to at least make a symbolic gesture. After all, he wasn’t going out to search the streets himself; it was just a phone call to pass along the information. Finding it sooner was better, but if not, it didn’t matter much.

The call was quick. After giving a few instructions, Wang Yan returned to Grandpa Shu, who sat quietly with his eyes closed, and asked: “Grandpa Shu, do you have any suspects?”

General Cai, leaning on his cane, chimed in: “I think it was the Shenzhen people. They’ve regained their strength and resent how Boss Bao went to Shenzhen to collect their debts. Now they’re retaliating.”

Grandpa Shu refused to look at him, eyes still shut: “Back in ’91, when Boss Bao returned, I told you at Yedongjing: capital seeks revenge by sending you back to where you came from. Boss Wang said capital isn’t easily trifled with—it might send a dump truck. These are all big bosses with status. They wouldn’t hire a taxi just to hit him without killing him outright.”

“Boss Bao has too many enemies. Anyone could be behind it. It’s late now. The police will begin their investigation tomorrow. Let’s wait and see.”

Wang Yan nodded: “Grandpa Shu, you’re old. Staying here won’t help. Go rest. All of you—just leave two people to watch. Come back tomorrow morning.”

Tao Tao raised his hand: “I’ll stay. You all go.”

“I’ll stay too. You all go,” Lingzi said, still restless. She couldn’t sleep if she went home.

The others said nothing more, sat a while longer, then dispersed.

Bao’s being hit—right in front of everyone—was impossible to hide. Those who came at night were all people who could act and make decisions. Tao Tao, who constantly claimed he and Bao were “bare-ass brothers,” was still here keeping watch. Linghong, at least, could comfort the emotionally shattered Lingzi and prevent further problems.

Besides these people, there were others close to Bao, like Xiao Ningping from Shanghai, who arrived immediately. Bao wasn’t unimportant after all.

The next morning, even more people came. Teacher Ge learned the news from Linghong and called Wang Yan early, asking him to pick them up and go to the hospital together. Postage Li’s adoptive mother, other bosses who had recently done foreign trade with Bao, and many others arrived—complex and varied. Of course, Miss Wang was there, and so was Fan Zong, in a panic.

When Wang Yan and the others arrived, they saw Fan Zong anxiously speaking with Miss Wang.

Wang Yan had Teacher Ge and Linghong go in first, then smiled and asked: “Why is Fan Zong here?”

“Oh my, Boss Wang, you’re my savior!”

Fan Zong hurried over, frantic: “Boss Wang, you know—I asked Boss Bao to let me return and organize production, promising to sign the contract after the New Year. I came last night, but who knew Boss Bao would end up in the hospital? I wanted to check on him, but the owner of Yedongjing wouldn’t let me in. The production line’s running, money’s pouring out—millions of yuan! If Boss Bao doesn’t give me an answer, people will die!”

“Boss Wang, please ask Boss Bao—can this deal still go ahead? If yes, sign the contract. If not, I need to find another buyer right away.”

“Would Boss Bao lie to you? He can’t even speak clearly now—how could he sign a contract? The terms were already settled. Just proceed. Would Boss Bao ruin his own reputation?” Miss Wang shouted, annoyed.

“Oh my, Miss Wang, you introduced me to Boss Bao. You say he won’t ruin his reputation—but what if he does? Boss Bao’s a millionaire, but my Huxi Knitting Factory has over a thousand workers—our entire factory will collapse! I’m about to retire, so losing my job doesn’t matter—but what about the workers? Doesn’t every family have several mouths to feed?”

Wang Yan patted his shoulder and smiled: “Fan Zong, don’t panic. The reality is this: even if Boss Bao wants to sign, he can’t. And frankly, he just barely escaped death—this pressure isn’t appropriate.”

“But I understand your concern. Here’s what I suggest: find a place to wait. Once Boss Bao’s situation is resolved, Miss Wang will contact Grandpa Shu, and Grandpa Shu will meet with you.”

“Can’t we meet now, Miss Wang?”

“Grandpa Shu is over seventy. With Boss Bao’s incident, he has too much to handle. Wait. I’ll call you in a few days.” Miss Wang waved her hand, glanced at Wang Yan, then picked up her bag and entered the hospital.

“Fan Zong, don’t rush. Wait a few more days. I’ll go check on the situation first.”

Wang Yan didn’t say more to Fan Zong, patted his shoulder, and followed Miss Wang into the hospital ward building.

“That Fan Zong has zero human decency,” Miss Wang continued scolding.

“Put yourself in his shoes. He’s already spent hundreds of thousands on raw materials and workers. The production line is running—every second costs money. He’s under heavy pressure. No matter how good the terms sounded before, if they’re not written down, they mean nothing. To expect him to show goodwill, he must first be a friend. Without reason, facing potential loss, how could he be calm?”

