The banquet was held at the Heaven and Earth Grand Hotel, the most prestigious hotel in Zhonghai. Huang Wenlang felt that if he didn’t do this, it would appear that he lacked respect.

Last time, because he underestimated Qi Dengxian, he nearly lost his life. Huang Wenlang dared not show the slightest slight toward this young man with mysterious origins but immense capability.

“Mayor Huang, you’re dining here too?!” Seeing Huang Wenlang and his group standing at the entrance, Zhang Shaojie and Qiao Qiumeng’s family, who had just arrived at the hotel entrance, were stunned.

Zhang Shaojie ran straight up to greet Huang Wenlang, but Huang Wenlang frowned, not recognizing him.

Zhang Shaojie said, “Mayor Huang, I am the Young Master of the Zhang Group. I even had a drink with you last time!”

Huang Wenlang gave a lukewarm greeting, looking somewhat impatient.

Zhang Shaojie didn’t dare to say more and ushered Qiao Qiumeng’s family to hurry into the hotel.

“Young Master Zhang, I didn’t expect you to have such a relationship with Mayor Huang!” Pang Xiuyun was full of envy after seeing Zhang Shaojie strike up a conversation with Huang Wenlang.

“Haha, it’s all thanks to my father’s reputation. It’s nothing much.” Zhang Shaojie waved his hand, speaking dismissively.

Zhang Shaojie’s attitude made Pang Xiuyun appreciate him even more. Likewise, she felt even more strongly that Qiao Guotao had chosen the wrong person.

Li Yunwan whispered, “Mayor Huang is most likely waiting here for some distinguished guest, probably a high-ranking leader coming down from the province.”

Zhang Shaojie felt the same way; otherwise, Mayor Huang’s attitude wouldn’t have been so impatient.

“If I could become the kind of person Mayor Huang has to stand outside the hotel entrance to welcome, how glorious would that be?” Qiao Qiumeng couldn’t help but think to herself, a longing rising in her heart.

“It will take time. One day, I will definitely become as dazzling as Yu Xiaolong!”

The group walked into the Heaven and Earth Grand Hotel and entered the private room they had booked in advance.

It was around this time that Qi Dengxian arrived late. He looked lazy and calm as he said, “Sorry, I’m a bit late.”

“Master Qi is too polite. It’s fine. I’m satisfied just that you could grace us with your presence!” Huang Wenlang was very polite to his lifesaver, speaking respectfully.

Some people observing in secret were shocked. What is this young man’s background that he can make Mayor Huang wait so long?

Moreover, knowing that Mayor Huang was waiting for him, he still dared to act like a big shot and arrive late!

Qi Dengxian always did things as he pleased and was naturally lazy. Arriving around this time was already giving Huang Wenlang face.

“Master Qi, have you considered the matter I mentioned to you last time?” Sun Qingxuan, this little old man, flattered Qi Dengxian repeatedly, hoping to learn something from him.

Old Man Sun’s skills were renowned throughout Huaguo, but he was also famously obsessed. To improve his medical skills further, he wouldn’t even frown if asked to kneel and kowtow to Qi Dengxian.

Qi Dengxian brushed Sun Qingxuan off with a casual “We’ll see later.”

At the wine table, Wang Wanjin acted as the intermediary to warm up the atmosphere, while Huang Wenlang and Sun Qingxuan kept toasting Qi Dengxian, showing him great respect.

After three rounds of drinks, the door to the private room opened wide, and a slightly chubby middle-aged man walked in.

“Why is President Sun here?” Seeing Sun Xingzhang, the President of the Bank of Zhonghai, Huang Wenlang frowned and asked.

Sun Xingzhang had worked his way up from a small bank clerk. His ability to observe people’s expressions was first-class. Seeing that the person sitting in the seat of honor was not Huang Wenlang or Wang Wanjin but a strange young man, his heart skipped a beat.

