This nightclub had powerful backing; no one dared to act recklessly here—not under the emperor's nose. Even if someone fancied the women present, a single night with them cost at least 80,000 yuan, and that was merely the minimum. Qi Zhengtao had once considered getting involved with them himself.
Unfortunately, back then Qi Group was only a second-rate company, and these two women didn't even look at him—even when he offered 150,000 yuan. Now, although Qi Group had risen to first-rate status, they still looked down on him…
In Qi Zhengtao's eyes, these two were the top professional women in the capital's upper social circles—equivalent to high-class courtesans in ancient times. Their presence alone showed Young Master Zhang's influence; he required two to accompany him. As for the man seated between them, it was naturally Young Master Zhang himself.
"I rarely come out to drink, and now you're bothering me. Speak. What's going on?" Young Master Zhang said casually as Qi Zhengtao approached with a wine glass. He waved him off without taking the drink.
First, he didn't trust anything Qi Zhengtao offered. Second, he would never drink anything but the highest-grade liquor.
"Hehe, it's just some family issues. By the way, Young Master Zhang, Qi Li still refuses your request to buy cattle." Qi Zhengtao forced an awkward smile and sat down on the sofa, keeping a respectful distance from the three men. He was interested in the two beautiful women, but he wouldn't dare lay a finger on them in front of Zhang Shao.
After sipping his own liquor, he finally mentioned the matter that truly concerned him—Zhang Shao's interest in purchasing cattle from Qi Li.
"Oh? She refused?" Zhang Shao frowned. He straightened up, picked up a slice of watermelon, took a slow bite, and spoke with mild surprise.
He had been considering this deal for several months. Qi Li had hesitated before, presumably wary of him. Why was she suddenly outright refusing now? Was the situation changing?
"Sigh… her husband came back. No one expected those cattle to belong to her husband." Qi Zhengtao sighed, resentment boiling in his chest. He hated Jiang Hai more than ever.
"Qi Li's husband… Jiang Hai?" Zhang Shao's eyes narrowed.
"What? Young Master Zhang knows him?" Qi Zhengtao asked, surprised.
"Heh… only you don't know." Zhang Shao tossed the rest of the watermelon into his mouth, chewing calmly while his gaze sharpened.
In reality, many people in China knew Jiang Hai's name. Politicians certainly did; during the early cooperation between China and Dubai, it was Jiang Hai who facilitated key connections. Even the current emperor had heard of him.
Jiang Hai was someone with access to the highest levels of government. Because of that, as long as the Qi family didn't overstep, not even someone as influential as Zhang Shao would dare touch him.
There had been little news of Jiang Hai recently, but abroad, his name—along with his ranch and his beef—were widely known. Now that he had returned, Zhang Shao felt a flicker of caution.
It wasn't just domestic influence. Jiang Hai had connections in the United States, with several major ranchers, with the DuFamen family, and now even with South Korea. As the saying went, "A mighty dragon won't cross the river"—and unless this dragon intended to dominate the river, those already in it wouldn't bother him.
Likewise, Jiang Hai wouldn't casually cause trouble for someone like Zhang Shao. Neither side had easy leverage over the other; Zhang Shao was no mere nobody, even compared to the An family.
"Jiang Hai was absolutely despicable today! He dared to hit me! If the An family hadn't taken pity on him back then—his mother couldn't even afford a proper burial—he wouldn't be who he is today! And now he comes back acting all high and mighty, even daring to strike his master? Bah! Damned ingrate!"
Seeing that Zhang Shao also knew Jiang Hai, Qi Zhengtao seized the opportunity to vent his rage, hoping to gain sympathy.
But Zhang Shao only looked at him with an indifferent expression, saying nothing.
Qi Zhengtao's confidence faltered. He had intended to provoke Zhang Shao into helping him deal with Jiang Hai, but seeing Zhang Shao's silence, he felt his enthusiasm cool.
"Ahem… Young Master Zhang, Jiang Hai is the biggest obstacle to your plans. With him supporting Qi Li, she has a strong pillar behind her. It will be very difficult for us to pressure her," Qi Zhengtao said, shifting tactics.
"Oh? And that isn't your problem to handle?" Zhang Shao replied lazily before taking another sip of his wine.
Qi Zhengtao felt his face burn with embarrassment. He truly had no solutions left.
After another drink, he finally claimed he was drunk and got up to leave.
Once he was gone, the bodyguard from earlier stepped forward respectfully. "Young Master, should we invite Mr. Jiang over for you to speak with him personally?"
His tone was polite, but the meaning was clear—they were suggesting action. They had handled similar situations before.
This was exactly why Jiang Hai avoided expanding too heavily in China: he didn't want anyone "inviting" him for private conversations.
"Your connections aren't enough. That man's strength is far beyond what you imagine." Zhang Shao's smile was faint but meaningful.
He stood up, picked up his coat, signaled to the two courtesans, and with one clinging to each arm, descended the stairs and drove off.
Meanwhile, Jiang Hai remained blissfully unaware of the storm forming behind the scenes.
After a pleasant meal, he, Qi Li, and Du Ning watched TV together until around ten. Qi Li eventually yawned and headed to bed.
As for Jiang Hai and Du Ning—having been apart for some time—their passion didn't need any deliberate ignition. Soon, soft sounds filled the room, though only within its walls.
Near midnight, Jiang Hai returned to the master bedroom, pulled Qi Li into his arms, and fell asleep.