Chapter 208: Chapter 208: Underwater Needle (third update, seeking monthly votes)

“`

Yuan Huapeng knew quite a bit about Feng Jun, especially Zhang Weihong from Hongjie, who had even dined with Xu Leigang. He had heard about this person through his gossip.

Thus, he knew that this cold and stunning woman was not only Feng Jun’s former boss but is now Master Feng’s business partner.

As for what the relationship between the two actually was, Yuan Huapeng didn’t want to rack his brains about it; he only needed to know that he should show the necessary courtesies to the other party, and that was enough.

Upon hearing his words, Sister Hong turned her head to look at him with a hint of surprise and asked, “From the Imperial Capital?”

The language of the Imperial Capital is easy to learn yet difficult to master, mastering a decent accent isn’t hard, but to nail the authentic Imperial Capital drawl—oily but not greasy, with a touch of arrogance amid the ruffian vibe—is truly no easy feat.

While Gao Qiang and Yuan Huapeng both spoke with an Imperial Capital accent, Zhang Weihong had the talent to identify that Third Master Yuan was the real deal from the Imperial Capital.

“Yes,” Yuan Huapeng said languidly as he stood up, extending his hand with a smile, “My surname is Yuan, just call me Yuan San. I am very pleased to meet Master Feng’s former boss and current business partner… Director Zhang, I’ve long admired your reputation.”

Zhang Weihong paused for a moment before reaching out her hand for a light shake, “How much have you guys drunk?”

“Not too much, just drinking tea to sober up,” Yuan Huapeng replied with a smile, “Director Zhang, you should show some concern for Master Feng. He’s drunk much more than we have.”

“He’s now my major client,” Sister Hong said lightly, then turning her head towards Xia Xiaoyu, she smiled and said, “Xiaoyu, are you having a disagreement with President Feng?”

“I wasn’t close with him to begin with,” Xia Xiaoyu spread her hands helplessly.

Seeing her best friend struggling, Yu Qingzhu blinked and in a voice that was neither too light nor too heavy, muttered, “This Hongjie Clubhouse… why does it sound so familiar to me?”

In truth, she was all too familiar with the name “Sister Hong from Hongjie Clubhouse,” nearly to the point of calluses forming on her ears; she was only pretending to be unaware.

Sister Hong had already recognized the girl in the yellow shirt as someone from the group they had encountered previously, and without a doubt, she should be a Yu.

But she was also a good actor, not deliberately initiating contact, only upon hearing this did she measure up the other with a glance, eyes lighting up, revealing a face full of delighted surprise, “Oh, it’s you! I really am sorry about last time… I wasn’t there.”

Yu Qingzhu blinked in suspicion, “If you weren’t there, how could you recognize me?”

You’re not trying to cozy up to me because you’ve recognized who I am, are you?

Just as Sister Hong was about to speak, a rapid approach of footsteps was heard not far away.

Everyone turned their heads to see Feng Jun approaching swiftly, wrapped in a trench coat, and holding a handbag.

When he saw everyone looking at him, he raised his hand in greeting and said with a smile, “I drank a bit too much, need to rest at home… carry on without me.”

After saying that, he left in a hurry, without glancing at anyone else again.

“Hey,” Yuan Huapeng initially wanted to stop him but ultimately resignedly lowered his hand, “Why did he leave just like that?”

Sister Hong, however, seemed unconcerned, and responded smilingly to Yu Qingzhu, “Our club has video surveillance.”

Yu Qingzhu felt a slight blush come over her; she was confident in her intelligence and hadn’t expected to fall short on such basic knowledge.

So she simply changed the subject, “This Feng Jun… is he like this at Hongjie too?”

The group chattered on for a bit, and when Sister Hong heard that Xu Leigang was also in the private room, she immediately expressed that, since no one was a stranger, she would go and toast everyone in a bit.

Yuan Huapeng didn’t think too much of it. As someone from the Imperial Capital and part of the second generation, he was often fawned upon when going to lower provinces and cities and had grown accustomed to it.

However, if Feng Junruo had been present, he would surely find it odd. Although Sister Hong was known to be sociable and well-connected, with her pride, she wouldn’t normally be so obliging towards Xu Leigang.

And then everyone dispersed, returning to their respective groups.

Sister Hong also returned, sitting next to a middle-aged elite man, but their chairs were at least a foot and a half apart.

Seeing her return, the man smiled and said, “Sister Hong’s acquaintances are all beauties, as expected. Beautiful women always flock together.”

“Hmm,” Sister Hong hummed absently, sipping from her glass, her gaze drifting.

In fact, she had long known the truth about that day, but in order not to let Feng Jun find out she had pretended to be wooed, she certainly had to feign a bit of indignation.

Yet, once some things start, they become hard to stop. Having rejected Feng Jun’s invitation twice, she suddenly realized she had grown fond of this feeling—not rejecting for the sake of rejection, but in anticipation of the next invitation.

