Chapter 8

At this hour, the night market was at its peak. Outdoor barbecue tables filled up as soon as they were cleared, and the noise rose steadily—low conversations were no longer audible.

After just over thirty minutes, Nie Jun said, “We should probably head back.”

There were three empty beer bottles at Hai Ming’s feet. He wasn’t drunk but nodded. “Let’s go.”

Nie Jun paid the bill, got him back to the guard room, then said he needed to stop by the delivery station downstairs to mail a package. He asked for an hour off.

Seeing that Nie Jun seemed even clearer-headed than himself, Hai Ming waved him off. “Go on, be quick.” He didn’t bother logging it on the leave sheet.

After riding out of the Kong estate, Nie Jun stopped at a stretch of road, parked the bike, and hailed a car to head back to the banquet he’d left earlier.

Outside the venue, bodyguards still patrolled constantly. Reporters with cameras were still camped out, and staff at the stairs were busy checking IDs for anyone who wanted to go in.

Nie Jun zipped up his jacket, took out his credentials, and walked straight up without glancing around.

A staff member stopped him politely. “May I see your ID, please?”

Nie Jun flashed his Kong family security badge. The person scanned it quickly, then pulled open the heavy glass door for him.

As expected, Ao Qingqing hadn’t left yet. She sat in the front row on the side of the runway, occasionally smiling and chatting with Ao Yongwang.

Nie Jun sat in a corner seat, keeping Ao Qingqing’s side of the room in his peripheral vision.

About twenty minutes later, the young man standing behind her—known as Xiao Lang—leaned down to say something to the person beside him, then quickly left.

A few seconds later, Nie Jun got up and followed in the same direction.

Xiao Lang walked straight into the restroom. After glancing around and seeing no one nearby, Nie Jun pushed the door open and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

His movements were quick and precise. As he walked further in, he pulled on a mask and a cap, the brim tugged low over his eyes.

Xiao Lang was standing at a urinal, tugging at his zipper. Just as he undid it, there was a sharp click—the lights went out. Before he could react, an arm hooked hard around his neck from behind, yanking him backward and dragging him into a stall in just a few steps.

“Mm!” Xiao Lang struggled violently.

He was tall, and in the scuffle, he slammed against the restroom door so hard it nearly knocked the partition loose.

Back during their fight the other day, Nie Jun had pinned him by the shoulder blades until he admitted defeat.

Now, with those injuries likely still unhealed, Nie Jun gripped his shoulder and shoved him firmly against the wall.

Xiao Lang let out a pained grunt and tried to speak, but Nie Jun grabbed his jaw before he could get a word out.

The pressure made it feel like his bones might crack; even a whimper couldn’t escape his throat.

Nie Jun spoke in a low, controlled voice. “What’s your relationship with Ao Qingqing?”

The moment Xiao Lang hesitated, Nie Jun’s hand tightened. The grinding of joints made a sound sharp enough to make teeth ache.

Xiao Lang nodded frantically in surrender. Nie Jun asked, “Are you two together?”

Xiao Lang managed a strained nod.

Nie Jun paused briefly, then continued. “She’s already engaged. You’re interfering in someone else’s relationship.”

Xiao Lang jerked slightly, and Nie Jun loosened his grip just enough for him to suck in a shaky breath. His chest heaved. “It’s just a political marriage. That’s not the same as interfering. Even if she’s married, whoever she wants to be with, she’ll be with… Who are you?”

Before he could finish, a heavy punch slammed into the side of his face.

Dazed, Xiao Lang slumped against the wall, struggling to catch his breath.

“Stay away from her,” Nie Jun warned.

“Why?”

“Because she’s someone else’s fiancée.” Nie Jun grabbed his elbow, twisted sharply until there was a loud crack, then said coldly, “If I catch you with her again, I’ll hit you again. Try me.”

The next morning brought perfect weather—clear skies with a soft, pleasant breeze.

Kong Wenyu was woken by his alarm. He lay there for a moment before answering an internal call from his secretary, who said the Ao family would arrive at nine.

Still not opening his eyes, Kong Wenyu frowned. “What for?”

The secretary reminded him, “Yesterday, you promised to hand them the contract. Last night, Mr. Ao tried to call you, but you must have already turned in for the night, so I told him you weren’t available.”

Kong Wenyu glanced at the clock—8:40—and his expression grew impatient. “Tell them I’m not here.”

