Chapter 409: Refuses a Toast Only to Drink a Forfeit
Two minutes later, Yang Zhenpan received the result of the investigation. There was little information, yet, a glint flashed in his eyes, and his expression slightly changed.
"I see!"
After hanging up the phone, he looked at Tang Xiu with a strange expression, "Brother Tang, your analysis is very reasonable. The Magnificent Tang Corp does indeed have great potential. The company definitely has the ability to become a dark horse in the business world in the next few years. I've been fortunate to taste their Gods Nectar once, because my friend hyped it up, and I was deeply impressed. The other two products of the Magnificent Tang Corp, the Skin Care Lotion and the Scar Removal Cream, are also standing out. Though it hasn't caused much sensation, they are being highly praised."
Tang Xiu then rose and said, "Since I've answered your question, shouldn't you take me to see Hou Qingmin?"
"What do you need Hou Qingmin for?" Yang Zhenpan also got up and asked curiously.
"I want to ask him about something." Tang Xiu said.
Seeing that Tang Xiu was unwilling to say more, Yang Zhenpan immediately nodded and said, "Then, come with me! I talked to him about half an hour ago. He should be in the General Manager's office."
"All right!"
Soon, Tang Xiu walked alongside Yang Zhenpan to the Glory Auction House's General Manager Office. Yang Zhenpan then knocked on the door, and then pushed it open.
"You came, Boss!"
In the office, Hou Qingmin smiled as he stood from his office chair to greet him. However, when he saw Tang Xiu behind Yang Zhenpan, he looked slightly startled, "Boss, this one is?"
Tang Xiu's brows raised and then looked at Yang Zhenpan, who smiled and kept silent. It was only then that he realized that Yang Zhenpan was the Glory Auction House's Big Boss. However, he wasn't interested in who the Glory Auction House's Big Boss was, since he came here only to inquire about the Buried Diamond.
"You're Hou Qingmin, Chief Hou? I'm Tang Xiu, the owner of the Magnificent Tang Corp." Tang Xiu stretched out his hand and calmly said.
"Hello, Mr. Tang!"
Hou Qingmin looked surprised. He knew a bit about the Magnificent Tang Corp. He was a wine lover, and he loved Magnificent Tang Corp's Gods Nectar. Unfortunately, he could only obtain two bottles of Gods Nectar despite having spent a lot of effort.
At the side, Yang Zhenpan also looked surprised. He observed Tang Xiu again and his shock increased. He thought it was funny and interesting for Tang Xiu to be unable to guess that he was the Big Boss of the Glory Auction House, hence the acting. Yet, he was unable to find out that Tang Xiu was the Magnificent Tang Corp's Big Boss as well.
"Chief Hou, I don't like to talk in a roundabout way since I'm always straightforward." Tang Xiu said, "I'll talk straight to the point. The reason I come looking for you is that I want to find out about the Buried Diamond. Can you tell me whether the buried diamond belongs to your auction house or belongs to the consignor?"
"This…" Hou Qingmin hesitated as he looked at Yang Zhenpan.
Yang Zhenpan was silent for a moment, as he then said with a smile, "Brother Tang, since you came to our Glory Auction House, you're our guest. Let us not hurry and have tea first. How about we speak about it slowly?"
"Alright!" Tang Xiu nodded.
After sitting on the sofa, Hou Qingmin personally made tea, pouring it for Yang Zhenpan and Tang Xiu. Then, he sat on the empty sofa nearby.
Yang Zhenpan took a short teacup and gently took a sip. He then slowly said, "Mr. Tang, according to the rules of our Glory Auction House, we can't disclose the source of the items auctioned at our auction house. However, since Boss Tang has come in person, I would answer the question myself. The Buried Diamond doesn't belong to our Glory Auction House. A distinguished client entrusted it us to auction it on his behalf."
"Who is he? I need his contact information." Tang Xiu asked.
"I apologize. We can't disclose the client's information." Yang Zhenpan shook his head.
"I must know!" Tang Xiu said with all seriousness.
"Mr. Tang, I gave you a bit of information out of respect for you as the owner of the Magnificent Tang Corp." Yang Zhenpan squinted his eyes as he looked at Tang Xiu and said, "But I hope you don't make things difficult for us, since our auction house has its own rules and customs."
