When Hao Jianghua received a call from Zheng Qunyun, he was confused. After listening to his explanation on the phone, he gradually understood.
"Brother Zheng, where does this person come from?" It turned out that it was a great god of wealth who moved into the hot spring resort, which was the property of his Hao family.
"He said he was a Taiwanese compatriot from Taiwan who had been doing business in Southeast Asia and now planned to invest in mainland China. He was initially received by colleagues from the Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office. According to regulations, his situation should have been transferred to the Provincial Taiwan Affairs Office. Thanks to the decisiveness of Deputy Director Jie Jing of the Investment Promotion Office, she took over the relationship from the Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office. If our new district project is to be implemented, attracting investment will be a major challenge, and his arrival is perfect for that."
Zheng Qunyun beamed over the phone, "I heard from Director Jie that this guy just deposited 1 billion yuan in the bank. That's just the start-up capital for the project. I'm afraid there aren't many companies in Hengyang City that have that kind of money. If we can take him down, what a huge boost to the performance of the new district project."
Although Hao Jianghua was an old farmer, he knew how to do some math. Furthermore, he had been exposed to the world for several years and, with Li Xuanshi's guidance, had participated in many political and business activities. He realized that none of the many large companies in Hengyang City had a billion yuan in liquid funds, and even if they did, they would have already invested them in projects. While the large companies in the province might be able to allocate funds, they were not sure whether they would invest the money in the new district projects.
Since it's a pilot program, no one can be sure how strong the policy support will be. The larger the company, the less likely it is to rush in. It is estimated that the preliminary preparations such as research will take at least a year and a half, but by then Hao Jianghua will have retired. Thinking about it this way, this person's appearance is really a timely rain.
"What a coincidence! This guy wanted to soak in the hot springs. Director Jie knows your hot spring resort, and it's a decent hotel, so he sent someone over. Old Hao, make sure to contact the resort and provide good service to this guy. You have to do whatever it takes to get him involved in this project."
"I'll take care of the villa, but Brother Zheng, if this guy is really a tycoon, the provincial government will definitely intervene, and we may not be able to keep him." Although Hao Jianghua has a low level of education, he is not stupid. All parts of the province are recruiting investors, and there are many good projects. It is unrealistic to rely solely on government financial promotion. How attractive can a new district project that has not yet appeared be?
"Don't worry about that. I'll ask Secretary Han Chuyan to intervene. He's the provincial Party committee leader now, so he's capable of resolving this matter," Zheng Qunyun vowed. "The new district project is a key provincial project, and it will benefit both the country and the people. Even if others are jealous, they won't be able to find fault."
"Then I'll call my wife right now." Hao Jianghua hung up the phone and immediately called Li Xuanshi. Although the villa was currently managed by He Xiaoyue, it was obvious that informing his wife would allow for better control.
After talking with Li Xuanshi for a few minutes and emphasizing the importance of this person, Hao Jianghua went back to the county government to seek advice. Since the new district plan was concerned, he could not handle it alone. The secretary and the county magistrate all had people behind them, not to mention the Hengyang County Government, all of which wanted to get involved. Everyone wanted to take the credit, but the God of Wealth lived in the villa, and as the saying goes, good luck comes from the God of Wealth.
Li Xuanshi frowned slightly. Not long ago, He Xiaoyue had sent her a message on WeChat about someone staying in the presidential suite and even renting a similar suite for their accompanying driver. She hadn't paid much attention to this incident; after all, the occasional eccentricity of some second-generation rich people wasn't a big deal. She was more concerned that Bai Ying had returned and had met Zuo Jing at the villa. Only now, Hao Jianghua's call had brought her back to reality.
"That seems to be the person Old Hao was talking about." Li Xuanshi looked at Xu Lin. "Is it the same person over there?"
Xu Lin took a sip of coffee and swallowed it slowly: "Yes, it's him." She also received a call from the bank president. Only she, the deputy president, could step in to be such a big customer who could deposit 1 billion yuan at once.
