In magic city
At 12 o'clock, the Allen Technologies conference room Xu Jiao, Zhao Li Ying, and Cui Hai Bo took the stage. Dignitaries from various enterprises were present below, including Su Bing Tian, Zhang Ling He, the Hu family, the Xu family, the Cai family, and representatives from various tech companies.
A man in his 30s, dressed in a suit and carrying a file, walked onto the stage and stood before the microphone.
"Welcome, dignitaries, to this partnership bid. I am Song Jiang, representing Allen Technologies. I will now announce the results. The winner is Su Bing Tian from Su Groups. Congratulations, Mr. Su."
After Song Jiang bowed to the audience and walked offstage, the Zhang family members in the right corner turned red with anger, glaring at Cui Hai with resentment.
Zhao Li Ying stood up and walked to the podium, adjusting the microphone. She began,
""I announce that the banquet now begins. Please enjoy yourselves. I request Mr. Su to join us in the next room to sign the agreement."
Meanwhile,
Meng and the others took a five-minute walk to Uncle Li's BBQ, a renowned restaurant in Xiangcheng famous for its diverse barbecue offerings.
Pushing open the door, Han Yin led the way, followed by Su Meng and the others. As they entered, several staff members approached, asking,
"Do you have a reservation, sir?"
"No"
Everyone exchanged glances Han Yin abruptly replied to the receptionist quieres
"how many of you sir"
Surveying Receptionist asked Han Yin with a welcoming demeanor with curious face
"around 10"
Han Yin replied composedly, as this wasn't his first time in such a situation.
"please wait a second saying she typed something in to the computer"
The receptionist walked back to the desk, typing on the computer. Raising her head, she gazed up at Han Yin and remarked,
"sir, they are no lobby seats are available are you okay with private room"
"no problem"
Han Yin replied with a unwavering demeanor
"okay, please allow me to escort you to your room"
Nodding, Han Yin and the others followed the waitress as she guided them to the private room on the second floor. Opening the door, she gestured them to enter. Once inside, Su Meng and the others took their seats and settled down. A waiter walked in with a menu, handing it over to Han Yin and asking,
"What would you like to order?"
Taking the menu, Han Yin ordered a plate of chicken wings and pork belly, along with a coke. He then passed the menu to Su Meng, who was sitting beside him. Su Meng opened the menu and ordered a plate of lamb skewers, pork, and duck, along with a cold coffee. After everyone placed their orders, the waitress walked out of the private room, bowing and saying,
"You dishes will be served shortly"
As the group was engaged in conversation, Xu Bin shifted the topic, asking:
"Meng, please be honest. Were you the one who uploaded Ai Bo's videos and photos online the other day?"
The room fell silent as they all gazed at Meng, their eyes expectant and tense. Meng took a deep breath and looked at Xu Bin, questioning.
"Are you curious or want to take revenge"
"of course i am Curious what good will it do to talk revenge for a girl like that"
Xu Bin conformed with a distain to that type of women
"I see, yes i was the one who posted them"
Seeing Xu Bin was serious Su Meng confessed without any air of superiority
"How did you do that"
Zhao Xu, who was sitting beside Su Meng, asked with a curious expression. Su Meng came clean, revealing that.
"i can Hack into anything"
Xu Bin exclaimed as his eyes sparkled with admiration
"really, that's so cool"
While they were chatting, the door to the private room swung open, and three waitresses entered, carrying several dishes. They placed them on the table and left the room swiftly, bowing as they departed.
"please enjoy your meal"
Meng and the others finished their meal in comfortable silence. As they neared the end, the door to their private room swung open. The waitress from before entered, followed by a man in his thirties. Su Meng's face fell, a look of disapproval crossing his features. He was about to speak, but the figure beside her caught him off guard.
It was none other than Xiong Zhiqiang waitress look at the room and apologized
"Sorry for disturbing your meal this individual here was looking for you guys"
As the words fell, the room exchanged glances. Han Yin looked at Su Meng, recognizing Xiong Zhiqiang as her personal driver. Feeling Han Yin's gaze, Su Meng eventually spoke, saying:
"you can leave i know him"
hearing Su Meng's voice Waitress left the room with a bow
"okay, understood"
As soon as the waiter left the room, Xiong Zhiqiang walked to Su Meng's side and whispered something in her ear. Su Meng's expression shifted from icy anger to one of astonishment.
Meng signaled Xiong Zhiqiang to come closer, and as he leaned in, she whispered something in his ear.
"i will make sure to execute it properly"
Standing up, Xiong Zhiqiang replied with indignation and righteousness before leaving the room. As he left, everyone looked at Su Meng expectantly, a question – *what's going on?* – written all over their faces. Smiling, Meng said,
"Something came up at home and my parents are not it the city"
Han Yin voiced his concerns, worry evident in his eyes. Su Meng waved him off, assuring him it was nothing serious.