"The Buried Diamond is too important for me. I must know who the owner is." Tang Xiu cooly said, "In order to trace it, I'll use whatever means necessary. I give you half an hour. If within this time you can give me the answer I need, then I owe you a favor. But if you don't give me a satisfactory answer, I can't guarantee what I will do to your Glory Auction House."
"How arrogant!"
Hou Qingmin abruptly stood and looked angry, whereas Yang Zhenpan looked dignified, squinting his eyes as he continue sizing up Tang Xiu.
Tang Xiu slanted his eyelids, sensing the looming momentum sent off by Hou Qingmin. He then said in a cold and detached tone, "Manager Hou, I advise to put away your ignorance. Relying on your ability that wasn't enough to break through the first layer of Thousand Revolutions Array, not only standing out will result in you getting oppressed, you will also make a fool of yourself."
Hou Qingmin's complexion changed, and said in a heavy voice, "You know the Everlasting Feast Hall's Thousand Revolutions Array? You…"
Ring, ring, ring…
Tang Xiu's mobile phone rang. The ringtone also interrupted Hou Qingmin's words.
Shooting him a glance, Tang Xiu then took out his mobile and pressed the answer button. After hearing Chi Nan's voice, he then said lightly, "I'm at the General Manager's Office, 28th floor."
Having said that, he hung up directly!
For a while, the atmosphere inside the General Manager's Office turned heavy.
Knock, knock…
The door was knocked, and then Chi Nan entered with a faint smile on her face. Under the surprised gazes of Yang Zhenpan and Hou Qingmin, she came before Tang Xiu and respectfully called out, "Boss."
Pointing at Hou Qingmin, Tang Xiu then indifferently said, "You said you have a bit friendship with him. Ask him about the Buried Diamond."
Buried Diamond?
A surprised look appeared on Chi Nan's face. In fact, she also saw the Buried Diamond's trailer from TV commercials. She also knew that the Glory Auction House would auction this precious diamond on October 1st.
Looking at Tang Xiu and Chi Nan in disbelief, Hou Qingmin hastily asked, "Chief Chi, what did you just call him? Boss?"
Chi Nan could sense that something was amiss from the atmosphere inside the office. She then nodded, "Yes, he's the Everlasting Feast Hall's Boss, Chief Hou. Although I don't know why my Boss wants to know about the Buried Diamond, I hope you can truthfully tell him about it."
"I…"
Hou Qingmin's lips twitched a few times, as he gulped his words back. At this moment, he finally looked a bit scared. He knew perfectly well how terrible Tang Xiu's threat was. He was a martial artist and had even personally visited the Everlasting Feast Hall's HQ in Jingmen Island, trying to break through the Thousand Revolutions Array. Naturally, he knew that the Everlasting Feast Hall boasted a lot of highly skilled experts.
Suddenly, Yang Zhenpan let out a faint smile and said, "I never thought that Boss Tang was such a promising young man! Not only are you the Magnificent Tang Corp's Big Boss, you're also the Everlasting Feast Hall's owner. However, you want to threaten me relying on your identity? I don't think that's enough, no?"
The moment he finished speaking, Hou Qingmin's heart jolted, and his heartbeat accelerated. He hastily winked at Yang Zhenpan. However, the man ignored him, as his eyes straightly stared at Tang Xiu.
"Are you really sure you don't want to tell me?" Tang Xiu calmly asked.
"Yes, I don't want to." Yang Zhenpan sneered.
Tang Xiu got up, looked at Chi Nan and said, "Call Xiaoxue and tell her to send some people over. I want the Glory Auction House to cease existing before tomorrow morning. Also, take note that he's called Yang Zhenpan. Investigate him, including any forces that are related to him. I want he and his family, as well as those with good relations with his friends and family, captured. Remember, do it at all costs.
"Investigate the Buried Diamond issue secretly. Furthermore, since the Glory Auction House has shown us such a due respect, we must pay it back in face. Secretly investigate all the distinguished guests who have received the Glory Auction House's invitation, as well as what they want to buy. Our Everlasting Feast Hall will give them better compensation, and I don't want to see anyone to take part in this auction of the Glory Auction House."
