Chapter 299
"Okay, then send it to me via text message. I'm still eating here, so I'll have to talk to you later."
"Okay, okay, thank you, Mister Zhongli!"
A moment later, his phone started buzzing. Shi Lei unlocked the screen to check his messages, confirmed the time and place for their meeting the next day, and then put the phone away.
January 6, 5 PM, Room 404, Hatton Hotel.
He vaguely remembered that this was the location where the leader of the Cat Gang had been captured. Because of that incident, the entire hotel was closed for several months for renovations.
While not the top-tier hotel in Lungmen, it's not bad either. Generally speaking, it's above average.
Seeing Exusiai, Exusiai asked with a chuckle:
"Zhongli, what did the governor say? Where are we going to eat tomorrow? Can we bring one more person?"
"It wasn't the governor who called, it was his secretary. As for the size of the banquet and whether guests can bring people, I didn't ask and I don't know. If you really want to go, then go. I don't think they'll try to drive you away."
Texas knew the inside story and felt her friend was being a bit inconsiderate. She could understand her wanting to eat and drink to her heart's content, but there were limits to how much she could freeload.
"Exusiai, what do you want to eat? I'll go to the supermarket tomorrow and buy it for you. He met with the Governor to discuss serious business, why are you going along to join in?"
Sensing that the atmosphere was getting a bit awkward, Exusiai casually grabbed a bottle of beer and started laughing it off:
"Oh, it's because we're happy for our great hero and want to help him share the burden."
Seeing that Shi Lei didn't react emotionally to the teasing about being a "great hero," Exusiai quickly slipped away to the Rhodes Island table to continue her drinking contest.
The barbecue lasted an hour and a half, and everyone was full and satisfied.
Scout, Frostleaf, and the others wanted to pay the bill, but Texas beat them to it. The owner initially insisted on not taking the money, but after she revealed her true colors, he decided to accept it out of consideration.
"Doctor Zhong, thank you so much for your hospitality."
"I'll look for you again to cooperate in the future if I have the opportunity."
After saying goodbye to the Rhodes Island Operator, Shi Lei and the others drove or took a taxi back to Taiheng Road to rest.
Many people were tired from guarding the border checkpoints today, so they didn't play mahjong tonight and went to sleep early.
January 6, 1097, 8:30 AM
.
Shi Lei didn't need to sleep at night; he stayed up all night reading. The next morning, Texas and Exusiai got up, had breakfast, and then went to work together.
The three of them took the elevator as usual and went to the top floor of the building. As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw a row of bouquets of flowers with dew on them near the entrance.
"Haha, I bet it's for Zhongli."
Exusiai ran over with a smile, picked up the card from among the flowers, quickly read it, and handed it to her:
"Here, this really is for you."
Shi Lei reached out and took the card, flipped through it, and then picked up a new card to examine. This one mostly contained polite expressions of gratitude, with no valuable information.
Seeing him swipe his card to enter the company and make no move to accept the flowers, Exusiai asked with some curiosity:
"So many flowers, you don't want any of them?"
"No need, take it yourself if you want it."
Shi Lei had never met the deliveryman, so even if he wanted to return it, he couldn't. He simply left it at the door and ignored it.
"You said it yourself."
Exusiai bent down to examine the flowers and ultimately selected a few of the most vibrant blooms. She placed them in the vase next to the water dispenser, replacing the existing flowers in the vase.
Croissant arrived at the company shortly after. Seeing so many flowers, she felt as if she were seeing wealth.
After obtaining Shi Lei's consent, she accepted the flowers, intending to sell them on the street at noon and in the afternoon. Since bouquets of flowers were difficult to sell, she would break them up and sell them to passersby at a lower price.
After starting work at nine o'clock, I didn't receive any calls from people asking for help. Everyone was used to it by now and just went about their own business.
After 10 o'clock, the boss arrived at the company. Seeing the employees safely seated at their workstations, he didn't say much. He returned to his office and continued his music research.
