Chen Fan's heart stirred slightly. "Who?"
"Wu Zhaohui."
Wu Zhaoyang said, "He's my third uncle's illegitimate son. He's handsome and popular with girls."
"However, he doesn't have the demeanor you described, nor have I ever heard of him being a chess master."
Chen Fan was a bit uncertain. "Can I have a chance to meet him?"
"You suspect this person is from the Brotherhood?"
Wu Zhaoyang asked, "Would he go to the trouble of meeting you just to play a game of chess?"
The waiter brought the food and drinks. Chen Fan picked up his chopsticks, ate, and said, "I don't understand it either, it's a bit difficult to comprehend."
"But other than someone from the Brotherhood, I can't think of anyone else who would go to such lengths."
"It wouldn't be Wu Zhaohui."
After some thought, Wu Zhaoyang said, "He's very introverted, rarely talks much, and hardly ever goes out."
"We need to meet him to be sure, don't we?"
Wu Zhaoyang's words made Chen Fan feel that Wu Zhao was also likely not Wu Zhaohui.
After all, Wu Zhaoyang was the eldest son of the Wu family and the heir.
He was Wu Zhaohui's brother, how could he not know him?
Instead, Wu Zhao seemed more deliberate.
This was likely a fake name. "Wu Zhao" sounded like a homophone for "Wu Zhao," making it seem intentional.
"That's no problem, I can take you anytime."
Wu Zhaoyang said, "But I think this is more likely a diversion tactic, a smoke screen?"
Pouring Chen Fan a glass of wine, Wu Zhaoyang said, "You killed the Martial Dao Grandmaster Gao Hongchang in Yuzhou. The Brotherhood's vigilance towards you should be at its peak. And now they're doing this?"
Chen Fan shook his head. "I'm not sure. This person gives me an unusual feeling. He's very likely the highest-ranking member of the Brotherhood in the capital."
Wu Zhaoyang took out his phone and made a call.
"Hello, Zhaohui, where are you?"
When the call connected, Wu Zhaoyang asked.
"Big Brother, I'm in Hangjiang. Is something wrong?"
A young voice came from the other end of the phone, which Chen Fan also heard. It was distinctly different from Wu Zhao's voice.
"When did you go to Hangjiang?" Wu Zhaoyang asked.
"An academic conference, giving a lecture," the voice on the other end said. "What's up?"
"Nothing much," Wu Zhaoyang said with a smile. "Since you're in Modu, enjoy yourself there. Staying a few extra days is fine. It's a bit chaotic in the capital recently!"
"I'll be back tomorrow. I have work at school," Wu Zhaohui replied.
"Alright, suit yourself."
Wu Zhaoyang hung up the phone and said, "Now are you sure? He's not even in the capital."
It seemed to be just a coincidence.
After all, there could be many people with similar appearances.
Chen Fan abandoned his suspicion and asked, "He's your third uncle's illegitimate son. Do you have a good relationship?"
"So what if he's illegitimate? As long as he's of the Wu family's bloodline, everyone in the Wu family acknowledges his status."
Wu Zhaoyang said, "I don't have many brothers. Although he talks less and is a bit unsociable, he's still my brother."
He then raised his glass. "This glass is for you, for saving me last time."
Chen Fan clinked glasses with him. "There's no need to thank me for this."
"If the Wu Zhao you mentioned is from the Brotherhood, then their influence is indeed extraordinary. I don't mind playing along with them."
Chen Fan shook his head. "I think you should just continue being the young master of the Wu family."
"What, you look down on me again?"
Wu Zhaoyang said, "Or do you think you don't need any help since you can kill Martial Dao Grandmasters?"
"That's not what I meant..."
Just as Chen Fan was about to speak, Li Qian arrived with the club manager.
"Azhuo, Young Master Wu."
Chen Fan asked, "Any discoveries?"
Li Qian's expression was not good. He gestured for the manager to explain the situation.
The club manager said with a wry smile, "The surveillance footage was replaced. We couldn't find the person Mr. Chen described. We've questioned the staff, and no one saw that person."
"As for those who said Mr. Chen went to check into a room, they were of unknown origin, not club staff, and are now nowhere to be found."
Chen Fan stared at the club manager.
The latter's face turned uneasy.
This club undoubtedly had a significant background, but it couldn't withstand the pressure from top young masters like Li Qian, Wu Zhaoyang, and Du Fumin. Such a lapse was a serious misstep.
"Then let it be."
Chen Fan suspected that this club definitely had some connection with the Brotherhood.
But considering that Du Fumin was a person of no small importance within the Brotherhood, all of this was within expectations. He couldn't be bothered to investigate further.
Chess, also known as "hand talk," could reveal a lot.
That Wu Zhao, by constantly taking the initiative and possessing astonishing calculation abilities, could foresee everything. Since he dared to show himself, he must have been certain that Chen Fan couldn't find anything.
Furthermore, Chen Fan knew that even if he found clues, it would be impossible to definitively confirm Wu Zhao's identity, rendering it largely meaningless.
Waving his hand, Chen Fan said, "I just found that person very interesting. Since we can't find him, so be it. I believe we will meet again sooner or later."
Li Qian grumbled, "If I ever find out who that guy is, I'll make him pay!"
Chen Fan, however, advised, "Alright, A'qian. This is a trivial matter. Today is your birthday. Don't let it spoil your mood."
Li Qian nodded. "I'm sorry, brother. I've neglected you today. I'll toast you three times as an apology."
With that, he asked the waiter to bring red wine and drank a glass in one go.
Chen Fan stopped him from drinking more. "Enough. If you get drunk, there won't be much fun. What else is planned for later?"
"It's a birthday, so of course, it's about eating, drinking, and having fun."
Li Qian smiled. "You continue eating. I'll bring some friends for you to meet. We can collaborate on some projects and make a fortune..."
"Alright, Li Qian," Wu Zhaoyang interjected, unable to watch any longer. "With me here, why do you need to introduce those irrelevant people? Go do what you need to do. I want to have a chat with Chen Zhuo."
Li Qian was not surprised and said apologetically, "Young Master Wu is right, it was indeed my overstep. Alright, if you need anything, just let me know."
Wu Zhaoyang waved his hand impatiently.
Chen Fan continued to eat while chatting with Wu Zhaoyang. After a while, he put down his chopsticks and decided to leave the restaurant with Wu Zhaoyang to find a place for tea and further conversation.
Fang Qiong, watching Chen Fan leave without giving her a second glance, felt a pang of sadness.
She knew that no matter how hard she tried to impress him, in the eyes of someone like Chen Fan, she was insignificant.
Hua Xiao, sitting beside her, noticed her expression and a mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips. "Little Qiong, let me introduce you. This is Young Master Guan. He and his friends are collaborating on a movie that's sure to be a hit. Quickly offer him a toast. Maybe there will be a role for you..."