“Yes, yes, yes—you’re the only one who thinks clearly. But I don’t care. Whoever’s my friend, I stand with them.”

Wang Yan smiled and said nothing more, walking with Miss Wang to Bao’s ward.

It was crowded—people everywhere. Two distinct shouts filled the air: nurses ordering everyone out, and Lingzi, fully embracing her feminine ferocity, helping them chase people away.

“Lingzi is fierce,” Miss Wang muttered, sticking out her tongue at Lingzi’s tough demeanor.

“You think you’re gentle?”

“What? You’re saying I—”

“Look,” Wang Yan shrugged, raising an eyebrow, clearly saying, “I told you so.”

Miss Wang glared, swung her small bag, and tapped Wang Yan once, then walked into the ward. Wang Yan protected her, gently parting the crowd as he pushed through.

The ward was packed with visitors offering condolences. Bao shared a two-bed room; the other patient looked bewildered, munching an apple someone had shoved into his hand, watching the commotion.

Bao’s condition wasn’t good—his eyes were dull, exhausted, and he groaned occasionally. The crowd surrounded him, demanding attention, forcing him to respond. Lingzi wasn’t stupid—everyone she could push out was already outside. Those inside were impossible to remove.

Wang Yan stepped forward, greeted Bao briefly, offered some comfort, said little, then left with Miss Wang, who had calmed down, escorting her to her job at Room 27. After eating breakfast himself, he received a call from Tao Tao: he was needed at the Public Security Bureau to assist with the investigation.

The scene was exactly as in the original plot—but Wang Yan’s involvement was on a higher level. Though he kept low, anyone seeking information had to first know his identity. Tao Tao and the others were big mouths—they revealed everything. In fact, once they learned he was the boss of Hongyun, they understood more, and naturally treated Wang Yan with greater respect.

That evening, at Yedongjing.

Teacher Ge expressed his sorrow over Bao’s ordeal: “Oh my, life is so unpredictable. I know Boss Bao—we’ve known each other for years, never found a flaw. Now he’s hit by a car, in the hospital, and we don’t even know who did it. Oh my, wrapped up in bandages from head to toe—I feel the pain myself.”

Tao Tao, furious: “Don’t let me find out who did it—or else…”

“Or else what? You’ll drive and hit them back?”

“Lingzi, don’t underestimate me. I’ve got Fangmei now, but even so, I’d still beat someone up!”

Lingzi rubbed her temples wearily, shot Tao Tao a disgusted look, and refused to respond.

Linghong said: “Those people are really something. When Boss Bao was fine, didn’t he treat them well? Now that they’ve heard the news, they all rush over, as if they’re going to turn Yedongjing upside down—zero human warmth. Hey, Boss Wang, how can you still eat?”

“Boss Bao isn’t dead—he’s just suffering. Isn’t that the best outcome? I’m not Lingzi—I don’t have to stop eating and drinking!” Wang Yan chuckled, shook his head, and took a sip of wine. “And frankly, if Boss Bao had died in that crash, wouldn’t we still have to eat?”

“You’re right. As long as Boss Bao’s fine, we eat and drink as usual. Lingzi, stop worrying. You haven’t eaten all day—eat now, rest well. Boss Bao isn’t dead. The doctor said he’ll keep all four limbs, no other damage. What’s left to worry about? Everything else can be fixed.”

Linghong served Lingzi food and ate heartily herself.

Just then, Wang Yan’s mobile phone rang on the table.

He answered: “This is Wang Yan.”

“Hmm, any news?”

“Good. Don’t use force. Take the man to the warehouse and hold him. Someone will come to identify him. After that, follow their lead—you just cooperate.”

Seeing Wang Yan hang up, Lingzi asked: “Did you find the culprit?”

“I don’t know yet. I’ll call Grandpa Shu and have him check.” As he spoke, Wang Yan was already dialing.

“Hello, Grandpa Shu. Based on the license plate digits Postage Li gave us, we found a taxi. The driver’s been caught—he’s mute, can’t speak. I don’t know the details. What should we do? Should you go identify him, or send him straight to the police station?”

“Give me the address. I’ll have Postage Li go check.”

Grandpa Shu’s voice was calm, no visible emotion.

Wang Yan gave the address, hung up, and picked up his chopsticks to resume eating.

“Why are you staring at me? It’s not confirmed yet. And Grandpa Shu’s handling it—what’s the problem? Eat.”

Tao Tao asked: “Boss Wang, I haven’t asked about your business in a while. In Shanghai, you found the guy in less than twenty-four hours? How many people do you have under you?”