"The 1 billion was remitted from HSBC Bank and went through Hong Kong channels. Considering his Taiwan background, it makes sense that he didn't want to directly connect with a mainland bank. What puzzles me is why he specifically deposited the money with our Tunghai Bank." Xu Lin was also curious. Although Tunghai Bank has developed well, it is only a local bank and there are definitely better options. "He suddenly appeared at this time, maybe he is interested in the new district project." The new economic zone plan jointly promoted by Hengshan and Hengyang is also a key provincial project in response to the central government's new economic policies. Although it has not been officially announced to the outside world, there are still rumors.
"Let's go to the villa and see if we can get some information," Li Xuanshi said. Besides the mysterious guest, she wanted to get to know Bai Ying even more. Her original plan was to have Bai Ying come to the Hao residence so she could keep her by her side. Regardless of Zuo Jing's attitude towards her, she'd have room to maneuver. Even if she didn't live there, she should at least meet with her first. But Bai Ying had actually gone to see Zuo Jing first. She'd been hiding for a year, and even begged her to put in a good word for him. Why was she suddenly overtaking them? It was like she was taking over!
He Xiaoyue's mood was heavy, and the once peaceful villa seemed to have a different atmosphere. Although it seemed unrelated to her, as the administrative director, she felt a sense of pressure. Although she had foreseen Bai Ying's return, she had not expected her to arrive at the villa first, and to request a room next to Zuo Jing's. As a woman who was also toyed with by Hao Jianghua, He Xiaoyue actually looked down on Bai Ying in her heart. If she had a happy family, she would never have committed herself to Hao Jianghua. But this woman not only did not cherish him, but also committed adultery with her father-in-law. Even in the countryside, such adultery is despised by people. However, she kept a friendly face, and there was no trace of hostility.
As for Hao Liuxiang, who had suddenly checked into the Presidential Suite, He Xiaoyue was even more cautious. After receiving Li Xuanshi's call, she personally delivered two bottles of fine red wine to the guest. Since this guest could give the driver a presidential suite, the same treatment had to be applied, with absolutely no neglect.
"Thank you, Manager He. As for the wine, you should take it back." Hao Liuxiang smiled.
"Mr. Hao, this wine is a gift from us..."
"I appreciate your kindness. Please take it back." Hao Liuxiang said with a smile.
"Okay then." The customer had already declined twice, and He Xiaoyue didn't feel embarrassed. "If you have any other requests, we'll do our best to meet them."
"I decided to stay here because I heard the hot springs here are great," Hao Liuxiang said. "I don't want anyone to bother me. This isn't too much to ask, is it?"
"Your request is reasonable, and our hotel will protect your rights," He Xiaoyue said. "We will increase security on the floor to ensure that no one harasses you."
"Thank you." Hao Liuxiang smiled back.
After closing the door, Hao Liuxiang sat on the sofa and looked up at the driver: "How is it?"
"I've checked, everything is normal, there are no surveillance devices in the room." As a former special attack member, Kamikaze is proficient in more than just driving.
"That's good." Hao Liuxiang murmured.
"Why are you sending the wine back?" Kamikaze asked. "Are you really that picky? Even though it's free, the wine should be pretty good, right?"
"The wine is still drinkable, but why should we settle for it when we know there are better ones?" Hao Liuxiang smiled.
Some laughed, some regretted, some were sad. Wang Tian left tactfully. Bai Ying might have truly regretted her decision, but I felt a subtle sense of melancholy.
Regret could be seen in those eyes, but what was she regretting? Why? And what good would it do? Regret was never the answer, but the question, the test Bai Ying needed to answer. There are so many people in this world who regret their past actions. Not everyone has the opportunity. Even though I only gave her a tiny chance, even though I didn't believe she could awaken the tiny, almost hopeless lingering resentment in my nature, it wasn't out of pity, but rather because my rationality couldn't deny my emotional sensitivity.
Bai Ying is different from Hao Jianghua's other women. She has the Bai family behind her, a fact I cannot ignore. I agreed to my father-in-law's terms and couldn't bring myself to be cruel to Bai Ying. It was certainly a gamble, but more importantly, I needed these two months to deal with the Hao family and exact revenge on them.
At the same time, these two months were the deadline for her to answer the question. I didn't think she would give me a satisfactory answer, but these two months were the straw I threw to her after she drowned. Can a straw save her life? No, if she didn't understand, simply grasping at it would only make her sink faster. If she wanted to be saved, the real thing she should have done was to call for help from me on shore. The so-called opportunity was a gamble, a bet on whether I would save her. And I was gambling on whether she would ask me for help, whether I would relent and save her.
