Chapter 27: Sister Ling

That day, I arrived at the Jinling Grand Hotel early. Suddenly, I saw a familiar person—a person I would never forget in this lifetime. It was none other than Zhang Longtao.

Seeing Zhang Longtao, my anger shot straight up, and I wanted to rush over. Just as I was about to walk over, I was suddenly pulled back. I turned my head and saw it was Sister Ling. Sister Ling looked at me, shook her head, and said: "Have you thought it through? What can you solve by going over like this?"

Hearing Sister Ling’s words, I slowly regained my reason. Sister Ling was right; I couldn't solve anything by going over now. Moreover, the other side was followed by five or six people. I was alone; going up was clearly going to my death.

I nodded at Sister Ling: "Thank you, Sister Ling!"

"I know you have hatred regarding Su Xueyan’s matter, but you can't do anything as you are now. If you really want revenge, you have to change yourself. Otherwise, I suggest you just go to school honestly," Sister Ling said without any politeness.

I understood what Sister Ling meant and knew she was doing it for my own good. I put away my anger and followed Sister Ling into the hotel.

After entering the hotel, I was shocked by the scene inside. It was simply too magnificent; it couldn't be compared to anything I had seen before. I figured if Sister Ling hadn't brought me in, I wouldn't have been able to enter at all.

Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache. How much would this meal cost? Sister Ling brought me to a private room on the second floor. To my surprise, Zhang Longtao also followed us in, which I found very confusing.

Sister Ling patted my shoulder, signaling me not to speak. I could only shut my mouth and follow behind Sister Ling like a little follower into the private room.

Zhang Longtao sat there like a master. Seeing me behind Sister Ling, his expression was cold. He said to Sister Ling coldly: "Sister Ling, you brought this guy here—are you trying to plead for him?"

"Xiao Tao, after all, you two don't have any deep-seated hatred. Enemies should be reconciled rather than knotted. For my sake, don't hold it against him," Sister Ling also sat down. I stood to the side, not daring to sit, because the people Zhang Longtao brought hadn't sat down, and I dared even less.

However, the next moment, Sister Ling pulled my hand, signaling me to sit. I was extremely nervous, swallowed hard, and then sat down.

Zhang Longtao looked at me and Yu Manling, his expression strange, then smiled and looked at Yu Manling: "Is Sister Ling determined to protect this guy?"

Yu Manling didn't speak, but called the waiter to serve the dishes, then smiled slightly at Zhang Longtao: "Let’s eat first!"

Zhang Longtao’s expression was uncertain. He didn't understand what Sister Ling was trying to do, but he wasn't afraid, taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it. You have to know that Sister Ling never liked people smoking in front of her. This was a clear provocation.

Yu Manling frowned, watched Zhang Longtao smoke, coughed twice, and said: "Xiao Tao, this is a public place. Isn't it inappropriate for you to smoke here?"

"Sorry, Sister Ling, I’m used to it!" With that, Zhang Longtao quickly pressed the cigarette on the table and stubbed it out.

The dishes that followed left me dumbfounded. Many were dishes I had never seen before, and they looked very expensive. This was indeed the life of the rich; it was truly unimaginable.

The waiter opened a bottle of wine and poured it for me, Sister Ling, and Zhang Longtao. There was even a dedicated 1-on-1 waiter serving us. This place was extravagantly luxurious. Yu Manling raised her glass and smiled: "Xiao Tao, Yang Yun is my younger brother, so I don't want my brother to be harmed. Let’s finish this glass of wine, and we’ll be the same as before!"

Hearing Yu Manling’s words, Zhang Longtao’s face darkened. He stood up and shouted angrily: "What if I don't accept?"

"Then we won't even be friends anymore. All the venues under my banner will naturally cancel their cooperative relationship with you," Yu Manling smiled slightly, not intimidated by Zhang Longtao’s momentum at all.

Zhang Longtao looked at Yu Manling’s expression, saw she was serious and not joking, and became even angrier. He pointed at me and shouted: "Sister Ling, are you going against me just for this stinking idiot?"

Hearing this guy call me a stinking idiot, I stood up, wanting to slash him, but after all, this was a negotiation between Sister Ling and Zhang Longtao. If I interrupted now, it might break Sister Ling’s rhythm, and it wouldn't have any effect anyway.

The smile on Yu Manling’s face faded, replaced by a cold, angry look: "Let me correct you: he is my younger brother. If you insult him again, there will be no need for us to negotiate!"

Seeing Yu Manling was truly angry, Zhang Longtao quickly smiled, raised his glass, and said apologetically: "Sister Ling, sorry, I was impulsive just now. I’ll punish myself with a glass!"

With that, Zhang Longtao drank the wine in one gulp. At this moment, I was very confused. Zhang Longtao was actually scared by Sister Ling. Was Sister Ling’s background that powerful? Powerful enough that even Zhang Longtao was wary?

I remembered Sister Ling’s husband was quite powerful, but Sister Ling was already a widow now. Her husband’s threat was gone, yet she was still so domineering and imposing. Only now did I realize that the situation in the upper-class society was not something a small person like me could fathom. It looked like I didn't know when I would be able to integrate into their world.

Then Zhang Longtao filled the glass again and toasted Sister Ling: "I naturally have no opinion on what Sister Ling just said. Since he is Sister Ling’s brother, I naturally won't make things difficult for him. But I have a condition!"

Yu Manling sat down slowly, looked at Zhang Longtao, and asked: "What condition?"

"Very simple: this guy must stay away from my sister!" Zhang Longtao held the glass, still standing there, not daring to sit, waiting for Sister Ling’s answer.

Yu Manling smiled slightly: "These are young people’s affairs; how can I manage that? If you really want your sister to stay away from him, I suggest you go back and discipline your sister first!"

"I’m talking to you like this now. If this matter is known by my father later, it won't be me talking to you—it will be my father talking to you. Don't blame me for not reminding you!" Zhang Longtao snorted coldly.

"Yo, how scary. Using your father to pressure me? Sorry, I don't buy that. That’s your family business; you solve it yourselves!" Yu Manling feigned fear and teased.

"Fine, I’ve said all I have to say, I can't manage the rest. I’ll finish this glass!" Then Zhang Longtao drank the glass of wine in his hand and left directly with his people. When he left, he stared at me fiercely for a long time.

"Sister Ling, why is Zhang Longtao so afraid of you?" Seeing them leave, I asked my question.