Chapter 172: Cuiping Encounters a Formidable Rival

After some comforting, the two went downstairs.

Wanqiu had already had the maid prepare dinner.

Zhou Gendi's face was as charming as a peach blossom, and she looked very shy when she saw Wanqiu.

"Sister, it seems you have truly had a miserable time these days, crying and shouting so much that you made me send away all the servants in the house," Wanqiu teased her.

"I'm hungry, let's eat first."

Hong Zhiyou laughed heartily and lowered his head to eat.

"It's all your fault."

Zhou Gendi gave a soft rebuke and pinched Hong Zhiyou's thigh under the table.

After the meal.

Hong Zhiyou drove her to the train station.

Looking at the century clock.

Zhou Gendi's sorrow at parting rose again; her nose grew sore, and she began to shed tears inside the car.

"Zhiyou, what should I do without you in the future?"

She wept sadly.

"Without me.

"You still have your parents and your younger brother.

"Once you become a big star and have money, you will discover that this is a different world.

"I will go to Shanghai to find you."

Hong Zhiyou lifted her hand and kissed it lightly.

"Yes, I promise you.

"In this life, besides you, I don't want anyone else.

"If you don't come, I would be willing to die of loneliness and sorrow.

"I only hope you have a conscience and don't forget me."

Zhou Gendi bit her lip gently, wiped away a tear, and got out of the car.

"Don't worry.

"You are so good, how could I ever forget you?

"I will go to Shanghai sooner or later; it's a bustling world. When you become a big star, you can take me along to pick up money."

Hong Zhiyou held her face and gave her a reluctant kiss.

"If I become a big star and have money, I'll support you," Zhou Gendi said with a tearful smile.

"Then wouldn't I become a kept man?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled and urged her again:

"I left some money for you in the suitcase.

"Dress well, eat well, and don't wrong yourself.

"There is still a long life ahead.

"We will meet again.

"Go on."

He waved his hand.

"I'll be waiting for you!"

Zhou Gendi carried her small suitcase, swaying her hips and looking back every three steps, until she finally disappeared into the vast crowd.

Hong Zhiyou was not lying to her.

He would go to Shanghai sooner or later.

It was just that his wings were not yet full, and he lacked connections with the local garrison and gangs there.

Once those connections were established, making money there would only be more lucrative than in Jinmen.

Returning to the Mu residence.

Hong Zhiyou flicked away his cigarette butt at the entrance, calming his lingering sorrow.

He went upstairs.

Wanqiu was tidying up the bedding.

Hong Zhiyou leaned against the doorframe and chuckled.

"What are you laughing at?

"I lent the room and the bed to you two; do you expect me to keep the scent of another woman?"

Wanqiu turned her head away, looking charmingly indignant.

"Of course not.

"I still prefer your scent," Hong Zhiyou said, hugging her soft, slender waist from behind.

"Disgusting.

"What scent do I have? It's more like the smell of Chinese medicine."

Wanqiu turned her head and breathed the medicinal scent from her mouth onto him.

Hong Zhiyou knew she was still recovering, so he didn't dare tease her further and accompanied her to the balcony to chat.

"Did she really just leave like that?

"To be honest, it's quite good. Without Jinmen, without you, and without Ma Kui, she can be as free as a bird."

Wanqiu's sentimental streak had surfaced again.

"And you?

"Are you tired of it?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"No.

"I don't envy her.

"There is a kind of happiness called freedom.

"There is also a kind of happiness called weathering the storm together."

Wanqiu held his hand, her eyes as gentle as water.

"It has been hard on you.

"You must take care of your health, and don't forget to practice those songs recently; be ready at any time.

"In case Lady Jiang comes.

"This is an opportunity.

"Only when you are strong enough will people like Wu Jingzhong not dare to touch you.

"Do you understand?"

Hong Zhiyou urged her softly.

"Yes, I remember," Wanqiu nodded.

He stayed at the Mu residence until eight o'clock.

Hong Zhiyou drove back to the small courtyard.

There was a "Hongmen Banquet" at the Navy Club tonight, and he had to be prepared.