"You don't think I'll soften my heart just because you live in the room next to mine." I looked at her coldly.
Bai Ying shook her head without saying a word, but her eyes were filled with tears, like a young wife who had been wronged.
Seeing her like this, I was actually a little angry: "Do you feel wronged? Who are you showing off this expression to? Are you pretending to be pitiful? Bai Ying, do you still think I'm the big fool I used to be? If you just pretend, I'll immediately coax you, don't dream!"
"I'm not..." Bai Ying wanted to explain.
"Nothing. Aren't you just trying to win sympathy? You'd better stop it, or I can end this bet at any time," I said coldly. "I'm the banker now, don't think you can bargain."
"You have the final say." Bai Ying's tone softened, "But you said I had two months."
"Are you familiar with the rules of the game, or have you already thought of the answer?"
"No." Bai Ying said.
"I live next door to you. I just want to be closer to you. If you want to find me, it's very convenient. If you don't want to see me, don't worry, I will definitely not bother you."
"It's your freedom to live wherever you want. I'm just reminding you that tricks won't get you there. Of course, if you want to try, that's your business."
"Let's not talk about this anymore. I'm living in the villa now. He Xiaoyue will definitely tell my mother-in-law about this. As for the Hao family..." Bai Ying glanced at me. "My mother-in-law asked me to come back, saying it was to take care of Xiaotian. I guess she did it on purpose."
I didn't say anything and let her continue talking.
"Mother-in-law knows you and Hao...Hao Jianghua aren't getting along. Asking me to come back and look after Xiaotian now would definitely upset you, but she's doing it anyway." Bai Ying gritted her teeth. "She's trying to use me to shake you. A year ago, you promised me to keep it a secret. She thought I still had influence over you. She doesn't want you to retaliate against Hao Jianghua."
"So you agreed as soon as she asked." I sneered. "It seems you can't bear to part with the old dog either. What? Are you afraid I'll stab him three more times?"
"Yes, I am afraid. But I'm not afraid for him. I'm worried about you." Bai Ying seemed to be sincere. "You've already been in jail for a year. You should know that impulsiveness is useless. Even if you deal with him again, it won't make any difference. What happened has already happened. We really did wrong you in the past. Nothing you do is too much. I just don't want you to be locked up again."
"That sounds nice, do you think I will believe it?" I sighed softly.
"I agree there are other reasons." Bai Ying knew I wasn't happy with this answer. "I'm not a good wife. I did something so shameful with my father-in-law. You're angry and want a divorce, and there's nothing wrong with that... But I can't bear it. I really can't. I don't want a divorce... I begged my mother-in-law to intercede for me... A year ago, you could choose to reconcile. Besides me, she was the only one who had any influence over you."
"Back then, you were so determined to get a divorce that I knew it was impossible to convince you not to divorce on my own. I could only rely on my mother-in-law," Bai Ying said in a stammer. "She promised to help me reconcile, though she couldn't guarantee it. But if I didn't work hard for it, even that possibility wouldn't exist."
"But I gave you a chance, and you still decided to come, didn't you?" The corners of his mouth were slightly bitter. "Although I don't care whether you go to the Hao family or not."
"I decided to come because I've figured it out. Running away isn't an option. I've been hiding for a year. Like you said, I've done nothing, nothing has changed." Bai Ying took a deep breath. "I've always been terrified of meeting you, afraid you'd divorce me... But we met anyway. It's not unbearable. The only thing left is the Hao family... I said I wanted to end it, and sooner or later I'll have to go. And I can still help you."
"Zuo Jing, are you planning to seek revenge against Hao Jianghua?" Bai Ying raised her eyes and stared at me. "If so, I can help you. We can deal with him together... This is the only thing I can do for you."
Did it for me? So it was for me, not for herself? So who was she apologizing to when she kept saying sorry? Me, or herself?
Alas, I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. She still didn't understand. Truly, I hadn't held out any hope. Time is the same for everyone. I've figured out a lot in a year, but she doesn't even know who she's regretting. So what's the point?
"Are you trying to trick me?" I sighed in disappointment. "You don't want me to be locked up again for revenge, yet you're saying you'll join me in taking on Hao Jianghua. Bai Ying, am I stupid, or are you crazy?"
