Meng Ping, with a handsome face that still carried a hint of his previous carefree attitude, lit a familiar cigarette. Remembering that the old manâs health wasnât good and shouldnât be affected, he suggested, "Why donât we sit outside and enjoy some sunshine?"
"Okay!"
So the three moved outside and lit up their cigarettes, beginning to puff away.
"I havenât congratulated you yet!" Meng Ping nodded at Xu Qigang, "Congratulations on marrying her; you must have built up good karma in your past life."
That comment was a bit impolite, and Su Hai was about to speak when Xu Qigang raised his hand to stop him. He looked at Meng Ping and nodded in agreement, "Youâre right! It indeed is my good fortune."
Meng Ping just shrugged, not saying a word.
The three continued to smoke, moving on to their second cigarettes, and Meng Ping continued, "Thanks for the newspaper thing, that was a huge help. I owe you one."
"You owe me more than just one favor," Su Hai said irritably, "What are you planning to do with One Weekly? Spending so much money just to target a woman?"
"Of course not, I plan to continue."
"How so?"
"Just Bai Tianâeâs issue alone could fill a monthâs worth of serial publications," Meng Pingâs remark made both men frown in unison.
Xu Qigang, with practiced ease, flicked the ash from his cigarette, a flash of harshness crossing his handsome face. "I advise you to stop."
"Thatâs impossible! I wonât stop until I destroy those dogs," Meng Ping retorted fiercely.
Xu Qigang stayed silent, turning his head to look at a tall, robust young man who had joined the assistantâs room. With his professional eye, he could tell that the young man was from a reconnaissance background. Having someone by his side to protect him at all times might be safer than he imagined.
"Living Yama..." Su Hai initially wanted to call him King Yan, but then remembered he was the elder and changed to calling his name, "Xu Qigang, are you keeping something from everyone?"
"I have a front-page photo."
Xu Qigangâs words surprised them both.
Meng Ping, smoking halfway, angrily smashed his cigarette into the ashtray, pointing at Xu Qigangâs nose and yelling, "My brother is your best friend; since you knew all along, why didnât you say anything?"
Sheng Ning, carrying dishes out from the kitchen and hearing the commotion outside, ran to look, but Su Huaiâan held her back.
"Itâs okay, let them talk," Su Huaiâan said.
"Okay!" Trusting Xu Qigang completely, Sheng Ning believed Meng Ping would be the one at a disadvantage and calmly went back to the kitchen with Su Huaiâan to carry the dishes.
"By the way! Letâs invite Chen Huaying to have lunch with us!"
An unnatural look flashed across Su Huaiâanâs face, "Okay!"
In the yard, Xu Qigang calmly pushed Meng Pingâs hand aside and said, "Things arenât as simple as you think. Also, donât point your finger at me in the future or it wonât look good with one hand."
"Ha ha ha..." Su Hai couldnât help but burst into laughter at the mention of one hand not looking good.
"Dammit! He shouldnât keep silent and do nothing. I can do what he canât!" Matters involving Meng Fan made it hard for Meng Ping to stay calm.
"Meng Ping, donât bite at people randomly," Su Hai snapped, getting upset. This was his own nephew-in-law he was protecting. "You think everyone has a President dad and a leader grandfather backing them?"
Xu Qigang took a drag of his cigarette, undergoing a tremendous change in demeanor. The sharpness in his eyes seemed murderous, sending shivers down oneâs spine.
"The photos were taken by Qin Yue."
At this, Su Hai immediately knew there was more to it. Qin Yueâs true identity wasnât as simple as it seemed on the surface; ordinary families couldnât bring up someone with his rogue-like demeanor.