Chapter Eighty-Six: You’re Blowing Smoke

"Will this do?" After getting on the expressway, Tang Long took Yang the Boss straight to the neighboring city. The scene he had imagined never happened; no one from Peach Immortal Villa came to block their way.

Even so, Yang the Boss was frightened badly.

"Yes. Drop me off at the intersection up ahead, and you don't need to worry about the rest."

From start to finish, Yang the Boss never said a single word to Tang Long about his wife. There was not the slightest trace of reluctance.

When Yang the Boss disappeared from view, Tang Long let out a helpless sigh and muttered under his breath, "Damn fool."

Served him right for losing everything. A man like that was not worth anyone's pity. Perhaps the blessings left behind by his ancestors had been enough to make him rich in the first half of his life; as for the rest of his years, beyond the will of heaven, he could only rely on himself.

On the drive back, Tang Long could not help but think of Yang the Boss's wife. He did not know how to describe her. She was, in a way, a rather singular woman. At least that was the first impression she had left on him.

Apart from her figure and appearance, what mattered even more was the air about her.

Tang Long could not even say how to describe his own first half of life. He had lived through countless legends and seen all manner of wonders. This world was far too vast, and what people saw and knew was only a fragment, a very small fragment.

Just one carving factory and a charming woman, and they wanted his "glorious" second half of life?

That would be far too little for him, Tang Long, wouldn't it?

"Only a little interesting, I guess." Tang Long's lips curved as he muttered to himself. Over the years, he had certainly been no stranger to women. One could not say he had known countless women, but he was hardly a model of propriety; he had never been a very honest man.

For him to describe a woman as "a little interesting" was already quite rare.

By the time he drove back from the neighboring city to River City, it was already evening, and just as night was about to fall, he was stopped by several cars as soon as he got off the expressway.

"You're Tang the Boss, right? We're from President Liu's side. Tonight President Liu is hosting a banquet at Peach Immortal Villa, and we sincerely invite you to attend, Mr. Tang."

The broad-shouldered man walked up to Tang Long's car. His tone was neither deferential nor overbearing, neither cold nor warm.

Tang Long narrowed his eyes and studied the man. There was blood on him—the kind of blood scent only someone who had been on a battlefield could carry.

Mercenary?

What kind of trouble was that woman Liu Meijia trying to stir up again?

His eyes flickered as he smiled. "Since President Liu is being so courteous, I certainly can't refuse. When someone offers such a warm invitation, I have to go. Lead the way."

"All right."

The other man turned and got into his car, taking the lead toward Peach Immortal Villa.

Tang Long drove behind him. After thinking for a moment, he took out his phone and called Xing Jun. There were some things he ought to know.

"Little brother, what's up?" Xing Jun answered in a low voice.

Hearing that there seemed to be something going on on the other end, Tang Long hurriedly said, "Nothing important. If you're in the middle of a mission, then go ahead and handle that first."

"I'm not on a mission. I'm in a meeting with the leadership above. If you've got something to say, say it quickly." Xing Jun did not beat around the bush.

"I wanted to ask whether there are any dangerous people around Liu Meijia, hanging around her and living off her." Tang Long asked.

Xing Jun was silent for two seconds before saying, "The people around Liu Meijia are all no simple matter. That woman's waters run deep. What, did something else happen between you two?"

"Nothing much happened. Today I bought the local Baofeng Carving Factory for five million, and I sent the previous owner, Yang the Boss, to the neighboring city. But as soon as I got back and came off the expressway, Liu Meijia's people blocked me and wanted me to go to Peach Immortal Villa for an appointment." Tang Long said with a smile.

"You bought Baofeng Carving Factory?" Xing Jun froze for a moment, then gave a bitter laugh. "Baofeng is an old brand, especially in the carving world. It has some reputation. But its former owner was badly set up by the people from Peach Immortal Villa. Five million really isn't a loss overall. Don't worry, someone is keeping an eye on Liu Meijia now, and she won't dare act rashly."

After a pause, he went on, "There is a man beside her named Brother Li. There's a warrant out for him, and he's tied to multiple murders."

Tang Long narrowed his eyes and smiled playfully. "Got a photo of this Brother Li? If I catch him, will I get some kind of commendation?"

"Don't!" Xing Jun said quickly. "Don't move on Brother Li for now. We've already cast the net, and it's not time to reel in the fish yet. My dear Tang the Boss, please, you absolutely must not act on impulse. If something goes wrong, all the plans we brothers have laid out for years will be ruined. Go after Liu Meijia if you want, but don't go after anyone else. I'm begging you, Old Xing is begging you!"

Xing Jun knew Tang Long's depth. If this big shot ever got angry, he would sweep up whatever was in his way, big fish or small fry alike, and stew them all in one pot.

Tang Long frowned. "There's a bigger fish behind Liu Meijia?"

"Can't say." Xing Jun shook his head and gave those three words.

But it was precisely those three words that revealed everything.

"All right, I understand." Tang Long had not really planned to do anything anyway. He had only called Old Xing to ask about the situation, and look how frightened he had made the man.

After hanging up, he hesitated for a moment, then called Zhang Xiu'e.

"Secretary Xiu'e, I need to take leave. I may have to spend the night outside tonight and won't be able to come back." Tang Long said with a teasing grin.

Take leave? This guy was planning not to come home at night?

A surge of anger rose in Zhang Xiu'e's heart, and she snorted. "Don't you know how busy things are in the village right now? And you're still running around outside!"

One could hear just how displeased she was with Tang Long from her tone. She did not even give him a chance to explain before hanging up.

"What can I do? Things came up." Tang Long gave a wry smile and murmured to himself.

Peach Immortal Villa was Tang Long's first visit, though he had long heard of the place. Back when he had not yet left Peach County, it had not even been built; by the time he returned, it had already become famous.

Of course, that fame was mostly infamy.

In Peach County, plenty of people cursed this place behind its back. Over the years, how many people had Peach Immortal Villa ruined?

After parking the car, Tang Long got out.

"Please come in, Tang the Boss." The broad-shouldered man looked at Tang Long with a calm expression and gestured inward.

Tang Long chuckled and said, "Forget it. I can't stand being called Boss by people. Why don't you call me Lord Tang instead? That sounds more comfortable."

Lord Tang?

A flash of cold light crossed Brother Li's eyes, and he sneered. "I'm afraid your life is too flimsy to bear the title of Lord Tang!"

"You're nothing more than a dog under Liu Meijia. Wouldn't you still wag your tail when you see that woman?"

Tang Long answered with a half-smile. He could not be bothered with such petty theatrics, but that did not mean he did not understand them.

"I want to break your neck," Brother Li said with a cold laugh.

Tang Long stopped, glanced at him, and smiled. Then he spat out four words.

"You're bluffing."

Turning around, he strode into the villa, while Brother Li behind him clenched his fingers until they cracked and popped.