Xing Sha mentioned Lin Mei, and Xing Zheng gripped his coffee cup, his fingertips tracing the rim. He said nothing more. Xing Sha continued, "She listens to Lin Mei. They always go out together, and Lin Mei often visits her at home."
After speaking, Xing Sha remembered, "Have you contacted Lin Mei?"
"No," Xing Zheng denied. However, he was aware of everything Xing Sha had just told him. He even knew how many times Lin Mei had been on blind dates and the identities of her potential partners.
Seeing Xing Zheng's ordinary tone and no sign of concern for Lin Mei, Xing Sha decided not to inquire further about his past with Lin Mei. Lin Mei had told him back then that she and Xing Zheng were not compatible and that being together was exhausting. Now that Xing Zheng had no lingering feelings for Lin Mei, it was for the best.
"Have you found out about her and Zhao Rong?" Xing Zheng asked Xing Sha.
Upon mentioning this matter, Xing Sha's expression became even more serious than before. Nine months ago, the court had filed lawsuits against Zhao Jianghe and Liu Qinye.
Zhao Jianghe was convicted of intentional homicide and sentenced to death. Liu Qinye, whose crime was less severe, received a fifteen-year sentence and would likely not be released for the rest of his life.
The Zhao Corporation had also completely disappeared due to Zhao Jianghe's mismanagement, being acquired by several capital companies. While everything seemed to be settled, Zhao Rong had never shown his face. His relationship with Xie Qinjia remained the biggest mystery for both father and son.
Because of this, Xing Sha had even visited Liu Qinye in prison. However, after being incarcerated, Liu Qinye's mental state had completely deteriorated, becoming more erratic than before. No valuable information could be extracted from him. As for Zhao Jianghe, he had already been executed.
From Xing Sha's expression, Xing Zheng could infer the progress. He reminded him, "Just because the Zhao Corporation is gone doesn't mean Zhao Rong is gone."
If Zhao Rong were so easily deterred, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths years ago to cultivate Zhao Jianghe specifically to deal with the Xing family. His obsession with Xie Qinjia must have reached a pathological level.
However, what kind of intersection could there be between them to make someone like Zhao Rong remain unmarried his entire life?
On Friday, Lin Mei arrived at Shuang Mu for her monthly settlement. For the past year and a half, she had been handling Shuang Mu's cases. She had considered handing them over to someone else several times, but ultimately couldn't make up her mind and continued to be responsible until this day.
While having lunch in the cafeteria, Lin Mei overheard the finance department staff gossiping, "I heard the CEO just returned."
"Really? Is he going back to his old position?"
Lin Mei was picking at her salad when she heard these discussions, her appetite diminishing significantly. She forced herself to finish, then went upstairs to continue her work.
Around four in the afternoon, after finishing her work, Lin Mei went to the restroom. As she came out, she received a call from Lan Lan, "After work tonight, let's go to the Green Train. I've invited some obedient ones."
"Green Train?" Lin Mei was surprised. "Is this what you meant by 'seeing the world' last time?"
The Green Train was a very famous bar in Nanjiang City. Unlike other bars, the Green Train catered exclusively to female customers. All the male servers were exceptionally well-endowed and provided attentive services such as drinking companions, conversation, and massages. Lin Mei had only heard of it before, and she hadn't expected Lan Lan to take her there!
"Yes, any problem?" Lan Lan said to Lin Mei, "Don't be prejudiced against the people here. They are much gentler than those scoundrels outside."
Lan Lan chattered on, explaining to Lin Mei how obedient and gentle the men at the Green Train were. Finally, Lin Mei was persuaded by Lan Lan's eloquent speech, "Okay, then I'll go tonight."
She was curious about how obedient and gentle men could be.
Lin Mei emerged from the restroom and immediately encountered Xing Zheng. He stood opposite her with his hands in his pockets, like a hunter waiting for its prey. Lin Mei hurried past him to leave. Xing Zheng didn't stop her. He turned and gazed at her retreating back. After she had gone far, Xing Zheng took out his phone from his pocket and dialed, "Do me a favor."
The Green Train began its operations at seven in the evening. As soon as it opened, Lin Mei entered with Lan Lan and Feng Feng. Lan Lan was the most familiar with the place, and the servers recognized her and greeted her.
It was Lin Mei's first time here. Upon entering, she found her vision overwhelmed. The decor and layout were different from other bars. There weren't many public areas. Besides the bar counter, the first floor consisted of one private booth after another, resembling couple seats in a cinema, presumably to protect the customers' privacy.
Perhaps it was because they arrived too early, and the bar hadn't started serving customers yet, or perhaps the atmosphere here was inherently different from other bars. Even when customers arrived, it was very quiet.
"Are the people arranged?" Lan Lan asked the server. The server replied with a smile, "Everything is arranged. The VIP suites on the second floor, the men are selected according to your requirements. You will be satisfied."
The server led the way, taking the three of them upstairs. Lin Mei then realized that the second floor was entirely different from the first. The upper floor was more exquisite, with details akin to hotel rooms, offering better privacy. Lan Lan then said to Lin Mei, "How is it? Nice, isn't it? The rooms upstairs even have soundproofing."
Lin Mei: "..." She probably didn't know enough. She hadn't expected bars to offer such comprehensive services nowadays.
The three of them went their separate ways into their rooms. Lin Mei was the last one. The server swiped her card to open the door, and Lin Mei walked in. The room was unlit, and in the dimness, she could vaguely see someone sitting at the far end.
Lin Mei didn't know if this was the "rule" and asked, "Where is the light? Can I turn it on?"
The figure stood up. In the darkness, Lin Mei could tell that the person was tall and had an excellent physique. Lan Lan hadn't lied; the men here truly had outstanding appearances, which explained their thriving business.
As she was contemplating, the man walked towards her. With a faint sound, the lights in the room were turned on.
Lin Mei looked at the man immediately, and then she froze in place. The male server she was promised, how could it be Xing Zheng?!
Lin Mei turned to leave, but he had anticipated her move and caught her, pushing her against the wall. "Why are you running? You have the guts to come here looking for men, but not the guts to face me?" His tone was like a jealous husband settling accounts with his wife.
"What business is it of yours who I look for? This place doesn't serve male customers. If you don't leave, I'll call security to escort you out!" This was bizarre. Lan Lan had clearly said that the management here was strict and would never allow any men in. How did Xing Zheng manage to sneak in, let alone infiltrate her private room!
Xing Zheng chuckled. He moved closer to her, playing with her long hair. "Who told you I was here as a customer?"
Lin Mei sneered, "Otherwise? Are you here to be a service staff?"
"So clever," he said, kneeling on one knee in front of her, taking her hand, and kissing it. "Tonight, you are my guest."