Those Classmates who Suddenly Disappeared
Chapter 182: Calamity Strikes from Nowhere

Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Calamity Strikes from Nowhere

A high-end hotel with European-style architecture, shining under brilliant lights, illuminates every wealthy and influential person stepping into the building. Business tycoons and high-ranking government officials are all smiles, filled with anticipation for the upcoming banquet.

Yuan Cheng waited at the door for quite a while, calculating that it was about time. However, Liu Yao was still nowhere in sight, making him sigh at how women always seem to enjoy being late.

At this time, Yuan Cheng saw Su Hui standing on the nearby lawn, in a dashing black suit, her gaze continually scanning the surroundings while holding a walkie-talkie.

Yuan Cheng quickly ran over, "Su Hui, it really is you! What are you doing here?"

Not at all surprised, Su Hui replied, "So many important figures from our city are gathered today to discuss the city’s future planning. As for such an essential event, we professionals need to handle the security."

"Yes, your presence ensures our safety. You’re really putting in a lot of hard work." Yuan Cheng, after uttering these words, kept scrutinizing Su Hui. The more he looked, the more attractive she appeared. If it weren’t for his family situation, Yuan Cheng honestly would have loved to marry Su Hui.

At this moment, Zhuo Hang came running over, exchanging a few words with Su Hui that seemed to amuse her. The two seemed to enjoy a very congenial relationship.

Yuan Cheng noticed this, and he felt a pang of jealousy. In his heart, Su Hui was still his, and Zhuo Hang getting close to her felt like a violation, which irked Yuan Cheng greatly.

However, Yuan Cheng didn’t reveal his feelings. Instead, he silently watched Su Hui and Zhuo Hang move to another place. Then, with a chill in his eyes and a frown on his face, Yuan Cheng turned his head and continued to wait for Liu Yao at the entrance.

At this point, Liu Yao had just arrived. Yuan Cheng immediately opened the door with enthusiasm. But when he did, he was stunned. The woman who emerged from the car was a total stranger, yet she was stunningly beautiful. This woman named Leng Le took his breath away, rendering him momentarily speechless.

"May I ask who you are...." Yuan Cheng quickly gathered his composure, careful not to let his surprise show, especially since Liu Yao had stepped out of the car.

Liu Yao then made introductions: "This is my old classmate, and best friend, Leng Le."

"Pleasure to meet you. Long live friendship," Yuan Cheng responded with outward calmness, yet his heart was churning. He had always thought that Su Hui’s starlike beauty was a rarity. Liu Yao was indeed pretty, but rather typical in her beauty. However, this Leng Le, in terms of appearance, height, and charisma, wasn’t at all inferior to Su Hui.

Liu Yao and Leng Le walked ahead, chatting and laughing, while Yuan Cheng followed behind them, slowly admiring the graceful charm of these two beautiful women.

Upon reaching the banquet hall, many prestigious figures milled about, talking to each other, and discussing various possibilities, all waiting for the true protagonist of the banquet to make an appearance.

Very curious, Leng Le asked, "So many people gathered here today; who are they waiting for? Who has such an influence?"

Yuan Cheng immediately explained, "He’s a compatriot from overseas. He supposedly has a ancestral secret recipe that can prolong people’s lives and enhance their health. As a lot of medicinal ingredients are difficult to procure overseas but easier to find here, he decided to establish his company in our country. Moreover, our city put in a lot of effort to lure his business here, so of course, the welcoming ceremony has to be a grand affair."

Having heard this, Leng Le looked curious, "Does such a recipe really exist? Are you sure he’s not trying to fool people?"

"Many people in the West have already consumed it and the results have been significantly effective. Our people have also made contact and did research, there are no issues. That’s why we made such a huge effort to bring him here." Yuan Cheng finished, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile, "Do you know, once this person starts a company here, opens a factory with his recipe, how many suppliers and distributors will benefit? Once the products become globally popular, can you imagine the economic benefits?"

"I see." Leng Le looked as if she had understood, Liu Yao then added, "It’s said that many forces overseas wanted to forcibly seize the recipe, which is why he always travels with many bodyguards. That’s also why we have increased our security measures."

Le Le nodded, "Indeed, the medicinal materials are hard to acquire overseas. Now that he’s in the country, large-scale production can commence. Once the products hit the market, they are sure to outcompete others, causing loss to some."

Yuan Cheng added further, "Overseas, because of the oppression exerted by certain interest groups regarding imports and exports, many medicinal materials couldn’t be transported, which is why he decided to establish his company here."

At this moment, an energetic man around sixty, with white hair and a robust figure, entered the hall surrounded by eight bodyguards, garnering enthusiastic applause and welcome.

