648: A flickering fire

Instantly, the atmosphere became tense.

Their tightly clasped hands suddenly stopped shaking, and the entire scene fell into an awkward silence.

Just like the stiff smiles on their faces, the atmosphere also became incredibly rigid.

Their confrontation seemed to create an aura that made everyone present feel oppressed.

At this moment, everyone's heart was filled with questions.

"What is Zhang Xiuxian's purpose for being here today?"

"Will their meeting affect Mr. Quan's mood?"

"Please, don't get angry, two big shots, this isn't just a private matter for the two of you!"

The colored lights flickered, the only things moving in the entire venue.

However, the stalemate continued, and no one knew how to break the oppressive atmosphere.

The neutral parties standing here almost wanted to escape the scene.

If Zhang Xiuxian or Cui Zhuo forced them to take a side, that would be no laughing matter!

Some people even had cold sweat seeping from their foreheads.

You must know, this is North Korea!

One wrong step could lead to an Abyss of no return!

Even the usually gentle-looking Zhang Xiuxian would never show mercy at a critical moment!

These few seconds felt incredibly long, like an entire century had passed.

Screech—

A harsh braking sound broke the silence.

Everyone's eyes turned towards the entrance in unison.

"This is..."

A white vintage sedan stopped at the entrance, looking particularly conspicuous among the many black cars.

Who is it!?

Appearing at this critical moment is simply audacious!

Click.

The sound of a car door opening rang out.

A handsome man stepped out of the car and gentlemanly opened the door on the other side.

"It's those people from China!"

"That guy named Liu Yu!"

Many people present recognized Su Yue's identity at a glance.

When they saw the exceptionally beautiful and proud-figured woman walk into the venue arm in arm with him, it was as if this ball was held just for the two of them.

At the moment everyone's attention was drawn, Zhang Xiuxian and Cui Zhuo seemed to simultaneously let out a sigh of relief.

They caught each other's reaction; as old rivals, they had a certain tacit understanding.

They released their tightly clasped hands, looking at the pair of men and women slowly walking towards the main entrance, and the same smile appeared on their faces again.

Cui Xiankun secretly observed all of this, a meaningful smile curling up at the corner of his mouth.

Su Yue and Xiao Xiao entered the venue under everyone's gaze. Although Xiao Xiao was not used to such occasions, she still stubbornly looked straight ahead. Su Yue felt the slight tremor in her palm and gently comforted her, "Don't be nervous, they won't do anything."

Xiao Xiao, having her thoughts seen through, somewhat annoyed and embarrassed, denied, "I'm not nervous at all!" But a hint of unease still leaked into her voice. Su Yue smiled without speaking, thinking to himself, "So you also have moments of such nervousness."

Xiao Xiao was wearing a formal dress, which was completely different from her usual style. As a woman unaccustomed to wearing skirts, it was understandable that she felt uncomfortable in such an setting.

The two quickly arrived in front of Cui Zhuo and Zhang Xiuxian. At this point, everyone suddenly realized that Zhang Xiuxian's appearance seemed to be inextricably linked to this Chinese person named "Liu Yu."

As the host, Cui Zhuo's tone carried a hint of sarcasm: "Mr. Liu, we have an unexpected guest tonight, I hope it doesn't spoil your mood." Zhang Xiuxian responded calmly: "To be able to attend this ball, Mr. Liu's demeanor is truly extraordinary. I am Zhang Xiuxian, an ordinary public servant."

Su Yue did not show any obvious favoritism. He cleverly avoided the issue of the handshake order and directly suggested: "Don't stand at the door, both of you. Since everyone is here, why don't we start the ball now?"

Cui Zhuo's heart tightened, and he instantly understood Zhang Xiuxian's intention for appearing. He thought to himself: "Old dog Zhang came here for nothing more than to protect Liu Yu. He knows I won't make a move here; the time and place are not suitable. As long as Liu Yu is under his watchful eye, even if there is unpleasantness tonight, don't even think about touching a hair on him."

His thoughts raced, but he quickly returned to normal, politely saying: "Mr. Liu, please come inside, the ball will start immediately." Zhang Xiuxian nodded, seemingly not noticing that there was a woman accompanying "Liu Yu."

Xiao Xiao quietly followed behind, behaving properly and not causing anyone discomfort. Su Yue accompanied Cui Zhuo and Zhang Xiuxian on either side, but his heart was not as relaxed as it appeared on the surface.

