The girl named Nana was truly an actress. One moment she was arrogant, the next she transformed into a pitiful, innocent girl.
However, Tang Xiaowu was no fool, nor was he a typical sycophant.
Without even looking at Nana, he said coldly, "I'm sorry, I'm sensitive to the term 'backup.' You can leave!"
Nana wanted to say more, but in front of so many influential figures, it was difficult to employ her acting skills. She could only turn and leave.
Upon witnessing this scene, everyone understood what had happened.
Liu Zhendong patted Tang Xiaowu's shoulder and laughed heartily, "Why be dejected? Are you afraid you won't find a woman in the future? There are plenty of beautiful women in this world. As long as you're capable, you can have as many as you want!"
"Ahem!"
Liu Rumei shot him a glare, and Liu Zhendong immediately fell silent.
Soon, everyone entered the private room.
This five-star grand restaurant was the highest-class establishment in Yangzhou, unmatched by ordinary eateries in terms of cuisine, service, and ambiance.
In the luxurious private room, Liu Rumei stood up and, with an apologetic tone, said to Ye Cangtian, "I took the liberty of inviting a few others to dine with Mr. Ye this time. I hope Mr. Ye doesn't mind."
Ye Cangtian smiled faintly, showing no displeasure.
In the past, he might not have wanted to associate too closely with these figures from the underworld. However, things were different now. Liu Rumei held a dominant position in Yangzhou's underground forces, which meant fewer troubles.
Moreover, maintaining appropriate relations with people in the underworld would be beneficial to him and the Tang family.
He seemed to have quite a few enemies now. If anyone were to target him or the Tang family, he would be able to learn of any slightest disturbance through his contacts in the underworld.
Seeing that he was not angry, Liu Rumei smiled and said, "The main purpose of this gathering is to introduce everyone to Mr. Ye!"
Soon, a young man stood up. "Hello, Mr. Ye. My name is Zhang Yi. The eastern part of the city is my territory."
"My name is Zhao Bin. I've long admired Mr. Ye's reputation!"
"My name is..."
One by one, the current influential figures of the underworld stood up to introduce themselves, showing Ye Cangtian due respect.
After all, they all operated within the underworld. Even if they hadn't witnessed Ye Cangtian's past deeds, they had heard of them.
Sitting beside Ye Cangtian, Tang Xiaowu was almost stunned. Although he knew his brother-in-law knew Liu Rumei, he hadn't expected him to be so formidable.
These figures who were usually so aloof from the underworld were introducing themselves to his brother-in-law as if they were schoolchildren.
This was simply too impressive!
What Liu Rumei said next was something Tang Xiaowu would never forget.
Liu Rumei scanned everyone present and declared with resolve, "From today onwards, Mr. Ye is my honored guest."
"I hope everyone here understands that if anyone makes trouble for Mr. Ye or his family, I, Liu Rumei, will be the first to eliminate them!"
These few words stunned everyone present.
Liu Rumei's words represented Ye Cangtian's status within the underworld and also declared that she would always stand by Ye Cangtian's side.
At this moment, even Ye Cangtian was somewhat surprised.
Although he had always maintained a good relationship with Liu Rumei and Liu Zhendong, and they had helped each other several times, it had only been to that extent.
But now, with Liu Rumei's two sentences, he found himself unable to comprehend her motives.
...
The lunch banquet finally concluded after two in the afternoon.
Most of these underworld figures had risen from humble beginnings, so they were all rough in personality and very hearty at the drinking table.
Before long, they were all drunk.
Even Liu Zhendong was completely intoxicated and was carried back by Liu Rumei's subordinates.
Leaving the restaurant, Tang Xiaowu asked with a flushed face, "Brother-in-law, you drank so much, why don't you look drunk at all?"
At the table, apart from Liu Rumei and Tang Xiaowu, who had only taken a symbolic sip of red wine, everyone else had drunk a considerable amount of Wuliangye. Ye Cangtian, in particular, had been frequently toasted.
Yet, Ye Cangtian showed no signs of intoxication, as if he hadn't had a drink.
Tang Xiaowu exclaimed, "These are all the big bosses of Yangzhou's underworld, and they are so respectful to you, brother-in-law. You're truly amazing!"
At this moment, he genuinely admired Ye Cangtian.
Ye Cangtian lit a cigarette and said with a faint smile, "This is nothing. When you grow up and take over the Tang family, and lead it to become a true top-tier family, you'll have such prestige too!"
Tang Xiaowu was taken aback and began to doubt himself, "Can... can I really do it?"
"Of course!"
Ye Cangtian patted his brother-in-law's shoulder and smiled, "As long as you work hard, let alone making the Tang family a top-tier family, even making it the foremost family in China is not impossible!"
Tang Xiaowu fell into thought. He felt his brother-in-law's words made sense.
He was the sole heir of the Tang family. Although his cousin was more capable than him, she couldn't inherit the family business. Therefore, the Tang family would eventually fall to him.
If he continued to be so decadent, not only would he be unable to lead the Tang family to prosperity, but the vast family fortune might even be squandered by him.
Ye Cangtian suddenly asked again, "Do you still like that woman named Nana?"
Tang Xiaowu sneered, "Don't worry, brother-in-law. I won't trust women anymore. Women only hinder me from becoming stronger!"
"..."
Ye Cangtian almost stumbled. He looked at his brother-in-law with disbelief.
Could it be that this kid wouldn't like women anymore after being hurt?
Of course, the possibility was slim.
After all, this was Tang Xiaowu's first love. A little shock was normal, and he would likely recover from it soon.
However, Ye Cangtian expected Tang Xiaowu to take a half-day break. Instead, after leaving the restaurant, the young man ambitiously returned to work.
Was he planning to turn over a new leaf?
Ye Cangtian found it amusing and didn't rush back to the company, as he had nothing pressing to do.
The police station was not far ahead. He was familiar with this place, being a frequent visitor.
Seeing the police station, Ye Cangtian suddenly thought of Xu Weiwei. He murmured, "I wonder when this girl will return to Yangzhou!"
After a moment's thought, he pulled out his phone and called Xu Weiwei.
However, although the call went through, it was hung up by the other party.
Ye Cangtian was stunned and then called again. The other party hung up again.
This made him a bit speechless. Why would she hang up his call?
He didn't believe it and called a few more times. Finally, the other party answered, but her voice was ice-cold. "What is it?"
"Weiwei, what are you doing? Why aren't you answering my calls?" Ye Cangtian asked curiously.
"Working!"
Xu Weiwei replied faintly and hung up immediately.
This left Ye Cangtian utterly confused. Her tone was off.
Everything had been fine when they were in the capital. Why was she suddenly so cold to him?
"Hmm? She said she's working?" Ye Cangtian raised his eyebrows.
Had this girl returned to Yangzhou?