If this connection loosens or even sends negative signals, then his upcoming communication with Qi Yun might be more difficult than expected.

"Zhang Dayong, oh Zhang Dayong..." Qin Minghui muttered to himself, his fingers gently tapping the windowsill.

...

Half an hour later, at the New District Branch, Zhang Dayong received a phone call and hurriedly left the office.

He jogged all the way to the parking lot, sitting in the back seat of a black Audi.

"Director, why did you come personally?" Zhang Dayong spoke with the same respectful tone as always, showing no change.

"I was passing by, so I thought I’d stop to see you." Qin Minghui’s tone was flat as his gaze swept over Zhang Dayong’s face, "You look well, it’s good that recent events didn’t affect you."

"Yes, thank you for your concern, Director. Ultimately, the recent issues were due to my lack of vigilance, causing trouble for you."

"Luckily, the investigations cleared my name. I’ve reflected deeply and will be more careful in the future, never to repeat such mistakes." Zhang Dayong’s expression was sincere, his words seemingly fine but actually just routine pleasantries.

Qin Minghui nodded, the car went silent for a moment, then he casually changed the subject: "By the way, have you been in contact with President Qi much lately? He seems to have invited some important guests."

Zhang Dayong’s eyes flickered, immediately realizing that this was Qin Minghui’s true purpose for seeking him out today.

He cautiously responded, "I haven’t been in touch with President Qi much lately, he’s a busy man. Director, do you have business with President Qi?"

Qin Minghui did not answer directly but sighed, his tone turning more earnest, "Dayong, there are some things that might be inconvenient for me to say directly to President Qi. Since you are close, it might be more effective if you relay some messages."

"Whatever you instruct, Director." Zhang Dayong lowered his stance even further.

"Here’s the thing..."

...

Elsewhere, Qi Yun was accompanying Wei Zhe and others at a scenic spot in the desert. Seeing a call from Zhang Dayong, he stepped aside to answer.

"Hmm, what’s up?"

"Just now, Qin Minghui came to see me..." Zhang Dayong briefly explained Qin Minghui’s intentions.

Qi Yun listened, his gaze shifting to the distant sand dunes, "How did you respond?"

"Neither reject nor promise."

Qi Yun smiled warmly, "Alright, that’s fine. Just keep it this way for now."

After hanging up the phone, he returned to Wei Zhe and Zhang Wei, his expression unchanged, without mentioning anything about Qin Minghui and the others’ concerns.

Although those people lowered their stance this time, it didn’t mean he was obliged to help.

As dusk fell, Qi Yun escorted Wei Zhe and his group back to the hotel for rest. As soon as they entered the lobby, they spotted Qin Minghui waiting there alone.

Qi Yun was slightly taken aback, thinking to himself how impatient this guy must be to have come directly to the hotel.

Seeing them, Qin Minghui quickly put on a surprised smile and approached eagerly, "President Qi! What a coincidence, I was just here to visit a friend and didn’t expect to run into you."

This excuse was rather clumsy, but Qin Minghui couldn’t worry about that now.

His gaze quickly bypassed Qi Yun and landed on Wei Zhe and Zhang Wei, feigning astonishment, "Ah, these gentlemen must be the esteemed Mr. Wei Zhe and Mr. Zhang Wei? I’ve heard so much about you!"

As he spoke, Qin Minghui was already walking briskly toward Wei Zhe, extending both hands as if he had truly encountered some revered figures.

Seeing that Qi Yun made no move, Wei Zhe’s assistant immediately stepped forward, blocking Qin Minghui.

"Sorry, sir, President Wei is exhausted and needs to rest today."

The outstretched hands of Qin Minghui froze in mid-air, the enthusiastic smile on his face also stiffened.

Wei Zhe glanced at Qin Minghui before leaning in to quietly discuss something with Qi Yun.

Understanding, Qi Yun turned to Qin Minghui and said, "I’ll first escort my two friends to their rooms to rest."

With that, he accompanied Wei Zhe and Zhang Wei, surrounded by assistants and Brother Quan, directly to the elevator, leaving Qin Minghui behind.

The whole process was swift, giving Qin Minghui no chance to speak again.

Standing there, Qin Minghui’s outstretched hands had not fully lowered, and the forced smile on his face gradually faded away, leaving only helplessness.

He had tried to have Zhang Dayong communicate with Qi Yun, but the latter did not respond at all. With no choice and tremendous pressure, he had braved the encounter only to face the same outcome again.

Inside the hotel’s presidential suite, Wei Zhe invited Qi Yun to sit and sighed, "President Qi, the person we saw in the lobby earlier is also from your local Government Office, right?"

Qi Yun nodded, "Yes, he’s a local official."

Wei Zhe paused to reflect, "Thank you for your hospitality these past few days. We’re planning to head to Shanghai by tomorrow afternoon."

"I can tell they’re very interested in me. If you have a need here, I could attend some events for your sake."

Wei Zhe spoke these words candidly.

Feeling a touch of warmth, Qi Yun didn’t hesitate much at all before firmly shaking his head.

"President Wei, I appreciate the offer, but since you prefer not to attend any events, I certainly won’t force you."

"They may want to see you, but that’s their wish. You came because you trust me, Qi Yun, so I certainly won’t betray that trust by involving you in unnecessary distractions."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhe’s gaze was filled with appreciation and reflection as he looked at Qi Yun.

Having navigated the business world for decades, he’s seen many compromise, negotiate, and even betray principles in the face of pressure and benefit.

It’s rare to find someone like Qi Yun, who stands firm in his commitments to friends despite the potential gains at hand.

"Good!" Wei Zhe patted the arm of the sofa, a tone of genuine admiration from a senior to a junior, "I’m glad to have you as a friend, Qi Yun!"

"In that case, I won’t say more. I’ll respect your choices here."

Laughing, Qi Yun stood up to bid farewell, "Alright, I won’t disturb your rest any further."

Leaving Wei Zhe’s room, Qi Yun’s smile quickly faded as he descended to the hotel lobby, where Qin Minghui was still waiting.

"Let’s talk over there." Qi Yun gestured to the sofas in the lounge area.

Taking a deep breath, Qin Minghui followed Qi Yun to a corner in the lounge to sit down.

A spotlight overhead shone a beam of light between them, like an invisible divide.

"You shouldn’t have come here," Qi Yun began.

With a bitter nod, Qin Minghui replied, "Yes, I know, but I had no choice."

Qi Yun could understand what he meant by having no choice.

Though displeased by Qin Minghui’s earlier actions, he wasn’t entirely resentful, understanding that the other was also constrained by circumstances.

Nonetheless, understanding did not sway Qi Yun’s resolve.

"President Wei doesn’t want to attend meaningless events, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourselves, nor should you try to use me as a go-between. He’s my invited guest, and I must respect his choices."

Reading the firm resolve in Qi Yun’s words, Qin Minghui knew it was futile to say anything more. All he could do was open his mouth and sigh helplessly.

"That’s enough for today. Head back," Qi Yun said, standing up, without looking at him again, and left the lounge area, leaving Qin Minghui sitting there stiffly.

Outside the hotel, Qi Yun had just gotten into the car when his phone rang; it was an unknown number.

"Hello."

"It’s Yao Yuzhong."

Yao Yuzhong?

This guy still dared to call him?

Qi Yun tapped the shoulder of Old Eagle in the front seat, motioning to his phone, then smiled and said, "Heh, Old Yao, you’re pretty fast on your feet?"

Catching on immediately, Old Eagle took out his phone to contact Guo An’s tech team, instructing them to trace Qi Yun’s call signal.