200: Chapter 200 Crisis from Hong Kong Island

Xing Zhenkun and the others walked out of Xijiao No. 5. A designated driver arranged by the hotel was already standing quietly by the car, waiting for them.

Xing Zhenkun stopped and turned around, proactively extending his hand to Zhao Lintai. With a sincere smile on his face, he asked softly, "Young Master Zhao, what are your plans for the afternoon?"

"Me? I'll head back to the hotel to pack first, then I'm getting ready to set off for the Southwest," Zhao Lintai said, his gaze subconsciously drifting toward Si Yao.

Hearing this, Si Yao merely twitched the corner of her mouth as a response before immediately returning to her cold demeanor. She replied indifferently, "Safe travels then, Young Master Zhao. I won't see you off..."

Zhao Lintai gave a helpless smile, but he couldn't resist taking two steps forward to stand before Si Yao. He asked with a smile, "Young Miss Si Yao, you've been away from home for a long time too, haven't you? Aren't you planning to head back with me to take a look?"

"No need." Si Yao shook her head decisively and continued in a firm tone, "I can go back whenever I want; there's no need for us to travel together." After saying that, she turned her head away, no longer looking at Zhao Lintai.

Zhao Lintai shrugged and could only nod in response. "Alright then. I'll be going now." As he spoke, he turned and walked toward the exit of the parking lot.

"Young Master Zhao, the car is over here. Get in, I'll drop you off," Xing Zhenkun called out to Zhao Lintai's back.

However, Zhao Lintai just looked back and waved at the group with a smile. "No need. I'll just catch a taxi. Let's catch up later."

The remaining few stood there, watching Zhao Lintai's departing figure. Except for Si Yao, who still had her arms crossed with a cold expression, the others all had faint smiles on their faces as they waved goodbye.

Once Zhao Lintai's figure disappeared at the parking lot exit and the taxi drove away, the remaining people withdrew their gazes and strolled leisurely toward where their cars were parked.

Suddenly, the corners of Si Yao's mouth curled up, revealing a bit of a mischievous look. She walked quickly to Xing Zhenkun's side and said softly, "Brother Kun, you have an appointment with Qin Yi tonight, right? How about taking me along?"

Xing Zhenkun turned to look at Si Yao, a flash of surprise in his eyes, then he smiled. "Sure. Why? Is Yao Yao also interested in Young Master Qin's company?"

Si Yao shook her head, a mysterious smile appearing on her face. "Hehe, I don't have much interest in his company. But I am very curious about the man himself, Qin Yi."

Hearing this, a playful smile appeared on Xing Zhenkun's face as he teased, "Haha, Yao Yao, you haven't taken a liking to Young Master Qin, have you?"

"Bullshit! Don't talk nonsense." Si Yao's cheeks stiffened slightly, and she glared at Xing Zhenkun, turning her head away in feigned anger. "I'm saying I'm interested in Young Master Qin's martial arts! I'll take a look tonight, bring A-Fei along too, and find an opportunity to test Qin Yi's strength," Si Yao replied with a smile.

"No, Yao Yao, let's not mess around, okay? Tonight is about discussing investments. If you want to test Young Master Qin's skills, find another opportunity yourself," Xing Zhenkun advised somewhat helplessly.

"Oh please, how big of a business deal can it be to make you this anxious? Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Besides, I don't have a grudge against Qin Yi; I certainly won't be too ruthless." As Si Yao spoke, she waved her hand and signaled the designated driver to get into the driver's seat, while she made herself comfortable in the passenger seat.

Seeing this, Xing Zhenkun could only shake his head helplessly with a bitter laugh. He turned toward his cullinan while calling out to Chu Muyun, "Mu Yun, let's get in the car too."

Chu Muyun gave an affirmative response and followed him into the car. Meanwhile, seeing that he seemed to be ignored, Ye Ziming rubbed his nose and walked somewhat awkwardly toward the Aston Martin One-77. He said to the young driver in the driver's seat, "Just follow that cullinan in front."

Subsequently, the three cars slowly drove out of the Xijiao No. 5 parking lot.

...

