Chapter 7 Unexpected Encounter

"Tianyang?" Li Wencai entered the room upon hearing his name. "Ha ha, it's been several years. You've grown more mature and handsome," he greeted Zuo Tianyang with a warm laugh, devoid of any official tone, as if speaking to a long-lost friend. "Secretary Li, you are too kind. Congratulations on your promotion," Zuo Tianyang replied with a smile. Li Wencai chuckled, "It's all about serving the people, thanks to the trust of the Party and the people." Despite Li Wencai's friendly demeanor, a sense of underlying respect was palpable to most in the room. They couldn't fathom how Zuo Tianyang had managed to earn this level of respect. Beside Zuo Tianyang, Luo Feng and Qi Yan were both taken aback. Luo Ningshuang and her parents, sensing the need for privacy, excused themselves from the room, leaving the two men to converse. As they exited, they noticed the astonishment in the eyes of Luo Hai and the others, silently questioning the unfolding situation. Without a response, Luo Ningshuang casually remarked, "Secretary Li just wants to speak with Tianyang." Upon hearing her explanation, those who had previously criticized Zuo Tianyang, led by Luo Hai, appeared crestfallen, their expressions turning sour. Moments ago, they had been mocking Zuo Tianyang with harsh sarcasm, only to witness Li Wencai's unexpected visit and display of humility. It was a humiliating slap in the face, leaving them wishing they could disappear from sight. Meanwhile, in a lavish private estate in Dubai. "Miss Isabella, the task you assigned is progressing as planned," a woman reported to a stunning blonde beauty. "What?" Isabella set down her glass of wine, intrigued. "Tell me the details." The woman provided a detailed account of the events at the Shengtian Hotel in Ninghai City, complete with accurate intelligence and photos from the scene. As Isabella examined the images of the man and woman, a hint of bitterness crossed her features. "I can't believe the coincidence of your connection to my acquaintance's sister." She dismissed the woman with a wave of her hand. After a moment of contemplation, Isabella dialed a number and issued a brief command: "Establish a subsidiary in Ninghai, China within three days and acquire Xiongfeng Group preemptively." "Of course, Isabella. I will personally oversee the operation. And about our marriage proposal..." the voice on the other end trailed off. "Let's discuss it after I've resolved my current matters," Isabella replied coldly before ending the call. Staring at a photo of Zuo Tianyang with disdain, she muttered, "I've finally caught you, you heartless scoundrel." Back at the Lu Mansion in Ninghai City, Zuo Tianyang and Li Wencai exited the house together. Without exchanging pleasantries, Li Wencai bid farewell to Zuo Tianyang, expressing a desire to share a drink in the future. "Sure thing, Uncle Li. Take care," Zuo Tianyang replied with a smile. As Li Wencai departed, the simplicity of their interaction piqued the curiosity of those present, leaving them eager for answers. Although Lu Hai refrained from probing, he personally escorted Li Wencai to the door. Although they were unaware of the content of Li Wencai and Zuo Tianyang's conversation, one thing was clear - Li Wencai's visit was intended for Zuo Tianyang! "Tianyang, it's getting late. How about we have dinner together tonight?" Lu Hai's face lit up with a smile as he extended the invitation to Zuo Tianyang after seeing off Li Wencai. Glancing at the time, Zuo Tianyang turned to Lu Ningshuang and Lu Feng, saying, "Uncle, Aunt, Ningshuang, it is indeed late. Let's go out for a nice meal together!" Lu Feng nodded in agreement, "Alright!" Taking Lu Ningshuang's hand, Zuo Tianyang walked out of the Lu Mansion with the Lu Feng couple, leaving the other members of the Lu family looking somewhat embarrassed. Shortly after their departure, a piece of news that shook Ninghai City made headlines! "Ninghai City's prominent business entity, Xiongfeng Group, experienced a drastic ninety percent drop in its stock price, causing panic among investors as the shares plummeted like a free fall!" "The CEO of Xiongfeng Group is under suspicion of instigating international short sellers and facing repercussions, leading to a fifty percent reduction in the group's value, with substantial funds unable to recover the stock price!" Within hours, the news spread rapidly throughout China's business circles, reaching every corner of Ninghai's streets! The unanimous conclusion in everyone's mind was that Xiongfeng Group was done for! When the Luo family members heard the news, it hit them like a thunderbolt, and Zuo Tianyang's image involuntarily flashed in their minds! "It's him!" Filled with regret, they realized the significance of the phrase "leave a way out for yourself, so you can meet again in the future"! At nine o'clock in the evening, at Star Bay Villa! The Luo couple had indulged in quite a bit of alcohol. Luo Feng, in particular, had been drinking heavily, continuously toasting to Zuo Tianyang and Luo Ningshuang as a form of apology. Knowing he was at fault, this was his way of making amends! Zuo Tianyang and Luo Ningshuang intervened, persuading Luo Feng to stop his excessive drinking. After assisting the Luo couple to their designated room, Luo Ningshuang headed to the second floor to take a shower in her own bedroom! Meanwhile, Zuo Tianyang remained in the living room, gazing towards the staircase leading to the second floor, contemplating, "Can I go up now? If I still get kicked out, where will I hide my face?" Initially, Zuo Tianyang had become Luo Ningshuang's bodyguard after she had chased him down the stairs and warned him not to come upstairs again! "Funny how things change, I am now considered her partner, why should I be afraid!" After muttering to himself, Zuo Tianyang confidently ascended the stairs and entered Luo Ningshuang's room directly!