"I hope you give up revenge, but I know you won't, so I said I'd help you." Bai Ying said in a deep voice, "They'll be wary of you, but not me. I can do something for the Hao family. The Hao family thought I would take care of Xiaotian. He deserves this disease..."
"Serves him right? I remember you once said he was innocent and lively, and that being close to women was a natural. How come now he deserves it?"
Bai Ying's face changed. She probably remembered the argument with me at that time. She defended Hao Xiaotian with a lot of arguments, and spoke eloquently and logically.
"I remember now," I said coldly. "You said I was your husband and he was just an outsider, but you always protected him. Li Xuanshi was the same. I didn't understand why I was her son and your husband, but I felt more like an outsider. Later I understood. You two are indeed family. I didn't deserve to lose."
"That time in the steam room, I saw you and Hao Xiaotian being so affectionate, and I later called him your little husband. I thought it was just a spur of the moment, but now it seems to be true. Since you can sleep with Hao Jianghua, sleeping with Hao Xiaotian is no big deal."
"So, so that's how you look at me?!"
"How do you want me to see you? Tell me." He said coldly.
Bai Ying twitched her lips, about to speak. After a long silence, she finally made up her mind, bit her lip, and said resolutely, "Zuo Jing, Xiaotian and I don't have that kind of relationship. Whether you believe it or not, this is the truth. Yes, I admit, I was defending Xiaotian at the time... but it wasn't what you thought... This is truly my fault... As a wife, I neglected your feelings... I was also possessed by my own desires. I'm sorry..."
The tender words were familiar yet so strange, but today I will not be fooled again. This conversation was far less frank than what she said.
"Don't say sorry, that's meaningless." I changed the subject, "You decided to go to the Hao family, there must be other reasons, so you have to come!"
Bai Ying's face turned pale, as if she had lost all her strength: "Yes." She still answered.
"Good, you finally told the truth."
"Zuo Jing, I hope you won't force me... I can't tell you right now..." Bai Ying's voice was a little weak. "I have two months... When the time comes... I'll tell you everything."
"Can you?" I glanced at her. "It's up to you."
"Except for telling the truth at the end, what you said before was all nonsense. Although it wasn't a lie, it wasn't the truth either. You're still covering it up, aren't you?"
"If you hold on to this attitude, it will only delay things for two more months. Why bother?"
I really don't understand this woman's mentality. It's clearly a marriage in name only, so why doesn't she just break up the relationship and instead use insincere and false words to prevaricate?
The atmosphere in the room was silent and somewhat solemn. I even felt annoyed. The one who broke the silence was not anyone else but Li Xuanshi, who was accompanied by Xu Lin and He Xiaoyue.
"Yingying, you're back." Li Xuanshi gave Bai Ying an affectionate hug as soon as she came in.
"Mom." Bai Ying smiled reluctantly, looking lonely.
"Did Jingjing bully you?" Li Xuanshi said softly and glanced at me. She obviously noticed that Bai Ying and I were having an unpleasant quarrel.
"No." Bai Ying said quickly, as if afraid of displeasing me again.
"We haven't seen Yingying for such a long time, and you don't even know to give her some space." Li Xuanshi seemed to be standing up for her. This action made me a little stunned. Could it be that the "easing" drama I created before made her believe it?
"How about this? Let's go take a bath with Mom first. We can chat." Li Xuanshi decided without hesitation. "Sister Lin, Xiaoyue, you two should come too."
"This..." Bai Ying looked at me again. I pretended not to see.
Xu Lin then spoke up, "Yingying, it's good to go hang out. It'll relax your mind and energy, and it'll help you think more clearly."
"Okay." Seeing that I had no objection, Bai Ying thought that what Xu Lin said made sense.
"Jingjing, come along." Li Xuanshi also extended an invitation.
"You guys go." I sighed lightly.
Seeing these women of Hao Jianghua going to take a bath together again, I had no interest at all. I sat alone and thought about something.
In the elegant room, the women changed into their swimsuits and swimming trunks and walked towards the hot spring pool.
"Yingying, why did you come to see Zuo Jing first? Don't you think it's inconsiderate?" Li Xuanshi suddenly said.