Actually, he could have made a move against Zhao Chuncheng.

But the station chief was busy with anti-corruption efforts against Wu Taixun, and with the Ma Kui incident intervening, he had to put that matter aside for now.

Arriving at the small courtyard.

Yu Zecheng was tirelessly nagging Cuiping.

"I know.

"It's just a fight, why are you nagging so much, just like a woman."

Cuiping waved her hand and walked out wearing a black cloth martial arts uniform.

"No, sister-in-law, you're going to wear that?" Hong Zhiyou was a bit surprised.

After all, it was a cocktail party, not an official martial arts tournament.

"If I don't wear this, should I wear a qipao and high heels?

"In those things, I can't even lift my legs, how am I supposed to hit anyone?"

Cuiping said with a look of annoyance.

"That works too, safety first," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Zhiyou, I'll leave your sister-in-law to you.

"She has a hot temper, keep her in check."

Yu Zecheng still followed them out, worried, and gave these instructions.

"I know."

Hong Zhiyou shook his head and laughed, then stepped on the gas, leaving Yu Zecheng behind.

"Sister-in-law, Old Yu really does care about you," Hong Zhiyou said.

"He's a hypocrite.

"In front of outsiders, he acts like a little lamb, so thoughtful and obedient.

"But once he gets home, he pulls a long face and doesn't say a word for half the day."

"It's just like the air; it makes no difference whether he's home or not."

Cui Ping lifted her chin, her tone slightly bitter.

She had spent a long time with Yu Zecheng.

Cui Ping felt heartache for his hardships.

She had long since come to regard Yu Zecheng as her own kin, or even... her husband.

"Sister-in-law, when we get to the reception later, just watch my lead and act accordingly," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I know."

"Old Yu said you've got a sharp mind, so listening to you is never wrong."

"Right."

"It's so nice; every day is either playing mahjong with the Station Chief's wife or cooking at home. I can finally go out and get some fresh air."

Cui Ping looked out the window, her face full of innocent joy.

Jinhai, Zhang Residence.

A grand gate with a large plaque, two massive lions outside, vermilion walls, high pavilions, and gilded, upturned eaves.

Inside the pavilion.

Zhao Chuncheng was standing respectfully before an elderly man in a Tang suit, who wore his hair in a queue and was sniffing a snuff bottle.

"Uncle, I have already investigated clearly."

"It is this Hong Zhiyou who is selling knock-off liquor with Jack; the source of the liquor is some manufacturer in the south."

"Excluding shipping costs, the profit is at least three times over."

"Now, with the backing of the Americans, the entire Jinhai municipal government and the upper echelons of the garrison are being supplied exclusively with Hennessy Axe Brand."

"The few brands we handle simply won't sell."

"The Longdong head office in Shanghu is putting a lot of pressure on me."

"If there are no more sales, they will revoke my Jinhai agency and cooperate directly with Hong Zhiyou."

He said with an indignant expression.

"Didn't you go to report it?"

"The person in charge of Hennessy, Powell, has come over, so what are you afraid of?"

The old man sniffed his snuff bottle and said calmly.

He was none other than the Qing Dynasty loyalist Zhang Cuiting.

In Jinhai, relying on his imperial family reputation, he had long-standing dealings with people like Zhang Tinge and Du Jianshi.

He even exchanged poetry with Chen Bulei and Liu Yazi.

"The problem is, this Jack is very cunning."

"His accounts are very well-prepared."

"The amount of liquor sold is ten percent higher than the previous period."

"The foreigners are very stubborn."

"They don't care at all what kind of liquor is being sold."

"As long as the accounts match and the money arrives."

"Everything is acceptable."

"Powell came this time specifically to audit me and Hong Zhiyou."

"I represent the Longdong Company."

"Jack and Hong Zhiyou represent Renji."

"Once Powell is persuaded by Jack, they will definitely terminate the cooperation between Hennessy and Longdong, or prioritize the Axe Brand in Jinhai."

"The few brands I have been responsible for will all be ruined."

"The head office will certainly revoke my position as Assistant Manager of Longdong Jinhai."

