Taking Zhang Huadong into custody was simple enough, but the information they currently possessed was merely that he had a lead. Whether it was a real lead or a useful one remained unknown. If they were to act, it wouldn't just be Zhang Huadong they would alert. Lin Zhendong's repeated instructions and that divination were not to be taken lightly.
"No, if it can be avoided, I still shouldn't act."
Li Chonglou understood that Shangjing was a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, a melting pot of people. If he were to make a move, it would inevitably attract attention or trouble. Whether he could leave unscathed would then be a question.
Therefore, discretion and patience were the way to go.
A security guard it was. He would get in first.
Li Chonglou made up his mind and agreed to the terms. The HR department, seeing that Li Chonglou's appearance and physique were highly suitable, immediately signed a contract with him and began his job training.
Who would have thought that in just a few hours, Li Chonglou, clad in a uniform, would transform into a security guard for Yi'an Financial Company's underground parking lot.
"Young man, you're quite handsome. If you work hard, you'll surely be promoted quickly. Keep it up!"
The one responsible for showing Li Chonglou the ropes was an old master in his fifties, called Uncle Si. He had a kind face and was very easy to talk to.
It was from Uncle Si that Li Chonglou learned that security guards were divided into "upper" and "lower" positions.
Upper guards were those at the main entrances or front doors. Although they had more duties, they frequently interacted with wealthy and influential people. In terms of tips and networking opportunities, other positions were far inferior.
Lower guards, on the other hand, were those like Li Chonglou, working in the underground parking lot. While there wasn't much work, mainly ensuring the safety of cars or guiding them to parking spots, they were also largely ignored.
One could say that those in lower guard positions were just earning their basic salary, and in terms of pay and prospects, they couldn't even catch up to the upper guards.
If they could sit at the entrance guardhouse, it would be better, but those positions were usually occupied by seasoned veterans or those with connections. For a newcomer like Li Chonglou, it was out of the question.
However, Li Chonglou was quite content with this. Compared to the visible upper guards, the lower guard position suited him better.
There was also good news: working here usually included provided meals and accommodation, or at least lunch. On the seventh floor, there was an employee cafeteria, where Li Chonglou could gather some information during meal times.
Uncle Si fell silent at Li Chonglou's quietness, mistaking it for discouragement from his earlier words. He couldn't help but say, "Young man, don't overthink it. Let me take you around the garage first."
Li Chonglou nodded and said, "Uncle Si, you can just call me Xiao Li."
"Alright, let's go."
Led by Uncle Si, Li Chonglou quickly toured the area. However, his mind wasn't entirely focused on the task, so he treated it more like a stroll. The two of them arrived at the second basement level, which was also mostly filled with cars.
This building housed not only Yi'an Financial Company but also a large shopping mall, with a considerable flow of people. His position was a joint role for Yi'an and the mall, though legally, he was an employee of Yi'an.
At this moment, both of them noticed a vehicle hesitating in front of a parking spot, clearly encountering a problem.
With his sharp eyes, Uncle Si spotted that it was a young, attractive woman. He immediately asked Li Chonglou, "Xiao Li, you can drive, right?"
Li Chonglou nodded. "Yes."
"Then here's your chance!" Uncle Si chuckled and hurried Li Chonglou over.
"Hello, do you need any help?"
Li Chonglou also noticed that two cars were parked too closely together, and the woman, perhaps due to unfamiliarity with her driving skills, was hesitant to park.
Upon hearing Uncle Si's words, the woman acted as if she had found a lifeline and quickly replied, "Yes, can either of you drive? Please help me park it. I'm in a bit of a hurry and short on time."
Uncle Si immediately winked at Li Chonglou. Li Chonglou, with a hint of helplessness, stepped forward and said, "I can. Let me handle it."
The woman's face lit up with joy. She got out of the car and simply said, "Then I'll leave it to you. Thank you." She then hurried away.
"Hey, miss, the car keys..."
"Please keep them safe for me, and I'll get them back later."
After speaking, the woman rushed off. Li Chonglou looked at Uncle Si.
"Park it properly first, then take the keys upstairs."
Li Chonglou could only follow suit. After finishing, he handed the keys to Uncle Si.
"What do you think? Was that girl pretty?"
Uncle Si, while appearing honest, was quite shrewd. Li Chonglou could only offer a wry smile and agree, playing along. However, the woman was indeed young and beautiful, dressed stylishly, appearing to be in her early twenties at most. She could be a powerful attraction for most young men.
Once Uncle Si started chatting, he couldn't stop, becoming a veritable chatterbox. Li Chonglou could only respond vaguely, seizing the opportunity to inquire about Yi'an Company.
Time passed quickly, and it was soon afternoon.
As Li Chonglou was on his patrol, he suddenly heard Uncle Si's voice through the pager.
"Come to the second basement level."
Li Chonglou hurried over and saw that it was the young woman who wanted to retrieve her car. However, perhaps due to bad luck, the cars on both sides were now parked even closer, and there wasn't enough space behind. She had to call for help again.
The parking spot where she had parked was rather unique in the entire garage. Li Chonglou could only help her drive the car out again.
"Lili, why are you walking so fast? Didn't we agree for me to drive you?"
As Li Chonglou drove the car out, a man in a suit approached rapidly. The woman, however, frowned, suddenly pulled open the passenger door, and got in.
"This..."
Li Chonglou stared at the woman in astonishment, only to hear her urge, "Drive faster, take me up first."
Li Chonglou complied with a sigh but was blocked by the man in the suit.
Seeing Li Chonglou wearing a security uniform, the man's expression immediately soured. He walked to the car window and shouted, "You think you're worthy of driving Lili's car? Get out immediately."
A strong smell of alcohol wafted over Li Chonglou, who then noticed the man's slightly flushed face, clearly indicating he had been drinking quite a bit.
The woman beside him quickly said, "Handsome, don't mind him. He's drunk. Just drive me up quickly."
Li Chonglou nodded and prepared to close the window, but the man in the suit reached in and grabbed Li Chonglou's hand. His grip landed precisely on the string of wooden beads given to him by Jiang Yuxin.
Li Chonglou's eyes turned cold. He countered by grabbing the man's hand and applying a slight force. With a sudden cry of pain, the man knelt to the ground with a thud.
Li Chonglou let out a cold snort, closed the car window, stepped on the accelerator, and the car sped away.
The woman beside him, who had been stunned, instinctively gripped the overhead handle, leaning back.
In a flash, only the man in the suit, clutching his hand and kneeling on the ground, and a bewildered Uncle Si remained in the garage.
It wasn't until the man in the suit got up from the ground, cursing, and hurried away that Uncle Si finally reacted.
"Uh, I've gotten into trouble now..."