"I..." Bai Ying hesitated to speak.
"Mom knows you want to reconcile with him soon, but being too impatient can easily lead to bad things. You should find a way to take it slow."
"Okay, Yingying at least met Zuo Jing. It's good that he didn't turn hostile on the spot. The hardest step has been taken. We can just take it slowly from now on." Xu Lin said with a smile.
There are dozens of hot spring pools in the resort, and the best one is naturally the hot spring pool on the Xiangyingxiu Terrace. This indoor hot spring pool, covering more than 30 square meters, is filled with steam and gurgling.
On the seven or eight marble tables in the center, bamboo baskets were placed with fresh fruits and vegetables for people to eat, as well as snacks, drinks, ice cubes, etc.
When Bai Ying arrived at the hot spring hall, she was stunned. There were already people bathing there. A young man was leaning against the edge of the pool with his eyes closed. A burly man was standing behind him on the bank of the pool. He happened to glance at her with a cold look.
"Mom, let's go to another place." Bai Ying said. She thought of Zuo Jing's reference to the time when Hao Xiaotian took advantage of her in the hot springs. Now, if she were to bathe with a man again, she would still feel that it was a little inappropriate.
"It's okay." Li Xuanshi didn't think it was a big deal. The large hot spring pool was always a mixed bathing area, and everyone wore swimsuits and swim trunks. What was the problem? But she turned to He Xiaoyue and asked, "Is it him?"
"Yes," He Xiaoyue replied, "He is Mr. Hao Liuxiang, and next to him is his driver."
"Driver? He looks more like a bodyguard." Li Xuanshi thought for a moment, "Send someone to bring my two bottles of wine."
Xiang Ying Xiu is generally not open to the public and only receives important guests. In the past, only county and city leaders, well-known entrepreneurs, etc. would be received. Of course, guests staying in the Presidential Suite are also regarded as VIPs and can naturally enjoy this hot spring pool.
Hearing the woman's whisper, the young man slightly opened his eyes, and his pupils widened as his sight took in the four beauties with different styles not far away. Even though he had seen beauties of all kinds, he couldn't help but sigh at the beauty of the crowd and really had to look at them with a higher regard.
"Manager He." He smiled slightly and greeted politely.
"Mr. Hao, this is our chairman, Ms. Li Xuanshi," He Xiaoyue introduced.
"Mr. Hao, do you mind if we soak in the hot spring?" Li Xuanshi smiled. "If you feel disturbed, we can try another hot spring pool."
Despite asking this, she didn't think the man would refuse. For a hot-blooded man, facing four beauties, it was just a mixed bathing, not an excessive request. Who would have the heart to refuse?
"I heard the hot spring baths here are the best in Hengyang City, and I'm definitely not disappointed," Hao Liuxiang said. "Having four beautiful women soaking in the hot springs together is such a delight to the eyes. It can't be a special feature of your hotel, right?"
"Mr. Hao, you're joking." Li Xuanshi smiled and led the woman into the hot spring pool.
"There are so many Mr. Haos in Haojiagou, Sister Li, you should just call me Liuxiang." Hao Liuxiang said with a faint smile.
"Giving a rose leaves a sweet fragrance on one's hand. What a gentle name," Li Xuanshi said calmly. "But I really don't deserve to be called Sister. My eldest son is probably even older than you."
"Really? I really can't tell. Sister Li takes good care of herself." Hao Liuxiang was polite. Although Li Xuanshi and Xu Lin took good care of themselves and were still in the group with charm, the age difference between them and Bai Ying and Wang Shiyun was still obvious at a glance. After all, no matter how well one takes care of themselves, there will always be some traces of time.
"I already know two of the four beauties, I wonder if I can get to know the other two?" There was a faint gentle smile on his face, without any desire to covet. The young man who was able to possess such a huge fortune must have had a good upbringing.
"Xu Lin, Vice President of Donghai Bank." Xu Lin introduced herself.
Hao Liuxiang was stunned. "Donghai Bank? The Donghai Bank in Changsha. I opened an account there."
"You are now a high-quality customer of our bank." Xu Lin stopped there.
Hao Liuxiang did not express his opinion, then turned his gaze to Bai Ying, as if he was a little dazed. He frowned slightly, looked at her again, and then fell silent, lowering his head without saying a word.
