280: Chapter 280 The Cocktail Party Incident (4)

Compared to Chen Mo, although Zhang Min shared the same Middle Stage of Ming Jin strength, she was likely even more powerful. After all, Chen Mo had only reached Minor Achievement in Hung Ga Kuen, while Zhang Min had already reached Major Achievement.

However, having gained experience from his battle with Chen Mo, Qin Yi believed that with his current extraordinary six-dimensional attributes, he could completely crush anyone in the same Realm.

But what kind of Cultivation Technique was this 'Zi Mu Needle Technique'? Could it be another bizarre and sinister technique like Chen Mo's 'Lost Ghost Steps'?

As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.' With this in mind, Qin Yi immediately asked the System inwardly, "System, what kind of Cultivation Technique is the 'Zi Mu Needle Technique'?"

[Ding! Replying to host: The Zi Mu Needle Technique is a unique hidden weapon Cultivation Technique of the Tang Sect.]

Qin Yi was stunned upon hearing this, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes. Tang Sect hidden weapons? He had thought they were only fictional creations in novels, never expecting them to actually exist in reality. This world seemed much more complex than he had imagined.

Qin Yi shook his head inwardly, casting these stray thoughts aside, and asked the System again, "System, how powerful is this Zi Mu Needle Technique? If I face it, what are my chances of winning?"

[Ding! Replying to host: The Zi Mu Needle Technique is incredibly powerful. Ninety-nine 'child' needles are hidden within the 'mother' needle; they are as thin as hair and difficult to defend against. Once they pierce the body, the child needles travel along the Meridians, destroying tendons and shattering flesh. Given the host's current strength, it is recommended to use the 'Divine Movement Hundred Changes' movement technique to dodge attacks, or use a 'Bad Luck Charm' to decrease the accuracy of the opponent's strikes.]

After listening to the System's explanation, Qin Yi's expression became solemn. It seemed he couldn't rely on brute force and had to win through wit. This woman's strength was actually so terrifying; he had truly underestimated her before.

Just as Qin Yi was lost in thought, Shen Jianan and Ye Ziming walked over. Shen Jianan noticed Qin Yi staring intently at Zhang Min, and a flash of displeasure crossed her eyes. She cursed him as a "scumbag" in her heart, then glanced at Qin Yi with a hint of disdain, her tone carrying a trace of anger: "Qin Yi, what are you looking at? Your eyes are glued to her! Don't forget, you're a man with a girlfriend!"

As Shen Jianan spoke, she turned her gaze to Xu Qian, her eyes showing a hint of sympathy. She said pointedly, "Miss Xu, you'd better keep a close eye on your man~ Otherwise, I'm afraid he might be seduced away by some vixen!"

Interrupted by Shen Jianan, Qin Yi snapped back to his senses. He ignored Shen Jianan and instead looked at Xu Qian with an awkward smile, explaining, "Qianqian, don't listen to her nonsense. I was just thinking about something and got a bit distracted."

"Mm~" Xu Qian responded, looking at Qin Yi with gentle eyes. She said softly, "It's fine, Young Master Qin. I believe you."

Zhang Min was currently exchanging pleasantries with Sister Yun and her sister. Hearing this, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she turned to look over. Unexpectedly, her gaze collided with Shen Jianan's disdainful look.

Before Zhang Min could speak, Shen Jianan put on a look of displeasure, rolled her eyes, and said dismissively, "What are you looking at? I'm talking about you, vixen!"

Everyone was stunned by this sudden conflict. Xing Zhenkun was even more surprised, thinking: What's wrong with this young lady tonight? Didn't she say she was here for a mission? Why does she sound like she's jealous?

Qin Yi also raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, "Is Shen Jianan being too bold? Isn't she afraid Zhang Min will hit her with a Zi Mu Needle?"

"Vixen?" Zhang Min repeated, sizing Shen Jianan up from head to toe. She continued, "I don't believe we know each other? Is it appropriate to be so rude the first time we meet?"

Shen Jianan gave a light snort and crossed her arms over her chest, putting on the arrogant air of a wealthy Young Miss. She mocked, "Look at what kind of occasion this is. Dressing like that, if you're not a vixen, what are you?"

"Hehe~" Zhang Min chuckled and retorted, "What does what I wear have to do with you? Besides, I haven't even struck up a conversation with your boyfriend. Even if I were a vixen, I haven't seduced your man, so what are you so anxious about? Could it be that you also have feelings for this Mr. Qin? Eating from your own bowl while eyeing the pot... your character isn't exactly great then."

