3-4:The Temporary Residence

Ding Yuanying's temporary residence in Beijing was another apartment owned by Han Chufeng, located in a residential area north of the Normal School in Haidian District. It was on the third floor, about 80 square meters, with a 15-square-meter basement.

The moving truck parked downstairs, and Ding Yuanying said, "Hold on a second, let me see where to put things. Xiao Zhao, you stay up here and watch the stuff. Yawen, bring down the suitcase." With that, he headed down to the basement.

Ding Yuanying opened the iron door to the basement, and Xiao Yawen followed him with the suitcase. After opening the door, Ding Yuanying took out the phone number and some cash from the suitcase, handing them to Xiao Yawen, "Chen Ru's brother got into trouble and needs money to settle it without Han Chufeng knowing. After we're done here, let Xiao Zhao take you back, call Chen Ru, and hand over the 150,000 yuan."

Xiao Yawen reminded him, "That leaves you with just over 20,000 yuan in the suitcase."

Ding Yuanying replied, "It'll be enough."

Xiao Yawen put the phone number and cash into her handbag and said, "Mr. Ding, your money really doesn't stay warm for long."

Ding Yuanying placed the suitcase against the wall, "Go up and tell them to unload the truck."

Xiao Yawen went upstairs and instructed the movers to start unloading. They quickly began carrying things inside.

Halfway through unloading, a white Honda drove up. Xiao Zhao immediately recognized it and said, "Mr. Han is here," rushing to greet him.

Xiao Yawen also stepped forward, "Mr. Han, you're here!"

Han Chufeng, 39, was a Beijing native and held a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Humboldt University of Berlin. He was the General Manager of Zhengtian Group's Zhengtian Commercial Building. Tall and sturdy with a chiseled face, he had a few sparse strands of hair on his forehead, and wore a light-colored casual shirt unbuttoned to reveal an undershirt, exuding a casual yet grand demeanor.

Getting out of the car, Han Chufeng asked, "Where's Yuanying?"

Xiao Yawen replied, "Mr. Ding is in the basement. Shall I call him?"

Han Chufeng glanced at the nearly empty truck, "No need, almost done. Is Yuanying definitely leaving tomorrow?"

Xiao Yawen said, "Yes. He's been busy non-stop since he got off the plane, just for this. All his things are already in the old city. He might not be used to being here without tea or his stereo."

Han Chufeng casually asked, "Why did you choose the old city for him?"

Xiao Yawen smiled, "No matter where I chose, you'd ask the same question. I have a friend in the old city's criminal investigation team, someone I can trust, who can help if needed."

In the basement, Ding Yuanying directed the placement of the last item, paid the moving company, locked the iron door, and came upstairs with the suitcase. Xiao Yawen took the suitcase from him.

The moving truck drove away.

Han Chufeng asked, "Did Qiuhong and the others leave?"

Ding Yuanying said, "Yes, she asked me to thank you."

Han Chufeng waved it off, "Come on, what for? So, you're leaving tomorrow?"

Ding Yuanying said, "Yes."

Han Chufeng said, "Then we'll stick to the plan. Xiao Zhao and Director Ma will take you. Bring your change of clothes now, and we'll leave from the hotel tomorrow. I've booked two rooms."

Ding Yuanying was puzzled, "Rooms for what?"

Han Chufeng said, "For drinking. If we get drunk, we can crash there, saves us the hassle."

Ding Yuanying laughed, "Alcohol weakens the will. If I drink too much, I'll be talking nonsense."

Han Chufeng said, "Setting the scene for a good drunken talk. Otherwise, we'd just go for tea."

Ding Yuanying handed the keys to Xiao Zhao, "Go upstairs and get the travel bag on the bedside table with my change of clothes. I won't go up."

Xiao Zhao took the keys and went upstairs.

Xiao Yawen asked, "Mr. Ding, when are you leaving tomorrow? I'd like to see you off."

Ding Yuanying said, "No need. You've worked hard this past year. Take a good rest."

Xiao Yawen smiled, "Mr. Ding, you're cooling the tea too fast, not even giving me a chance to suck up to you."

Ding Yuanying said, "If it's no use, there's no need to."

Xiao Yawen said, "Without the flattery, I really should see you off."

Han Chufeng said, "If Yawen wants to go, let her. Tomorrow, wait for the call, and we'll pick you up before we leave. Yawen's a good kid, very sensible."

Xiao Yawen quickly thanked Han Chufeng, "Thank you, Mr. Han."

Xiao Zhao came back with the travel bag and returned the keys to Ding Yuanying.

Ding Yuanying said, "Put the records, suitcase, and clothes in the car. No need to come back for them tomorrow." He then handed the keys to Han Chufeng, "Returning them to their owner."

Xiao Zhao and Xiao Yawen got into the BMW, while Ding Yuanying and Han Chufeng got into the Honda. The two cars left the community, one taking Xiao Yawen back to her apartment, and the other heading to Zhengtian Hotel.