The world is unpredictable.
After defeating Mo Pingqiu with a move that feigned retreat, I thought it was finally my turn to reap the benefits.
After all, I had brought considerable prestige to Ying Baolin.
Whether he would truly rely on me or trust me was another matter, but Ying Baolin certainly owed me for today.
Next, all I had to do was find an opportunity to connect with Yun Jin. Even if Yu Shuang wanted to deal with me, it wouldn't be as easy as before.
But I never expected that Mo Pingqiu, that scoundrel, would completely abandon his integrity and principles. To save himself, he actually blurted out the matter of the Qian Wang Ling!
Although Ying Baolin might not have figured out what the "Wang" character represented yet, if he were to recall everything later and connect all the dots...
The fact that Yun Jin possessed the Qian Wang Ling would likely be exposed.
I had no interest in hearing what else Ying Baolin and Yu Shuang discussed.
After disembarking, my mind was racing.
Although I had shone brightly on the Yun Shuang, it was ultimately just a superficial display.
I knew very well that once Ying Baolin understood the hidden meaning in Mo Pingqiu's gesture, it would be the crucial moment for me to make my choice...
Ying Baolin, returning triumphantly from Yu Shuang's gambling ship, gave me a meaningful glance before leaving.
He stared until I felt thoroughly uncomfortable and my scalp tingled. Then, the boss casually said, "You performed very well today!"
"Take two days off to rest. When you return to work, remember to sign and collect your pay from the finance department."
"From now on, you are the one who will carry the banner for me, Ying Baolin!"
Upon hearing this, I nodded in understanding.
Compared to Yu Shuang, Ying Baolin had a very distinct advantage: he was clear about rewards and punishments.
As long as you successfully completed the tasks he assigned, you would often receive cash rewards of tens of thousands or even millions.
Of course, if the task failed, the punishment was also severe.
...
I didn't rest when I got back, because I simply didn't have the time to.
I needed to use these two days to plan carefully about what I should do next.
Neither Ying Baolin nor Yu Shuang were individuals I could contend with at the moment.
Caught between these two, I had to find the most secure way to approach Yun Jin.
Furthermore, I had to find Isabella as quickly as possible and bring her to Yun Jin, so she could understand the truth of what happened on the cruise ship.
To my surprise, shortly after I left, I received a text message from Yu Shuang.
The message was simple, only ten characters.
Where are you? Can we meet to talk?
I replied: Speak directly.
After waiting for about ten minutes, Yu Shuang replied: I want to know the whereabouts of the Qian Wang Ling. Let's meet privately at Peninsula Coffee Shop on Lingnan Road at 3 PM.
I had to admit, this way of replying was very much like Yu Shuang; she loved to keep people in suspense.
But there was no other way, I had to go.
However, her willingness to meet me so quickly must mean she had already noticed Ying Baolin's unusual behavior, and was trying to prepare for it.
After informing Han Jinlun and changing the meeting location, our group of five headed straight for Peninsula Coffee Shop.
For me, Yu Shuang's specified time and the notion of a private meeting were nonsense.
I could go whenever I wanted, and bring as many people as I wanted.
Of course, bringing people with me beforehand wasn't to defy Yu Shuang, but to scout the location in advance, in case of any unexpected events.
Three in the afternoon.
On a weekday, there weren't many people at the coffee shop.
After I had Cheng Minglang and the other three hide themselves, and then made my way to the coffee shop, I saw Yu Shuang already sitting by the window in the main hall.
The Queen Bee, as she was, seemed lost in thought, watching the cars passing by on the street.
Unlike in the morning, Yu Shuang wasn't wearing a skirt this time. Instead, she had on a high-necked coat, covering herself completely.
She was also wearing a ladies' sun hat, with the brim pulled down low.
If it weren't for her face, I might not have recognized her.
Confirming it was Yu Shuang, I strode over and sat down opposite her.
Seeing me sit down, Yu Shuang didn't look up. She simply said, "Order whatever you want to drink."
Without a word, I ordered a cappuccino.
After the waiter brought the coffee and desserts, Yu Shuang suddenly spoke, "Honestly, Chen Xiang! If it weren't for Mo Pingqiu, you might have been completely out of the picture by now!"
I knew what Yu Shuang meant.
If Mo Pingqiu hadn't revealed the matter of the Qian Wang Ling to Ying Baolin, Yu Shuang would have definitely found a way to extract information from Yun Jin.
As long as Yun Jin relented, my elimination was inevitable.
But now, everything was different.
With that thought, I said in a low voice, "If talking were useful, you wouldn't be sitting here! Let's just get straight to the point!"
Upon hearing this, Yu Shuang gave a noncommittal smile and said, "Alright! Then I'll be direct. Chen Xiang... how about we cooperate?"
"I admit, when I first contacted you, my goal was to extract information about Lu Mingtai's whereabouts from you, and thus gain clues to the Qian Wang Ling."
"Lu Mingtai's seclusion in Liangshan Town was a clue I worked hard to obtain!"
"And the strength you displayed at the time, especially your perfect shuffling technique, made me immediately think of Lu Mingtai!"
"That's why I was willing to go to any lengths to get close to you and tie myself to you."
"People die for wealth, birds die for food!"
"After all, who would ever have too much money?"
"If you're willing to help me, then once I obtain the Qian Wang Ling from Yun Jin, I will go to Haojiang before March 12th next year to exchange it for equity rewards with Mr. He."
"At that time, we'll split it fifty-fifty!"
Before I could speak, Yu Shuang continued, "Don't even think about negotiating, because this is the biggest concession I can make!"
"Moreover, you must make a decision quickly, before Ying Baolin finds out for sure that the Qian Wang Ling is with Yun Jin!"
"If Ying Baolin figures everything out, both you and I will be in great danger!"
Hearing this, I immediately understood. Yu Shuang wanted to persuade me in the simplest and most direct way, to get me to align with her.
Because right now, we were in a race against time.
Once Ying Baolin knew about this, the consequences would be unimaginable.
After a moment of thought, I didn't give Yu Shuang an answer. Instead, I asked back, "Why don't you ask me what my purpose is in relentlessly pursuing the Qian Wang Ling?"
"Heh heh!"
With a cold laugh, Yu Shuang replied in a low voice, "Isn't it to avenge Lu Mingtai?"
"With money, aren't you afraid you won't be able to get revenge?"