The day Zhan Jinzhi went for the competition, Wei Yumeng was still uneasy.
According to Zhan Mohan, the place for the competition was no ordinary venue. What would happen to Zhan Jinzhi if something went wrong?
Besides, she always felt that Zhan Mohan had other plans.
She paced back and forth in the house for several rounds before she couldn't help but ask, "Mohan, are you really comfortable letting Jinzhi go to the competition?"
Zhan Mohan nodded, "Yes, since it's something he agreed to himself, I naturally won't interfere."
"That place is not where Jinzhi should be," Wei Yumeng still voiced her concern, "What if he encounters bad people after going there?"
Zhan Mohan pulled her into his embrace, "Don't worry, I have arrangements. Jinzhi is our child. How could I let him get hurt?"
Wei Yumeng suddenly felt something was off. Compared to her, Zhan Mohan seemed too calm.
It was as if Zhan Jinzhi was just going out for a stroll.
"Mohan, do you know something? Or what are your plans?"
Zhan Mohan smiled at her, "You really can't hide anything from me."
Just then, Fang Xun walked in from outside, "Mr. Zhan, everything is ready. Shall we leave now?"
Zhan Mohan pulled Wei Yumeng up, "Let's go, we'll go together."
Wei Yumeng was still a bit confused, but she followed Zhan Mohan out.
After following the car for a long time, the two finally arrived at their destination.
It looked like a bar, but Wei Yumeng knew it was not that simple.
Indeed, after entering the bar, the waiters did not find them seats but led them deeper inside and down a staircase.
It was only when the space opened up before her that Wei Yumeng realized where she was.
This must be where Zhan Jinzhi was competing today.
Because it was underground, the lighting was dim, and it was stuffy, filled with the smell of alcohol and smoke.
The loud heavy metal music playing did not evoke any association with playing chess.
There were fierce-looking people everywhere, and some even cast disgusting glances at Wei Yumeng.
This made Wei Yumeng instinctively move closer to Zhan Mohan.
At the edge of the stage, a familiar figure appeared - Zhan Jinzhi.
Zhan Jinzhi detested such places. If it weren't for the importance of the matter, he wouldn't have wanted to come here.
Qiu Shaoyi tugged at Zhan Jinzhi's clothes, "Classmate Zhan, I'm sorry. I regret pulling you into this."
Zhan Jinzhi shook his head, "It's alright. I have a sister too, so I understand how you feel. Helping you is my own intention."
Qiu Shaoyi regretted how he had treated Zhan Jinzhi during the previous competition even more. His admiration for Zhan Jinzhi now far surpassed his jealousy.
"Kid, this is not a place for you. You know that if you lose here, it won't just be a loss in the competition."
Someone deliberately threatened, "A while ago, someone lost here and had to use his hand as collateral. Oh my, it was a terrible scene."
But Zhan Jinzhi was unfazed. When he decided to come, he had already prepared himself mentally.
"I will not lose," Zhan Jinzhi simply said, and then strode past them.
"This kid is brave," the man exclaimed.
Seeing this, Wei Yumeng wanted to rush over and protect her child, but Zhan Mohan signaled her not to interfere and to follow him.
She had no choice but to follow Zhan Mohan forward. After passing through the crowded hall, they found a private room at the end.
When Wei Yumeng and Zhan Mohan entered the room, someone was already waiting for them.
"Mr. Zhan, what brings you here?"
When Wei Yumeng saw the person before her, she was momentarily stunned.
If she remembered correctly, this was Yu Bei, one of Zhan Mohan's business rivals.
Wei Yumeng had only heard that he was the head of the largest enterprise in City A, but she never expected to encounter him here.
But since they met, it meant one thing: this bar had some connection to him, or rather, this bar, and even this chess match, were Yu Bei's ventures.
Wei Yumeng frowned. She had known for a long time that some businesses, besides their public endeavors, also had their own "private industries." It seemed this Yu Bei was such a person.
Zhan Mohan had mentioned before that Yu Bei intended to expand his business into Pengcheng, which would undoubtedly become an obstacle for Zhan's Group.
Therefore, Zhan Mohan could not let Yu Bei succeed.
Now Wei Yumeng understood why Zhan Mohan was not worried at all when he learned that Zhan Jinzhi had agreed to this chess match.
Zhan Mohan must have had some arrangements.
"I believe you know why I'm here," Zhan Mohan said, and then he pulled Wei Yumeng to sit opposite Yu Bei.
"Is it about the business in Pengcheng?" Yu Bei said, then looked out the window, "Or about your son?"
Zhan Mohan merely smirked, "Both. I want to make a bet with you."
"Interesting, what's the bet?" Yu Bei showed great interest.
"If my son wins the chess match, you will take your messy businesses and get out of Pengcheng," Zhan Mohan said, his eyes becoming sharp.
Yu Bei continued his words, "And if I win... how about you give me your lovely wife?"
Hearing this, Wei Yumeng became alert. She had no intention of doing that.
But Zhan Mohan remained impassive and continued, "If you win, I will cede one-third of Zhan's Group's market share to you."
"Deal!"
Under the lure of such profit, Yu Bei naturally agreed.
But Wei Yumeng couldn't quite believe it. She didn't think Zhan Mohan would gamble with such a high price.
Zhan Mohan felt Wei Yumeng's tension and reached out to hold her hand.
Zhan Mohan appeared full of confidence, but Yu Bei was equally confident because his arrangements were not just limited to this.
Perhaps this chess match was enough to change the commercial landscape of Pengcheng.
Outside, Zhan Jinzhi was already preparing to take the stage. His sole purpose was to help Qiu Shaoyi rescue his sister, unaware that Zhan Mohan had placed a much larger bet on him.
Suddenly, he had a premonition. He turned his head but saw nothing.
However, he seemed to feel the expectations from Zhan Mohan and Wei Yumeng. No matter what, he had to win today.