"Uncle, the foundation I have worked so hard for all these years will be for nothing."

Zhao Chuncheng said anxiously.

"Is kidnapping his father of no use?" Zhang Cuiting asked.

"No use."

"This kid doesn't recognize his own kin at all."

"I still have to feed that old bastard every day; I can't kill him, and I can't let him go."

Zhao Chuncheng said irritably.

"What do you want to do?" Zhang Cuiting asked indifferently.

"I want to ask Uncle Ke to take action; at the reception later, he can first test Hong Zhiyou's background, and when the reception ends, have Uncle Ke take the opportunity to kill that kid."

"Once Hong Zhiyou is dead, won't Jinhai be ours?"

Zhao Chuncheng looked at the man wearing a round hat beside him, his expression showing a bit more respect.

Ke Chengwu.

The junior martial brother of the last Martial Champion of the Qing Dynasty, who once followed the Qing court to assassinate Mr. Sun in Xiangdao.

He was a famously ruthless man and a master.

Later, after failing to challenge Sun Lutang in Jibei, he went into hiding.

Only a few people knew his true identity.

"Old Ke, can you do it?" Zhang Cuiting asked.

Ke Chengwu nodded slightly.

"Many thanks, Mr. Ke." Zhao Chuncheng was overjoyed.

"It's not that I don't trust Mr. Ke's methods, but one must be careful and cautious in all things; don't forget that Hong Zhiyou is a favorite of Wu Jingzhong."

"The Juntong Bureau is not to be trifled with."

"If word leaks out, I fear you and I will have nowhere to be buried."

Zhang Cuiting toyed with his snuff bottle, still shaking his head with some hesitation.

He had always been calculating.

If he lacked depth, how could he have lived as comfortably and freely as he did today?

"Don't worry, Uncle, I'm not stupid enough to confront the Juntong Bureau head-on."

"I can still play the fool."

"Besides, if we do this, there will absolutely be no traces left behind."

"Zhang Xun's son, Zhang Mengchao, will go to the Naval Club tonight to attend the reception."

"He has been pursuing Ji Qing of Renji for a long time; that woman now only sleeps with Hong Zhiyou, and Young Master Zhang has repeatedly threatened at the dinner table to kill Hong Zhiyou to possess the beauty's heart."

"At the reception later, I will provoke him."

"With Zhang Mengchao's pig brain, he will definitely find trouble with Hong Zhiyou, and then Uncle Ke can take the opportunity to eliminate him on Hong Zhiyou's way back."

"In this way, everyone will lock their suspicions onto Zhang Mengchao."

"Don't forget that his father's Queue Army recruited quite a few experts from the Imperial Guard back in the day."

Zhao Chuncheng said with a steady, shrewd smile.

"Hmm, the best way to win is to defeat the enemy's strategy."

"Your mother was, after all, of royal blood; you have some spirit."

"Go and do it."

Zhang Cuiting said nothing more.

He never underestimated the Juntong Bureau, but Hong Zhiyou's biological father had been secretly kidnapped for several months, and the Juntong Bureau still had not the slightest suspicion toward his nephew.

It could only be said that perhaps this Hong Zhiyou had a grudge against his biological father and chose not to save him.

He had specifically found someone to investigate this point.

In fact, the relationship between the father and son back home had been quite good.

Then there was only one possibility left.

Hong Zhiyou's, or rather the Juntong Bureau's, intelligence-gathering capability in the vast Jinhai had been largely diluted due to red tickets, infighting, and greed.

Thus, with Zhang Mengchao as a well-known "scapegoat."

This matter seemed feasible.

"Uncle, it's getting late."

"I'll trouble Mr. Ke to accompany me to kill the thief."

He turned his head and cupped his hands respectfully toward Ke Chengwu.

"I await your good news," Zhang Cuiting said.

In the alley.

Hong Zhiyou parked the car in a concealed spot.

Then, he took out the pistol and several grenades from his person and handed them to Cui Ping:

"Sister-in-law."

"The club has American security checks; these things cannot be brought inside."

"Nothing will happen inside.

"You wait for me in the car.

