Chapter 986 - 951: Trouble Arrives

Xu Chunliang laughed, and Su Qing pouted, whispering, "What’s so funny? If I didn’t come to Dongzhou, would you have forgotten all about me?"

Xu Chunliang nodded.

Su Qing felt even more disappointed. Even if he had forgotten, he didn’t have to admit it so bluntly, right? How indifferent could he be to her feelings?

Xu Chunliang said, "I’ve been so engrossed in my work lately that I even forgot myself. But seeing you, I suddenly found myself again. Turns out you’re the Goddess of Mercy."

Su Qing couldn’t help but laugh, "Alright, stop being so pretentious."

Xu Chunliang said, "There’s one more thing I haven’t told you. I’ve been busy with a lawsuit recently."

When Su Qing heard he was being sued, she quickly inquired about the situation. Xu Chunliang briefly explained everything, telling Su Qing the issue had been resolved. After the other party requested a postponement, Fang Wenzheng, who had moved to Australia, suddenly had a change of heart and provided some evidence. Now, there’s no issue with Zhou Renhe’s will.

Only then did Su Qing feel at ease. Xu Chunliang noticed it was almost dinner time and invited Su Qing to have dinner with him that night.

Su Qing shook her head. She had already agreed to meet with Three Two Three. This time, Xu Xiaoyue, in his capacity as a cultural tourism promotion officer, had also received an invitation. He contacted Su Qing, saying he had important news material to share and specifically instructed her to come alone.

Xu Chunliang asked where they would be having dinner, and Su Qing told him it would be at Lake View Bay next to Hidden Dragon Lake.

Although Three Two Three was an old acquaintance, since he had it planned, she didn’t feel it appropriate to join in the fun uninvited.

Deep down, Su Qing did want to be with Xu Chunliang and said softly, "Anyway, I’ll be in Dongzhou for another two days, plenty of chances."

Xu Chunliang said, "How about I wait for you to have a late-night snack?"

Su Qing said meaningfully, "After having dinner with the sister, you’re going to have a late-night snack with me. You’re really a master at time management, seamlessly connected."

Xu Chunliang thought to himself, how could they connect seamlessly? With a grin, he said, "Guests from all sides are coming in droves, I must fulfill my duties as a host. Originally, between the two of us, there was no need for formalities. But I’ve had a lot of worries lately with no one to talk to, could you humor me this time?"

Hearing this, Su Qing couldn’t help but feel delighted and nodded, saying, "Then I’ll humor you, although I suspect it will be very late."

Xu Chunliang said, "Take your time, I’ll wait for you no matter how late it is."

Su Qing’s acquaintance with Three Two Three originated from a trip to Taiming Lake, where she met him with Xu Chunliang. Later, after Xu Chunliang went to the Cultural Tourism Bureau, Three Two Three helped in promoting Dongzhou Barbecue. Su Qing’s impression of him was different from ordinary internet celebrities, as he had cultural depth and a sense of gratitude.

When Su Qing arrived at the agreed location, Three Two Three was already waiting.

Su Qing put down her handbag and greeted him as Three Two Three asked the waiter to serve the dishes.

Su Qing said, "A room this big for just the two of us, isn’t it a bit too extravagant?"

Three Two Three said, "You’re a celebrity host. If someone recognizes you and asks for autographs, wouldn’t it be too troublesome?"

Su Qing said, "Stop flattering me. I’m just an ordinary little host. You’re the big internet celebrity with millions of fans."

Three Two Three said, "Internet celebrities don’t deserve the spotlight. When I hear people call me that, it’s like cursing me."

Su Qing said, "Alright then, should I call you Mr. Xu?"

Once the food was served, Xu Xiaoyue opened a bottle of plum wine he’d brought.

Su Qing, remembering her meeting with Xu Chunliang later, planned to finish quickly and leave, saying she wouldn’t drink. She then asked Three Two Three what news he had that was so mysterious.

Three Two Three waited until the waiter left before speaking in a low voice, "It’s about Jianjie Square."

Su Qing said, "Jianjie Square?"

Three Two Three nodded. The story went like this: recently, someone sent him a video clip. During the construction of Jianjie Square back in the day, a Han Dynasty tomb was unearthed on the site. The construction company did not report it and cleared out the tomb overnight.

Su Qing furrowed her brows slightly. Jianjie Square had been built for ten years; why was this coming to light only now?

Three Two Three said, "To be honest, the person who provided the material wanted to broadcast it on my platform. But I thought it over and realized I’m not strong enough to offend those people."

Su Qing said with some annoyance, "You remember me because you’re not strong enough? You think I can handle them?"

Three Two Three laughed, "I’m not trying to push you into the fire pit. I figured, aren’t you with the provincial station? If these materials come out through the provincial station, there should be no problems."

Su Qing said, "Since when did you start hating injustice?"

Three Two Three said, "It’s not that I’m nosy. Once you see it, you’ll understand. If they had backfilled the tomb after discovering it, it would have been knowing and not reporting. But they emptied the tomb of everything. I’ve also heard that this was at the order of Hua Nian’s boss, Tang Jinglun."

