Chapter 76: Like Setting Off Firecrackers
“Is that really a rule? Then just change it,” Chen Yu said carelessly, patting Wan Jun on the shoulder. “I’ll leave this matter to you.”
“All right, no problem.” Wan Jun, enveloped in her subtle fragrance, nodded with a smile and then shifted the topic. “By the way, Sister Yu, are you free tonight? I have some plans regarding the company’s future that I’d like to discuss with you. The last time you visited was a month ago.”
“Uh…” Chen Yu hesitated for a couple of seconds, glanced at Ye Fei, then nodded. “No problem. See you tonight.”
“See you tonight.” Wan Jun straightened his tie, smiling as he turned to leave.
Once inside her office, Chen Yu casually pulled the curtains closed.
“Keeping a suitor like that close by isn’t bad,” Ye Fei joked, sprawling onto the sofa. “The way he looks at me, tsk tsk…”
“Talent alone isn’t enough; motivation matters too.” Chen Yu crossed her legs, smoothed her hair, and winked seductively. “What’s wrong, little brother Ye? Feeling threatened?”
“Ahem, let’s talk business,” Ye Fei said helplessly. “Sister Yu, do you know any experts who specialize in making or collecting bronze cauldrons?”
“Bronze cauldrons?” Chen Yu was curious. “Why do you ask?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” Ye Fei replied. “Do you know anyone?”
“Let me think…” Chen Yu frowned slightly, pondering for a while before answering. “Years ago, when my second uncle took me traveling, I met an antiques expert named Xing. He’s said to be the president of the Binhai Antique Association, with a passion for collecting cauldrons from various dynasties. I’m not sure if I can still reach him.”
“The Xing family from Binhai?” Ye Fei was suddenly taken aback.
“You know them?” Chen Yu’s curiosity was piqued.
“What’s the Xing family’s status in Binhai?” Ye Fei countered.
“I’m not entirely sure, but I do know the patriarch’s father is a prominent figure in the South China Military District. A few years ago, the Xing family helped our country recover several antique relics from overseas.” Chen Yu pondered for a few seconds, then spoke softly. “The expert I mentioned was one of the leaders in that operation. That speaks volumes about his reputation.”
“Is that so…” Ye Fei seemed lost in thought for several seconds, as if recalling something from the past.
Chen Yu waved her slender hand in front of him. “Are you…all right?”
“I’m fine.” Ye Fei shook his head. “Tomorrow, come with me to the Xing family in Binhai. Get the tickets ready, okay?”
“Of course.” Chen Yu blinked, didn’t ask further, and instead smiled. “But since I’ve agreed to accompany you to Binhai, shouldn’t you promise me something as well?”
“What…” A sense of foreboding rose in Ye Fei’s heart.
…
Night fell. Eight o’clock.
Outside the building of Spring-Autumn Pharmaceuticals, Wan Jun, dressed in an expensive suit, smiled and waved at Chen Yu as she stepped out of the elevator.
She wore a pristine white gown that accentuated her figure perfectly; the allure was replaced by an ethereal grace, making her appear almost like a celestial maiden. Wan Jun nearly drooled at the sight.
But when he saw the figure following behind Chen Yu, his face darkened immediately. He strode forward, smiling, “Sister Yu, you look stunning tonight.”
“Thank you.” Chen Yu smiled faintly. “Let’s go, which restaurant?”
“Is…he coming too?” Wan Jun hesitated, pointing at Ye Fei.
“Of course he is!” Ye Fei appeared lively and spirited. “My sister says city folks are rich, and when someone treats you to dinner, it’s like pie falling from the sky—you’d be a fool not to eat!”
“Heh…” Wan Jun forced a smile, refraining from refusing in front of Chen Yu, and instead said, “Sister Yu, I just thought of a newly opened high-end French restaurant nearby. Why don’t we go there?”
“All right.” Chen Yu cast a warning glance at Ye Fei and headed toward the parking lot.
…
Half an hour later, Wan Jun led Chen Yu and Ye Fei into a French restaurant with exquisite decor.
Originally, he had planned to take Chen Yu to a romantic Japanese restaurant after work, but upon learning that Ye Fei intended to crash their dinner, he changed his mind. Observing Ye Fei’s shabby attire, he guessed Ye Fei had little experience with such places and decided to embarrass him by choosing this expensive French restaurant.
The key point was that Wan Jun knew the restaurant’s owner, giving him absolute control.
The restaurant was exceptionally spacious, with soft, elegant lighting and a jazz band playing. Many foreigners dined there, lending the place a subtle air of high society.
Wan Jun found a seat and, with gentlemanly flair, pulled out a chair for Chen Yu.
However…
Ye Fei edged past Chen Yu and plopped himself down. “Thanks, Xiao Wan.”
Wan Jun’s lips twitched, his heart sinking. He had never encountered someone so shameless.
Chen Yu had no choice but to sit next to Ye Fei, shooting him a glare to warn him not to go too far.
At that moment, a French waiter approached with menus.
Wan Jun, seizing the opportunity, greeted the waiter in simple French. In truth, his French was limited to a few phrases, but he wanted to impress Chen Yu and show Ye Fei, the country bumpkin, a glimpse of sophistication.
“Xiao Wan, did you actually learn French these past years?” Chen Yu asked, intrigued.
“Of course. As a high-level executive, I can’t afford language shortcomings. Besides, French pharmaceutical companies often approach us for cooperation, so secret negotiations are inevitable.” Wan Jun’s pride showed beneath his modest exterior. “Though I admit, I don’t have much talent for French. If it weren’t for my friend, a special forces soldier stationed on France’s border, teaching me, it would’ve taken me much longer to grasp it.”
“A special forces soldier?” Chen Yu’s eyes lit up. “You know people like that?”
“Absolutely. My friend is responsible for liaising with mercenaries from other countries at the border. He’s fluent in eight languages, and when he talks, it’s like firecrackers going off!” Wan Jun explained, half joking.
“Don’t insult special forces. They never waste words with mercenaries from other countries. They use their fists, their blades, their firearms. If the border is ever breached, their sole mission is to drive out all invaders with unyielding force,” Ye Fei said, his tone cold.
He could tolerate Wan Jun’s posturing and attempts to assert himself, but he couldn’t accept flippant remarks about special forces.
Because, in his past, he had once had a mercenary brother.
“Oh? You’ve never been a soldier. What would you know?”