"Later, if you hear footsteps, get out of the car and hide in the alley.

"I have a bad feeling that someone might try to stab me in the back tonight."

Cui Ping loved guns and grenades and the like, so she immediately took them in her hands and began to fiddle with them:

"Junior Brother, you're quite something.

"With so many treasures, you could fight a defensive battle.

"Don't worry, I'm more familiar with this stuff than you are.

"Whoever dares to stab you in the back, I'll blow them away with one shot."

Hong Zhiyou believed this.

She was a Mobile Corps Commander leader, after all.

In the original story, being able to blow away Lu Qiaoshan with one shot from inside a car through the glass, her marksmanship was naturally not bad.

"I'm off."

Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, crossed the alley to the main road, and walked into the club.

Inside the hall, there were quite a few acquaintances.

Aside from Renji and the Kang family's Fang Min and other lovers, most of the Jinmen business circle had come.

Cups were clinking, and it was very lively.

"Zhiyou, you're here."

Ji Qing and Fang Min came to greet him at the same time.

Because Fang Min was a concubine, she didn't dare to show too much intimacy in front of others.

Ji Qing, on the other hand, was now the head of Renji and single.

She very generously took Hong Zhiyou's arm, and the two of them—one handsome, one peerlessly beautiful—walked into the venue like a perfect couple.

Hong Zhiyou greeted everyone generously and then found Jack and Powell to chat.

In this day and age, only diplomats could speak with a pure London accent.

Hong Zhiyou's fluent foreign language and confident speech immediately drew the attention of many socialites and wealthy merchants.

Especially the wealthy wives and young ladies, who all considered it an honor to get to know Hong Zhiyou and came over one after another to offer toasts.

Once there were too many people offering toasts, Hong Zhiyou couldn't quite handle it.

As his partner in the "business circle," Ji Qing's charm as a socialite came into play, and amidst the laughter, she blocked quite a few for Hong Zhiyou.

As the wine went down her throat, her already beautiful face became even more enchanting with a rosy flush.

Soon.

The dance began.

The plump Ji Qing let Hong Zhiyou hold her waist as they danced lightly on the dance floor.

Hong Zhiyou deliberately placed his hand on her perky buttocks and gave them a light squeeze.

"You're annoying, there are outsiders here," Ji Qing whispered coquettishly in his ear.

"What's wrong?

"I'm touching my own treasure's butt, do I have to care about their expressions?"

While smirking, Hong Zhiyou pinched her waist again.

"I think Minmin doesn't seem very happy.

"Am I hogging the spotlight too much?" Ji Qing let out an "Mm-ya" sound.

"Have you heard a saying?

"Even a pig can be blown away if it stands in the path of the wind.

"Tonight, we've grabbed enough of the spotlight and caught Powell's eye; in the future, Renji will be able to replace Longdong and become the leader in Jinmen."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, I understand.

"Mr. Powell is very interested in cooperating with the two of us.

"But the foreigners aren't stupid either.

"He wants us to compete with Zhao Chuncheng; the one who sells more liquor than the other by thirty percent in one month gets the partnership.

"Zhao Chuncheng has the support of the Longdong headquarters.

"If he's determined to go against us to the death, our chances of winning are very slim."

Ji Qing said as she swayed her body.

"Not at all.

"We have the support of the Jinmen municipal government and the garrison, but what do they have?

"Company subsidies.

"Besides, if they want to keep selling their brand, clearing relations and lowering prices are all blood-letting businesses.

"And we have an absolute advantage in a price war.

"Even if we cut the price in half, we still make a profit.

"Can they afford to compete?

"I believe the top brass at Longdong aren't fools either; they'll have to admit defeat after struggling for half a month at most."

Hong Zhiyou said, having anticipated this long ago.

"As long as you have a plan," Ji Qing said.

While dancing, Hong Zhiyou's gaze quietly fell on Zhao Chuncheng and another man in a suit in the corner.

"His name is Zhang Mengchao, the son of Zhang Xun.

"An old lecher who has always wanted to be with me, but I didn't agree.