"Affirmative!" A glint of murderous intention shot out from Chi Nan's eyes.
"Wait!" Hou Qingmin was greatly anxious, and hurriedly yelled, "Mr. Tang, please do not be anxious. The reason as to why my Boss doesn't want to tell you is because the consignor of the Buried Diamond has a strong background; we can't afford to offend him. How about you wait for me to make a phone call first. If the seller is willing to see you, we'll help you."
"Hou Qingmin!" Yang Zhenpan abruptly rose, anger on his face.
As though didn't see his fury, Hou Qingmin kept talking to Tang Xiu, "Mr. Tang, your purpose is very clear, you just want to get the information about the Buried Diamond's owner. Our Glory Auction House isn't willing to offend our friends, so please wait a bit. How about it?"
Coldly looking at Yang Zhenpan, Tang Xiu then slowly sat down on the sofa, and nodded, "I'll be waiting for your news."
Quickly nodding in response, Hou Qingmin deftly grabbed Yang Zhenpan's arm and pulled him out of the office. Outside, Yang Zhenpan forcefully broke himself free from Hou Qingmin's hold and shouted, "Qingmin, what do you mean by this? I won't let this go if you don't give me a clear explanation here and now!"
Taking a deep breath, Hou Qingmin then said with a solemn expression, "Boss, I do respect you as a Boss, that's was why I stopped you just now. If you were to clash with Tang Xiu, then I can only resign. Because… I fear him, more than I fear you."
"A newly developed Magnificent Tang Corp, and just a restaurant's Boss, yet you're more afraid of him than you're of me? What a joke! I, Yang Zhenpan, have a lot of wealth and personal connections. My Yang Family is an illustrious family in Beijing. Even if we are not among the top three, we are big enough to be in the first ten. I really don't believe he has that much ability, to begin with."
"Boss, the Everlasting Feast Hall is a very special existence." Hou Qingmin slowly said, "As far as I know, they have tons of highly skilled experts. Of course, I wouldn't fear them if it was just this alone. I have a hunch that there are special people in the Everlasting Feast Hall."
Special people?
Yang Zhenpan frowned and asked in a deep voice, "What special people?"
Looking at both sides and finding that there was no one nearby, only then did Hou Qingmin reply in an undertone voice, "Dao cultivators."
Chapter 410: Visit
Though having his own pride, Yang Zhenpan always stayed low-profile. He mostly had humble disposition, however, a loftness existed in his bones. Today, he came across Tang Xiu by chance, and his few statements got him interested. Because of this, it increased his interest toward Tang Xiu.
However, never did he expect that such a young man who seemed to have such a good temperament would unexpectedly be the Big Boss of two companies, the Magnificent Tang Corp and the Everlasting Feast Hall. What was the most unbelievable thing for him was that the young man even dared to threaten him?
He was angry! He wanted to teach this young man a lesson, so that the youth would know what modesty meant.
Yet, after he heard this statement from Hou Qingmin, his heat tightened and a chill quickly formed in his heart.
Hailing from a big family in Beijing, he had been in contact with some things that ordinary people wouldn't believe. Thus, he naturally heard about cultivators' existence through various channels.
The number of cultivators was very small. It was a simply rare of existence in his view. Yet, any of these people had mysterious abilities and were shrouded in mystery.
Regardless of whether it's true or not, I'd rather believe it than not.
Prudent and cautious as he was, Yang Zhenpan made a snap decision.
Looking at Yang Zhenpan's changed expression, Hou Qingmin's heart tightened. For fear that Yang Zhenpan had turned a deaf ear, he then said in undertone voice after hesitating for a while, "Boss, your decision is…"
"If the Everlasting Feast Hall really has that kind of people, can we even provoke them?" Yang Zhenpan smiled and said, "Not to mention that Tang Xiu himself displayed such unusual stance, too unusual. With unusual matters, there certainly exists a demon as well. Hence, we'll contact the Buried Diamond's seller first! If he agrees, then throw this hot potato to him. If he doesn't… then, if worst comes to worst, we can only give up and help him with the Buried Diamond's auction."
"Then, shall I contact the other party?" Hou Qingmin murmured.