After a while, he slowly raised his eyes, stared at Bai Ying, and said something.
"Have we... known each other before?"
The women were also taken aback. It was a slightly abrupt and even somewhat clichéd question, like an outdated pick-up line. But seeing his suspicious and uncertain expression, no one thought he was joking.
Bai Ying also searched in her mind, but found nothing. She had no impression of this person and shook her head slightly in response.
"She is my daughter-in-law Bai Ying." Li Xuanshi said this, but looked at Bai Ying with a strange look, but she didn't notice.
"I'm sorry, I got the wrong person. I don't think we know each other." Hao Liuxiang thought for a moment, "Maybe I have an instinctive affinity for the people here. Even though this is my first time back in Haojiagou, I don't feel alienated."
"Back to Haojiagou?" Li Xuanshi asked curiously, "You're not from Haojiagou, are you?"
By the way, Hao Liuxiang's last name is Hao, but what is Haojiagou? It has always been a poor village in the past. She married into Haojiagou and invested in a company here with the help of Zuo Xuanyu's inheritance. Then, with the support of national policies, she led the villagers to become rich. Haojiagou has only become rich in recent years. It is impossible for there to be such a big god of wealth.
"To be precise, this is my ancestral home. My grandfather was born in Haojiagou during the civil war. He was brought to Taiwan as a military dependent and, as an adult, went into business in Southeast Asia. I was born in Taiwan, and this is my first time back in Haojiagou," Hao Liuxiang said slowly. "Actually, I came to mainland China ten years ago, before the three links were established. I came as an exchange student. Back then, I envisioned returning to invest in construction. Once I took over the family business, I was able to realize my wish. Ten years have passed."
"You studied in mainland China ten years ago. Which school did you attend?" Bai Ying asked.
"Peking University, Academy of Arts, Department of Fine Arts," Hao Liuxiang said. "I once thought of becoming a painter."
"No wonder." Bai Ying finally understood. "Ten years ago, I was still a student at Peking University. You might have seen me then, but I really don't remember you."
"This is fate," Li Xuanshi said with a smile. "Your ancestral home is Haojiagou, and you and Yingying are classmates. Now you meet again in Haojiagou, which means you've made the right choice. You want to invest, right? There's a new economic zone project going on in Hengshan and Hengyang counties, and you could build your hometown there."
"Sister Li, I'm a businesswoman. Business and relationships shouldn't be mixed. We're both building our country, and it's the same everywhere. Domestic policy still welcomes investment from Taiwanese businessmen like us. I've heard a little about the new district project you mentioned, but there's no rush for now," Hao Liuxiang said gently. "Let's just go take a bath first, what do you say?"
"That's true." Li Xuanshi knew she couldn't rush things. At that moment, a waiter brought over some wine. "These two bottles of Chateau Richebourg's Chateau-Conti are from a good vintage. Since you call me Sister Li, consider these two bottles a welcome gift."
Hao Liuxiang no longer insisted and expressed his gratitude.
Li Xuanshi thought that if she could negotiate with Hao Liuxiang, Hao Jianghua's political career would last a little longer. Moreover, with Bai Ying's return, she would have someone to rely on, and she would not have to fight with that hypocritical Zheng.
Li Xuanshi and Xu Lin were secretly thinking about focusing on Hao Liuxiang. Bai Ying was just grateful for meeting an alumnus. After all, Zuo Jing was also her alumnus, and they were even closer. It brought back memories of that beautiful youth... As for He Xiaoyue, she was just a little strange, but she didn't know what was strange.
After finishing the hot spring bath, Li Xuanshi once again asked Bai Ying for her opinion.
"Let's talk about it later, Mom. At least not tonight," Bai Ying insisted. "The villa is close to the Hao family compound. I can go there when I have time, but I won't stay there. You promised me."
"I promised you, so make your own decision. The most important thing is that you're here. If Zuo Jing makes you unhappy, you can't hide away anymore." Li Xuanshi sighed. "Let's think of a solution together. Zuo Jing needs time, and you and I may need time too. Don't rush it. He won't tolerate any mistakes."
Bai Ying's face turned pale. Indeed, she couldn't make any more mistakes, no matter which side it was on.