Shen Jianan's face turned red. She let go of Ye Ziming's arm and made a move as if to step forward and argue with Zhang Min.

Seeing this, Zhang Min's expression clouded with anger. Her left hand flipped quickly, forming a flower-pinching finger gesture. Between her two fingers, a silver needle so thin it was barely perceptible had appeared.

The movement was so fast that no one noticed except for Qin Yi.

Seeing that Zhang Min intended to harm Shen Jianan, Qin Yi immediately took a step forward, shielding Shen Jianan. He smiled and apologized to Zhang Min: "Miss Zhang, please don't be angry. She and I are also good friends. She's been pampered at home and speaks without thinking. I apologize to Miss Zhang on her behalf."

Zhang Min's expression tightened. She thought to herself: Did this Qin Yi see something? However, since he apologized on Shen Jianan's behalf, she would grant him this favor. Thinking this, she flipped her left hand to hide the silver needle and smiled, "Since she's Mr. Qin's friend, then I naturally have to 'look at the master before hitting the dog'."

"Who are you calling a dog?!" Shen Jianan immediately flared up upon hearing this.

Qin Yi turned his head to glare at her, then looked at Ye Ziming and said in a deep voice, "Young Master Ye, if you can't control your girlfriend, you should break up sooner rather than later. Don't make a fool of yourself here!" As he spoke, he winked at Ye Ziming.

Ye Ziming understood immediately and quickly grabbed Shen Jianan's arm, whispering a reminder: "Alright, stop acting. If you keep going, it'll be over the top!"

At the same time, Ye Qingcheng's command came through Shen Jianan's earpiece: "Jianan, that's enough. Don't provoke Zhang Min any further. If Qin Yi hadn't stood in front of you just now, she would have likely attacked you."

Shen Jianan was startled, but since the play had started, she couldn't quit halfway. She immediately put on a wronged expression, reached out to pinch the soft flesh at Ye Ziming's waist, and acted spoiled: "Your girlfriend was bullied, and not only do you not help, you even blame me..."

"Ouch, ouch, ouch... it hurts! I was wrong, I was wrong, okay?" Ye Ziming hastily begged for mercy.

...

At this moment, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed. On the stage, Fu Chuanxi of the Magic City Merchants Bank branch walked up, holding champagne.

He stood before the microphone and cleared his throat. The entire venue instantly fell silent, and all eyes focused on him.

"Welcome, distinguished guests, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend the Merchants Bank centurion black card member cocktail party." Fu Chuanxi's voice echoed through the banquet hall via the microphone. "First, please allow me to introduce myself..."

As Fu Chuanxi spoke eloquently, everyone gained a certain understanding of this new Magic City Branch President.

Following that, Fu Chuanxi grandly introduced the important guests of the evening, the most eye-catching of whom was the chairman of Hongtian Group—Zhang Hongtian.

"I am very honored to have been able to invite the chairman of Hongtian Group—Zhang Hongtian! Next, let's invite Chairman Zhang Hongtian to say a few words as a Senior in the business world." After Fu Chuanxi finished, he took the lead in applauding, and the crowd below followed suit.

Zhang Hongtian walked onto the stage with a smile, first shaking hands with Fu Chuanxi, then picking up the microphone. Taking the mic, he said in a steady and infectious voice, "Thank you all for your kind regard. Everyone here is an outstanding individual and a leader in the business world; I, Zhang Hongtian, am deeply honored. It is truly rare to be able to gather with everyone today. I hope we will have more opportunities for cooperation in the future."

After speaking, Zhang Hongtian raised his champagne high to acknowledge the room. His gaze paused specifically on Qin Yi for a moment, nodding slightly in greeting. Then, Zhang Hongtian tilted his head back and drained his glass, followed by the sound of glasses clinking throughout the hall.

Qin Yi naturally did not reject Zhang Hongtian's gesture of goodwill, raising his glass in return and drinking it all.

As Zhang Hongtian left the stage, a crowd immediately gathered around him. Zhang Hongtian originally wanted to talk to Qin Yi for a bit, but seeing the enthusiastic crowd around him, he could only let it go for the time being.

However, Zhang Min, who was nearby, had also clearly seen Zhang Hongtian's gesture toward Qin Yi. She asked softly, "Mr. Qin, are you also acquainted with Chairman Zhang Hongtian?"