This man was Luo Jingrong. Quite well-known overseas, many wealthy and highly influential individuals desired a longevity elixir from him because many of these people hoped to live a little longer.

The city’s prominent leaders came forward to welcome him, among them were Yuan Cheng’s father and Liu Yao’s father, who on behalf of the city shook hands with Luo Jingrong, expressing the warmest welcome.

Luo Jingrong seemed gracious and astonished, shaking hands with those around him and expressing a friendly attitude. As he greeted and joked with everyone, the atmosphere became cheerful, making everyone feel like this was going to be a pleasant collaboration.

Everyone gravitated around Luo Jingrong, eager to hear his tales and his plans for this trip, speculating about his future plans.

Leng Le didn’t listen to any of this. Instead, she wandered around looking for Hai and anyone else who might be lurking about. Leng Le knew that her subordinates had already taken their positions, but she didn’t know where they were hiding.

When Leng Le saw Hai disguised as a waiter, she couldn’t help but smile. With Hai’s build, she wondered if his waiter disguise would scare anyone.

This time, Leng Le’s target was naturally Luo Jingrong or more accurately, the prescription he possessed. There had been attempts to snatch it from him overseas, forcing Luo Jingrong to beef up his security. The culprits behind those failed attempts were Leng Le and her crew.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Leng Le had not allowed her subordinates to continue causing trouble for Luo Jingrong overseas. Firstly, Luo Jingrong had become cautious and it was not easy to strike. Secondly, it was her boss’s orders that it was not yet time to move against Luo Jingrong.

Now, rather unwisely, Luo Jingrong had ventured onto Leng Le’s turf. Was this not like a lamb walking into a lion’s den? Naturally, Leng Le was thrilled, especially since many people here were on her side and her boss’s side. Hence, despite the heavy security present at the banquet, Leng Le’s people had already infiltrated the event.

Based on the information Leng Le had received, immediately after the banquet, Luo Jingrong would leave on a private plane. This meant there was only one chance, no time for retries tomorrow.

She had to succeed in one go. If she failed and roused suspicion, Luo Jingrong might never return to this city, and her boss would be furious. The terrifying scenario that could follow this was something Leng Le didn’t even want to contemplate.

At this point, Leng Le started noticing a few people: Du Changhui, one of the city’s wealthiest men, his son Du Jun, and Lin Xi who was always with Du Jun.

"Oh my god, I knew they would butt in." Leng Le furrowed her brows, it seemed like she wasn’t the only one hunting for their target.

Leng Le sipped her champagne as she contemplated. If she could capture Luo Jingrong and Lin Xi at the same time, wouldn’t that solve everything?

Soon, Lin Xi also noticed Leng Le and felt a bit surprised. Why would a restaurant owner qualify to attend such a banquet? Could Leng Le have some unusual background?

Du Jun also noticed and asked, "What’s the matter? Did you find something?"

"Look up this woman for me; I want to know why she was able to attend." After speaking, Lin Xi stopped looking at Leng Le. For some reason, she felt uneasy and asked again, "Are our people in place?"

"Don’t worry, everyone is ready. Luo Jingrong won’t escape tonight." After a moment, Du Jun’s expression changed slightly, "I heard that you were attacked last time, but fortunately Gu Fan showed up in time."

Lin Xi responded indifferently, "Yes, he is a good person, but he has nothing to do with me anymore."

"I hope you really don’t have any connection. The things following will be complicated, and I don’t want any outsiders involved." Du Jun’s expression was serious, indicating he meant what he said.

Seeing Du Jun’s earnestness, Lin Xi knew that the people below needed to be pacified and dealt with. Hence, she responded without expression, "I know what to do, you don’t need to remind me. You just need to do your job well, understand?"

Recognizing Lin Xi’s authority in her words, Du Jun’s tone softened somewhat, "I know, I trust your judgment." However, he didn’t really feel comfortable as every time they mentioned Gu Fan, he’d get a lecture from Lin Xi.

Despite the resentment in his heart, Du Jun still didn’t give up. He asked again, "I’ve told you over and over, you must not act alone. Why don’t you listen? Even though you’re our leader, the one we follow and obey, precisely because of this, you need to be more careful. Remember, success and failure depend not only on you. There’s also one thing I want to remind you about: times have changed, we’re no longer living under an emperor."

"Because I know we’re no longer living under an emperor, that’s why I returned to school. But even so, when it comes to certain matters, my word is still final. Don’t act rashly on your own. As for what happened last time, I acknowledge my mistake. I will be more careful next time." After saying this, Lin Xi began to observe Luo Jingrong’s every move closely, preparing herself for action at any moment.

Meanwhile, what was Gu Fan up to?