The night passed without incident. Xie Nana was very well-behaved, staying with me on the sofa the whole time. I couldn't lie down on the bed, so I could only half-recline on the sofa.
I was woken by a phone call from Brother Hui.
He first asked about my injuries. I told him I was fine, and then he asked me to wash up and come to his room. We were going to have a meeting before the main conference.
I patted Xie Nana, who was still asleep beside me, telling her to sleep in the bed as I needed to get up.
I went to the sink and looked in the mirror. I looked more natural today than yesterday. The swollen areas seemed smaller as the material had solidified, making me look more natural.
Since I couldn't wash my face, I could only rinse my mouth and brush my teeth.
I removed the bandages and put a band-aid on the small wound. I combed my hair, and with a mask on, it wasn't too noticeable.
I went to check on Xie Nana in the guest room. She was still fast asleep. The closer it got to the meeting time, the heavier my heart became. I truly couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt.
I went out to Brother Hui's floor and found his room number, then rang the doorbell.
Only the two brothers were in the room. Principal Sun and Chen Liben were not there.
Xie Jiabao: "Oh my, how did you get into this state? These people were too ruthless!"
I shook my head and said, "They weren't ruthless. If they had been, we might have been separated forever. It's a good thing I ran fast and managed to shake them off."
Brother Hui: "I investigated. These people are all martial arts masters. Escaping from them is indeed a stroke of luck."
I said, "Brother Hui is only half right. I was our school's sprint champion for five consecutive years until I graduated."
Xie Jiabao: "Then it's no wonder. As long as you escaped, that's good. We'll have to get you bodyguards in the future so such things don't happen again."
Brother Hui: "Right. When I leave, I'll leave two of my men with you. They are both skilled, and although they can't defeat U.S. special forces, they have no match here."
The U.S. special forces he mentioned were the group that came over some time ago, whom we had also driven away.
I said, "Thank you, Uncle. After this incident, I'm a bit worried, not for my life, but mainly because it could delay our business."
Xie Jiabao: "You are indeed my son, Xie Jiabao, always thinking of the bigger picture. However, compared to our lives and fortunes, business is not worth sacrificing yourself for. My remaining years and Nana's entire life depend on you."
I said, "Since Godfather values me so much, I have nothing more to say. I will go through fire and water without hesitation to handle the family's affairs."
Brother Hui: "Xiao Hao, we won't let you push yourself so hard. You just need to steer the ship correctly, and I'll guarantee everything else. I originally thought you wouldn't have enemies here because you've only been here a short time, but I was still too careless. I guarantee that such things will never happen again."
I said, "I am blessed with a long life and good fortune, and with Godfather and Uncle Hui looking out for me, nothing will happen in the future."
Brother Hui: "Good, let's get back to the main topic. I sent people to scout the location you mentioned this morning. It's a good spot, quite secluded, perfect for our meeting. However, I think seclusion also has its drawbacks; it's easy for someone to exploit it."
My heart sank. It seemed Brother Hui's reputation for being suspicious wasn't unfounded; he had indeed become suspicious.
He looked at me with a scrutinizing gaze, as if trying to discern something from my face.
He couldn't see my expression. Although I was wearing a mask, my face was stiff and completely expressionless.
Even though my face was expressionless, I felt miserable. If Brother Hui decided to change the venue, all our efforts would be in vain. It would be too late to make arrangements now, especially for A'gan. If we found another less suitable place, our entire plan would fall apart.
Brother Hui: "I've temporarily mobilized fifty men to enhance security in the surrounding area. They will arrive at noon and won't delay our meeting."
My sinking heart suddenly lifted. Fifty fighters, what did that mean? I estimated that Mr. Song wouldn't have more than twenty people deployed in the courtyard. Not only would it be difficult to deal with fifty people, but the critical issue was that if A'gan were to come in, he probably wouldn't even get past them.
I remained unruffled, waiting for him to finish.
Brother Hui: "Ruicheng is a place with mixed forces, and with the attack on Xiao Hao, we must be cautious."
Xie Jiabao nodded in agreement. I said, "Brother Hui's planning is indeed thorough. This will ensure we are completely foolproof."
Brother Hui: "I've also increased the number of people among those transporting the goods by ten. We must ensure absolute certainty."
Damn it, A'gan's side also increased their personnel, which added to our difficulties.
I gave him a thumbs-up, expressing my unqualified agreement with Brother Hui's arrangements, but my heart was filled with despair.
I needed to find an opportunity to quickly inform Mr. Song so he could adjust his troop deployment. Also, I needed to find a way with A'gan to eliminate the newly added personnel and allow A'gan to deliver the goods smoothly.
Brother Hui: "That's all regarding the meeting venue. Just the few of us need to know. You'll invite Young Master Kang normally. By the way, I heard he's coming by himself?"
I said, "Yes, he's having someone push his wheelchair to bring him."
Brother Hui: "That's good. After all, we are cooperating with him, so it's better for him to come in person. That's settled then. Let's go down for breakfast."
I hesitated for a moment. Brother Hui: "What, aren't you coming down?"
I said, "I can't eat in this condition. Besides, Nana is still waiting for me in the room, so I'll go back. I'll have the hotel send some food up."
Brother Hui: "That's fine too. You go back, and my brother and I will go down."
I bid them farewell and left the room.
I wanted to quickly relay the message to Mr. Song so he could prepare early, but I didn't take out my phone. Their people were everywhere, and if I so much as opened my mouth, I might be targeted.
I couldn't make a call even back in the room, which was driving me crazy. I couldn't go find my senior either, as that would also raise suspicion.
I could only return to my room.
When I got to the room, Xie Nana had already woken up and was taking a shower in the bathroom.
The sound of water was very loud in there, so she probably couldn't hear me on the phone. I quickly seized the opportunity and dialed Mr. Song's number.
Mr. Song: "Any changes?"
Mr. Song is indeed Mr. Song, getting straight to the point.
I said, "Yes, he's dispatched fifty additional men to the club, arriving at twelve, and also assigned ten men to A'gan."
Mr. Song: "Okay, I understand." He hung up after speaking.
His one sentence, "I understand," was enough. He would handle everything.
I put away my phone and waited for Xie Nana to finish her shower.
Girls' showers are troublesome and can be agonizingly slow. It wasn't until I was getting impatient that she came out wrapped in a bath towel.
She saw me and said, "You're back? Does the wound still hurt?"
I said, "It doesn't hurt much, maybe the painkillers are working."
Xie Nana: "If your wound isn't healed, you shouldn't go to any meetings. I can go and speak for you."