"I'll contact him myself!" Yang Zhenpan slowly said after staying silent for a while.
"All right!" Hou Qingmin gently nodded, feeling relieved inwardly.
On the outskirts of Shanghai, there was an ordinary house located in a fruit orchard with a clear rivulet in front of its courtyard. The stream gurgled rapidly as fishes occasionally jumped out of the water surface, splashing water and creating ripples.
An old man wearing a sun hat and white jersey held a fishing rod as he quietly fished. By his foot was a big yellow dog, lazily lying there and yawning from time to time.
"Grandpa, there's a call for you."
A delicate, cute little girl ran energetically from the courtyard behind him. She was only six or seven years old, carrying a black-colored mobile phone that was flashing some lights.
"Who's calling?" The old man didn't turn his head as he asked.
"I only know the Yang word on it, Grandpa." The little girl laughed and said, "I don't know the last two words. Do you want me to check up on the dictionary?"
The old man finally turned his back. After receiving the phone, he glanced at the name displayed on the screen, and then said with a smile, "Then go and look them up in the dictionary! Grandpa will answer the call first."
"Okay!" The little girl replied, turning around and running back to the courtyard.
The old man then pressed the answer button and coolly said, "Why are you calling me?"
"Elderly Wei, our Glory Auction House has just come across a big trouble because of your Buried Diamond." Yang Zhenpan respectfully said.
"Tell me!" Wei Jiangping squinted his eyes and said.
"Someone wants to find the Buried Diamond's seller through our Glory Auction House." Yang Zhenpan said, "According to our auction house's rules, we keep our client's information confidential, especially you, who is the owner of the Buried Diamond. However, the other party has a very big background and is someone our Glory Auction House is unable to provoke. He said that he must find the specific information about the Buried Diamond's seller even if he must destroy the Glory Auction House and my Yang Family."
"Who is the other party? He really said it with such a big tone?" Wei Jiangping's brows raised and asked curiously.
"I know that he has two identities. One of which is the Magnificent Tang Group's Big Boss, and the other is the Everlasting Feast Hall's owner." Yang Zhenpan forced a smile and said, "However, I also suspect that he has other identities as well. He's way too young, after all, and looks like he's in his 20s."
Wei Jiangping shook his head, because he had never heard of these two names. He had been abroad for nearly five years, and most of his time had been spent in this place after coming back. For him not to know of these two enterprises was normal.
"Let him come if he wants to see me!"
"All right!"
Hanging up the phone, Wei Jiangping then intended to put the mobile phone away, but he seemed to recall something. After thinking for a while, he then dialed a cell number and laughed, "Old buddy, how about coming here and have some tea with me?"
"What happened?" An old voice came from the mobile phone.
"Well, I came across an interesting matter." Wei Jiangping said with a smile, "I want you to come and see the fun. Besides, the four others geezers are in seclusion, to begin with. I have no one who can chat with me but you. I'm kind of lonely here!"
"Okay. I'll be there by lunch. Just prepare some fresh fish for me."
"No prob."
Shanghai, Glory Auction House.
After hanging up the phone, only then Yang Zhenpan heaved a sigh of relief inwardly. He put his mobile phone away and looked at Hou Qingmin, who looked at him with anticipation, and then slowly said, "Investigate this Tang Xiu, place the focus on the Everlasting Feast Hall."
With a slightly changed expression, Hou Qingmin forced a bitter smile and said, "We can't, Boss."
"Why?" Yang Zhenpan frowned.
"Actually, I sent some people to investigate the Everlasting Feast Hall many years ago; they never came back. Neither had there any news about them. It was like a pebble dropped into a bottomless ocean." Hou Qingping murmured, "All in all, I sent three groups. I even asked someone from a private investigator agency later on, yet the result was exactly the same. Afterward, someone came to me and put a knife on my neck, telling me to never investigate the Everlasting Feast hall again."
"Who was it?" Yang Zhenpan's complexion changed and asked in a heavy tone.
"Outside the Everlasting Feast Hall's people, who else could it be?" Hou Qingmin forced a bitter smile.
Yang Zhenpan's face changed yet again. He then nodded and said, "I see. You don't need to handle this issue anymore. Let's go see that Tang Xiu again and send him off."
