Li Chonglou then understood that the relationship between the two was not what he had imagined.
The reason why A'niu was loyal to Green Ox was that his wife and daughter were held by Green Ox. However, over the years, Green Ox had not done anything excessive to his family except to be cautious, so A'niu seemed willing.
But in the end, it was still a relationship of control. Now that Green Ox was dead, it was also a relief for A'niu, as he would no longer have to wait for those few days each year to reunite with his family.
As for why A'niu left without saying goodbye, it was due to his identity.
He was an accomplice, and moreover, he had defected from the Qing Gang. In Shangjing, he had no place to stay, whether in the underworld or in legitimate society. He was also forced to leave Shangjing overnight.
Besides these, A'niu also said in the letter that although he worked for Green Ox, he was mainly responsible for arranging routes and some internal information, and had never done anything heinous.
This statement was clearly written for Li Chonglou, and the intention was also obvious: he was worried that Li Chonglou would also kill him.
"This guy is quite a tragic figure."
Li Chonglou smiled, not taking it to heart. If he really had any intentions towards him, A'niu wouldn't have been able to run away in the middle of the night. This was him overthinking.
Seeing Li Chonglou's reaction, Zhou Tong couldn't help but ask curiously, "What did he write?"
"Just some nonsense."
Li Chonglou casually threw the letter away and looked at Zhou Tong, "How is the company's business? Do you need any help?"
Zhou Tong shook his head, "It's only been a short while, everything is still in the planning stage."
"Alright, let me know if there are any problems. Also, take good care of those few people. Although they've agreed to stay, they are masters after all, and their temperaments might be a bit peculiar."
Zhou Tong nodded, "I understand. I'll chat with that Meat Mountain today."
"I trust you to handle things."
Li Chonglou grinned. Zhou Tong rolled his eyes, "It's me who doesn't trust you. Suddenly stuffing so many masters in, without considering if I can handle it."
"Hahahaha."
"Speak properly, kid. If others hear this, they'll think we're..."
"Ugh! Can you not be so disgusting!"
After a round of playful banter, the two continued to discuss business.
"So, what are you planning to do next? Is the matter in Feng Town resolved?"
Li Chonglou shook his head, "I've handed Feng Town over to Black Saber and the others to handle. It should take a few more days. I'm also preparing to deal with some personal matters."
Zhou Tong nodded without asking further. He knew that Li Chonglou would tell him what he wanted him to know. Their relationship was like that of soulmates, and there was no need for deliberate maintenance.
"Then I'll go get busy. With the first deal from the Hu family, our reputation has started to grow. Today, we're meeting a big client."
Li Chonglou offered, "Do you need my help?"
"No, you just need to do your job behind the scenes."
Zhou Tong had always known Li Chonglou's intentions. He had founded this company precisely to be a hands-off owner. Therefore, as long as it wasn't something he couldn't handle like before, Zhou Tong wouldn't bother Li Chonglou.
Li Chonglou chuckled. Zhou Tong rolled his eyes and left Li Chonglou's room.
After Zhou Tong left, Li Chonglou said into the soul bottle, "Senior Shi Tou?"
"Here."
Shi Tou responded quickly. Seemingly understanding Li Chonglou's intention, Shi Tou's voice sounded a bit nervous.
"I promised Senior that I would help fulfill your wish after I finished this matter. We'll depart today."
"Good!"
Shi Tou's wish was to find his descendants and entrust them with something. Li Chonglou didn't know what it was, nor did he need to know, as it wouldn't affect him anyway.
And the person who would be his descendant had already been identified: it was the woman named Hua Yin whom he had met during the Strongest Bodyguard competition. Moreover, she later became good friends with Ya Lili, so finding her wouldn't be difficult.
As soon as he decided, Li Chonglou immediately called Ya Lili and asked her to help him invite Hua Yin out.
As for why Li Chonglou didn't invite her personally, it was simple.
Li Chonglou suspected that Hua Yin was a lesbian!
Although he wasn't entirely sure, Li Chonglou guessed with ninety percent certainty. If he had asked her out, she might have refused. It would have been better to have Ya Lili do it.
What Li Chonglou hadn't expected was that when he arrived at the meeting spot, he found Ya Lili was also there.
"Didn't you just say you were busy?"
Ya Lili chuckled, "Brother Li, do you like Sister Hua?"
This gossipy nature, was it truly exclusive to women?
Li Chonglou was somewhat helpless, "What are you thinking, girl? I've only met her once, how could I like her? No, didn't I say I was already married?"
He almost got led astray!
Li Chonglou rolled his eyes at Ya Lili, only to hear her say mysteriously, "Brother Li, you might not have that intention, but it doesn't mean Sister Hua doesn't."
Raising an eyebrow, Li Chonglou looked at Ya Lili and asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Ya Lili looked around as if she were a thief, then whispered, "Brother Li, don't tell anyone else, okay? Sister Hua has been inquiring about you these days."
After speaking, Ya Lili put on her gossipy persona and continued, "Women understand women best. If Sister Hua didn't have feelings for Brother Li, she wouldn't be inquiring about you like this."
Li Chonglou's brow furrowed. Seeing this, Ya Lili thought Li Chonglou was upset that she had revealed his secrets, and quickly explained, "Brother Li, don't worry, I haven't told her any of your secrets, just some simple information, like."
Li Chonglou shook his head and interrupted, "That's not what I mean. I'm just curious why she's investigating me when I barely know her?"
"That's why she must be interested in you!"
Li Chonglou looked at Ya Lili with a strange gaze. If he hadn't suspected Hua Yin of being a lesbian, he might have believed her, but now it seemed unlikely.
So, perhaps, a guess suddenly formed in Li Chonglou's mind.
"Brother Li, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"
Ya Lili suddenly felt nervous under his gaze. However, at this moment, Hua Yin's voice suddenly rang out.
"It's you? Lili, didn't you invite me? Why is he here too?"
The two turned to look, only to see Hua Yin standing there with a displeased expression.
Her dressing style was the same as when Li Chonglou first saw her, leaning towards a neutral style, a dark gray shirt paired with blue plaid pants, and short hair, giving her a very dashing appearance.