Admittedly, the Emperor had repeatedly complained that Shi Lei and the others didn't include him when they did crazy things. But yesterday's infected riot really did kill its interest.
When the Emperor was in command in Sargon, he had witnessed the Witch King using infected people as fuel.
Fighting these weaklings brings no sense of accomplishment, and one feels no regret even if one doesn't participate.
Shi Lei was preparing for the banquet when he asked his boss if he could leave half an hour earlier that afternoon. Texas also asked for leave, offering to drive him there.
The Emperor had seen the television program and knew where they were going, so he readily approved the leave request.
It doesn't care at all what that old guy Wei Yenwu might do to his employees. Shi Lei has made it clear that he will not leave Penguin Logistics and that it's impossible for him to be poached.
After 10:30, the company's front desk began to receive flowers and fruit baskets, all specifically for Zhongli.
Shi Lei wasn't interested and asked the deliveryman to return it. But the deliveryman said he had already paid and couldn't get a refund.
In the end, he gave all the flowers to the croissants, Croissant everyone to help themselves to the fruit. He added that the fruit, of dubious origin, had to be washed thoroughly to avoid getting something tainted.
At 4:30 p. m., Shi Lei began packing up his things at his workstation, preparing to leave early.
Exusiai ate so much fruit today that she was stuffed, and with a satisfied burp, she waved goodbye to him and Texas.
After leaving the company, the two drove to the Hatton Hotel. It's unclear who leaked the information, but a large number of media outlets were already waiting outside the hotel.
Shi Lei glanced through the car window at the hotel entrance and saw the members of the Lungmen Guard Department maintaining order. He immediately realized that most of these media outlets were there to follow Wei Yenwu.
"Look, Zhongli is here!"
The hero publicly praised by the Longmen Governor suddenly became incredibly popular overnight. He became a hot topic for all the major newspapers, entertainment magazines, and television stations in Lungmen.
Upon seeing the flash of light, Texas suddenly realized she would be appearing in the newspaper alongside Shi Lei, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.
"Hurry up and go up, big star. Remember to call me when you're leaving."
"Um."
Shi Lei pushed open the car door and got out. Under the cover of the Lungmen Guard Department members, he entered the Hatton Hotel.
Just yesterday, only those in the legitimate and criminal worlds knew of his reputation in Lungmen. But after Wei Yenwu's actions, now everyone in the entire Upper City knows who he is.
Public attention is like spilled water; it's too late to go back to what it was before.
Ultimately, these are nothing more than underhanded tactics. Since the media has already said everything, good or bad, as long as he doesn't show any aversion, it's all thanks to the Longmen Governor. If he does show any disgust, he can immediately distance himself and avoid any responsibility whatsoever.
Shi Lei arrived at room 404 and pushed open the door.
[Note: Because the literal and implied meanings of official language differ, the terms in parentheses below refer to subtext.]
When Wei Yenwu saw him arrive, he stood up with a beaming smile. He greeted him and introduced him:
"Oh dear, Mr. Zhong, please have a seat. You're not from Lungmen, so you probably don't know..."
"You're from out of town, you don't understand a lot."
"The signature dishes at Hatton Hotel are absolutely amazing, better than many other restaurants. If you're not a foodie with decades of experience, you'd never find this place."
"I've worked my way up in Lungmen for many years."
Shi Lei observed the other person with great interest, while also noticing that Wei Yenwu was also observing him:
"I only found out you were treating people to dinner yesterday when I saw it on TV. I had no idea what was going on."
"You organized this whole thing, so just admit it."
Upon hearing this, Wei Yenwu's eyes flickered slightly. He then opened a bottle of fine wine and poured a full glass.
"If my subordinates fail to complete their tasks, I, as their leader, also bear some responsibility. Sometimes, due to various reasons, I may indeed be powerless to change things..."
"I was forced to resort to these methods because of your brother's situation."