"Did the old man gave his consent, Boss?" Hou Qingmin hastily asked.
"Yes, he agreed!" Yang Zhenpan gave a short reply.
After returning to General Manager's Office, he saw Tang Xiu smoking on the sofa. He then sat on the sofa at the opposite side and said, "Mr. Tang, I just contacted the Buried Diamond's owner myself. He agreed to see you."
"Give me his contact information." Tang Xiu said.
"Can you give me your cell number?" Yang Zhenpan said, "I'll send you the old man's address through a text message."
"All right!"
Tang Xiu told him his cell number. After calmly waiting for about a minute, he then received a specific address.
Then, he got up, looked at Yang Zhenpan, and lightly said, "Originally, I should have owed you a favor, but your attitude made me dissatisfied, hence it's voided. Thus, we don't owe each other."
Having said that, he quickly left the office along with Chi Nan. After they left the Glory Auction House's entrance, he said, "Come with me! I just came back from Jingmen Island, so I don't have a car."
"Understood!" Chi Nan smiled and replied respectfully.
An hour later.
In Shanghai's suburbs, a fruity fragrance fluttered in the orchard.
Riding a mountain bike, Han Jintong appeared outside the house's courtyard. Beside him was a beautiful girl dressed in a fashionable dress, pink sunglasses, and also rode a mountain bike. The duo looked at Wei Jiangping, who was quietly fishing by the small stream outside the courtyard. The girl then called out, "Grandpa Wei, I came with grandpa."
Slowly putting down his fishing rod, Wei Jiangping then got up, turned his head and said with a smile, "Qingwu, you also came! It's been five years since I came back to the country. This should probably be the second time I'm seeing you."
"Grandpa Wei, an elderly such as you has a pure mind. You live like a hermit in this kind of place every day to enjoy your late years. I don't dare to rashly disturb you."
Wei Jiangping grinned. He then turned to Han Jintong and said with a smile, "Old buddy, the glib tongue of your granddaughter is better than yours. Anyhow, let's go! The dishes and wine should've been prepared, let's have a chat while eating."
"Didn't you call me to see a show or something?" Han Jintong said.
"The protagonist has yet to arrive, but they should be here soon, though!" Wei Jiangping said with a smile, "All right. Let's have a meal first, then we'll talk about that after dining."
The delicious dishes included fish and meat.
Living in this place together with Wei Jiangping was his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. The person who cooked was the housemaid hired by his daughter-in-law.
In the dining room.
As they sat down, a car's horn was heard outside the courtyard. Wei Jiangping shot a look at his daughter-in-law and lightly said, "Go outside and bring them in. Since they came at dinner time, prepare more tableware as well."
"Alright!"
Two minutes later, Tang Xiu and Chi Nan were brought to the dining room. His expression blanked slightly after seeing the people inside, because he never dreamt that he would unexpectedly meet an acquaintance in the dining table. More so because the person was someone he didn't want to see the most.
"Tang Xiu? Why are you here?"
Han Qingwu was surprised as she got up and asked in disbelief.
"How have you been, Teacher Han?" Tang Xiu said lightly.
Looking at Chi Nan behind him, Han Qingwu then asked once again, "Tang Xiu, you haven't answered my question! Why are you here at… Grandpa Wei's place?"
"Surely I have things to do, no?!" Tang Xiu said.
Nodding to his daughter-in-law, Wei Jiangping then said, "Take two pairs of tableware and chopsticks!"
"Only a pair, please!" Chi Nan stepped back and indifferently said.
Wei Jiangping furrowed his brows slightly, whereas Han Jintong had an odd expression on his face.
"Since you came with Tang Xiu, eat together with us!" Han Qingwu said with a smile, "The meals in Grandpa Wei's home are very delicious."
"No need!" Chi Nan stepped back again, refusing and shaking her head.
Han Qingwu shot Chi Nan a look, and then shifted to Tang Xiu. All of a sudden, she was clueless about their relationship. Just as she was about to say something, her heart suddenly jolted, and shouted, "I remember you. You're the Everlasting Feast Hall's Manager. No wonder I thought you looked a bit familiar…"