Ya'an Group and Wang's Group had been on friendly terms for decades, but now Ya Zhang's abrupt severance of ties was a clear message to everyone: the Ya family's bottom line was not to interfere in their family affairs, otherwise, no matter who you were, you would face the Ya family's retaliation.
For a moment, everyone fell silent. Some wore embarrassed expressions, while others showed admiration. Only Li Zhonglou remained unfazed, not the least bit surprised.
He had used his Heavenly Eye clairvoyance to notice Ya Zhang's presence upon entering. Especially when Ya Lili was publicly reprimanded, Li Zhonglou observed Ya Zhang's emotional changes and guessed his identity.
His previous remarks were also intentionally made for Ya Zhang to hear. Otherwise, if Ya Lili were truly without support, her best option would have been to leave the stage rather than engage in verbal sparring.
As the atmosphere grew a bit heavy, Ya Zhang timely softened his tone, apologizing to everyone and interacting with them. He displayed both authority and humility, showcasing his social skills to their fullest extent. In no time, he steered the atmosphere back to a harmonious state.
Ya Lili was then called over to be introduced to various bosses and partners.
Li Zhonglou did not follow. He could also see that this patriarch of the Ya family highly valued Ya Lili.
As the night deepened, the party finally concluded. Li Zhonglou accompanied Ya Lili as they left the villa.
"Why did you refuse my father just now?"
In the car, Ya Lili questioned Li Zhonglou with curiosity.
At the end of the party, Ya Lili and Li Zhonglou had a private conversation with Ya Zhang. Ya Zhang was very pleased with Li Zhonglou's performance and invited him to become the Ya family's exclusive bodyguard after Ya Lili's protection was no longer needed.
"I don't want to get involved in matters beyond my personal scope."
"But, I now..."
As Ya Lili spoke, an apologetic expression appeared on her face, as she hadn't expected Ya Zhang to arrange for her to be by his side starting tomorrow, receiving direct, hands-on instruction.
In other words, Li Zhonglou's bodyguard status would end after tonight.
This was something neither of them had anticipated.
Li Zhonglou remained silent for a moment before saying, "I have something I need your help with."
Ya Lili's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied, "What is it? I'll help if I can."
"I'll tell you later. Don't worry, it won't be difficult, perhaps even a simple favor for you!"
Li Zhonglou kept it a mystery, and Ya Lili had no choice but to agree for now.
In fact, after their interactions tonight, both had begun to consider each other friends.
By the time Li Zhonglou returned to his hotel, it was already two in the morning, yet he still sent a message to Zhou Tong.
"Help me investigate the matters of the Green Gang, the more detailed the better."
Li Zhonglou felt that the clues from Zhang Huadong's side could temporarily be put on hold. Although he had now become acquainted with Zhang Yu, trust was not something that could be cultivated overnight, so there was no need to rush.
Therefore, Li Zhonglou wanted to take this time to understand the Green Gang.
"We can't rely solely on this side for the auction. If this Green Gang doesn't have major issues, it might be a good place to start."
Li Zhonglou's plan was gradually becoming clearer. He was determined to participate in the Wu family's auction, preferably in person. For this, the Green Gang was currently the best option.
After all, a behemoth in the grey areas could easily provide money and connections, both of which Li Zhonglou urgently needed.
The next morning, Li Zhonglou received the information about the Green Gang from Zhou Tong.
The Green Gang, originally Beijing's largest underground gang organization, was disbanded under national policy. It outwardly became Qingyuan Company and, after decades of development, is now Beijing's largest international tourism group, Qingyuan International.
Of course, this was only on the surface. The information also stated that the Green Gang had not perished and, under the guise of Qingyuan International, remained the underground overlord of Beijing.
However, this overlord was different from the old era; it was relatively law-abiding.
Yes, the underground overlord was law-abiding. Li Zhonglou was bewildered by this contradictory statement, but thankfully, the information provided an explanation for this claim later on.
"To eliminate the grey areas by dominating the underworld, thereby achieving world peace?"
This was the first time Li Zhonglou had seen a gang make such a grand promise. A phrase spoken by that woman suddenly came to mind.
"The Green Gang is not what you imagine."
At that moment, Li Zhonglou's interest in the Green Gang significantly increased.
Further down in the information, Zhou Tong had added a note, asking when Li Zhonglou was free to have tea together again.
Upon seeing this, Li Zhonglou immediately tidied himself up and took a car to Panjiayuan.
However, shortly after entering the premises, he saw Manager Xian hurrying to meet him.
"Mr. Xiao, it's been a while since we last saw you. You must be busy with some big business lately."
This Manager Xian was the woman who had previously given Li Zhonglou the golden pass, and Li Zhonglou had used the alias Xiao Fang here.
After humiliating the胖子 (fat man) from Jue Xin Xing, Li Zhonglou realized that the golden pass was no ordinary item. Coupled with Manager Xian's enthusiastic greeting, Li Zhonglou immediately guessed that she needed a favor.
"Manager Xian, is there something you need help with?" Li Zhonglou asked directly.
"What are you saying, Mr. Xiao? Can't I greet you if there's nothing else?" Manager Xian's expression flickered with surprise but she didn't admit it.
Li Zhonglou responded with an "Oh" and was about to leave, taking it as a greeting. Manager Xian's gaze flickered a few times before she spoke.
"Mr. Xiao is truly straightforward. I do have a matter to request your assistance with, but it's not convenient to discuss it here. Do you have some time, Mr. Xiao..."
Li Zhonglou raised his hand to interrupt Manager Xian, stating that he already had plans with a friend, and then asked for Manager Xian's contact information.
"I'll contact you when I have time."
"Then I shall await your good news."
Afterward, Li Zhonglou proceeded to Zhou Tong's office.
The moment Zhou Tong saw Li Zhonglou arrive, his demeanor changed completely. He pushed aside a pile of documents and took out his prized tea collection.
Their interaction was as natural and cordial as that of old friends who had known each other for years, representing their most relaxed and comfortable moments.
It wasn't until a long while later that Li Zhonglou asked about the investigation into the Wu family.
Zhou Tong stated directly, "Based on the current information, we haven't found any important figures returning to the Wu family in their early years, nor have we heard any accounts of an outsider named Li Fu. But don't be disappointed; this is just a general understanding for now. Nothing is set in stone."
Zhou Tong then shared some good news: "I've recently made contact with someone who used to work in the Wu family through connections. We are in communication, and I will inform you immediately of any progress."
Li Zhonglou's expression brightened, and he immediately thanked Zhou Tong before, without a word, taking Zhou Tong out for an ear-cleaning.