The secretary, sounding exasperated, said, “If Mr. Ao doesn’t get the contract today, the next steps can’t move forward. Tomorrow, the contract will expire and become useless. Mr. Yu will want an explanation too—you personally agreed to this yesterday.”

Kong Wenyu thought back. It did seem like he had said that.

The secretary pressed again. “You’re engaged to Miss Ao. If you keep targeting the Ao family like this, outsiders will see it as a joke. Reporters are already speculating online that you and Miss Ao are breaking off the engagement.”

Kong Wenyu sighed. As he set the receiver down, he said, “Bring my clothes in.”

The secretary brought in the clothes that had already been prepared, then stepped out and waited in the hallway.

After washing up and changing, Kong Wenyu opened the door and saw the secretary still standing there, momentarily puzzled.

“Why are you waiting?” Kong Wenyu said. “Just take the contract to him directly.”

“?” The secretary looked a bit stunned. “You’re giving it to him that easily?”

Kong Wenyu had been adjusting his cuffs. At those words, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly into a faint curve. “Didn’t you just say it yourself? First, I can’t explain it to Yu Jiaduo otherwise, and second, we don’t want to give people something to laugh about.”

The secretary, after hesitating for a long time, finally said, “But… what about the two million?”

Kong Wenyu gave a short, mocking laugh. “I was just messing with him. Don’t take everything so seriously.”

The secretary nodded and followed him down the stairs.

Ao Yongwang had already been waiting on the living room sofa for a while. Hearing movement, he looked up, and finally, Kong Wenyu appeared on the staircase.

He had half-expected to see him coming down in pajamas. Seeing him fully dressed, even his hair neatly done, left him a little disappointed.

Kong Wenyu descended the stairs, sat across from him on the leather sofa, leaned back, crossed his legs, and rubbed his temple. “Check it.”

The secretary immediately placed the briefcase on the table, entered the code, opened it, and spread the thin two-page contract in front of Ao Yongwang.

Ao Yongwang glanced at the contract, then at Kong Wenyu. He hadn’t expected him to hand it over so easily and directly.

Kong Wenyu wore an expression that said he found this entire situation tiresome yet unavoidable. When his eyes lifted slightly, the corners tilted upward just a bit.

“Cash on the barrelhead,” he said.

The scene—and even his tone—called to mind that night’s negotiation table on the ship.

A faint scar still marked Ao Yongwang’s cheek. He looked at Kong Wenyu and asked, “Just woke up? Got a headache?”

Kong Wenyu dropped his hand, lifted his eyelids to look at him, studied him for a few seconds, then said, “Get to the point.”

“Are you anemic or something?” Ao Yongwang said. “You look a little pale.”

Kong Wenyu stood up to leave. Ao Yongwang quickly called after him: “Are you going to visit Auntie this afternoon? I’ll go with you.”

Kong Wenyu’s thin lips moved. “I’m not going.”

Ao Yongwang persisted. “Then when are you going? I’ll go with you.”

“Whenever I go, you’re not coming.” Kong Wenyu said flatly. “Check the contract. Take it today. If there’s any problem later, don’t come to me.”

Ao Yongwang faltered, then handed the contract to his own secretary.

After the secretary reviewed it, he gave Ao Yongwang a small nod.

Ao Yongwang shifted his gaze back to Kong Wenyu. “Are you busy today?”

“Very.” Kong Wenyu had no patience left. He stood up. “See them out.”

Secretary Ling stepped forward politely to escort Ao Yongwang.

Ao Yongwang, clearly used to this kind of treatment, didn’t budge. He kept his eyes on Kong Wenyu in the distance. “There’s something I need your opinion on.”

Kong Wenyu’s expression made it obvious he wasn’t the least bit interested. After watching him for a few seconds, Ao Yongwang finally said, “Last night after ten, Qingqing’s bodyguard was attacked and threatened in the restroom.”

Kong Wenyu looked exactly as indifferent as expected—as if the matter had nothing to do with him, even faintly giving off a ‘Can’t the Ao family even handle something this small?’ vibe. “Do you want me to investigate it for her?”

Before Ao Yongwang could reply, he added, “A bodyguard was attacked and threatened—does that really need investigating?”

Now Ao Yongwang couldn’t tell whether last night’s incident with Xiao Lang had been Kong Wenyu’s doing. He repeated, “Does it?”