"Haha, I wouldn't say acquainted; we just have some business dealings." As Qin Yi spoke, he paused and changed the subject, "Miss Zhang, let's talk about what you meant by the cooperation you mentioned earlier."

Upon hearing this, a flash of joy appeared in Zhang Min's eyes. She parted her red lips and said, "It's like this. Our boss greatly admires Mr. Qin's talent and strength. Learning that Mr. Qin has established a company, he wishes to cooperate with Mr. Qin. Whether it's through shares or other forms of cooperation, the specific details can be discussed. As long as Mr. Qin is interested, I can ask the boss for instructions."

After listening, Qin Yi's eyebrows rose slightly, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face. Why did Chu Weimin want to cooperate with him? What was the connection between Chu Weimin and the Hongmen? If he didn't figure these things out, he wouldn't dare to agree easily.

Thus, Qin Yi pondered for a moment, then looked up and smiled, "Thank you for Mr. Chu's kind regard. However, my company has just started and is not yet officially operational, so I have no plans to cooperate with others for the time being."

Zhang Min didn't seem surprised by Qin Yi's answer. She maintained her smile and said softly, "Mr. Qin doesn't need to be in a hurry to refuse. My main purpose in coming this time was to establish contact with you. If you have any thoughts or changes, you can communicate with me at any time." After speaking, she turned her gaze toward Xu Qian and complimented with a smile, "Mr. Qin's girlfriend is truly beautiful. Much better than that one over there!"

With that, Zhang Min tossed her hair, swayed her hips, and left.

Shen Jianan watched Zhang Min's retreating back, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. She walked to Qin Yi's side and asked in a low voice, "What did she say to you?"

Qin Yi glanced at Shen Jianan, a playful smile curving his lips: "What? Is Miss Shen also this interested in my private affairs?"

Shen Jianan was momentarily dazed by Qin Yi's smile. She composed herself and said seriously, "I'm being serious, what exactly did she say to you?"

"Haha, so you mean the target of tonight's mission is her?" Qin Yi asked, feigning curiosity.

"You don't need to worry about that. What did she say to you?"

"Her boss said he wants to cooperate with me, that's all," Qin Yi said nonchalantly, while handing the business card in his hand to Shen Jianan. "Here, this is her boss's business card. If you're interested, take it and study it."

Shen Jianan took the business card, and after a glance, immediately reported the situation to Ye Qingcheng in a low voice.

At this moment, Ye Qingcheng was sitting in an explosion-proof command vehicle outside the hotel, closely monitoring the developments in the banquet hall. Upon hearing Shen Jianan's report, Ye Qingcheng's brows knit slightly. After a moment of thought, she said, "Continue monitoring. Report any abnormalities immediately."

Meanwhile, on the surveillance screen, Zhang Min walked up to a waiter, placed her empty wine glass on a tray, took a new glass of champagne, and slowly walked away.

Through that waiter's earpiece came Ye Qingcheng's voice: "Find an empty corner and secure the glass she used!"

The waiter was momentarily stunned but reacted quickly, carrying the tray and walking swiftly out of the banquet hall without showing any abnormality on his face.

At the corner of the stairs, the waiter looked around. After confirming no one was there, he quickly pulled an evidence bag from his pocket, preparing to put the wine glass inside.

However, at that moment, a cold wind suddenly came from behind. A man also dressed as a hotel waiter appeared behind him at some point, delivering a sharp hand-chop heavily to the back of his neck.

The waiter's vision went black, and he instantly lost consciousness.

The man was none other than Code Name X—Zhang Yu, in disguise!

Zhang Yu gave a cold laugh, looking at the waiter collapsed on the ground, a flash of disdain in his eyes.

Zhang Yu picked up the wine glass from the floor, casually wiped it a few times with the corner of the unconscious waiter's clothes, then suddenly exerted force with his hand. The wine glass instantly shattered into a floor of crystalline glass shards.

"Truly useless. To be watched by the police for so long and still be completely unaware," Zhang Yu muttered to himself, his face full of mockery.

Meanwhile, inside the banquet hall, Zhang Hongtian, the chairman of Hongtian Group, finally finished his pleasantries with the people around him. Zhang Hongtian's gaze swept across the room, finally settling on Qin Yi.

Then, Zhang Hongtian took his son Zhang Gang and strode toward Qin Yi's direction.