At this moment, Zhao Lintai was sitting in the taxi heading to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel. He took out his phone, swiped his finger lightly across the screen, and dialed a number. As the phone rang, his gaze gradually became profound.

On the other end of the line, a deep and magnetic middle-aged man's voice came through: "Shanghai is quite lively indeed, Young Master Zhao."

Zhao Lintai smiled slightly, lowered the rear window just a crack, and replied with a faint smile, "President Chu must be joking. The liveliness of Shanghai isn't something I can sustain on my own."

"Hahaha..." The middle-aged man Zhao Lintai addressed as President Chu was currently standing before the floor-to-ceiling window of a skyscraper on Hong Kong Island, overlooking the city below. After a few laughs, he continued, "Alright, back to business. What instructions do you have for calling, Young Master Zhao?"

Zhao Lintai said nonchalantly, "President Chu is joking; how could I dare to give you instructions? It's just that the matters in Shanghai are mostly settled, and I won't be participating in the remaining cleanup work. As for me, I'm preparing to head to the Southwest."

Hearing this, a flash of approval appeared in President Chu's eyes as he teased, "Haha, so Young Master Zhao is brushing off his sleeves and leaving after the job is done, hiding his merit and fame. I, Chu, truly admire that!"

"Haha, President Chu overpraises me." Zhao Lintai smiled faintly. "Right now, Hongtai Construction is at the center of the storm; it's better to avoid the spotlight for a while. By the way, is President Chu still on Hong Kong Island? After my trip to the Southwest is over, shall we find a time to get together?"

"Of course, no problem," President Chu responded readily. "You name the place; I'm available anytime."

After the two chatted for a few more moments, Zhao Lintai suddenly changed the subject. "President Chu, there's something I almost forgot to tell you. I had a meal with the Second Young Miss of the Si Family today, and your daughter Chu Muyun was also present. Moreover, I saw that she seems to be quite close with Xing Zhenkun, the heir of the Qiangsheng Group."

Hearing this, President Chu's brow furrowed slightly. "Mu Yun? That's impossible. Isn't she in the United States? How could she appear in Shanghai? Young Master Zhao, are you sure you didn't mistake her for someone else?"

"President Chu, I definitely wouldn't mistake her," Zhao Lintai's tone was very certain. "I was also a bit surprised at the time."

President Chu fell silent for a moment before saying slowly, "Alright, thank you for the information, Young Master Zhao. I'll send someone to look into it."

"You're too kind, President Chu." Zhao Lintai smiled slightly. "Oh, right, there's one more thing I think I should tell you. I heard some news today, and I think you might want to pay attention to someone named Qin Yi."

"Oh? Qin Yi?" President Chu repeated the name, a flash of doubt in his eyes. "That name doesn't ring a bell. Is there anything special about him?"

Zhao Lintai naturally wouldn't reveal his full thoughts on Qin Yi, so he spoke as if reflecting, "I can't say for sure. However, I feel this Qin Yi is somewhat different. At the very least, he should have some talent in finance. He'll be establishing a financial investment company soon; you might want to keep an eye on him, President Chu."

"Alright. I'll arrange for someone to watch him later," President Chu responded with a smile.

"Good, then I won't disturb you further, President Chu."

"Mhm, see you."

After hanging up the phone, President Chu stood before the floor-to-ceiling window with his hands behind his back, his brow tightly furrowed. After a moment, he took a deep breath and turned around. Standing there was a woman with a voluptuous figure and a gorgeous face—it was his trusted subordinate, Zhang Min.

"A-Min," President Chu spoke in a heavy voice, "from now on, you will be fully responsible for the matters of Hongtai Construction in Shanghai. Additionally, after you arrive in Shanghai, secretly investigate the Young Miss's whereabouts. I want to know her every move lately, and who she has been in contact with."

Hearing this, A-Min immediately straightened her posture, her expression becoming serious. "Yes, President!"

President Chu nodded slightly, showing his trust in her. "Furthermore," he continued, "also check into the background of Xing Zhenkun, the heir of the Qiangsheng Group."

A-Min nodded again to show she understood. "Yes, President! I will investigate the situation as soon as possible and report back to you." After saying that, she turned to leave the office.

