“You know better than I do that Wen Qing hates your that stepmother of yours to the core. He came to me for a favor to capture that woman since he knew I have a wide network of contacts. However, the person in charge was inadequate in carrying out his task… and things happened. But anyway, it was not a big deal. It’s actually better that way since you and Wen Qing are not very fond of her.”
Gu Bei felt irritated with the atmosphere in the room was kind of tense. He thought perhaps it was because of the three women standing by the door. He called for the manager, “Get them out of here.”
The manager and a few of his subordinates led them out of the room.
Zong Jinghao arched a brow, his eyes were like bottomless whirlpools. “You sure are a remarkable man, Mr. Gu. The higher-ups are keeping a close eye these days as they try to crack down on gangs, but your business is going on as usual for you. You even dared kidnap a woman.”
“This is all done in Wen Qing’s favor. I did it in his place since his social status doesn’t allow him to do so.”
Gu Bei leaned on the sofa and turned to face him. “Are you really here today to have fun or…”
He wouldn’t have spilled the beans if he didn’t know about Zong Jinghao and Wen Qing’s relationship. He had given it much thought before he spoke since he knew things would get ugly.
He was also aware that he would be placed in a difficult position if Zong Jinghao were to find out the truth from Wen Qing.
“What do you think I’m here for?”
At that moment, Gu Bei was caught off guard as their eyes met. He smiled. “Of course you’re here to have some fun.”
“But you’ve disappointed me today.” Zong Jinghao swept his tongue over the front of his teeth. Then, he said in a casual manner, “It’s not like what it used to be these days. You’d better be careful, Mr. Gu. Don’t be duped.”
Gu Bei froze. “What do you mean?”
He felt like Zong Jinghao was implying something else.
Zong Jinghao stood up as Su Zhan and Shen Peichuan followed suit.
He said coldly, “Mr. Gu, it’s really not a big deal to kidnap someone. Do you think he wasn’t able to do it or he didn’t dare do it?”
Gu Bei narrowed his eyes. What does he mean by that?
Wen Qing has been using me?
“Mr. Zong, are you joking? He’s your uncle but you’re helping me instead? Do you think I will believe you?”
Is this a test since Wen Qing is his uncle?
At the moment, Gu Bei dared not believe Zong Jinghao’s words so easily. After all, he was on the same boat with Wen Qing, not Zong Jinghao.
“It’s up to you to believe me or not. I just couldn’t bear to see someone else being exploited again and still be in the dark about it.” He was clearly hinting on something else. “Well, thank you for your hospitality today, Mr. Gu.”
“It’s hardly hospitable since Mr. Zong didn’t have fun. Let me know in advance the next time you’re coming so that I can make sure everything is in order. I can promise you won’t be disappointed.”
Gu Bei wasn’t really paying attention as he pondered on Zong Jinghao’s words. It was obvious that he was trying to warn him if his words just now meant something else.
It was also weird to hear him use the word ‘again’. What does he mean? Is it that Wen Qing had exploited someone else before in the past without their knowledge?
“Mr. Zong, can you please explain it to me?” Gu Bei suddenly called out to Zong Jinghao, who was already at the door. He stood up and headed in his direction. “What inside information do you have?”
Zong Jinghao gave him a meaningful look. “Have you heard of what happened to Chen Qing?”
“Everyone in our circle knows about it even though they tried to cover it up. Losing everything at this age is just terrible…” However, Gu Bei quickly realized that something was amiss. Why did he mention Chen Qing all of a sudden?
“You mean to say Wen Qing has something to do with Chen Qing’s current predicament?”
Zong Jinghao flicked his collar and gave him a meaningful look. “I never said that. Please don’t cause more trouble for me, Mr. Gu.”
Gu Bei quickly figured out what was going on. He had been hesitant about spilling the truth since Wen Qing was his uncle. How could he put him down in public?
Su Zhan interjected just at the right moment, “Wen Qing is getting old and nosy these days. He even wanted to have a say in somebody else’s marriage. It’s so annoying that he’s abusing his authority as a senior.”
Su Zhan had figured out what was going on after listening in on the lengthy conversation between Zong Jinghao and Gu Bei. Zong Jinghao was trying to turn Gu Bei and Wen Qing against each other so that he could reap the benefits without moving a finger. He would then strike when both of them were worn out.
Zong Jinghao had already baited Gu Bei with Chen Qing, all he had to do now was to give Gu Bei a reason as to why Zong Jinghao would spill the beans lest he grew suspicious.
Zong Jinghao was irritated with Wen Qing for forcing him to marry. That was the reason why he revealed Wen Qing’s true colors to Gu Bei.
Zong Jinghao dissed Su Zhan, pretending to be upset. “No one asked for your opinion.”
Su Zhan lowered his head. “I’m just speaking the truth.”
“I apologize for acting up, Mr. Gu.”
Gu Bei laughed, “It’s okay. It’s pretty normal for you to be pressured to get married at your age. As your uncle, Wen Qing was just concerned about you. He means well. The matter is not worth causing a rift between the two of you.”
However, he didn’t mean what he just said. If what Su Zhan said was true, it was possible that Zong Jinghao was annoyed with Wen Qing for forcing him to marry.
Zong Jinghao had mentioned that Wen Qing was the one who caused Chen Qing’s current predicament. Although his actions were ruthless, it was still a possibility. After all, Zong Jinghao was known for being ruthless in their circle. He would get back on anyone who caused him to lose out.
Presumably, Wen Qing must have gone too far and infuriated him.
Gu Bei had everything figured out. He waited till Zong Jinghao left before he called for the manager.
Of course, he wouldn’t simply believe Zong Jinghao’s words without actual proof since he was not a three-year-old. He needed to get to the bottom of things himself in order to feel at ease.
“I need you to check out if Wen Qing had forced Zong Jinghao to marry, and also ask around to see if Wen Qing had anything to do with Chen Qing’s predicament.”
The manager nodded. “I’ll get down to it now.”
Gu Bei waved his hand impatiently, “Go on then.”
He was hoping everything Zong Jinghao said wasn’t true. It was…
He pondered about Wen Qing. Is he using me? Does he think I’m a pushover?
Zong Jinghao gave Shen Peichuan a look when they were out of the nightclub. “I’ll wait for you at the office.”
With that, he got into the car. Su Zhan was more of the nosy type as he shouldered Shen Peichuan, raised his chin to point at Sang Yu who was standing beside him and asked, “When did you guys meet? And why did you not tell us about it?”
“Just stop your nonsense. I’m just doing someone a favor,” Shen Peichuan glared at Su Zhan. “Are you not leaving?”
Su Zhan smiled. He sized Sang Yu up as he was walking towards his car and smacked his lips. She’s way too young for Shen Peichuan.
“Peichuan is still an innocent boy at heart even though he might look a little old. Be good to him.” Su Zhan gave Sang Yu a look.
