Chapter 16: The Words Spoken That Year

Where there are people, there is Jianghu, and Jianghu will always remain the most ambiguous and mysterious place.

Smiling Tiger Yang Sandao was a well-known figure in Haixia City's underworld.

Wu Zhiming was familiar with this person.

To be precise, very few people in Haixia City didn't know him.

Just like Wu Zhiming's infamous reputation, Yang Sandao's ruthlessness was also well-known in Haixia City.

It was said that he had been imprisoned for robbery before, but after his release, he started a shipping company. With his ruthless methods, he monopolized most of the shipping market at that time. After making money, he ventured into nightclubs, sauna clubs, and chess rooms. With various businesses under his belt and many followers, Yang Sandao flourished in Haixia City. People would respectfully address him as "Brother Yang."

Wu Zhiming knew of Yang Sandao, but he didn't know much about him. He knew that Yang Sandao seemed harmless on the surface, always smiling, but when he turned ruthless, even the emperor wouldn't dare to provoke him. Hence, he earned the nickname "Smiling Tiger."

"Is Yang Sandao really the descendant of the bandit leader?" Wu Zhiming asked.

"Absolutely!" Zhou Wenwei nodded.

"It seems like this bloodline has really been passed down!" Wu Zhiming chuckled. Yang Sandao's ancestors were bandits, and Yang Sandao himself was similar. Although he claimed to be in legitimate businesses, everyone knew that he was involved in shady dealings, such as the hostesses in nightclubs and the millions of dollars circulating in the chess rooms.

"I originally planned to find Yang Sandao myself, but I heard that he's insatiable. As an outsider without any prestige or connections here, if he finds out about my intentions, he might not agree to talk, and I might end up in trouble. So, after much thought, I decided to find you," Zhou Wenwei said earnestly.

"If you'll end up in trouble, wouldn't I too? That guy doesn't care whether you're a local or not; he's ruthless to everyone," Wu Zhiming laughed.

"You're from the Wu family, a prominent figure in Haixia City for decades. Who wouldn't give face to the Wu family? Yang Sandao is just a gangster in the end. If you, a local elite, go to negotiate with him, Yang Sandao definitely wouldn't dare to do anything to you!" Zhou Wenwei said.

"We'll talk about this later," Wu Zhiming shook his head. He had no interest in the so-called Luoshen treasure. Even if they found another piece, what would it matter? The other piece hadn't surfaced in hundreds of years, and many people must have been searching for it during that time. If it hadn't been found in hundreds of years, why would he be able to find it?

Of course, with his resources, if he really wanted to find it, it wouldn't be impossible. But... the allure of the so-called treasure wasn't strong enough.

"Wu Zhiming, the total value of the treasures in the treasure trove is said to be over a hundred billion! Anyone who obtains them will become a super billionaire!" Zhou Wenwei exclaimed excitedly.

"A hundred billion?" Wu Zhiming smiled. Perhaps for others, a hundred billion was a terrifying number, but for him... it was just that.

Seeing that Wu Zhiming wasn't interested, Zhou Wenwei sighed and took out a business card, handing it to Wu Zhiming. "Mr. Wu, if you ever change your mind, please let me know."

"Aren't you afraid that I'll go find Yang Sandao myself and get that Luoshen earring?" Wu Zhiming asked.

"Even if you collect the Luoshen Three-piece Set, it won't be of any use because you don't know how to use them, but I do," Zhou Wenwei said confidently.

"I see!" Wu Zhiming suddenly realized, then took Zhou Wenwei's business card and put it away.

"One last thing, your wife is truly the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life," Zhou Wenwei said seriously.

"I think so too!" Wu Zhiming nodded.

Time passed little by little.

Although Yao Jing wasn't good at drinking, she still drank quite a bit.

If she were facing company clients or just regular friends, she could choose not to drink. But facing her former classmates, there was a bit of social pressure. Declining just a sip wouldn't hurt, but with so many of them insisting, it was hard to refuse. Nearly all the guys who used to pursue Yao Jing had shared a drink with her tonight, whether married or not. They all came to this class reunion for one reason: Yao Jing.

These men had dressed up, planning to impress Yao Jing, but unfortunately, Wu Zhiming had stolen the show with his extravagant gestures, leaving everyone feeling inadequate. In the end, they settled for the simpler goal of sharing a drink with Yao Jing.

By around ten, everyone was feeling a bit tipsy.

Under He Shuhui's arrangement, they left the courtyard and headed towards the luxurious row of villas in the middle of the estate.

"Jingjing, you stay and hang out with them. I'll head back first," Wu Zhiming stood beside Yao Jing and whispered.

"You're leaving already?" Yao Jing asked, somewhat surprised. She had thought Wu Zhiming was looking forward to spending the night together.