However, just as she was about to reach the door, President Chu suddenly called out to her again, "Wait, A-Min."

A-Min immediately stopped and looked back at President Chu. "President, are there any other instructions?"

A flash of complex emotion crossed President Chu's eyes. He remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Notify the head of the Strategic Investment Department and have him come up to see me immediately."

"Yes!" A-Min replied and then turned to leave the office.

Watching A-Min's departing back, President Chu turned his gaze back to the window.

However, at this moment, his eyes could no longer see the bustling city below. Instead, the figure of Chu Muyun slowly surfaced in his mind. He murmured to himself, "Mu Yun, why did you come back at this time?"

But soon, the image in his mind was replaced by another figure—it was his brother, Chu Weiguo! At the thought of him, President Chu's gaze suddenly hardened, and the veins on his forehead throbbed slightly.

...

At this moment, inside the Aston Martin One-77, Ye Ziming suddenly received a call from his sister, Ye Qingcheng. He was slightly stunned for a moment, then adjusted his mindset and answered the call.

"Ziming, what are you doing?" On the other end of the line, Ye Qingcheng's cold voice came through.

"Uh, Sis. I just finished eating with Brother Zhao, and right now I'm heading... where is this? I'm not sure where Brother Kun is going. Do you need something, Sis?" Ye Ziming asked casually, his eyes fixed on the cullinan in front.

"Brother Zhao? Which Brother Zhao?" There was a hint of alertness in Ye Qingcheng's tone.

Ye Ziming scratched his head, a look of embarrassment on his face. "Oh, the one from the Zhao family, Zhao Lintai. By the way, he even asked about you. But don't worry, I know the confidentiality rules; I didn't tell him you were in Shanghai."

Ye Qingcheng was silent for a while on the other end, seemingly thinking about something. A moment later, she continued, "Mhm, at least you were smart enough. However, stay away from those people from the Zhao family; don't get too close."

Hearing this, a look of confusion appeared on Ye Ziming's face. "Uh... why? Did Zhao Lintai get into trouble?"

"No, it's just a gut feeling." Ye Qingcheng's voice revealed a hint of firmness. "It's not like you don't know; I've always looked down on people from the Zhao family."

Ye Ziming curled his lip, somewhat dismissive. "Cough, isn't it just because Brother Zhao bullied me when we were kids? We were young and didn't know better back then. Let me tell you, Brother Zhao really splurged today. Can you imagine? A single meal cost nearly a million..." At this point, a bit of excitement appeared on Ye Ziming's face.

However, Ye Qingcheng was not affected by his mood. "Enough, enough. With Zhao Lintai squandering like that, the money is likely from an unknown source. Just make sure you have less contact with him!"

Hearing this, the smile on Ye Ziming's face gradually faded. He took a deep breath and responded somewhat helplessly, "Fine, fine, I got it, Sis."

"Mhm, how is the matter of getting close to Qin Yi going?" Ye Qingcheng changed the subject, getting straight to the point.

Ye Ziming was slightly stunned, then a look of pride appeared on his face. "Oh right, I was just about to tell you. This morning..." He then proceeded to report everything that had happened this morning in the Hilton Hotel's buffet restaurant in detail.

"Is that so? I didn't expect that kid to be quite capable!" Ye Qingcheng's voice revealed a hint of admiration.

Ye Ziming smiled proudly. "Right? By the way, Sis, Brother Kun invited Young Master Qin to dinner tonight to discuss the investment company, and I'm going along. That Sister Si Yao said she's bringing someone to test Young Master Qin's skills tonight. Do you want to come along too?"

"Oh? Sure." Ye Qingcheng seemed very interested in the suggestion. "Tell me once you've decided on the location; I'll head over quietly to take a look. If you see me, just pretend you don't know me!"

"Oh, okay," Ye Ziming agreed readily.

However, just as he was about to ask about Shen Jianan's situation, he suddenly heard a series of busy tones from the phone. He was stunned for a moment, looking at the words "Call Ended" on his phone screen, and took a deep breath. "How rude!" After saying that, he shook his head somewhat helplessly and put the phone back into his pocket.