Zhou Ming considered that since Wang Yan’s family lived in the western district, and the Ironhand Gang, though a gang, was not something the Wang family could afford to offend, he had no reason to reject the offer.
“Haha, nothing could please me more! Let’s all share in the joy of your victory banquet.”
For a man in Lin Feibao’s position, besides seeking connections with the powerful, befriending capable individuals was also valuable—especially promising youths.
If he could build rapport before they rose in status, it would bring him great benefits in the future.
Soon, the group left the Beast Arena and followed Lin Feibao to the third floor of the Yuelai Hotel.
As for He Yong, once Hu Peng’s defeat became obvious, he had quietly slipped away, unwilling to linger.
At the banquet, with Wang Tiezhu—who was well accustomed to social drinking—present, the atmosphere remained lively throughout.
It wasn’t until midnight that the celebration finally came to an end.
“Wang Yan, how’s Uncle Wang?”
At the banquet, Wang Tiezhu had been the one drinking the most—not only out of joy but also to help Zhou Ming and Wang Yan deflect toasts.
He couldn’t help on the arena stage, but he clearly wanted to make up for it at the banquet.
“It’s fine. The waiter and I already helped my dad into the car. I’ll drive him home and let him rest for the night.”
“You sure you can drive? You’ve had quite a bit too.”
“Relax, you know my tolerance. Besides, I didn’t drink that much.”
“All right then.”
Zhou Ming knew Wang Yan’s drinking capacity, so he didn’t press the matter further.
“I asked you to stay because there are a few things you should keep in mind.”
“Go on.”
Seeing Zhou Ming’s serious expression, Wang Yan realized it was something important.
“First, I already warned He Yong—whatever he gained, he’d better cough it all up. That guy was just there for show. If he hadn’t been so slow, his beast wouldn’t even have been injured.”
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to tell me twice. I already planned to get it back.”
Just hearing He Yong’s name annoyed Wang Yan.
“Second, you can stay in contact with Lin Feibao, but don’t get too close. Always stay alert. A man who walks the path of the underworld isn’t someone you should fully trust.”
“Understood.”
“Third, look into the connections between Xin Hui Construction Group and the upper management of Qinshan Base—especially the ones with strong ties. Take your time, and make sure you don’t expose yourself.”
“Zhou Ming, you think someone from Qinshan Base’s upper ranks was involved in this? That can’t be right. This was just a small construction contract. I know my old man’s limits.”
“Besides, wasn’t this job given to us through Sister Xiao Yun’s connection? They wouldn’t give us the project only to try to take it back, right?”
Wang Yan couldn’t quite follow Zhou Ming’s line of thought when he suddenly brought up the base’s upper echelons.
“You said it yourself—it’s a small project. With the face of Qinshan Base’s higher-ups involved, Xin Hui Construction Group wouldn’t have started this arena battle on their own.”
“It’s Xiao Yun.”
Zhou Ming directly stated the key.
“What does this have to do with Sister Yun?”
The more Zhou Ming explained, the more confused Wang Yan became.
“All right, let me give you my rough guess.”
“Their target isn’t Xiao Yun—it’s me. What they wanted was to force us to seek Xiao Yun’s help to resolve this matter. But with Xiao Yun’s ability, at most, she’d ask her parents for help.”
“You should know, favors have limits. The more you ask, the thinner the bond becomes. Even if Xiao Yun doesn’t mind, what about her family?”
“When I returned to Qinshan Base earlier, I talked with Xiao Yun over the phone. Lately, she’s had a lot of suitors, but she knows what they’re after and has been politely declining.”
At that, Wang Yan finally began to understand.
“So someone still misunderstands your relationship with Sister Yun?”