He thought to himself: "Zhang Xiuxian's appearance was not arranged by me. Who invited him here? And why is he willing to take the risk of standing by my side to protect me?" In North Korea, Su Yue's intelligence network was clearly not complete. The country's internet development is lagging, making it extremely difficult to obtain information.

Zhang Xiuxian's appearance both checked Cui Zhuo and made Su Yue feel constrained himself. He found an excuse: "You two chat first. Since it's a ball, I need to go accompany my dance partner. I'll come visit again later."

After speaking, he pulled Xiao Xiao onto the dance floor. Xiao Xiao knew something was off and asked in a low voice, "Why did he come too? This is different from what you said before. Did you arrange it long ago?"

Su Yue denied, "Not me. The situation tonight is much more complicated than expected. That Mr. Quan seems not to be simple."

Xiao Xiao was surprised, "Is he the one sent by him?" Su Yue nodded, "Tonight is destined not to be peaceful. There are too many people with ulterior motives at this banquet."

They danced gracefully to the music, but their minds were completely elsewhere. Su Yue continued, "Once something unexpected happens, it is likely to cause greater chaos. No matter which side we stand on, once we are drawn into it, the consequences will be unimaginable. And..."

His voice was even lower, and a hint of surprise flashed in Xiao Xiao's eyes after hearing it. As the dance moves changed, Su Yue gazed into her eyes, "Do you understand?" Xiao Xiao nodded lightly, her mood complicated and difficult to describe.

As the number of people on the dance floor increased, Cui Zhuo and Zhang Xiuxian remained strangely still, their gaze seeming to be firmly attracted by the young man named Liu Yu. They seemed to be isolated by an invisible barrier, and no one could approach them.

Cui Zhuo's brows were tightly furrowed. Even though the music was melodious, his fists were unconsciously clenched, revealing a tension that was inconsistent with the atmosphere. His heart was full of doubts: "If Liu Yu and Zhang Xiuxian are working together, why would Liu Yu still appear at this ball? Isn't this contradictory?"

He knew well that Liu Yu was just a small messenger, and killing him would be harmless. But Zhang Xiuxian was different; his appearance made the situation delicate. If Zhang Xiuxian were to be killed here, regardless of the truth, it would stir up a storm of covert struggle between the two sides, which Comrade Quan did not want to see and which the Cui family could not bear.

Just as Cui Zhuo was deep in thought, Zhang Xiuxian suddenly stood up and walked towards the entrance without any warning. This action made Cui Zhuo alert. He quickly unclenched his fists and signaled his subordinates to follow.

"Sang-woo, you follow him, be careful, I want to know his every move." Park Sang-woo took the order and left. Cui Zhuo's unease grew stronger; tonight's ball seemed to have gotten out of his control.

And on Zhang Xiuxian's face, the signature smile had been replaced by gloom, and his eyes revealed a sense of determination. His purpose for this trip was unclear, and even his closest subordinates were unaware. But in his heart, there was a clear agreement: "The first movement of Tarantella ends, when the third subsection of the second movement begins, meet at the bathroom by the flowerbed."

He pushed open the bathroom door and saw the figure waiting in the dim light—Cui Xiankun! This discovery was enough to shock anyone; there was an insider within the Cui family!

"Why did you look for me?" Zhang Xiuxian got straight to the point.

Cui Xiankun slowly turned around, a smile on his face: "Mr. Zhang, your courage is admirable. And I, I appreciate courageous people."

Zhang Xiuxian was displeased with Cui Xiankun's attitude, and his face turned ferocious: "Do you know who you are talking to? Kid, don't think you can be on equal footing with me!"

However, Cui Xiankun just smiled: "On equal footing? When has the Cui family not been above the Zhang family?"

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Zhang Xiuxian was speechless for a moment, while Cui Xiankun continued: "Mr. Zhang, there is no need for a show of force. The current situation will be settled sooner or later. Since you are here, you have sincerity. Then I will speak frankly..."

"I want Cui Zhuo's position, and in exchange, I will give the Zhang family time to breathe and develop. This is your opportunity, and it is also the Zhang family's opportunity to spend their later years in peace. Otherwise..."

"You should understand that once the situation worsens, the Zhang family will have no power to resist."

Zhang Xiuxian was stunned by Cui Xiankun's words. Only then did he realize that Cui Xiankun had been hiding his strength; he was much more cunning than he appeared on the surface, and even had extraordinary insight into the situation.

A sense of crisis surged in Zhang Xiuxian's heart. He muttered to himself, "Bargaining with a tiger, I'm afraid I can't even protect myself."