“Pure coincidence. One of my employees just happened to spot him. Though the economy’s booming, there aren’t that many taxis on the road—they stand out. I’ve recently expanded my personal mail service across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, hiring more couriers. They’re everywhere, just like taxis. Finding one is normal—I just didn’t expect it to be this fast.”

“Eat, eat. News will come soon,” Lingzi said, suddenly energized.

The matter didn’t develop further. The logistics team had captured the mute son of Fagen, who was seeking revenge for his father. Once confirmed, everything became clear. Postage Li called Grandpa Shu, who immediately went to the hospital, told Bao the news, and specifically brought General Cai along to listen.

Bao still chose his original path: Fagen was already dead, and he himself had been hit and hospitalized—the deed was done, and he bore the blame. Fagen was one part; many others who had followed the 414 stock surge and been cut by Qilin Society also resented Bao. So he still chose not to pursue it, only letting Fagen’s son be jailed briefly for drunk driving.

With the culprit found and no other motives revealed, everyone relaxed. Bao recovered rapidly. The saying “a hundred days to heal broken bones” didn’t apply—he was discharged in less than half a month, returned to the Peace Hotel to recuperate, and refused to see anyone.

Fan Zong became the most anxious. Though Grandpa Shu assured him to proceed with production, Fan Zong still couldn’t relax. He kept walking along Huanghe Road, sitting at Yedongjing, or bothering Miss Wang.

In early ’93, during the Spring Festival, Wang Yan became the cook again.

“Oh my, time flies—three years already!” Tao Tao, smoking a Huazhi, idly ate sunflower seeds.

“Yes, you’ve been mooching meals at Yedongjing for three years,” Lingzi added.

“Look at you, Lingzi—we’re all friends. If you count every penny, it’s no fun. Right, Boss Wang?”

“I don’t know. I just know you’ve drunk three years’ worth of my Maotai.”

“Oh my, Teacher Ge drank too, and Lingzi sold some of it!”

Seeing Lingzi and Teacher Ge about to speak, Tao Tao changed the subject: “I just remembered something, Boss Wang. You remember Golden Phoenix? It’s been renovated and opens on the fifth day of the New Year. A few days before the holiday, they ordered a huge amount of goods from our Guliling Road store—very generous!”

“I also heard the new owner’s sending out invitations everywhere—and he sent me one, asking me to come and show support. The other day, when I visited Bao at the Peace Hotel, Grandpa Shu said he got one too—one every day. Looks like it’s going to be big. Boss Wang, you must’ve gotten one too, right?”

Wang Yan smiled and nodded: “A few days after Bao’s matter was settled, a woman waited at my door early one morning. She said she used to be the manager of Golden Phoenix and now runs the new restaurant.”

“I know her—Pan, right?” Tao Tao shook his head. “Oh my, this boss has serious swagger—he didn’t even come himself to invite you, Boss Wang?”

“You say that? What am I, some big shot? Since ancient times, invitations are always delivered by messengers. Now we have phones, but you don’t just call strangers.”

“So you’re going to show up, Boss Wang?”

“Of course. Manager Pan said she knew I love good food and that their chef won’t disappoint me. She even said she’d treat me to a meal—no charge. If Lu Meilin invites me, I go. She’s polite, I have nothing else to do—why wouldn’t I go?”

“Then let me go with you. You’ll sit in a private room, right? So many important people will be there—it’s more respectable to be in a private room.”

“Go ahead. All of you—Teacher Ge, Lingzi, Linghong—come too. Taste this new restaurant and see if it’s really good.”

“I’m not going. Fancy restaurants are nothing—they’ll go bankrupt soon,” Lingzi said, shaking her head dismissively.

Teacher Ge spoke lazily: “I’m not going either—it’s too crowded, I can’t handle it.”

“If you two aren’t going, what’s the point of me going? Wang Boss, you should go with Tao Tao.”

Wang Yan nodded and continued with his work.

Tao Tao sighed: “Jingxiu told me this new restaurant is run by a woman—a northerner, and quite beautiful. Staff come and go constantly; everything must be ready for opening, yet they’re being mysteriously secretive, building up all sorts of hype. If it weren’t for Bao Zong getting hit, this place would’ve stolen all the spotlight.”

“You really think Bao Zong’s accident was minor, huh?” Teacher Ge retorted.

“Exactly,” Ling Hong strongly agreed. “Besides, Huanghe Road is full of restaurants. A new one opening to steal business—who wouldn’t pay attention? Just now, Wang Boss mentioned Lu Meilin—I think she’s the most concerned. That new restaurant is right across from hers, bigger, better location. She must have plans, but this new boss beat her to it—and now he’s stealing her customers. She won’t let this go.”

So what? As long as that beautiful female boss of the new restaurant spends more time talking with Wang Boss, Lu Meilin wouldn’t dare do anything—even if she had eight guts.