“How would I know?” Kong Wenyu said with a short laugh. “Ao family bodyguards aren’t my bodyguards.”

Ao Yongwang looked at him for several seconds, then emphasized, “It was Ao Qingqing’s bodyguard.”

“I heard you,” Kong Wenyu said. “I’m not deaf.”

“…” Ao Yongwang was forced to press again. “Ao Qingqing is your fiancée.”

This time, Kong Wenyu frowned, clearly irritated by his endless repetition. “I know.”

Just then, Hai Ming entered silently and stood by the door. Right after him, Nie Jun came in as well, taking his place at the doorway.

Hai Ming was the team captain, and at the Kong residence he had his own designated quarters—a fully equipped three-bedroom apartment. If he wanted to bring family or friends to live with him, Kong Wenyu would tacitly allow it.

It made sense for him to show up here at this hour since his work schedule was relatively flexible: he only reported when there was a task. Otherwise, he was off duty. Routine guard duties were mostly handled by the A and B team leaders.

But Nie Jun had been on duty yesterday, went on a mission that night, came back late, and now—he was on duty again today?

Ao Yongwang’s gaze lingered briefly on Hai Ming before Kong Wenyu cleared his throat. “Those Ao family bodyguards should probably be replaced.”

His tone didn’t reveal whether he was mocking them, but the words themselves were undeniably sarcastic. Ao Yongwang’s smile faded. He lifted the teacup on the table, took a sip, and looked again at Hai Ming by the door.

Kong Wenyu glanced in that direction as well. “If there’s anything else, talk to my secretary.”

He turned to leave. Ao Yongwang quickly called out, “Wait!”

But Kong Wenyu was already heading for the stairs, clearly not intending to stop.

Ao Yongwang had no choice but to keep pressing. “Once this contract finishes its registration process, President Di wants to meet you—on his yacht. He’s hosting a private dinner.”

Kong Wenyu’s brow moved slightly, his expression unreadable.

“Finish what you start,” Ao Yongwang said, watching him. “He specifically asked to invite you. When are you free?”

Kong Wenyu rested a hand on the banister, glanced at him briefly, and then looked away. “Don’t know. Coordinate with my secretary.”

Ao Yongwang’s patience snapped. He shouted toward Kong Wenyu’s retreating back, “What on earth are you in such a rush for? I came here as a guest, and you’re just throwing me aside—do you even know what basic manners are, Kong Wenyu?”

Kong Wenyu let out a short laugh, waved a hand dismissively, and continued up the stairs, leaving the people in the living room behind.

He returned to his bedroom, collapsed onto the bed, and fell back asleep.

When he woke again, it was already ten in the morning. There were a few messages from his secretary:

• 9:00 a.m.: Mr. Ao hasn’t left. He’s still in the living room.

• 9:30 a.m.: Mr. Ao has left.

Kong Wenyu called the guard room. Hai Ming answered, and a few minutes later, he arrived outside the bedroom, knocking softly twice.

“Come in,” Kong Wenyu said.

Hai Ming stepped inside but stayed a bit farther from the bed. He began, “After we left the banquet last night, we didn’t go back. Regarding Miss Ao’s bodyguard being assaulted, I contacted the banquet hall’s owner. He said all of that night’s surveillance footage has already been taken by the Ao family. There’s no backup.”

Kong Wenyu looked at him. Hai Ming asked, “Do you want me to investigate?”

“What’s that got to do with me?” Kong Wenyu replied. “Let the Ao family handle their own problems.”

Hai Ming reminded him, “Miss Ao is your fiancée.”

After being reminded of that yet again, Kong Wenyu frowned. His expression was even more impatient than it had been downstairs with Ao Yongwang. “Then make it look like we’re doing something.”

Seeing his bad mood, Hai Ming closed his mouth and didn’t press further.

“What’s Ao Yongwang trying to imply?” Kong Wenyu muttered irritably. “That I ordered someone to beat up their bodyguard?”

“Possibly,” Hai Ming said.

“If I wanted to hit someone, I’d hit him directly. Why would I bother with Ao Qingqing’s bodyguard?” Kong Wenyu pinched the bridge of his nose, thought for a moment, then said, “Go look into it.”

He opened his eyes, paused briefly, and added, “Ao Yongwang must have something in his hands that he thinks ties me to it. Otherwise, why would he show up here first thing in the morning just to get chewed out?”