Inside, Su Qing felt hesitant. As a journalist, she should report the truth, but once this truth was reported, it was sure to provoke a lot of powerful people. Though not afraid of trouble, she wasn’t willing to invite it.

Three Two Three noticed her hesitation and said in a low voice, "Originally, I wanted to discuss this with Xu Chunliang..."

Su Qing said, "Don’t give him any more trouble. He finally has a few peaceful days."

Three Two Three said, "Okay, if you’re afraid of trouble, just pretend I never said anything."

Su Qing pondered for a moment and said, "I don’t think I’m suitable to intervene in this matter."

Three Two Three nodded, "Alright, then just pretend I never said anything."

Since Su Qing wasn’t interested, their meal lost its original purpose. They chatted a bit, and Su Qing stood up to say goodbye.

Three Two Three didn’t have any intention to stay either and settled the bill, heading out with Su Qing.

Coincidentally, as they were leaving, they were spotted by an acquaintance: Pu Jian.

Pu Jian had returned to Dongzhou, and a group of old friends were giving him a welcome dinner. He was dining nearby tonight but couldn’t handle the endless rounds of drinks, so he found an excuse to escape, only to see Su Qing at the door. He intended to greet her but then saw a man come out.

Pu Jian also knew him and had an unusual thought process. Seeing Su Qing and Three Two Three having a meal together instantly led his mind to the worst possible conclusion. In his logic, a lone man and woman dining together couldn’t mean anything good. Pu Jian was a bit excited, thinking Mr. Xu was having a bad day, feeling gleeful but also indignant for his friend. Why was Su Qing mingling with some internet celebrity? Isn’t that degrading oneself? He thought it must be because the celebrity had money; Three Two Three reportedly earned tens of millions annually.

Who could have imagined, even a fairy-like Su Qing wasn’t immune to norms.

Pu Jian took out his phone to secretly take pictures, but after a few shots, he sensed something wrong, as a business vehicle suddenly pulled up next to Three Two Three and Su Qing, and several burly men got out and forced them into the car.

Pu Jian’s eyes widened. This was remarkable! Broad daylight... even at night, this was unacceptable. Wasn’t this outright robbery?

Pu Jian quickly called a taxi and asked the driver to follow the business vehicle. Meanwhile, he called Xu Chunliang.

Xu Chunliang was having dinner with Ye Qingya at the Marriott, and he stepped to the window to take the call.

Pu Jian panted, "Chunliang, something’s happened. I just saw Su Qing and Three Two Three together..."

Xu Chunliang chuckled at his gossip, "I know!"

"You know nothing. I just saw them being pushed into a car, and I’m following them now."

Xu Chunliang instantly became anxious, "What did you say? Where are they?"

Pu Jian said, "On the road. Driver brother, speed up and don’t lose them, I’ll give you an extra hundred."

"Who are you?"

"Police, I’m on duty!"

Xu Chunliang quickly told Ye Qingya, then hurried downstairs. He hadn’t been drinking that night and drove his Passat, heading to Pu Jian’s shared location.

Pu Jian didn’t follow for long before the car turned into a secluded road in West Guang Mountain. The taxi driver was a bit scared. "Comrade police... won’t it be dangerous?"

"Acting bravely is every citizen’s duty." Pu Jian pondered whether he should call the police, but seeing the car turn right into an abandoned factory, he noticed the large iron gate opened and the business vehicle went in.

The taxi didn’t dare follow, continuing ahead and parked on the other side after turning.

The driver looked expectantly at Pu Jian for the fare. Pu Jian first called Xu Chunliang, realizing he wasn’t far; Xu could be there in ten minutes at most. He asked if they should call the police.

Xu Chunliang said, "Check the situation first!"

Pu Jian got out of the car and tried to climb the wall but lacked the skill. Waving to the driver, who didn’t understand his intent at first, Pu Jian asked him to crouch so he could step on his shoulders to climb up.

From atop the wall, he saw the car had stopped in the dilapidated courtyard, and soon Three Two Three and Su Qing were pushed out of the vehicle.

Three Two Three drooped his head, covering it with his hands, looking quite cowardly.

Su Qing resisted, receiving a slap from a bearded man.

Pu Jian sighed to himself, not feeling sorry for Su Qing but pitying the beard’s fate, thinking his luck was running out.

A few burly men pointed to the rundown workshop ahead. Three Two Three shook his head vigorously, only to be beaten with sticks by two men.

Pu Jian couldn’t help but lament the wisdom in the saying "woman is a source of trouble," finding dining alone with a beauty risky. Three Two Three was beaten right after having a meal, and Pu Jian believed it was trouble brought by Su Qing.

Three Two Three’s mouth was sealed with tape, so he made no sound despite being beaten. The sticks broke, but they had no intention to hold back.

Two dragged the helpless Three Two Three like a dead dog towards the workshop, while one forcefully pushed Su Qing from behind.

At this time, Xu Chunliang arrived at the location in his car, and Pu Jian jumped down from the wall.

"Where are they?"

Pu Jian pointed inside, "Should we call the police?"