Chapter 1999

Power and Wealth

Afternoon.

A little past five.

They arrived at the leisure club.

When the car stopped in the parking lot, Zhang Dongfang, Sun Lihan, and Xu Zhuang hesitated to get out. They were shocked to realize that after looking around in all directions, they couldn’t find a single car worth less than 600,000 yuan. The cheapest was a top-tier Audi A6. People nearby were casting frequent glances at their domestic-brand car.

Fang Shuiling got out first, showing no signs of discomfort.

Sun Lihan, Zhang Dongfang, and the others followed, feeling a bit uneasy due to the numerous luxury cars around.

“This is the place. Let’s go in,” Fang Shuiling said, leading the way as her floral dress fluttered behind her.

The others had no choice but to follow, wondering what kind of place this was. Every car was high-end, so it was not a cheap spot.

Xu Zhuang whispered, “Sister Sun, what is this place?”

Sun Lihan shook her head. “I’ve never been here before. Looks like it’s members-only, not open to the public.”

Zhang Dongfang was puzzled. “Not open to the public? Then how do they make money?”

“They must make money differently,” Sun Lihan replied. “Maybe members have annual fees and spending requirements. I’ve heard of places like this in Beijing, but I’ve never actually been inside.”

Xu Zhuang muttered, “If that’s the case, this girl isn’t ordinary.”

“How would I know?” Sun Lihan said. “Let’s go in first and see if we can get things done. Director Li might not even come. We’ve tried to meet him so many times, and he never agreed.”

They reached the entrance.

Two aluminum-alloy doors—very grand.

Inside, it was quiet with few people. The lobby was especially lavish.

As soon as Fang Shuiling entered, a middle-aged woman came out with a beaming smile.

“My membership card. Get us a private room for dinner,” Fang Shuiling said, handing over the card.

The woman quickly waved her off. “Miss Fang, there’s no need for the card. If we didn’t recognize you, we might as well close shop. Your information is all registered. We’ll book it under your name.”

Fang Shuiling smiled. “Alright, get us a quiet room.”

“Got it. I’ll arrange it immediately.” She said something into her walkie-talkie and personally led them inside. “These guests look unfamiliar—friends of yours?”

Fang Shuiling nodded. “Yes. Additionally, Li Xiao will be arriving later. When he does, send him straight to our private room.”

“No problem at all,” the woman replied.

The private room arrived quickly, measuring over 100 square meters and featuring very luxurious amenities.

Zhang Dongfang and Xu Zhuang were taken aback upon entering.

Even Sun Lihan, who had been to many high-end places in Beijing, had never dined somewhere this extravagant. She was visibly impressed.

Ring ring ring—Zhang Dongfang’s phone rang. He stepped out to answer. “Hello, Xuebing.”

Dong Xuebing asked, “Is it done?”

“Not yet. We’re still waiting,” Zhang Dongfang replied.

“Waiting? Waiting for who?” Dong Xuebing was surprised.

“Director Li. The person you arranged for us has already brought us here. We’re just about to eat,” Zhang Dongfang explained the situation.

Dong Xuebing was speechless. He thought the matter was already settled. With Fang Shuiling involved, how could there still be a problem? He hadn’t expected her to meet them in person, rather than just making a call, and even personally arrange a meeting with Director Li. Wasn’t that overkill? Such a minor issue didn’t need all this. But since Fang Shuiling was putting in the effort, he couldn’t say much. He knew she was taking it seriously. ȑά𐌽ỗ₿Ès̩

Dong Xuebing gave a wry smile. “Alright, if Xiaoling is handling it, I won’t interfere.”

Zhang Dongfang quickly asked, “Xuebing, this Xiaoling—are you sure she’s reliable?” He still wasn’t entirely convinced—he hadn’t seen anything particularly special about her.

Dong Xuebing said, “Reliable, how?”

“Are you sure she can get it done?”

Dong Xuebing laughed. “You don’t trust her?”

“Exactly. That’s why I’m asking. The transition from county to city status is too important for Jiaolin County. We can’t afford mistakes.”

Dong Xuebing replied, “Let me put it this way—if she can’t do it, then no one can. Don’t worry.”

Zhang Dongfang knew that was as firm a statement as he’d get from Dong Xuebing, so he dropped the issue—even though he still wasn’t sure about Fang Shuiling, he trusted Dong Xuebing.

Back in the private room, Fang Shuiling had already ordered the food.

“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I just ordered randomly,” she chirped. “There’s also a tennis court, golf course, bar, café—after dinner, we can go have some fun. Or even relax in the hot springs. Up to you.”

Zhang Dongfang was quick to decline. “That’s too generous.”

Fang Shuiling smiled. “You’re Brother Dong’s colleagues. You came to Beijing, so of course I have to treat you well. Otherwise, how could I face Brother Dong?”

Just then, a waiter led someone in.

A young man in his thirties, drenched in sweat like he had run all the way there. He was breathing heavily and looked extremely nervous.

“And you are?” Fang Shuiling asked, recognizing his face.

“Miss Fang, I’m Li Xiao,” he said immediately.

Fang Shuiling remembered. “Ah, I’ve seen you before—early this year, right?”

Li Xiao wiped his sweat, overwhelmed by the attention. “Yes, yes. I was reporting work to leadership in the General Office back then, and had the honor of seeing you once.”

Li Xiao.

Is this Director Li?

Zhang Dongfang and Sun Lihan were stunned.

Fang Shuiling waved him over. “No need to be so formal. Come, sit. I thought I’d have to wait for you to get off work—I even told them to serve slowly.”

Li Xiao broke into more sweat. “Miss Fang called for me—I, of course, dropped everything and came right away. How could I dare delay?” He wasn’t exaggerating—when leadership informed him that Miss Fang wanted something from him, his mind went blank. He reviewed everything he had done recently, wondering if he had made a mistake somewhere. But he couldn’t think of anything. Still, once he heard Miss Fang was involved, he left work immediately and rushed here.

Wait until he gets off work?

Only an idiot would do that.

If he could’ve grown wings to fly over, he would’ve. How could he make the granddaughter of the State Council Premier wait?