Chapter 62: In the Face of Interests

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Zheng Xiaolin replied awkwardly, “Miss Wang, it’s my first day at work today. I haven’t offended you!”

“You haven’t offended me, but have you not offended your own conscience? If I were just a struggling drifter, would you have made such a fuss over this? Don’t think I’m unaware of your calculations. That’s all I have to say on the matter—take it as you will.”

Wang Wenyu had originally intended to help Jiang Fan inquire about his senior brother, but asking for information is still asking for a favor. Seeing Zheng Xiaolin’s apparent enthusiasm, tinged with a desire to ingratiate himself, she felt a strong aversion to further contact with such people, and the thought of seeking his help vanished from her mind.

Dafeng still held some sway in Baisha. Chen Anlong and Zheng Xiaolin were not only well acquainted but could easily be described as birds of a feather.

Yet, for fear that Wang Wenyu might pursue the matter, Chen Anlong was brought into the security team. Although, unlike those lacking temporary permits, he wasn’t locked in the large holding room, Zheng Xiaolin also didn’t dare invite him to the captain’s office for tea. Instead, he arranged for him to rest temporarily in the night-duty room used by the team leaders.

Once Wang Wenyu and Jiang Fan left the security team, Zheng Xiaolin then invited Chen Anlong into the captain’s office.

After sitting alone in a room since morning, Chen Anlong felt not only stifled but deeply humiliated.

As soon as he entered the office, he vented his frustration on Zheng Xiaolin. “Captain Zheng, I see the new broom sweeps clean—with me as your first sweep. I’ve learned my lesson.”

Zheng Xiaolin hurried to pour Chen Anlong a cup of premium Tieguanyin tea, feigning innocence as he complained, “Boss Chen, this really wasn’t my fault. You know, my cousin Zheng Xiaomao got into trouble with that woman and ended up inside. How could I dare stir up any waves at a time like this? I hope you understand.

“Later, I’ll call a few friends, and we’ll find a place to have a few drinks together. Consider it my way of making amends, all right?”

Given the policy of protecting investors, unless it’s a major incident, not just the security team, even the police wouldn’t dare touch an investor like Chen Anlong lightly.

Jiang Fan had been injured at the security team, and because of Wang Wenyu’s involvement, the town knew she was sent by Uncle Liang. Everyone was paying close attention, and as the situation escalated, more of Zheng Xiaomao’s issues came to light.

For those in the department, a security team post in the villages was a cushy assignment. The previous officer stationed there was a confidant of Lu Fuen and had his own share of problems, but Lu Fuen managed to minimize the fallout, transferring him to gate duty and at least saving his job.

Having dealt with the matter swiftly and strictly, Lu Fuen dared not be careless any longer. Not only did he instruct the newly assigned officers to keep a close eye on Wang Wenyu’s safety in Baisha, but he also personally warned the newly appointed Zheng Xiaolin to give Wang Wenyu special protection whenever she was in Baisha.

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That was why, when Wang Wenyu drove a police car into Baisha, the patrolling security team immediately set their sights on her.

Today, the security team had called in Chen Anlong only because the matter involved Wang Wenyu; what began as a minor incident escalated and required a show of resolve. Yet, the department didn’t want to handle such a hot potato directly, so they instructed the security team to take the lead, leaving themselves room for maneuver.

Chen Anlong knew well enough he wasn’t a pushover—if he ever landed in trouble, the security team could also help cover it up.

Birds of a feather must rely on each other. Seeing Zheng Xiaolin apologize, Chen Anlong weighed his options, then feigned magnanimity. “Remember, you owe me a favor. Today’s been unlucky, and I’m not in the mood for drinks. Next time.”

Zheng Xiaolin escorted Chen Anlong out of the security team and personally drove him back a mile to the Dafeng factory on a security motorcycle, restoring some of his dignity.

Chen Anlong didn’t even step into the factory gate. Instead, he called a few drinking buddies and instructed his driver to head to "Happy Together" for some comfort.

After getting into the car, he brought out his bulky mobile phone and called the hotel. His arrogance returned as he said, “Reserve a VIP room for me. Write the booking under Hao Ma’s name.”

A sweet, coquettish voice answered on the line, “Boss Chen, I’m sorry, but Ms. Hao has been promoted to vice president and no longer needs to reserve rooms.”

“Then book it under Ms. Wang’s name.”

Hanging up, Chen Anlong sneered to himself, “A few days away from ‘Happy Together’ and it seems the black hen has turned into a phoenix.”

Four days earlier, the Taiwanese-invested hotel "Memorable Nights" in Houjie had just opened, boasting a new hotel, new mamasans, and new hostesses—enough to capture Chen Anlong’s attention and his business these past days.

When Wang Fang learned that Chen Anlong had reserved a room for her, she waited at the hotel door well in advance.

As soon as his car arrived, Wang Fang opened the door for him, fawning, “Boss Chen, you look so radiant these days—surely something wonderful has happened.”

Having spent most of the day at the security team, when Wang Fang complimented him on his good fortune, Chen Anlong felt as though she were mocking him. His face darkened and he snapped, “Wonderful, is it? Tell Hao Meng to come to my room.”

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Her attempt to flatter met with a rebuke. Seeing Chen Anlong in a foul mood, Wang Fang rolled her eyes discreetly and dared not say more. She simply followed him to the private room, intending to arrange the hostess as he required.

Seething with anger, Chen Anlong noticed Wang Fang tagging along instead of going to call Hao Meng as he’d instructed. Petty as ever, he assumed she was slighting him and exploded, “I told you to get her! Are you deaf?”

No matter how thick-skinned a woman might be, being yelled at in public by a man is always painful. Tears shimmered in Wang Fang’s eyes as she explained softly, “Vice President Hao is busy right now. Several other bosses have been waiting in line to drink with her. She really can’t come at the moment.”

Blinded by rage, Chen Anlong forgot that Hao Meng was Jiang Fan’s friend and didn’t stop to consider why she’d been promoted from mamasan to vice president so quickly. He cursed without thinking, “What? A whore, and people have to line up to drink with her?”

In the next room, Chen Sheng was entertaining guests when he heard Chen Anlong’s furious shouting.

A hotel’s purpose is to ensure guests’ enjoyment; any dispute can damage its reputation. The two men were friends, and Chen Sheng would usually overlook anything that didn’t affect the hotel’s standing. Even when Zhu Bing assaulted Hao Meng in a private room, Chen Sheng hadn’t pursued it. But when the hotel’s good name was at stake, it became personal.

Hearing Chen Anlong berate Wang Fang as deaf in front of everyone, Chen Sheng was already angry. Now, hearing him call Vice President Hao a whore, he was not only truly furious but also deeply alarmed.

He stormed out of the private room and confronted Chen Anlong, his voice harsh, “Boss Chen, this is my hotel. You insult my staff in public—are you trying to humiliate me?”

Seeing his old friend upset, Chen Anlong lowered his voice in explanation, “Brother, I’m just in a bad mood today. I asked Wang Ma to fetch Hao Meng, but she didn’t move, so I lost my temper and forgot myself. My voice was a bit loud.”

To distance himself, Chen Sheng stated plainly, “I heard you call Vice President Hao a whore just now. You owe her an explanation. Otherwise, not only are we no longer friends, but you won’t be leaving ‘Happy Together’ tonight either.”