The turn of events caught me completely off guard. Yan Yuhe’s maneuver was something I never anticipated.
To obtain the complete handwritten notes, I was compelled to do her a favor.
And the favor she wanted was to gather votes.
According to her, the election for president would take place in a week, and she needed to secure enough votes for the Yan family to retain control of the Guanggu Association.
During this time, I had subtly inquired about her strong desire for the position of president.
Her response, however, was rather unexpected.
She said, "My father sacrificed too much for this presidency. Now that he's hospitalized, I must fulfill his wish."
"You're really willing to go to great lengths to fulfill your father's wish," I remarked.
Upon hearing my words, a blush crept onto her face.
To fulfill her father's wish, she was willing to sacrifice herself. Should I call her stubborn, or perhaps too headstrong?
We arrived at a restaurant, and as we got out of the car, Yan Yuhe informed me that the person we were meeting today was Jin Yuanjia, the secretary-general of the Guanggu Association.
The Guanggu Association had a very complex membership structure. Besides members from the four great families, there were other core members.
Each of these members was a cornerstone of the Guangbei antique circle. Some owned their own antique shops, while others were individuals with established influence and reputation in the area.
As the secretary-general, Jin Yuanjia not only owned an antique shop but also had good connections with auction houses in Hong Kong.
He was an old man in his fifties, with most of his hair gone. His attire was meticulously chosen: a Western suit, with a pocket watch attached to his suit jacket.
However, this old man didn't give me a very good impression. His condescending demeanor upon our first meeting was off-putting.
Having followed Yan Yuhe around for the past few days, I had met many high-ranking officials of the Guanggu Association. Every single one of them was a shrewd operator.
To gain their votes, it was usually a matter of equivalent exchange, and some even made exorbitant demands.
Yan Yuhe asking me to accompany her for vote-gathering clearly meant she couldn't find anyone more suitable.
"Yuhe, long time no see. You've grown into quite a young lady," Jin Yuanjia said with a smile, his eyes shamelessly lingering on Yan Yuhe.
Seeing his lecherous gaze, I could confidently conclude that this fellow was an old pervert.
"Uncle Jin, I'm truly grateful that you could spare time to have dinner with me despite your busy schedule," Yan Yuhe said politely.
"What are you talking about? Your father and I are old family friends. How could I refuse your invitation?" Jin Yuanjia said, patting the chair next to him. "Sit here, and let Uncle have a good chat with you."
Yan Yuhe glanced at me before walking over and sitting down.
"I've heard about your father's condition. Alas... life is truly unpredictable. How did things come to this?" Jin Yuanjia said, reaching out to touch Yan Yuhe's face. "Look, this whole ordeal has made you so gaunt."
Seeing this, I remained silent, sitting quietly to the side.
Several times, Yan Yuhe cast me pleading glances, but I completely ignored her.
The thought of her going back on her word still irked me.
Didn't you say you were willing to go to any lengths to fulfill your father's wish?
Why are you faltering now?
"When I last saw you, your arms weren't this thin. How did you get so skinny now?" Jin Yuanjia was getting handsy, his touch roaming all over Yan Yuhe’s body with impunity.
This old man was truly shameless. I, a living person, was sitting right here, and he was acting like this.
If I weren't here, I shuddered to think what might have happened...
"Uncle Jin... perhaps we should order the food first?" Yan Yuhe suggested.
"No rush, let's have a good chat first," Jin Yuanjia said with a smile.
As the saying goes, a dragon in shallow waters is preyed upon by shrimp, and a tiger fallen into the plains is harassed by dogs. It couldn't be more true.
This old geezer probably knew very well that Yan Yuhe was seeking his help, which was why he was acting so unscrupulously.
"Oh dear, I'm suddenly feeling a bit dizzy," Jin Yuanjia said, shaking his head. "My old body isn't what it used to be. Little Yan, I don't think I can have this meal today. I see a hotel nearby. Why don't you take me there to rest for a while, and we can discuss matters at the hotel?"
I had encountered shameless people before, but this was the first time I had met someone so brazenly audacious.
I truly regretted not bringing Fatty with me.
Seeing Yan Yuhe on the verge of tears, I sighed helplessly and said, "Old Jin, since you're feeling unwell, let's make this brief."
Upon hearing me, Jin Yuanjia turned to look at me. "Who are you?"
Before I could speak, Yan Yuhe interjected, "He's Xiang Fei, my father's last disciple..."
"Last disciple?" Jin Yuanjia looked surprised, staring at me for a long time. "How come I've never heard Old Yan mention you?"
I was too lazy to waste words with him and spoke directly. "Old Jin, our purpose in visiting you today is regarding the upcoming presidential election."
"Presidential election?" Jin Yuanjia blinked, looking at me and then at Yan Yuhe. "You want to run for president?"
Yan Yuhe shook her head. "Uncle Jin, it's my father running."
"Your father is currently hospitalized. How can he run?"
"The doctor said my father will be discharged in a while..."
This woman truly had a poker face when she lied.
"Is that so?" Jin Yuanjia frowned. "Running for president is no small matter. If the candidate isn't present, it could be problematic."
"It's fine. I can represent my father at the event," Yan Yuhe said.
"There's never been a case of proxy representation before..."
"Uncle Jin, as long as you agree to vote for my father, I'll handle everything else."
Jin Yuanjia chuckled. "Yuhe, voting is a serious matter. Each vote concerns the future of the association, and it cannot be cast carelessly."
Dealing with these shrewd old men, going around in circles, I didn't know when this conversation would end. I directly intervened, "Old Jin, we've already secured half the votes. With your vote, President Yan can continue his tenure. Moreover, the White Horse Jade Dragon is also in our possession now... Let's be straightforward, be direct. Name your price."
Upon hearing this, he paused slightly. "The White Dragon Jade Horse is already in the Yan family's hands?"
I nodded. Yan Yuhe chimed in, "That's right, we've already obtained the White Dragon Jade Horse."
"I didn't expect the Ma family to have already taken a side..." Jin Yuanjia's eyes darted around as he said, "It's simple to get my vote. I have only two conditions."
"Please, go ahead," Yan Yuhe said.
Jin Yuanjia held up two fingers. "First, whatever price the Yan family is offering others, I want double. Second..."
He then stared lecherously at Yan Yuhe. "Yuhe, I've recently acquired a few antique pieces. You'll have to come and appraise them for me."
"The first condition is fine," I said directly. "As for the second condition, it's not impossible, but it will have to be someone else."
Jin Yuanjia looked at me with displeasure. "What if I refuse?"