Lingzi rolled her eyes again: “I think you’re even more imposing than Wang Boss.”

“Hehe, just borrowing someone else’s prestige, borrowing someone else’s prestige. I Tao Tao thrive on Huanghe Road because of Wang Boss…”

…

“Wang Yan?”

Li Li heard this name for the first time—it felt unfamiliar. She swirled her wineglass and asked Manager Pan, “Who is he?”

“Hongyun Apparel, Cao Cao Logistics, Long Teng Seasonings—all his businesses. The seasonings we use at our restaurant come from Long Teng Seasonings.”

“I picked the goods myself—I know right away. I heard he used to sell lamb skewers at a phone booth across the street back then?”

“Yes, Boss Lady. Wang Boss is legendary. His barbecue seasoning back then… later spread nationwide. I’m sure you’ve eaten barbecue or grilled meat using Wang Boss’s seasoning. In 1991, he went to the Soviet Union to do business, and stayed until its collapse. During that time, his empire expanded rapidly. In just over two years, he reached where he is today.”

“Hongyun was our first brand to go overseas and sell abroad—it’s said to be wildly popular overseas. Long Teng Seasonings has spread to many places; the manager is a single mother who lost her husband and raises a child. She used to be Wang Boss’s neighbor when he rented a place on Jinxian Road. Back then, when he sold lamb skewers, he hired her to thread them.”

“Cao Cao Logistics is currently the freight company with the largest volume. It’s said to have connected all major economically developed cities along the southeast coast, with strong capacity and many employees—the biggest logistics company.”

“Even though his businesses are huge, Wang Boss is low-key. Few people know him. Only a few veteran waiters or over a dozen restaurant owners on Huanghe Road recognize him. Bao Zong is different—he doesn’t have Wang Boss’s scale, but every time he comes to Huanghe Road, a crowd rushes to greet him.”

Li Li took a sip of wine and frowned at Manager Pan: “If Wang Boss is so mysterious, how do you know so much?”

“Boss Lady, I’m telling you this in confidence—please keep it secret, or there’ll be trouble.” Seeing Li Li nod, Manager Pan continued: “The former Boss Lady, Jin Fenghuang, was close to Bao Zong’s friend, Commander Cai. The trouble I mean involves some stock market dealings connected to Jin Fenghuang—and Shanghai’s largest fleet, Qilin Society. So it’s better we pretend we know nothing.”

“I’m not one to gossip. Since you know Wang Boss, do you think he’ll come?”

“He’ll come. Wang Boss loves good food, and he’s kind and easy to deal with. Lu Meilin once had a feud with him, but when he returned to Huanghe Road, she invited him to dinner—and he went. There are rumors too: after their conflict, Lu Meilin couldn’t bear being laughed at, so she invited…”

“The next day, Tao Tao, who sold seafood on Guling Road, became Jin Meilin’s supplier. By the fifth day, Tao Tao had a mobile phone. Wang Boss also bought a Santana and got a mobile phone. Jin Meilin’s waitstaff said that day, besides Wang Boss, Tao Tao, Lu Meilin, and Du Honggen all seemed terrified—as if their courage had shattered. Many have speculated, but no proof has ever surfaced.”

“Sorry, Boss Lady, I talked too much. Anyway, we’ve sent Wang Boss an invitation. We’ll reserve him a private room, fill the table with dishes, and serve aged Maotai—he’ll be delighted.”

Li Li raised an eyebrow: “How do you know that?”

“Other restaurant owners who know Wang Boss told me. It’s said Wang Boss has eaten at most of the restaurants on this street.”

“Is he that idle?”

“Very idle. According to Tao Tao, Wang Boss only occasionally handles business matters, rarely travels out of town, and most often goes to Yedongjing on Jinxian Road. Every New Year, Wang Boss cooks the meal himself—Tao Tao says he cooks better than any restaurant chef. Wang Boss has endless free time—wandering here and there, carrying a camera, snapping photos here and there.”

“Speaking of photography, Wang Boss owns a media company that specializes in filming sports. Last year’s Olympics, he made a documentary aired on CCTV. All his film rolls are developed at that company. It’s said his photography skills are excellent—he reportedly won an award, though details are unclear.”

“Tao Tao also says Wang Boss loves reading. In the Western-style house on Julu Road, the first floor has been turned into a library—full of books, many well-worn from frequent reading.”

“Tao Tao and Wang Boss are that close?”

“They met when Wang Boss first came to Shanghai.”

“Then we’ll get our seafood from him.”

“Yes, Boss Lady.”

“Reserve the best private room for Wang Boss. Go there yourself to deliver the invitation.”

Li Li drank her wine, walked to the window, and gazed down at the bustling Huanghe Road, murmuring softly: “Wang Boss…”