"I have some work matters to attend to," Wu Zhiming explained.

"Then I'll come back with you. I'm not comfortable staying out here," Yao Jing said.

"It's a rare reunion. Spend more time with your classmates," Wu Zhiming suggested.

Yao Jing shook her head. "No, let's go back together."

"Alright then," Wu Zhiming nodded, then approached He Shuhui and briefly explained his plan.

In truth, He Shuhui was secretly glad that Yao Jing was leaving early. Yao Jing had completely shattered her sense of superiority, and now, with Wu Zhiming suggesting they leave, He Shuhui couldn't have been happier.

After some half-hearted attempts to convince Yao Jing to stay, He Shuhui and the other classmates saw Wu Zhiming and Yao Jing off at the gate.

The Rolls-Royce was waiting at the entrance.

"Aren't you coming back with us?" Yao Jing asked Song Siqing.

"You've already outdone He Shuhui. I haven't," Song Siqing blushed, her fighting spirit high.

"What's there to compete about?" Yao Jing frowned.

"You wouldn't understand. There's endless fun in a little competition. You go back, get in your Rolls-Royce!" Song Siqing waved her hand.

"Then take care of yourself. Mind your limits!" Yao Jing instructed before joining Wu Zhiming in the car as they drove away.

Song Siqing stood there, watching the car drive off.

He Shuhui approached with a smile. "Don't envy her. Men with private planes are few and far between."

"I'm not envious," Song Siqing rolled her eyes.

"Ever since high school, you've been Yao Jing's follower. That hasn't changed over the years. But clearly, Yao Jing is on a different path now. She's going to be a wealthy wife, while you, you're just a low-level employee... Oh, and I heard you moonlight as an online hostess? You lead quite the busy life!" He Shuhui chuckled, patting Song Siqing on the shoulder.

He Shuhui only used subtle digs when it came to Yao Jing. But with Song Siqing, she was much more blunt. Their animosity went much deeper than with Yao Jing, who hardly paid her any attention back in the day. It was Song Siqing who was always butting heads with her.

"Being an online hostess sounds great. Quick money and adoring fans," Song Siqing grinned, glancing slyly at Zhou Wenwei standing behind He Shuhui.

Zhou Wenwei returned the smile.

"So, you enjoy being showered with attention and tips? I know quite a few hostesses at nightclubs who feel the same. I'll introduce you to them sometime," He Shuhui said, turning around and heading towards the villa.

"Thinking snagging a rich man means you've won? You're too naive, He Shuhui!" Song Siqing chuckled playfully and followed suit.

Under the cover of night, the Rolls-Royce glided smoothly towards the city center. Wu Zhiming sat on the left, while Yao Jing occupied the right.

Yao Jing glanced out the window, feeling puzzled as to why Wu Zhiming had been silent since they got in the car. She discreetly turned her head to look at him, only to find him gazing at the moon outside. Was the moon more captivating than her?

Yao Jing also looked out the window on her side, but apart from a few stars, there was nothing to see. The alcohol quickly mixed with drowsiness, and Yao Jing drifted off to sleep.

When she woke up, Yao Jing found herself lying in her own bed. Startled, she sat up and looked around. She was in her room, the air conditioning set to a comfortable twenty-seven degrees Celsius. Her evening gown was still on, and there was a thin blanket draped over her.

Yao Jing lifted the blanket and got out of bed, walking to the door and opening it. The living room outside was dimly lit, illuminated by the moonlight streaming in through the windows, casting a silver glow over everything.

Yao Jing cautiously made her way to the door of Wu Zhiming's room. It was closed. She hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided not to open it. Turning away, she headed to the kitchen to boil some water because she was quite thirsty due to the alcohol.

As she reached the kettle, Yao Jing noticed that it was already filled with water, at a perfect temperature. It must have been boiled and then left to cool. Since Yao Jing hadn't done it herself, it had to be Wu Zhiming. Moreover, the kettle was filled to the brim, clearly not for Wu Zhiming's own consumption.

Yao Jing smiled to herself, poured a glass of water, drank it, and then returned to her room. As she lay back in bed, Yao Jing felt content.

Wu Zhiming was someone who knew how to respect boundaries, whether in the past or now. Since they got married, they had slept in separate rooms, not because Yao Jing suggested it, but because Wu Zhiming requested it himself.

Yao Jing still remembered the words Wu Zhiming had said to her that night.

"I know you don't like me. You married me because of your elders, and I married you for the same reason. Sharing a room with someone you don't like would be torture, especially for someone like you. So, from today onwards, you sleep in the master bedroom, and I'll sleep in the adjacent storage room. If you need anything, just call me. Otherwise, I won't enter your room."

It was those words that made Yao Jing discard the scissors she had hidden under her pillow and decide to stay in this arrangement for four years.