"This guy is very arrogant and his behavior when drinking is especially bad; he'll definitely look for trouble later, don't provoke him."

Ji Qing glanced at Zhang Mengchao with cold eyes and whispered a warning.

"Hey, who told you to have such a big butt that it makes men crave it.

"Zhang Mengchao..."

A playful smile flashed across the corner of Hong Zhiyou's mouth.

He was just worrying about how to swindle this young master's mansion.

Didn't he just deliver himself to the door?

The other one was Zhao Chuncheng.

This kid had tied up his old man and hadn't made a move yet.

Judging from his chat with Powell earlier, he was steady and shrewd; he had to be guarded against.

"Annoying!" Ji Qing gave a coquettish smile, her perky buttocks swaying more subtly.

In the corner.

Zhang Mengchao's eyes were fixed on Ji Qing, swallowing his saliva with jealousy and greed.

He liked this slut.

Moreover, he owed a large sum of money at the casino.

He was in urgent need of funds now.

Although his father was once said to be as wealthy as a nation, those assets had long been carved up by his concubines and other brothers and sisters.

Zhang Mengchao knew deep down that he only had the name left.

And those foolish women in Jinmen, in order to squeeze into high society, were very susceptible to this.

In the past, he had used this trick to play with women and swindle money more than once.

Now, he had locked his target on Ji Qing.

A woman whose husband had passed away less than half a year ago and who solely controlled the flourishing Renji.

If he could devour such an enchanting rich woman.

It would be enough for him to live happily for several years.

Therefore, Zhang Mengchao had been pursuing Ji Qing relentlessly.

The only annoying thing was that the Western romanticism that worked on other women didn't seem to move this woman at all.

Seeing Ji Qing and Hong Zhiyou being lovey-dovey now, he couldn't help but be consumed by rage.

"Young Master Zhang, it doesn't feel good to watch your beloved woman being sweet with another man, does it?" Zhao Chuncheng poured him a drink and began to stir the fire.

"Damn it, a mere little secretary is riding on my head," Zhang Mengchao downed the drink in one gulp.

"Indeed.

"Isn't he just relying on Wu Jingzhong?

"Wu Jingzhong is nothing.

"Back then, Fourth Master Zhang suppressed him like a dog.

"And what is Fourth Master Zhang? Wasn't he just someone who held the horse and stirrup for your old man in the past?

"Heh, compared to you, Young Master Zhang, a mere Hong Zhiyou isn't even fit to carry your shoes."

Zhao Chuncheng said, pouring him another glass.

"That's right."

"Who does he think he is? Ji Qing is mine."

Zhang Mengchao downed another glass, his face flushed crimson, his tongue already slurring as he spoke.

"Brother Zhang, I wish you success in winning the beauty tonight," Zhao Chuncheng said, raising his glass in a toast.

Zhang Mengchao walked with unsteady steps toward the center of the dance floor.

"Qing'er, I, I want to dance with you."

Zhang Mengchao reached out a hand toward Ji Qing with a hazy look in his eyes.

"Sorry, it's not convenient for me right now," Ji Qing said.

"Not convenient?"

"You stinking bitch, do you really think you're some precious jade? Stop putting on airs, you piece of trash."

"I, your father, am doing you a favor by asking you to dance."

"Dance with me."

Zhang Mengchao acted aggressively, reaching out to grab Ji Qing.

"Young Master Zhang, you're drunk."

Hong Zhiyou grabbed his arm firmly.

He hadn't been training in vain these past few days; dealing with a spoiled rich kid like this was no problem at all.

"I, I'm drunk, your mother's..."

Zhang Mengchao casually grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter.

Splash!

He splashed it onto Hong Zhiyou's face.

Hong Zhiyou smiled inwardly; this was the moment he had been waiting for.

"She is my friend; I hope you can show me some respect, Young Master Zhang," Hong Zhiyou continued to provoke him subtly.

"What kind of dog thing are you?"

"A mere secretary dares to ask me for respect? Go and ask around—when my father Zhang Xun was in his prime, were you even around?"

"Get lost immediately, or I'll find someone to kill you."

