Traveling between the United States and China, and vice versa is quite troublesome. Without financial constraints, things would certainly be much easier. For long-distance flights, first class is far more comfortable than the economy. The Zhang family all flew first class, and to show their “gratitude” to Xia Xiaolan, she and Pan Baohua were informed upon boarding that Zhang Jiadong had upgraded their seats—the cost, of course, being covered by the wealthy Councilman Zhang.
Pan Baohua particularly couldn’t understand one thing about America: how Councilman Zhang could be so incredibly wealthy. No official in China had this much money!
Xia Xiaolan felt she was causing Pan Baohua trouble. He should have returned by ship after “delivering the goods” to America, but for her safety, he stayed by her side.
“Third Brother, won’t this interfere with your actual duties?”
Pan Baohua thought for a moment: “Once the plane lands, I do need to leave for a while, but you’ll be safe in China.”
That was certainly true. Even if Zhang Jiadong went completely mad, he wouldn’t dare make a move against Xia Xiaolan in China. Conversely, the same principle applied—Zhang Jiadong, an American citizen with no criminal record and a Los Angeles City Councilman, couldn’t risk anything happening to him in China.
This was probably why Zhang Jiadong dared to accompany Cui Yiru and the others back to China. The more high-profile and open it was, the less anyone could do anything about it!
The plane finally touched down at Hong Kong Airport.
Xia Xiaolan’s heart inexplicably began beating faster.
This time when Zhang Jiadong left America, he brought along more than a dozen people. While the security force was strong, compared to the impenetrable security in his home territory, traveling abroad meant everything was simplified—if anyone wanted to do something to Zhang Jiadong, the stretch from Hong Kong to entering Shenzhen would undoubtedly be the most convenient opportunity.
As Xia Xiaolan was thinking this, she heard Zhang Jiadong say softly to Cui Yiru: “Shall we rest in Hong Kong for one night? The journey has been so tiring, I’m worried it might be too much for your health.”
Fatigue was written all over Cui Yiru’s face. Since Xia Xiaolan had found her, she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep. For a woman of her age, a poor mental state immediately showed on her face.
However, Cui Yiru was eager to return home. Having already reached Hong Kong, she just wanted to get to Shangdu quickly.
Zhang Jiadong looked at Fein, who also joined in persuading: “In your current state, what will the elders think when they see you? Better listen to my father and stay in Hong Kong for a night, adjust your condition… and we can also have a proper talk with Tina.”
At Fein’s words, Cui Yiru couldn’t help but look at her daughter.
Tina, usually lively and coquettish, had been silent throughout the journey back to China, clearly distracted.
Fein’s words made Cui Yiru hesitate.
Xia Xiaolan’s mind stirred—what did Zhang Jiadong want to do in Hong Kong?
Under her husband and eldest son’s persuasion, Cui Yiru changed her mind. Xia Xiaolan didn’t want to stay with them in Hong Kong; she might as well return to Shenzhen first to handle some business.
As she was thinking this, someone who seemed to read her mind appeared as if descending from heaven to rescue her—
“Director Xia, Director Xia!”
In the airport hall, Du Zhaohui, followed by several people, walked over quickly with an enthusiastic expression: “Director Xia, since learning of your return to China, I’ve been counting the days, longing for your arrival like waiting for the stars and moon!”
“…”
Well, now Du Zhaohui made sense. His acting crazy was his most normal behavior.
But Xia Xiaolan clearly remembered that she hadn’t informed Du Zhaohui of her return date.
Du Zhaohui vigorously shook her hand, making exaggerated expressions with a complete lack of seriousness. Xia Xiaolan knew that because of the Electronics Plaza project, they were temporarily in the same boat. Du Zhaohui’s sudden appearance and over-the-top enthusiasm must have a reason.
No matter how bizarre Du Zhaohui’s behavior, he was unlikely to sabotage her before the Electronics Plaza project was completed.
