Lian Qing’s tailored suit accentuated his fit physique, his fair fingers deftly tying a perfect knot in his tie. Satisfied with his reflection, he clipped on his tie bar, checked his watch, and was ready to leave.
But just as he finished putting on his shoes, a video call came through.
“Xiao Lian, what are you up to?” The screen revealed a familiar face—one of Lian Qing’s mischievous friends, still groggy from sleep. “Wanna come hang out with me?”
Lian Qing didn’t even look at him, simply adjusting his tie. “No, I’m busy.”
His friend clicked his tongue. “Alright, so our Xiao Lian’s a busy man now.”
Lian Qing gave him a glare. “Call me ‘Xiao Lian’ again, and I’ll whack you with my shoe next time we meet.”
The friend laughed, seeing him dressed formally. “Oh, finally wearing something proper? Seriously, if you wore that old tank top again, we’d start thinking you have some weird obsession.”
“Get lost,” Lian Qing snapped.
Seeing it was just a casual call, he ended it and left, stepping into the car waiting outside.
As soon as he got in, his phone vibrated—a different device this time, reserved for important messages.
Glancing at the screen, his frown deepened. He thought of the person he was about to meet and tucked the phone away, planning to speak in person.
The car moved smoothly, the city lights flickering on. Tonight’s event was a major business banquet, hence the formal attire.
Since Fang Lin’s true identity was exposed, Lian Qing had fallen into a slump, wallowing in self-pity. Add to that Fang Yangzhou’s unexpected confession, and he had nearly broken down.
To keep Fang Yangzhou at a distance, Lian Qing had been sloppy, even showing up to see Pei Yusheng in slippers. Yet, in the process, most of his resentment dissipated, and he gradually regained his composure, abandoning childish antics.
Once he recovered, he threw himself back into work. Tonight’s banquet was to meet several business partners. Though he had been down for a while, he was far from inexperienced in such settings.
Moreover, the host was none other than his older brother, Pei Yusheng. Lian Qing was genuinely impressed—despite having stayed longer in S City previously, within a year, Pei Yusheng was already introducing him to valuable connections.
The banquet went smoothly. Guests praised Pei Yusheng, and Lian Qing managed to discuss business with a few partners over a few drinks.
Lian Qing’s tolerance for alcohol was average, and he paced himself carefully. Pei Yusheng, however, drank considerably. At such events, all eyes were on him, and though he handled it gracefully, multiple toasts here and there accumulated, leaving Lian Qing slightly awestruck.
If it were him, he would have been drunk long ago.
Once there was a lull, Lian Qing found a moment to speak to Pei Yusheng privately.
“Second Brother, are you alright? You’ve had quite a few drinks.”
Pei Yusheng waved it off, signaling he was fine. His expression remained steady, face clear, and mind alert.
Lian Qing hesitated. Should he reveal the news he had received before coming?
Noticing his unease, Pei Yusheng glanced at him. “What’s wrong?”
Seeing Pei Yusheng sober, he looked around to ensure privacy and said, “There’s some movement in City B.”
Pei Yusheng’s brow furrowed. Only one person could be involved in this matter.
“Uncle,” Lian Qing admitted.
Pei Yusheng had severed ties with the Pei family, limiting his ability to monitor them. Matters concerning Pei Xiaolin could not be shared with outsiders, so he entrusted his closest allies—including Lian Qing—to keep an eye on Pei Xiaolin’s actions.
Hearing this, Pei Yusheng’s expression darkened.
“This isn’t really a place to discuss details,” Lian Qing added. “Let’s wait until after the banquet to find a more suitable spot.”
Pei Yusheng nodded.
The banquet ended, and after parting ways with several business partners, Lian Qing went to the hotel’s side entrance, where Pei Yusheng’s car awaited.
He got in the back seat and found Pei Yusheng making a call.
“You’re at the club already? What time did you get there?”
His tone was calmer, softer than earlier.
“I might be a little late. Have fun; I’ll pick you up later.”
Judging by his expression, Lian Qing knew he was speaking to his younger companion.
Though Lian Qing already knew about their relationship, he still felt a touch of wonder. It was rare to hear his Second Brother speak this way—so much gentleness, so different from when he spoke to Aunt Pei.
But this message… this was trickier.
Pei Uncle’s action in City B was ultimately targeting Qi Jii. Having grown up alongside Pei Yusheng, Lian Qing feared not his own father, but Pei Xiaolin, whom he rarely saw. The thought of Pei Xiaolin arranging a match for Pei Yusheng, then learning about a same-sex relationship… it gave him a headache.
Still, it wasn’t the time to go into details. After Pei Yusheng finished his call, Lian Qing restrained his emotions and asked, “Second Brother, where are we going?”
Better to find a quieter place—Pei Xiaolin had been known to install surveillance.
Pei Yusheng gave an address. Lian Qing had never heard of it but followed without question.
Upon arrival, he realized it was a high-end bar, likely owned by an ally.
Though crowded and lively with the night crowd, servers immediately guided them to a private second-floor room, presenting fine bottles of liquor before discreetly leaving.
Once the room was quiet, Lian Qing relayed what he had learned.
Unlike the young and fit Pei Yusheng, Pei Xiaolin’s recovery from insomnia was slow. With Xu Yunxi busy, progress was delayed, and Pei Xiaolin grew more stubborn in her absence. He wanted total control—over everything, including his children.
Pei Yusheng’s defiance made him a thorn in Pei Xiaolin’s side. As soon as his condition improved slightly, he secretly investigated Pei Yusheng and discovered the assets transferred to Qi Jii, naturally turning his attention there.
Throughout Lian Qing’s briefing, Pei Yusheng sipped steadily, one glass after another, alarming Lian Qing.
When Lian Qing felt the urge to advise caution, Pei Yusheng simply shook his head, gesturing for him to continue. After finishing, Lian Qing excused himself to the restroom.
Returning and entering the room with the door code, he heard movement inside.
“Why did you come personally?” Pei Yusheng’s voice sounded. “Wasn’t it enough to have someone deliver the message?”
Lian Qing assumed it was another friend helping with Pei Xiaolin’s matters and stepped in without concern.
Then he froze.
A few steps ahead, standing before Pei Yusheng, was none other than the cold, formidable Third Master of the Fang family—Fang Yangzhou.
It had been a long time since Lian Qing had seen him, long enough that he hardly recognized him with glasses. But the icy demeanor remained, even amplified, making anyone nearby feel a chill.
Lian Qing, casual by nature, disliked such cold personalities, and coupled with their unpleasant past, instinctively took a step back.
Fang Yangzhou’s gaze darkened at the movement.
Pei Yusheng broke the silence, rubbing his temple. “I forgot to tell Yangzhou you’d be here. He happened to be nearby, so he brought the message himself.”
Fang Yangzhou glanced at Lian Qing, then restrained his gaze.
“I’ll go first,” he said coldly, voice like a clear mountain spring over ice. “Let’s coordinate online.”
Lian Qing frowned, shocked, and a little awkward. Yet regardless, Fang Yangzhou had come to deliver intelligence to Second Brother.