"Let me tell you, Fourth Master Zhang, who scares your Station Chief Wu like a dog, used to be a lackey for my father."

"If you're smart, get lost."

Zhang Mengchao stepped forward and shoved Hong Zhiyou hard.

"Young Master Zhang, you're drunk."

Hong Zhiyou stumbled slightly and took a silk scarf from Ji Qing to wipe the wine off his face.

"I'm not drunk."

"Today, one of us must die in Jinhai."

"Ji Qing is mine."

He roared ferociously and went to grab Ji Qing again.

"Enough!"

With a look from Hong Zhiyou, Anderson walked over with several American security guards.

"Don't cause trouble!"

"This is the Navy Club, not the Qing Imperial Palace or your home, OK?"

Anderson gestured, and two security guards escorted Zhang Mengchao toward the side corridor.

"Hong Zhiyou."

"I'm going to kill you, you just wait for me."

"Ji Qing is mine."

In the hallway, Zhang Mengchao was still shouting and yelling.

That's it.

Now everyone in Jinhai knows that Zhang Mengchao wants to kill me... This was the effect Hong Zhiyou wanted.

He did not rush to leave.

Once they reached the private room upstairs, Ji Qing and Fang Min helped him clean his face and clothes.

In any case, they had chatted about everything they needed to.

Hong Zhiyou grabbed the two women: "Since my face is already washed, why don't we take a bath together?"

"I, I still have to reconcile the accounts with Jack; you go wash with Minmin."

Ji Qing slipped away, feeling a bit shy.

She knew she had stolen the spotlight tonight and needed to give Fang Min some compensation.

Fang Min was very good at seizing opportunities.

She practically used all her skills to serve Hong Zhiyou comfortably.

After the pleasure.

Hong Zhiyou walked to the window and lit a cigarette.

He was thinking about Zhao Chuncheng.

Just now, that guy was clearly plying Zhang Mengchao with alcohol, and what he said was nothing more than fanning the flames.

The Zhang family was already in decline.

What was he plotting by inciting Zhang Mengchao to go against him?

Hong Zhiyou rubbed his brow.

He remembered that Zhao Chuncheng had a group of death-sworn followers.

Could it be that he wanted to use Zhang Mengchao to secretly send those followers to strike?

Hmm.

This fit the man's sinister and cunning character.

If he died, everyone in Jinhai would know about this grudge, and it would very likely be blamed on Zhang Mengchao.

"Heh, how sinister."

Hong Zhiyou had been worrying about how to get some injuries so he could blackmail Zhang Mengchao tomorrow.

Now, all the good things had come together at once.

Then let them come.

Having made up his mind, Hong Zhiyou had Fang Min tidy him up, and too lazy to bathe, he went straight down to the lobby.

He greeted everyone.

He had Anderson and the armed security guards escort him for a distance, only saying goodbye when they reached the entrance of the alley.

Once Anderson and his group left.

Under the dim light of the alley, a figure appeared.

A black long gown.

A round hat.

Like Zhou Yan, he arrived silently, as if he were naturally one with the night.

Hong Zhiyou took a deep breath in secret.

Sure enough, he was waiting here.

This wasn't some ordinary lackey shooting a stray bullet.

This was a true assassination expert.

"Sister-in-law, I'll leave this to you."

Hong Zhiyou retreated a few steps and hid behind a car.

"Don't shoot!"

"Zhiyou, you get out of here, I'll deal with him."

Cuiping's gaze never left Ke Chengwu, but her words were directed at Hong Zhiyou.

"Sister-in-law, you have a mission."

"The gun and the grenade must be used."

"Don't push yourself; I have a feeling you can't handle him."

Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

"Nonsense, I know, you go quickly," Cuiping whispered.

"Sun Lutang's Xingyi School?"

The man saw Cuiping shift her stance and immediately recognized the style.

"Yes," Cuiping gathered her strength in secret.

"Hmph!"

Ke Wenwu took off his round hat, revealing a long whip hidden on his head, which he coiled around his neck.

Like a drawn sword, he flew toward Cuiping.

This chapter has been revised.

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(End of chapter)