So Xia Xiaolan played along with Du Zhaohui’s act: “How kind of Young Master Du to come to pick me up, you’re too courteous!”
Du Zhaohui kept shaking her hand vigorously, grinning like a foolish dog. Pan Baohua glared at him, and Du Zhaohui reluctantly let go: “Director Xia, you’ve been in America for months, I really can’t be confident about the Shenzhen project without your supervision. If it’s convenient for you now, shall we head to Shenzhen first?”
How did Du Zhaohui know she wanted to go to Shenzhen first?
Xia Xiaolan suppressed her confusion and smiled apologetically at Cui Yiru and the others: “This is Young Master Du from Hong Kong’s Cheng Rong Group, we have business dealings in Shenzhen. Young Master Du, this is Councilman Zhang from Los Angeles, USA, who’s returning to China with his family for a visit. We were originally planning to go to Yunan together.”
Zhang Jiadong seemed somewhat surprised: “Cheng Rong Group? You’re also surnamed Du, what relation are you to Du Chengrong?”
“He’s my father. Councilman Zhang, you know my father?”
Du Zhaohui didn’t remember the Du family having any connection with Zhang Jiadong.
Zhang Jiadong just smiled, “I’ve heard of your esteemed father’s name. Your Du family’s business is quite substantial. I also do import-export trade business in Los Angeles.”
Du Zhaohui breathed a sigh of relief.
Xia Xiaolan was quite exasperated—this was just a case of people in the same shady business knowing each other’s names!
The Du family’s business included smuggling, and Zhang Jiadong also did “import-export trade”… Xia Xiaolan thought it wouldn’t be surprising if Zhang Jiadong and Du Chengrong knew each other.
Du Zhaohui’s eyes darted around, “Councilman Zhang is an honored guest from afar. Why not stay in Hong Kong for a few days? You must have much to discuss with my father.”
Zhang Jiadong smiled: “After I handle my family visit matters, I would indeed like to meet Chairman Du.”
The two exchanged pleasantries for a few more sentences. Despite his flashy appearance, Du Zhaohui’s responses were quite proper.
After they finished their courtesies, Xia Xiaolan interjected: “Young Master Du and I have some business cooperation in Shenzhen, so it seems I can’t accompany you all during your rest in Hong Kong. Let’s meet up in Shangdu.”
Naturally, Xia Xiaolan requested to separate from Zhang Jiadong and Cui Yiru’s group.
Zhang Jiadong didn’t try to keep her, and Xia Xiaolan got into the car Du Zhaohui had brought to pick her up.
Pan Baohua was also in the car.
While others were wary of Pan Baohua, the shameless Du Zhaohui wasn’t particularly afraid. Money could buy anything—if one Hua couldn’t beat Pan Baohua, he could hire ten Huas to wear him down in rotation. When you have money, you should use that advantage. Why engage in physical combat with someone like Pan Baohua? That would be idiotic.
Before Xia Xiaolan could speak, Du Zhaohui complained first: “Your burden is too heavy, daring to provoke such people in America. Maybe you shouldn’t go back to America, it’s really dangerous!”
Xia Xiaolan was surprised, “You know about this Councilman Zhang?”
Du Zhaohui’s sudden appearance, so perfectly matches her wishes, allowing her to separate from Zhang Jiadong, Cui Yiru, and the others…
How did Du Zhaohui know about all this?
Xia Xiaolan was very curious.
Du Zhaohui hemmed and hawed.
“If you don’t explain clearly, I’m getting out of the car. What could be so important in Shenzhen? You were just calling me Director Xia… Du Zhaohui, your acting is terrible. Good thing you were born as the Du family’s young master. If you tried to make it in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, audiences would complain.”
This was advice Du Zhaohui had once given to Xia Xiaolan.
Du Zhaohui thought to himself that women hold grudges, and became somewhat agitated: “I come to save you with good intentions, how can you not appreciate it?”