Of course, the next time, she would still reject him, then look forward to the invitation after that.

Lost in thought, she felt as though she had returned to those green and youthful years—coquettishly rejecting someone she fancied, brimming with sweetness to savor for many, many days.

Unfortunately, after persisting for a while, Feng Jun gave up inviting her.

“`

Sister Hong understood him, really understood him. In this era of fast-food relationships, he had already done quite well. For many people, the explanation was limited to one attempt — “I tried to explain. Whether you listen or not, that’s your business; my conscience is clear.”

For several consecutive days, the two of them had not been in contact, and she originally thought she could gradually let go of the matter.

Until, inadvertently, she saw him in the restaurant.

If it were only him, it might have been fine, but she also saw a little girl — that Xia Xiaoyu. Sister Hong was clearer than anyone about the feelings Xia Xiaoyu harbored for Feng Jun.

It was hard to tell what her intentions were, but she went up to greet them anyway, under the guise of bringing the two together.

Feng Jun wanted to take her home, but she insisted on refusing, even telling him that she was accompanying a client.

As for why Feng Jun wanted to rush back home, she could guess the reason: jealousy.

However, there had been no commitment between them; Feng Jun had no right to control her and, given his pride, he certainly wouldn’t deign to express his jealousy. Thus, he could only choose to hurriedly leave, out of sight, out of mind.

For some reason, she truly enjoyed this feeling; it was intoxicating.

But the next moment, another question presented itself: how long could this wonderful feeling last?

Sister Hong was always very confident, but the girl from the Yu Family today had really made her feel ashamed.

She had noticed from the video before that the girl was very beautiful, but it wasn’t until she saw her in person that she realized the kind of breathtaking beauty she possessed.

If she were ten years younger, she would dare to compete, even if the odds of winning were slim, but she was confident she could claim the title of “peerless in their own season.”

Before, she had always felt that her current age was the best time for a woman, having shed the greenness yet possessing graceful poise. But compared to this girl from the Yu Family, she truly understood what it meant to be unbeatable in youth.

She sighed deeply: Not jealous of your beauty and charm, I only envy your youth.

That little guy, if he continued to roam in society, would surely meet many girls of this caliber, right?

After another three to five years, after he had thoroughly become intoxicated among the flowers, would he still remember a woman called “Sister Hong,” with whom he had a wild night?

She really wasn’t reconciled. Lifting her hand to rub her temples, she suddenly realized that a middle-aged man was waving his hand in front of her, “Sister Hong… Sister Hong?”

She glanced at him, speaking blandly, “You talk. I’m listening.”

The middle-aged man smiled shyly, “That girl in the yellow clothes just now, could you introduce me to her?”

“You?” Sister Hong couldn’t help but shake her head and laugh, “Xiao Niu, save it… You’d be torn apart.”

“Heh, really?” The man called Xiao Niu smiled faintly, seemingly unconvinced.

But his appearance and demeanor were indeed great. He was less sharp than Feng Jun but had an added touch of scholarly grace, and at just over thirty, he was at the most charming age for a man.

He was very confident, so he asked for the next best thing, “Then can you tell me her name and background?”

Sister Hong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, a stunningly beautiful smile, “Xiao Niu, you’re bold. Here’s what: tidy yourself up and go to Macau tomorrow to relax.”

Xiao Niu’s face turned pale in an instant, “Sister Hong, don’t scare me. I’m faint-hearted.”

Still with a cheerful smile, Sister Hong retorted, “Faint-hearted? I think you’ve got a big enough nerve to make a fortune in Macau.”

“Fine, I’ll stop asking, okay?” Xiao Niu surrendered, raising both hands, “For the sake of me helping you with business, can you spare me just this once?”

Sister Hong’s smile faded as she gave him a cold glance, “Don’t think you can travel the world and freeload off your pretty boy looks, there are too many people you can’t afford to offend… I’m considered reasonable.”

Seeing her angry, Xiao Niu actually breathed a sigh of relief. Sister Hong had this habit: when she was angry with you, it meant everything was alright, at worst you’d be scolded.

The word in the underworld went, a giggling Sister Hong was the most terrifying.

Sister Hong wasn’t interested in entertaining him any longer; she took out her mobile phone, opened WeChat, and chose the voice call option.

The call connected quickly, with a man on the other end slurring his words, “Sister Hong, hello, wait a moment… I’ll come out and toast you right away.”

“I’ve had a bit too much, don’t feel like drinking,” Sister Hong said indifferently, “Lei Gang, take me home.”

Xu Leigang’s frustration came through the phone loud and clear, “Sister Hong, I’ve also had quite a bit, and there are relatives here.”

Sister Hong countered righteously, “Then in the middle of the night, you expect me, a woman, to go home alone?”

(Third installment to amuse, wishing everyone a happy Lunar New Year, great luck in the Year of the Dog, prosperous times ahead, and double joy in all things.)