He gazed at Cui Xiankun and had to admit, "Cui Xiankun, you are indeed not simple."

The corner of Cui Xiankun's mouth lifted slightly: "So, our cooperation can begin?"

Cui Xiankun's words instantly froze Zhang Xiuxian's expression.

Deep down, he finally understood the profound meaning of "bargaining with a tiger."

Such a collaboration was very likely to make his situation even more difficult and complicated.

Cui Zhuo's son, seemingly ordinary on the outside, was in fact extremely shrewd.

While Zhang Xiuxian's son, though not appearing ordinary on the outside, was merely a superficial existence, knowing nothing about family affairs, only indulging in his yearning for South Korea and appreciating foreign books, yet never willing to face reality.

At least, now the Zhang family could be saved from perishing in his hands.

Perhaps this period of respite would allow him to find more ways to survive.

Therefore, even if this was bargaining with a tiger, like drinking poison to quench thirst, this was the only choice he could make.

However, what he said was not what he thought in his heart.

"What I care about is what tangible benefits you can provide."

"I also want to know what exactly you want me to do."

"If these things are not clear, I will never agree easily."

Cui Xiankun looked at him, silent for a moment.

Then he suddenly let out a scoff.

Then, he slowly spoke: "I truly find it hard to understand how someone like you has managed to stay in this position for so long."

These words made Zhang Xiuxian's eyes widen, and his face turned extremely ugly.

But before he could speak to retort, Cui Xiankun continued: "You are too old-fashioned and timid, clearly trivial matters, yet you insist on dwelling on those disgusting details."

"But that doesn't matter."

"Do you think you can gain the upper hand and seize my handle after knowing my purpose?"

"Even if I tell you, and you tell others, who would believe it?"

Cui Xiankun's expression was arrogant, with a faint mocking smile at the corner of his mouth, his gaze sharp, staring directly at Zhang Xiuxian.

Zhang Xiuxian suddenly woke up. He realized that no matter what Cui Xiankun said at this moment, no matter how much shock it caused in his heart, no matter how big a ripple it would create, his words would be hard to believe. This could very likely be seen as a despicable frame-up and false accusation.

At this moment, Zhang Xiuxian completely understood why Cui Xiankun, who usually appeared so strong, would act like a scoundrel, and even deliberately cause some insignificant small troubles...

It turned out that all of this was a setup for this very moment!

Cui Xiankun looked at Zhang Xiuxian's expression, chuckled softly, and said, "Actually, my plan is very simple..."

He looked directly into Zhang Xiuxian's face, a smile still on his lips, but the words he spoke were shocking.

"I..."

"Want to get rid of Cui Zhuo."

This sentence was like a bolt from the blue, hitting Zhang Xiuxian's heart heavily; he even felt a little suffocated.

He instantly understood why Cui Xiankun promised to let the Zhang family survive for another twenty years.

Because he wanted to replace Cui Zhuo, and Cui Zhuo's death would inevitably trigger infighting within the Cui family. Pacification, rule, integration... these matters could not be put on the table, so the process would be extremely slow.

At the same time, Zhang Xiuxian suddenly realized why Cui Xiankun could say these words so recklessly.

Because... if this matter were truly to be done, in everyone's eyes, it could only be done by him.

Once Cui Zhuo dies, the first person to be suspected is him!

"You bastard!"

He couldn't help but curse: "Cui Xiankun! You are simply a devil!"

"Devil?"

"No, I'm far from enough."

"Compared to the crimes you have committed, what I have done... is merely a drop in the ocean."

"Zhang Xiuxian, what you did when you were young... No, just yesterday, a woman went missing on Mount Hamseong..."

"Speaking of which, my people were there the night before last. Do you still remember?"

Cui Xiankun's words instantly stunned the angry Zhang Xiuxian.

His face turned pale.

Cui Xiankun continued: "You can stand here entirely because Mr. Quan gave you this opportunity."

"Otherwise, you would have died long ago."

"Now you have a chance to die a normal death. Will you... seize it?"

Cui Xiankun's words left Zhang Xiuxian speechless.

He felt a bit weak in his body and could only lean against the wall, trembling as he nodded and said, "I agree."

"You can only agree."

"Get lost."

"Tonight, Cui Zhuo will become history."

Just as Zhang Xiuxian was about to leave, he heard Cui Xiankun say, "This... isn't right."

"Why choose today to make a move?"

Cui Xiankun did not explain, but simply said, "Because today's protagonist is not you and Cui Zhuo."

Zhang Xiuxian was suddenly taken aback.

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