"It's good that you came; all that work wasn't for nothing. If I've caused you any trouble, I'll punish myself with three drinks!"
"The methods don't matter, as long as the person is there. I'll give you a way out, and we can continue talking."
Before Shi Lei could reply, Wei Yenwu downed three glasses of wine. He looked quite happy, with a cheerful expression.
What, is this a punishment or a reward?
After three cups of wine, Wei Yenwu let out a satisfied sound. He noticed that Shi Lei hadn't touched his chopsticks, and grinned with an approachable smile.
"Zhongli, although we've known each other for a long time, we haven't spent much time together..."
"I know we're not close yet, so it's normal for you to be wary; I understand."
"You'll understand once you spend more time with them..."
"But we have opportunities to collaborate in the future."
"I'm a very family-oriented person. I usually stay at home and rarely interact with outsiders..."
"I've focused all my energy on the construction of Lungmen. I haven't had much contact with you, please forgive me."
"Besides, I'm getting old, and I've long lost the desire to conquer the outside world. I just want to stay in my little corner of the world and not cause any trouble."
"I don't want to expand outwards right now, but I also don't want you two brothers to expand to Lungmen."
Shi Lei understood the meaning behind the words and knew that the Longmen Governor was talking about something very cryptic.
There were no outsiders present, yet he dared not speak frankly. This suggests that there might be surveillance equipment installed in the room. Was Wei Yenwu planning to record today's conversation and present it to the Great Yan Emperor for decision-making?
"Hehe, Your Excellency. So it seems we do have quite a few things in common."
"It's not that serious, we can still talk."
"I'm a sentimental person. I joined Penguin Logistics when I was down on my luck and I'm still with the company now. I have a deep affection for Lungmen and don't want to go to another place."
"I'm on Lungmen's side."
Wei Yenwu's eyes flickered upon hearing this; he had long known that Zhongli was no ordinary person. He used the act of picking up food to buy himself a moment, then began to reminisce about the past:
"Speaking of which, Lin Gerei and I extended an olive branch to you two years ago, but unfortunately it didn't work out..."
I tried to recruit you before, but I failed.
"He told me at the time, 'You are a very promising talent...'"
"You are very strong."
"And they have experience as Messenger..."
"They have the Emperor's backing."
"He's probably destined for great things, which makes me give up on that idea..."
"If they won't join the official organization, I'll give up."
"Who would have thought that in less than two years, you would become a great hero of the Lungmen. Your fame even spread to Chernobyl, making you far more famous than I was in my youth."
"Who knew you two brothers would build a city on the border of Ursus? That's really impressive."
"Your Excellency, what are you saying? Lungmen's prosperity today is largely due to your efforts. For many years, the weather has been favorable, and there have been no foreign enemies."
"You've managed Lungmen for so many years, and you haven't seen Liyue City attack us, have you?"
Wei Yenwu squinted, picked up another piece of food with his chopsticks, tasted it carefully, and then said modestly:
"Foreign enemies? They just arrived..."
"I'm talking about you two brothers."
"I am fortunate to become the Longmen Governor because of the glory of my ancestors. If I had been born into an ordinary family, I don't know how many years it would have taken me to sit in this position."
"Don't play dumb, you also have a city."
"Your Excellency is too kind. Your abilities are evident to all. Besides, I am not as powerful as you make me out to be."
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Seeing that Zhongli was unwilling to admit it, Wei Yenwu's gaze swept across his face, subtly reminding him:
"Of course I have! I've seen your performance in battle against the enemy; it was truly breathtaking. Like the moon in the sky, you were one of a kind..."
"Pretending not to understand, huh? I've already mentioned Yue; do you still think you can brush off the Liyue City situation?"
"To achieve so much at such a young age, I can hardly imagine what the future holds. Perhaps when I step down, a young talent like you will take my place."
"What you're planning to do is beyond my wildest imagination. Tell me, are you after Lungmen?"