Chapter Thirty-Eight: Scorned

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The dining at the Amethyst Grand Hotel has always been looked down upon throughout Changqing City, yet when meal times arrive, the hotel’s buffet restaurant remains bustling with chatter and laughter; at a glance, there are hardly any vacant seats.

“Let’s not disturb your sweet moment. We’ll take that table in the corner—there’s just enough space,” Wei Dong said as he entered the restaurant, making it clear to the staff right away that the six of them were not together.

This instantly dashed Zhao Yang’s hopes. He had originally thought that since he’d unexpectedly run into Yang Cheng and her boyfriend, this gentleman would surely display some competitive spirit, perhaps even invite him and Lü Feifei to join their table for the sake of pride. Such things were entirely possible. Zhao Yang felt that if he were to run into Lü Feifei’s ex, he’d definitely want to save face. Yet, the other party had blocked his attempt to take advantage right from the entrance.

Just thinking about the two of them spending at least a thousand yuan made Zhao Yang feel increasingly uncomfortable. “Feifei, this place is really… way too expensive. How about we eat somewhere else? Pizza Hut?” He quickly whispered as he saw Yang Cheng and her group being led to the corner table by the waiter.

“What are you implying, Zhao Yang? So what if it’s pricey? Didn’t Yang Cheng go in to eat too? Do you think she deserves this price but I don’t?” Lü Feifei immediately scolded him, clearly displeased. “It was my idea to eat lobster, and now everyone else is enjoying it while I’m left out because you don’t have the money. Where does that leave my dignity?”

“Yes, yes, I get it. It’s just… the price is really high. A thousand yuan! We could eat so many meals elsewhere for that. It’s not like—”

“You’re hemming and hawing; is there something you can’t say? Unless your father is the secretary of the municipal party committee?” Pan Weiwei gave Wei Dong a sidelong glance, suddenly recalling something. She continued, “Speaking of which, the party secretary of our Changqing City is indeed surnamed Wei—Wei Qinghai, I think? He’s been secretary for two years now, hasn’t he? I remember when Wei Qinghai was appointed as our city’s party secretary, it caused quite a stir—the youngest in Changqing’s history. At forty-two, he became a vice-minister-level official. My, how quickly two years have passed.”

She spoke without much intent, just a casual association, but Qin Anyi keenly sensed a distinct change in Wei Dong’s heartbeat and blood pressure when Pan Weiwei mentioned the party secretary.

So that’s it! No wonder yesterday afternoon’s issue was so easily suppressed, no wonder arranging for Changqing First Team’s members was considered a minor matter. If Wei Dong’s father really is Wei Qinghai, then everything makes perfect sense. Despite Changqing First’s special status, it ultimately only represents Changqing City’s reputation. As the city’s top leader, Wei Qinghai holds sway, and unless life and death are at stake, no one would dare offend him over trivial matters.

But… wait! Qin Anyi suddenly grasped something. Wei Dong had asked him to investigate Guo Qingyuan, which was quite intriguing. Guo Qingyuan’s father is the secretary-general of the city government, a trusted confidant of the mayor. Yet here was the party secretary’s son seeking dirt on the secretary-general’s son from the lowest levels. What could the real motive be? It absolutely couldn’t be mere infighting among privileged offspring—Wei Dong wouldn’t bother with something so trivial.

Though he sensed an unusual situation, Qin Anyi had no real grasp of politics or official circles and couldn’t piece together a coherent theory. He stopped dwelling on it, focusing instead on the sashimi before him.

According to Qilin, this type of fish sashimi is rich in protein, vitamins, and trace minerals, making it the optimal source of energy for him at present. Qilin spoke with disdain, remarking that Qin Anyi was still obtaining energy through such primitive means as eating.

“Wei Dong… this place is just too expensive. It’s five hundred per person. For the four of us, that’s two thousand!” Yang Cheng said, a bit worried.

“No problem, it’s just a few days’ pocket money. It’s nothing,” Wei Dong replied cheerfully, waving his hand and feeling excited—finally, a chance to show off his wealth.

“Tch, it’s not even money you earned yourself. Why act big spending your parents’ cash?” Pan Weiwei scoffed.

Wei Dong was left tearful, inwardly shouting, Sister, why are you so hard to please?