Chapter 42: Deadlock

Qingxi was originally a county-level city, but it has now been transformed into a district, and the subway has just begun operating. I sat in the subway, preparing to send a message to Jin Yulian. Although today’s trip to Mingzhou didn’t result in a successful sale, I at least learned many inside stories, so it was quite rewarding.

I decided to share the information I had obtained from Luo Dingguo with Jin Yulian and discuss how we should respond. From Luo Dingguo’s revelations, it was clear that someone had deliberately set a trap to harm Jin Yulian. So, even if we managed to sell off this foreign trade inventory, there would surely be other plots waiting down the line.

When I opened my phone, I saw Jin Yulian had left a message on WeChat: “How did it go today? Where are you now?”

I replied, “I’ve already boarded the subway, should arrive in about half an hour. I made some progress today; I’ll tell you the specifics when we meet.”

Soon after, Jin Yulian responded: “I’ll drive over to pick you up when you arrive. I have something to tell you as well.” I replied with an OK gesture.

Sitting in the subway, I began to ponder who was behind the plot against Jin Yulian. If we didn’t find them, the consequences would be endless. After all, we were out in the open while they lurked in the shadows, impossible to guard against.

My first suspect was Qian Duobao, although I wasn’t entirely certain. Who else could it be? I needed to ask Jin Yulian if she had offended anyone, prompting them to set up a scheme against her. Simply put, who were her enemies? The motive for harming her, besides revenge, must be profit.

Thinking further, I realized the scope could be narrowed. The person must be someone with status and influence in Mingzhou.

Following this line of reasoning, it was likely one of Mingzhou’s wealthy magnates. Qian Duobao was the most probable, but as for the others, I couldn’t recall anyone. I hadn’t been around long enough after getting out, so I wasn’t familiar with Mingzhou’s elite, nor did I know whom Jin Yulian might have offended.

The subway sped along, and soon I arrived at Qingxi Metro City station. I checked WeChat again and saw Jin Yulian had messaged: “I’m already waiting at the subway station entrance.” I replied, “I’ll be there soon.”

As I walked out the station entrance, I saw Jin Yulian waiting, wrapped in a long coat and wearing sunglasses. Seeing me, she took off her sunglasses and handed them to me. I was a little surprised and asked, “What’s wrong? Worried someone might see us?”

Jin Yulian nodded, “Let’s talk in the car.” Qingxi’s city center—which should now be called Qingxi District—was developing rapidly. The city’s skyline changed by the day, with construction and demolition everywhere, high-rises springing up all around.

Looking at the city ablaze with lights, I sighed inwardly. Ah! If you don’t work hard enough, you’ll never keep pace with this city’s swift progress, nor be able to fit into the new society.

Jin Yulian drove me toward Oasis Community. On the way, passing a fast-food restaurant, she asked me to get out and buy some meals, instructing me to pick up a few bottles of alcohol as well. Curious, I asked, “Yulian, what kind of drinks do you want?” Jin Yulian replied, “Anything strong enough to get me drunk will do.”

So, I bought six meal boxes, two servings of rice, a bottle of red wine costing about a hundred yuan, a bottle of white liquor priced at eighty, and a case of beer—the best drinks the fast-food place had. Since my hands were full with the meal boxes, the staff carried the drinks to the car’s trunk.

Jin Yulian said nothing. Seeing me jump into the passenger seat, she started the car. From her request for alcohol, I could tell her mood was gloomy—something was off.

The roads were especially congested that evening. What should have been a routine journey took over ten minutes. Perhaps due to her bad mood and the traffic jam, Jin Yulian was irritated, nearly hitting other cars several times.

I tried to comfort her, “Yulian, don’t worry. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. We’ll figure out how to sell this foreign trade inventory, I’m sure of it.” My confidence made her smile bitterly, “Let’s hope so.”

We arrived at Oasis Community. Jin Yulian parked in the underground garage, then she took the meal boxes, and I carried the drinks. Together, we took the elevator to the sixteenth floor.

Inside, I placed the drinks in the dining area. Jin Yulian closed the door and set the food on the table.

I’d bought six meal boxes, all typical fast-food dishes: fried hairtail, braised pork, sliced chicken, squid stir-fried with peppers, shredded pork with greens, mushroom soup, and a box of peanuts to go with the drinks.

I picked up the red wine, “Yulian, there wasn’t much to choose from at the fast-food place. Which drink do you prefer—would the red wine be all right?”

Jin Yulian looked at the bottle in my hand, “Anything. Red wine is fine.” I thought white liquor was too harsh and could easily get someone drunk and hurt their health. If she preferred red wine, so much the better.

I opened the bottle, poured her a glass, and asked, “Yulian, shall we drink while discussing matters? Would you like to start, or should I?”

Jin Yulian took a sip, “You go first.”

I raised my glass and clinked hers, “Yulian, let me toast you first. Thank you for your kindness, and for helping me deal with Granny Li’s affairs.”

Jin Yulian drained her glass, “Let’s skip the pleasantries between us. Tell me about your trip to Mingzhou to sell the foreign trade goods.”

I asked, “Yulian, have you ever offended any of Mingzhou’s wealthy families?”

Jin Yulian shook her head, “I don’t think so. Why do you ask?”

I recounted my visit to Luo Dingguo, chairman of Dongzhou Group. After hearing my story, Jin Yulian fell into deep thought. I pressed, “Yulian, think carefully—who could be setting a trap for you?”

Jin Yulian frowned, “Besides Qian Duobao, I can’t think of anyone else.”

I nodded, “I feel the same. He’s despicable, so scheming—he’s been plotting against you for years already.”

Jin Yulian nodded, “Yes, the two hundred thousand order from two years ago, and the later ten million order, were bait to lure me in. I failed to see it, and now I’m the fish on his chopping block.”

I tried to reassure her, “Don’t worry, Yulian. Mingzhou’s foreign trade firms may not dare take our goods, but we can try in Hudou. Qian Duobao’s influence doesn’t reach there.”

Jin Yulian shook her head, “Unfortunately, it’s already too late.” Seeing her forlorn expression, I asked, “Yulian, what’s wrong? You seem especially troubled today.”

Jin Yulian sighed, “Today, Qian Duobao gave me an ultimatum. He wants me to marry him soon, or else he’ll go to the police and report you for smashing his bathtub, demanding they reopen the case.”

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Chapter 42: The Dilemma. Free to read.