Upon landing in Hong Kong, Bai Xingjian was taken to the Hong Kong office's business hotel. He received a message from Wang Tian, stating that placing Wang Tian with Zuo Jing was a precautionary measure. Although he hadn't verified his suspicions, he had a clear understanding of Bai Ying and Zuo Jing. While Zuo Jing seemed to be the head of the family, an unfair balance existed. Zuo Jing constantly suppressed himself, trading tolerance for peace. Bai Ying wasn't the virtuous and housekeeping mother she was. Beneath her innocent exterior lay a wild streak, a reckless nature he, as a father, had witnessed many years before.
Before Zuo Jing went to prison, he stabbed Hao Jianghua three times. Three stabs is a big deal; it couldn't have been an accidental injury. Yet, the Hao family issued a letter of amnesty, and while Zuo Jing served a year in prison, Bai Ying went into hiding for a full year. These incidents were by no means isolated. His wife even visited him in prison, but he refused to say anything. On numerous occasions, his wife confided that she suspected Bai Ying had done something wrong to Zuo Jing. She mentioned Zuo Jing's frequent business trips, and wondered if Bai Ying, a newlywed, might have lost control and made a mistake.
Whenever his wife's imaginations ran wild, Bai Xingjian could only offer comfort. In reality, he knew full well that his daughter's misdeeds were more than just a one-night stand, as his wife had assumed. She was probably just a repeat offender, perhaps even unrepentant. This was a humiliation for the Bai family, like her bold and reckless behavior so many years ago... Bai Xingjian could only console himself by believing these were all his own fantasies. However, he did make some preparations. He had placed Wang Tian under surveillance to protect Zuo Jing. He was well aware of the hidden dangers in prison, and he wouldn't tolerate anyone messing with his son-in-law.
This conversation in Beijing had shattered Bai Xingjian's fondest fantasies about Bai Ying, but he remained calm. As a husband, he didn't want his wife to be hurt by their daughter's misfortune. If, if Bai Ying could come back, if Zuo Jing could give her another chance, and if the young couple could maintain their marriage, Bai Xingjian felt his efforts would not have been in vain. He couldn't help but understand Zuo Jing's desire for revenge. He had been young once, and young people are always passionate. But at this age, the survival of the Bai family was paramount to him. He didn't want Zuo Jing to be left with no way out, so he had to prepare a way out for his son-in-law.
No matter how wrong the woman had been, he couldn't change it. As a father, he had to bear the consequences, even if Zuo Jing didn't understand. No father could sit idly by and watch their child suffer an irreversible accident. While Zuo Jing was sentimental, Bai Xingjian was also prepared. He wouldn't allow anyone to touch Zuo Jing, nor would he tolerate Zuo Jing killing Bai Ying. But if punishment was necessary, Zuo Jing had the right to advocate, so let him do it.
As for that beast Hao Jianghua, if it weren't for the body... if it weren't for this matter involving the Bai family. It's also my fault for not educating my daughter well enough. By the time I had some guesses, the big mistake had already been made. No matter what Bai Ying thought, she had never confessed to her parents and asked for help from the beginning until now. Apart from the factor of Zuo Jing, it is very likely that Hao Jianghua had something on Bai Ying. There are too many cases to refer to for the despicable behavior of criminals. It is impossible to threaten the Bai family with just those evidences, but the change of political power is imminent. Those people hate me for holding this position and are waiting to settle accounts with the Bai family at any time. Hao Jianghua and those behind him are impossible, but what he controls, as long as they can throw dirty water on the Bai family, as long as someone lifts the lid, the Bai family's politics will be over, and at most some people will be buried with them. This is a balance of terror. Whoever strikes first will be finished first. This is politics.
So, let's leave Hao Jianghua and those dirty, ugly things to Zuo Jing to deal with, and let him handle those backstabbing attacks. Bai Xingjian knew that as long as he was alive, those little scoundrels wouldn't dare to move. He, Bai Xingjian, wasn't dead yet. He wanted Zuo Jing to retire with his achievements, he wanted the Tong family to be uninvolved, and he wanted his daughter... to be able to turn around. So, this time, he had to come to Hong Kong. There were some things he had to arrange.
"Mr. Bai, the eldest daughter has returned to Haojiagou. She is now living in the hot spring villa and has met Zuo Jing." Wang Tian reported this. As for the matter of the child's DNA, he still did not say it.
