Guo Xuyang had just returned to the provincial capital when Cheng Xiuping showed up.
“Brother, you’ve been through a lot!” Cheng Xiuping said. “I’ll treat you to dinner tonight to help you de-stress and welcome you back.”
“How is the old man recovering?” Guo Xuyang asked.
“He’s recovering very well. When the old man learned about your situation, he arranged for people to investigate. Your strategy of cutting off the source was indeed brilliant, directly toppling Wang Er Kang.” Cheng Xiuping continued, “What my people found were merely superficial details, enough to have him relocated. The videos you released directly took Wang Er Kang down.”
There are no secrets that can be kept forever. As the top official in the city of Maicheng, it wasn't easy to bring someone down.
Later, people speculated that Wang Er Kang had crossed paths with someone formidable. Only Cheng Xiuping, who was involved, knew the exact details of what had transpired.
His admiration for Guo Xuyang had turned into a sense of awe, bordering on fear of his unfathomable methods.
It was fortunate that they were friends and not enemies; as an enemy, one wouldn't even know how they died.
Guo Xuyang remained non-committal.
“Brother, the villa I mentioned last time is ready for you. I’ll take you to see it later,” Cheng Xiuping said.
He had been in the provincial capital for quite some time, acquiring significant assets but lacking a proper place to stay. Staying in hotels long-term wasn't ideal. Thus, he agreed.
“Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Cheng. I can’t refuse this kind offer.”
The villa was located on the west side of an artificial lake. One could see the lake right from the doorstep. The artificial lake was surrounded by a garden, making it a very desirable place to live, although the price was not insignificant.
When Cheng Xiuping and Guo Xuyang arrived at the villa, Xiao Yun also hurried over, saying she wanted to see the villa with Guo Xuyang.
The villa was two stories high, with its own private courtyard. The lawn in front was well-maintained. Adjacent to the wall was a dense bamboo grove, arranged in two staggered rows, forming a thick, impenetrable bamboo screen. Behind the villa was a large swimming pool, currently empty.
“It would look great with water and some large koi carp,” Xiao Yun said, pointing at the swimming pool.
Guo Xuyang shot her a glance but said nothing.
Ah, how did women’s thoughts differ so much from men’s?
It was true that the swimming pool could be filled with water, but raising koi carp was not the plan. He envisioned organizing gatherings with beautiful women here; the thought of such a scene was quite stimulating.
Xiao Yun, of course, was unaware of his vulgar thoughts. If she had telepathic abilities, she would have undoubtedly kicked Guo Xuyang into the swimming pool.
The group strolled around the villa’s grounds along a small path before entering the house.
Upon entering the main door, they were greeted by an immensely large living room. The floor was paved with golden marble, and the furniture, including lamps and sofas, was all in place.
“What is this?” Guo Xuyang was quite surprised. He hadn't expected Cheng Xiuping to provide a furnished villa.
“I decided to keep this villa for myself. Last time, brother, you mentioned needing a place to stay, and this one had just been renovated and was ready for occupancy, so I reserved it for you. If you’re not satisfied with any aspect, you can always redecorate. There’s another villa to the west of this one with the exact same layout, which hasn’t been renovated yet. I’ve kept that one for you as well,” Cheng Xiuping explained.
“Thank you, Mr. Cheng, for going to such lengths. I really like the renovation style; no changes are needed.”
“I want this room,” Xiao Yun, who had somehow made her way upstairs, declared, pointing to the room on the east side.
“No, this is my villa, and you want that room. Shouldn’t you, as a young lady, have more modesty?” Guo Xuyang deliberately provoked her.
“You said you would support me, so I don’t care. I want this room,” Xiao Yun stated, crossing her arms.
“Alright. You take this room, and I’ll stay in the villa on the west. Men and women should maintain a proper distance to avoid gossip.”
“Then you go ahead. I’ll invite my best friend to stay with me. That way, a pervert like you can’t sneak around.”
“You…”
Guo Xuyang was left speechless after attempting to retort for a long time.
Alas, women from the lowlands are like tigers; if you can’t contend with them, can’t you at least avoid them?
“Mr. Cheng, thank you for your trouble. Please don’t spend more money on my behalf. How much are these two villas? I’ll transfer the money to you.”
“Brother, don’t be so formal. You know I’m in real estate. Are these two houses worth mentioning? If you have the opportunity, just take me along to buy some stones, and that would be enough.”
This was a surefire profitable venture. Through several interactions, his amazement at Guo Xuyang’s ability to purchase raw jade had been boundless.
Never mind these two villas; if he could find a single imperial green jade, the money for ten villas would be recouped.
“Alright, since Mr. Cheng has said so. We’ll go take a look together in a couple of days when we go to Jieyang. I’ll call you then.”
As they chatted and looked around, time had already advanced significantly.
Dinner was a must.
Guo Xuyang invited Wu Youzhi and Wang Yibo and accompanied Cheng Xiuping to the Junshan Clubhouse.
The Junshan Clubhouse was designed in an antique style, complete with pavilions and towers, exuding an atmosphere where one didn’t just eat but experienced culture.
Works by many masters were displayed everywhere, such as Tang Yin’s “Poem Scroll,” Wang Xizhi’s “Sun and Moon in Swift Motion,” Huang Tingjian’s “Pear Blossom Poem,” and Zhu Yunming’s “Simple Pavilion Records.” Whether they were originals or high-quality replicas, they were undoubtedly impressive to someone like Guo Xuyang.
After all, he couldn’t replicate such masterpieces.
The group entered the Ni Chang Pavilion. Four beautiful women in qipaos awaited their arrival, showcasing tea ceremonies and pouring tea. They gracefully departed after the dishes were served.
This entire experience opened Guo Xuyang’s eyes, a country bumpkin. He hadn’t imagined that a clubhouse could operate in such a manner. This entire operation was truly superb.
Guo Xuyang understood why many people were so fond of visiting clubhouses, and why he, having just acquired some wealth, hadn’t yet reached that level.
As the saying goes, poverty limits one’s imagination. Yes, that was precisely how he felt now.
“Let me introduce you all. This is a friend I met in Maicheng, Wang Yibo. He used to work in investment, just resigned, and wants to develop in the provincial capital. I hope you two bosses will take good care of him,” Guo Xuyang said, pulling Wang Yibo along to introduce him.
“Brother, you have so many businesses under your wing. You could easily find a place for Brother Wang to gain some experience. Just let us know if you need our help with anything else,” Cheng Xiuping offered.
“Exactly. If not, he can come train with me for a few months to get familiar with market conditions,” Wu Youzhi added.
“I plan to have Brother Wang train under Manager Xiao for a while. We’ll see how he does once he gets the hang of the work,” Guo Xuyang said. “Manager Xiao, would you be willing to mentor Wang Yibo for now?”
“I have no problem with that. The big boss has spoken, so how could I have any objections? I’m delighted, in fact.” Xiao Yun was now wholeheartedly focused on finding someone to replace her.
Her attention was no longer on the 4S dealership; she was determined to capture this treasure boy and prevent him from slipping through her fingers.
“Thank you for your recognition, Mr. Guo and esteemed bosses. I will study diligently and strive to integrate into this family as quickly as possible,” Wang Yibo said.
Wang Yibo had changed into new clothes and had his hair restyled, shedding his former dispirited appearance. He was quite presentable now.
“Alright, this matter is settled.”
“Come, let us drink heartily and not return until we are drunk,” Cheng Xiuping raised his glass. “To Brother Guo’s triumphant return, and to him gaining a capable subordinate. Cheers.”