“I happened to be here discussing loan matters with President Zhang Hao of Zhang Real Estate. Knowing you were here, Mayor, I came specifically to offer a toast.” Sun Xingzhang said with a beaming smile, but his eyes secretly sized up Qi Dengxian, wondering what background this young man had to warrant such importance from Mayor Huang.

Huang Wenlang frowned. “Zhang Hao’s real estate company has big problems. The funding deficit is too large. Even if you release the loan, it probably won’t save the situation.”

Sun Xingzhang immediately flattered, “Mayor Huang truly has piercing eyes, spotting the problem at a glance! Of course, I won’t release funds to the Zhang Group. Their deficit in real estate is too huge, even twenty billion wouldn’t fill it.”

Listening to this, Qi Dengxian looked calm. It seems Zhang Shaojie won’t be playing the role of ‘Young Master Zhang’ for much longer.

Sun Xingzhang toasted around the table, then reached Qi Dengxian. Smiling, he raised his glass to Qi Dengxian and said, “Little brother, a toast to you.”

Qi Dengxian just casually touched the wine to his lips, but Sun Xingzhang drank it all in one gulp, not feeling slighted by Qi Dengxian at all.

To make Mayor Huang stand at the door to welcome him and sit in the seat of honor at this table, one could imagine how extraordinary he must be.

After the toast, Sun Xingzhang carefully left the private room. Showing his face in front of the leader and toasting the leader’s distinguished guest was enough for him.

Qi Dengxian could tell Huang Wenlang had something to ask, so he said, “If Mayor Huang needs my help with something, just say it directly. No need to beat around the bush.”

Having his thoughts exposed, Huang Wenlang wasn’t embarrassed. After all, he was an old fox in the political arena. Following the topic, he said, “My daughter has been ill for many years. Even Mr. Sun couldn’t cure her, so I wanted to ask Master Qi to give it a try.”

“A disease even Mr. Sun couldn’t cure?” Qi Dengxian glanced at Sun Qingxuan.

“Master Qi, it’s a sickness of the heart. Huang Qingge, that girl, locks herself in her room all day with the curtains drawn, never seeing the sun. If this continues, even if she isn’t sick, she’ll develop a serious illness!” Sun Qingxuan sighed and said.

“A heart sickness must have a cause.” Qi Dengxian said.

Huang Wenlang hesitated for a moment, sighed, and said, “My daughter had an argument with her mother once and then ran away from home… unexpectedly, my wife suffered a sudden illness. Until she passed away, my daughter never saw her one last time. So, this left a heart sickness, and she has been living in self-blame and guilt ever since.”

Qi Dengxian nodded thoughtfully and said calmly, “I’ll go take a look when I have the chance.”

With Qi Dengxian’s words, Huang Wenlang finally felt relieved.

Qi Dengxian wasn’t someone who liked social engagements. Once he had eaten and drunk his fill, he left directly.

Huang Wenlang didn’t try to keep him and immediately stood up with Sun Qingxuan to see him off.

Watching three big shots—Huang Wenlang, Wang Wanjin, and Sun Qingxuan—escorting a young man out, the bystanders were dumbfounded.

Li Yunwan happened to be outside taking a call. Seeing this scene, she nearly dropped her phone.

“This… how is this possible…”

“The person Mayor Huang was welcoming outside earlier was actually him?”

“He’s just a prison guard. What virtue or ability does he have to make Mayor Huang welcome him personally and send him off personally?!”

The shock in Li Yunwan’s heart went without saying.

She returned to the private room, wanting to tell Qiao Qiumeng this shocking news. Just as she entered, she heard Zhang Shaojie laughing: “Our Zhang Real Estate has just decided to increase capital and expand shares externally. Mengmeng, do you want to consider it?”

NOTES

Piercing eyes: Literally “Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils,” referencing Sun Wukong (The Monkey King), meaning the ability to see through illusions or deception clearly.

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