"You mean Yingying showed up? Okay, I get it. It's still the same sentence. As long as Zuo Jing doesn't touch her and as long as Zuo Jing doesn't make a big mistake, you must protect them." Bai Xingjian repeated his previous perspective again. He thought Wang Tian was trustworthy, so he didn't expect Wang Tian to hide this matter, which also led to some subsequent changes.
Through secret arrangements, Bai Xingjian met with the Hong Kong experts introduced by the Military General Hospital.
"Mr. Bai, the Military General Hospital has already given you some advice. While cardiotonic and heart-saving pills can slow down your symptoms, they only treat the symptoms and not the root cause. The results will only get worse."
"I know. They told me. I'd like to hear your advice."
"Your heart is already showing signs of atrophy, and your arteries are blocked. You've also suffered from angina and myocardial infarction. Medication can temporarily reopen the blockage, but this medication can cause pressure changes, further impacting your heart. Honestly, part of your heart is calcified, atrophied, and your arteries are blocked. The pressure on your heart is simply too great."
"Let me put it this way. Half of your heart is elderly, like a dead tree, ready to decay at any moment. The other half is atrophied and degenerated. If it continues to degenerate, it will be worse than a child. There's no other solution except a heart transplant. The longer you delay, the less good it will do you."
"The Military General Hospital said that if I had a heart transplant, the risks would be equally high."
"Yes, your physical condition isn't very good. Unlike normal heart transplants, the success rate is around 25%, and there's even the possibility of rejection. If you agree, I can help you get a suitable heart. This is something the Military General Hospital can't guarantee, but again, the sooner it's done, the higher the chance of success. If you don't, you'll only survive three months at best. You don't even have a plan to try."
After three months, Bai Xingjian hesitated. Even if he really wanted to fight, he still had to explain everything clearly. Now he didn't dare to fight.
Back at the hotel, Bai Xingjian called his wife. "Jiahui, it's me... Yes, I'm here... I have something to tell you... Yingying is at the Haojiagou... Hot Spring Villa. She's met with Zuo Jing... Well, you make your own decision on this matter..."
Wu De had already booked a room in a hotel not far from the Hengyang City Investment Promotion Office. Despite his fat body, he seemed relaxed and at ease.
"Baby, what's wrong with you?" Wu De put one hand on the woman's plump buttocks. "Unhappy? Didn't I come here to accompany you?"
"Take your hand away! I find it offensive." Although the woman's tone was dissatisfied, her body did not really resist. "I have already done what you asked me to do. I got the connection from the Municipal Taiwan Affairs Office, so I have to take responsibility. You asked me to transfer a great god of wealth to Hengshan County. I have been working in vain. I can't believe you, Mr. Wu, have worked so hard for that woman."
"My relationship with her isn't what you think... She's not someone you and I can mess with. She's connected to the DS Hall. You can say those complaints to my face, but you can't let anyone else know." Wu De sighed. "This also gives us a way out. If something goes wrong one day, we can climb this tree and escape unscathed."
"You're just lying to me. All these women have been fooled by your few words. And you're going to force it on me again." The woman didn't believe it and turned around to leave.
Wu De was unwilling to do so and quickly pushed her onto the bed: "Jing, don't go. I came here specially to see you."
"You came to see me specially? Officer Han has already heard about it. You and County Chief Hao were having a lot of fun in the club. You even held a fucking competition and made several girls look terrible." Jie Jing said.
"It's unfair. Hao Jianghua is a beast. He fucked my pussy to death that day. I, Wu De, have always been the most cherishing of women. I gave up early on purpose just to save my energy to satisfy you." As Wu De spoke, he climbed onto the woman's breasts.
"Are you...seriously?"
"You'll know if it's true or not if you try it."
Baisha, I started smoking when I was in prison, and after I got out, I kept the habit.
I lit a cigarette, looked at the spark on the butt, watched it slowly burn, with the smoke curling up, and I knew that everything was going as I expected.
I don't need to do it myself, but the wheel of revenge is rolling. The net is big enough that when the prey wakes up, it has already been closed.
The incense was lit, as if I was on my father's tombstone, offering sacrifices to him along with my sorrow.