Chapter 54: Compare Himself

Yu Minglian furrowed her brows, feeling a bit confused.

The man who had called earlier was none other than Elliot Anderson, Miss Bai's executive assistant, informing her that the shareholders had been brought in.

Naturally, she had assumed Miss Bai herself would be handling this matter, but who would've thought it was two complete strangers instead?

Still, if Miss Bai trusted them, they were likely professionals. At least, that's what she told herself. But her gaze drifted to the taller, muscular man, and doubt crept in. He certainly didn't fit the image of a 'serious' businessman.

Ethan, on the other hand, had remained silent since their arrival, his sharp eyes locked onto Tang Hejiu. He didn't understand why, but the moment he laid eyes on him, something in his gut twisted.

There was an odd sense of hostility bubbling beneath the surface, an instinctual dislike. And if Ethan had known just how close Tang Hejiu and Lillie were, he wouldn't hesitate to eliminate him immediately.

Tang Hejiu, oblivious to Ethan's growing irritation, leaned back in his chair, taking in the man across from him.

He let out a low whistle, amusement flickering in his eyes. "So this is Little Flower's fiancé?" He tilted his head slightly, a smirk playing on his lips. "Huh. Aren't they a little too alike? What happened to 'opposites attract'?" He pouted, clearly unimpressed.

Song Mokun, watching the former Major General behave like a sulking child, let out a weary sigh.

This was his first time meeting Tang Hejiu in person, and frankly, he was baffled. The man looked like he could snap someone's neck in the blink of an eye, yet here he was, throwing tantrums like a ten-year-old.

If Lillie hadn't personally introduced him, Song Mokun would have never believed that this overgrown child was actually Black Tiger, one of the most feared underworld bosses and White Bird's trusted ally. The way he was behaving now? Completely unbelievable.

"Forego the formalities," Ethan cut in, his voice sharp and to the point. His CEO mode was in full force. "Let's get straight to business. I don't like wasting time."

Tang Hejiu let out a soft chuckle, but said nothing. He simply leaned back in his chair, resting an arm on the table.

Song Mokun took charge of the discussion, maintaining a composed and professional demeanor as they went over the details.

Meanwhile, Tang Hejiu spent half the meeting either staring blankly at the screen or sneaking glances at Yu Minglian, the stunning woman sitting beside Ethan.

He still wasn't sure why he was here.

Even Lillie had made it clear that he was completely useless when it came to business. In fact, she had bluntly told him that he would only be a burden to Song Mokun's mission. And she had been absolutely right.

But did that stop him? No. He had shamelessly nagged her, pulling the "I did so many things for you" card, and practically begged until she finally sighed and gave in.

Not that any of this mattered. Because his real reason for being here had nothing to do with business.

He wanted to compare himself to Ethan Li.

If Lillie or Song Mokun ever found out, they'd drag him to the Yellow River and drown him.

By the time the meeting ended, an agreement had been reached. With the contracts signed and stamped, the deal was officially sealed.

Yu Minglian, ever professional, stepped forward. "Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Song, Mr. Tang."

Tang Hejiu's lips curled into a grin. "Please, Miss Yu, call me Hejiu." He winked.

Yu Minglian's expression remained flat. Without acknowledging him, she turned to Song Mokun with a polite smile. "Mr. Song, we'll be expecting your presence at the next meeting."

Tang Hejiu blinked.

Ignored.

What's up with women these days? He's rich, handsome, and has a great personality.

Song Mokun shook her hand firmly. "Certainly, Miss Yu. I look forward to working with you."

Tang Hejiu's eye twitched.

Hello? Did he just turn invisible?

Ethan was the first to leave, heading straight back to his office while Yu Minglian escorted the two men out. The moment he stepped inside, something felt off. He could sense another presence in the room. His sharp gaze swept across the space, but everything seemed normal—until his eyes landed on his chair.

Someone was sitting there.

His steps were unhurried as he approached the desk, his expression calm but his instincts on high alert. He stopped in front of the chair, waiting.

Slowly, it began to turn.

A familiar, soft voice spoke. "How was your meeting…?"

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.

The chair fully swiveled around, revealing the woman seated there.

"…dear?" Lillie Bai finished, her cold gaze meeting his.

___

Song Mokun paused when he spotted a familiar face waiting outside the car. "Mr. Anderson?"

Elliot Anderson, standing by the vehicle, nodded in acknowledgment. "Miss Bai asked me to drive you two back to HQ." He pulled the car door open, gesturing for them to get in.

Tang Hejiu was about to step inside when he hesitated, narrowing his eyes. "Where's Lillie?"

"She's with Mr. Li right this moment."

Tang Hejiu froze. His jaw clenched slightly as a strange emotion flickered across his face. Just as he turned to step back, Song Mokun and Elliot appeared behind him.

Before he could react—

They shoved him inside the car.

"Oi—!" He barely had time to register what was happening before Elliot was already in the driver's seat, locking the doors.

Song Mokun slid into the passenger side.

The car was already pulling away from Hong Long's building when Tang Hejiu finally managed to sit up, his expression blank. Then, he grabbed the door handle and pulled. Nothing. Again. Still nothing.

The damn child lock was on.

"…Elliot. Kun'er." His voice was low, dangerous.

Neither of them acknowledged him.

"You bastards," he gritted out. "You're on his side, aren't you?!"

"Don't misunderstand, Hejiu," Elliot replied calmly. "We're simply following Miss Bai's orders."

"They're engaged," Song Mokun added with a nod. "We should let them bond."

Tang He Jiu's face twitched.

Then—

"BULLSH*T!"

His roar was so loud, passersby outside turned to look at the moving car in confusion.