If anyone had told Qu Mingwei about a special person, someone very important, Qu Mingwei wouldn't have thought much of it. He considered himself quite important.
However, when Zheng Qingya said it, the meaning changed.
Her father was the Party Secretary of Modu, a position far superior to his own.
The Party Secretary of Modu was practically half-stepping into the capital, already a super-influential figure.
With such a background, Zheng Qingya's perspective was naturally high. If she called someone important, they were truly significant.
Qu Mingwei, who had initially planned an ordinary family banquet, had to take it seriously.
"Xiao Peng, arrange a quiet place for lunch tomorrow. About a dozen people, very important guests," Qu Mingwei immediately called his secretary, Peng Gui.
"Yes, Leader," Peng Gui quickly replied.
Since the leader mentioned important guests, Peng Gui knew how to arrange it.
As a leader's secretary, one needed to handle these matters flawlessly to put the leader at ease and satisfy the guests.
A good secretary should make the leader feel comfortable. If the leader is dissatisfied, you won't last long.
A secretary's duties range from minor personal matters to major state affairs; they manage everything meticulously. The primary requirement for a secretary is meticulousness, and even more meticulousness.
The next day, Peng Gui arranged for the dining venue to be a private club.
The environment here was quiet, and it served authentic Sichuan cuisine. Many high-ranking officials and influential figures liked to entertain guests here.
The owner of such a club was naturally no ordinary person.
Qu Mingwei arrived at the club early with Peng Gui.
"This place is quite good," Qu Mingwei said with satisfaction upon arriving at the private club.
"Leader, the guests haven't arrived yet. Should I order now or wait?" Peng Gui asked.
Peng Gui was pleased that his chosen venue was praised by Qu Mingwei.
"Let's wait a while," Qu Mingwei replied.
About half an hour later, three cars drove into the private club. Zheng Qingya and her group had arrived.
Upon learning of Zheng Qingya's arrival, Qu Mingwei personally went down to greet them. Seeing the group of young people, Qu Mingwei was slightly disappointed as he didn't see Long Aotian.
"It seems I was overthinking it. Why would Long Aotian hang out with kids?"
It was clearly impossible.
"Uncle Qu," Zheng Qingya called out, leading everyone over.
"Xiao Ya, it's been a few years. You've grown into a young lady," Qu Mingwei nodded with a smile.
Then, Qu Mingwei got a clearer look at the arrivals. He recognized Qin Dou and the nationally famous young "Wang." These two were quite famous online, and even Qu Mingwei, who never paid attention to entertainment news, knew them.
"Uncle Qu, let me introduce you. This is Lin'er. They are all my good friends," Zheng Qingya said, pulling Xia Lin forward and introducing her. She also gestured to everyone else, saying they were all good friends.
Qu Mingwei's ability to read people had long been honed to perfection. He noticed that among so many people, she specifically introduced Lin'er. This young girl was likely the special and very important person Zheng Qingya mentioned.
"Hello, Lin'er. Everyone, please don't be so formal. Let's go inside," Qu Mingwei said cordially.
After everyone entered the private room, Zheng Qingya solemnly introduced Qu Mingwei.
Except for Liu Jingru, who seemed a bit surprised, everyone else showed no reaction, being accustomed to it.
However, they still showed respect and courtesy to Qu Mingwei.
"Xiao Peng, get the menus and let's order," Qu Mingwei instructed Peng Gui.
Peng Gui quickly brought five menus and placed them on the table. He said, "Take a look and tell me what you like or want to eat."
Service staff wouldn't be allowed in such banquets. Peng Gui handled all the service, including pouring tea and taking orders.
Peng Gui would record the orders and take them to the kitchen.
Having arrived in Sichuan Province, they naturally had to taste authentic Sichuan cuisine. They had eaten casually at a hotel yesterday noon and had hot pot in the evening.
Today, they were going to savor Sichuan dishes properly. More than a dozen people ordered over ten dishes, featuring well-known Sichuan specialties.
Sichuan cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines of China and a culmination of Chinese culinary arts. Its flavors are naturally beyond description.
However, one must be able to tolerate spice, primarily the numbing and spicy flavors.
While waiting for the dishes to be served, everyone played mahjong and poker in the private room.
The private room was spacious and divided into three areas: a reception area for tea and conversation, a chess and card room, and a dining area.
Qu Mingwei called Zheng Qingya to the reception area, and Zheng Qingya took the initiative to pour tea for him.
"Xiao Ya, what have you been busy with lately?" Qu Mingwei asked caringly.
"I've been playing every day," Zheng Qingya said sheepishly.
She indeed spent her days playing, arguably neglecting her responsibilities. However, she had recently found a new focus: cultivating a good sisterly relationship with Xia Lin.
"For a girl, playing is fine," Qu Mingwei said with a smile.
If Qu Mingwei had said this before, Zheng Qingya would have felt ashamed. But now, she felt it was about time to play.
Everyone was following Xia Lin's lead in playing. This "playing" wasn't just casual eating and drinking; it was a genuine effort to deepen their bonds.
Qu Mingwei then quietly asked Zheng Qingya, "Xiao Ya, the important guest you mentioned to Uncle yesterday was Lin'er, right?"
Zheng Qingya nodded.
"Who is she?" Qu Mingwei asked seriously, sitting up straight.
"Uncle Qu, I don't know how to explain it. Just know that she is the most important," Zheng Qingya shook her head.
Her words were ambiguous, leaving even Qu Mingwei somewhat confused.
"Alright, I understand," Qu Mingwei said, as Zheng Qingya seemed unwilling to elaborate. He didn't press further.
He could only temporarily suppress his curiosity.
Zheng Qingya felt a bit embarrassed and apologetic. She quietly pointed to Zhou Gangyi, who was sitting on a sofa in the dining area playing with his phone, and said, "Uncle Qu, do you see that person?"
"What about him?" Qu Mingwei asked after glancing over.
"His name is Zhou Gangyi. He is the grandson of Old Zhou," Zheng Qingya said, pointing towards the ceiling.
Qu Mingwei knew better than anyone who "Old Zhou" was.
Qu Mingwei was shocked, finding it almost unbelievable. The grandson of Old Zhou?
If Zheng Qingya hadn't told him, he would never have guessed.
He knew this group wasn't simple, but he hadn't expected them to be of such high standing.
"Then Lin'er... could she be related to Old Huang?"
Sensing that Qu Mingwei might have misunderstood, Zheng Qingya continued, "We are all Lin'er's followers, including the grandson of Old Zhou."
"Hiss..."
This time, Qu Mingwei was truly terrified. Even if Lin'er were a descendant of Old Huang, it wouldn't be enough for the grandson of Old Zhou to willingly be a mere follower.
Qu Mingwei couldn't fathom any further. His mind could only process so much, and it had reached the limit of his understanding.
"In that case, could Long Aotian's visit to Sichuan Province this time be to protect Lin'er?"
"It's highly possible."