Magnate Tycoon: How Did Simply Enjoying Life Make Me a Male God?-Chapter 624 - 427: The Banquet at Hongmen
After listening, Li Jing understood and summarized:
"So, the meaning is that wherever Zhang Fuqiang goes with the crew, he brings a few lackeys along to 'work' and demands the crew to give them jobs and pay.
But those lackeys don't actually do any work; they just follow him around, serve him, bolster his image, and help him throw his weight around in the crew, right?"
Yang Xiaoxiu nodded, "That's about right. I've heard that his friends used to be involved in shady dealings, and their methods are quite ruthless, so many people in the crew don't dare provoke them. That's one reason."
Upon hearing this, Li Jing couldn't help but glance a few more times at the floral shirt-clad Zhang Fuqiang, who had just gotten out of the car, and remarked with a hint of sarcasm:
"This guy sure knows how to play his cards, using money on one side to smooth relations with the directors and producers to have them as his backing;
while on the other side, he brings his lackeys into the crew, using force to intimidate others, making it easier for him to bully actresses or gain benefits from the crew, right?
Looking at this big, burly guy, he sure has a cunning mind."
By his side, Yang Xiaoxiu noticed that Li Jing didn't seem worried at all after hearing this, so she asked apprehensively:
"Brother Jing, should I still attend this dinner? I reckon that Zhang Fuqiang and those men he's bringing to the dinner definitely won't have good intentions."
Li Jing chuckled, patted her delicate shoulder, and said: "Don't worry, with me here, just go."
Seeing Yang Xiaoxiu still somewhat anxious, Li Jing added with a smile, "You forgot, I have friends too."
Hearing this, Yang Xiaoxiu was momentarily puzzled, then immediately thought of Li Jing's ownership of the largest gym in Tianhai, with Zhou Shun and Huang Jun as his friends. She asked in surprise, "Brother Jing, you mean?"
Li Jing smiled and said, "Although there's no need to make a big fuss to deal with them, since Zhang Fuqiang seems to like using influence and spectacle to pressure people, I'll retaliate in kind and teach him a lesson on how to behave."
Then he explained to Yang Xiaoxiu, "I'll call over Huang Jun and the others. Don't worry, nothing will happen to you.
Anyway, they probably haven't had dinner yet; I'll set up another table next to yours and have them wait inside."
Seeing this, Yang Xiaoxiu was moved and wanted to express her gratitude, but Li Jing interrupted her.
He gently pinched her exquisite chin and said with a warm smile, "You're my woman; there's no need for thanks. Go on."
This time, Yang Xiaoxiu finally let go of her worries and was about to open the door to get out of the car when she suddenly paused.
Li Jing asked her quizzically what was wrong, only to see Yang Xiaoxiu suddenly turn around, climb over the armrest in the middle of the driver's seat, hug Li Jing, give him a warm kiss on the lips, and then say with a smile, "Brother Jing, thank you, I'm getting out now."
After she finished speaking, she pushed the car door open and left.
Li Jing watched her figure gradually disappear as he felt the lingering warmth on his lips, smiling and shaking his head slightly, then he pondered for a moment and took out his phone to call Huang Jun.
Li Jing turned off the engine and parked the car, his eyes following Yang Xiaoxiu's figure as she vanished through the revolving doors of the restaurant. Only then did he unhurriedly straighten his sleeves and step into the grandly decorated hotel lobby.
According to the information provided by Yang Xiaoxiu, he had deliberately booked a booth directly facing the hallway of Zhang Fuqiang's private room, allowing him to observe the movements clearly while keeping an eye on the lobby entrance and exit, which gave him a sense of control over the events that were about to unfold.
In the booth, a graceful silhouette caught his eye, and Wei Jia, today, had shed her signature suit in favor of an ink-colored silk one-shoulder dress. The silky fabric clung like flowing water to her graceful curves, with one side revealing her alluring shoulder and exquisite collarbone, subtly exposed under warm lighting.
The dress's fishtail design swayed lightly with her steps, revealing her slender ankle and paired with black stilettos, added a touch of mature charm.
She wore a pair of thin-rimmed gold glasses, exuding the sharpness of a businesswoman alongside a hint of seductive allure.
Li Jing's eyes lit up, and he sincerely complimented her: "You look great in this outfit today, much more charming than in a suit."
At his words, Wei Jia took off her glasses and placed them lightly on the table, giving him an exasperated look: "I wondered why you suddenly had the goodwill to invite me out for a meal; it turns out you just wanted me to cover for your little girlfriend?"
Having received Li Jing's invitation today, Wei Jia had specially dressed up but found out it was to help Yang Xiaoxiu, and there was an unseen hint of jealousy in her tone.
Li Jing naturally understood her thoughts and, taking advantage of the situation, sat down beside her, his arm skillfully wrapping around her slender waist, speaking in a warm voice:
"You've been running around and handling so much for Yang Xiaoxiu these days. It should have a satisfactory conclusion, shouldn't it? Otherwise, all your hard work would be in vain."
Wei Jia gave a cold snort, her fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of her wine glass, "Speaking of that mess with Zhang's Prop Company, I used quite a few connections to solve it. Aren't you going to show your appreciation?"
"How about a pay raise for you?"
Before Li Jing could finish speaking, a sudden sharp pain came from his waist, taking his breath away.
Wei Jia's fingers were pinching tightly the soft flesh of his waist, her eyes flashing with a playful but challenging look: "Li Jing, are you trying to shoo away a beggar?"
Seeing she was genuinely upset, Li Jing hurriedly pleaded, "Just joking, don't take it seriously!"
Then, he reached into his suit's inner pocket and pulled out an elegantly packaged gift box, the surface covered with fine black velvet, with rose gold metal corners, and the cover embossed with the iconic Vacheron Constantin Maltese cross, gleaming with understated luxury under the light.