"Is everything alright"
"yes, i will take my leave once i am done with the meal"
"okay, Let me know if you need my help"
Understanding that Meng wasn't willing to share, Han Yin continued eating without pressing the issue further.
"Sure"
Su Meng and the others finished their meal and headed towards the reception. The receptionist handed the bill to Han Yin. He looked at it, then pulled out his phone, scanned the QR code, and initiated the payment.
"Ding, Payment successful."
Han YIn look at his classmates and said
"okay, it's getting late lets depart quickly and sent a quiet message once you reached home"
"okay, i will be on my way"
Saying everyone left, hailing a taxi, once everyone had departed, only Meng and Han Yin remained. Su Meng looked at Han Yin, asking,
"should i drop you off"
"Aren't you in a hurry"
Han Yin gave a dry smile asking with a astonishment
"no, It's nothing urgent"
Su Meng confirmed saying that it wasn't anything urgent
"Never mind i already informed Hu Xiufang to bring car over"
Han Yin said thinking that SU Meng was just trying to stay strong while waved his hand
"okay, message me once you reached home"
"No problem"
Su Meng boarded the car, and Xiong Zhiqiang drove off, leaving a plume of smoke in their wake. Han Yin's smile faded as he pulled out his phone and dialed his father. The call was answered quickly.
"Hello"
"Hey dad did something happened at Jiaqi groups"
Feeling uneasy, Han Yin called his father, inquiring about the situation at Su Meng's place.
"No, Why do you ask"
Propelled Mr. Han shook his head confirming that he don't know asking
"Well Meng departed saying something happened at home"
Han Yin equally ProPelled recounted the events that transpired moments ago
"Well recently Jiaqi was doing quiet good"
Mr. Han fell quiet contemplating everything and replied that he too didn't know anything
"i see"
"Let's discuss it once you came back"
Mr. Han stated before hanging up on Han Yin
"okay"
Han Yin hung up the call, a troubled expression on his face. As time passed, a sleek Mercedes stopped in front of him. He opened the door and got in before the car started, and they sped off down the road.
In the western suburbs,
In Villa No. 1, Su Xin sat in the living room while various officers searched the premises. Su Ming and Wang Chang sat opposite Su Xin, their faces etched with nervousness. Seeing their distress, Su Xin spoke to ease the tension.
"Young Master Ming, everything is going to be alright so please make comfortable at home"
Su Ming smiled wryly questioning
"uncle SU can't we take our leave"
"I don't think so; we have to follow the rules. No one is allowed to leave the establishment without consent."
"Seeing who is talking about the rules"
As soon as the words left his lips, a mocking voice came from behind. Turning, he saw a robust figure approach with a smug expression – it was none other than Shang Jiang.
Shang Jiang sat beside Su Xin, his fierce gaze fixed on Ming. Cold sweat beaded on Ming's forehead, and he averted his gaze, unable to meet Shang Jiang's eyes, instead looking down at the floor. Shang Jiang burst into a hearty laugh and exclaimed,
"Are you Meng's Brother"
Ming raised his head and gazed into Shang Jiang's eyes with amusement, asking:
"Yes, do you know my brother"
"Hmm, I had a meal with him before. He was daring and dashing; I almost got burst by him."
"Long time no see General Shang Jiang"
As they were speaking, the sound echoed through the living room, and Shang Jiang and the others turned towards it. Ming entered, followed by Xiong Zhiqiang.
Meng stood behind Ming as he leaned in, wrapping his arms around Ming's neck. He gazed firmly into Shang Jiang's eyes. Regaining his composure, he looked back into Meng's eyes, questioning,
"Who let you in without my consent"
"Well you see i called the commander of Northern Brigade and passed it on to your men simple and short"
"I see, you are not here to obstruct our ride are you"
"No, i don't care i just wanna ask why did you obstruct my brother here general Shang"
""Should I remind you of the rules? No one is allowed to leave the place until the end of the ride.""
"That only applies to family members, not outsiders. Furthermore, you obstructed two teenagers without informing their parents."
Avoiding the question Shang Jiang look at Ming asking
"May I ask what Young Master Ming is doing here, and what's your relationship with International Groups and that child?"
Ming gazed at Meng with a questioning look. Meng nodded, understanding Ming's confusion. Smiling, Ming looked at Shang Jiang and firmly stated,
"I came by to fetch Wang Chang; he's the child Meng adopted. We left him in Villa No. 1 because my parents aren't home, and it's the safest place we know."
After listening to Ming's explanation, Shang Jiang questioned him, expressing his doubts.
"Didn't the Su family have security around"
Meng interjected
"Yes, half of the security went with my mom to the capital, and there have been around ten assassination attempts on the child here recently. I'm worried about my parents' safety, so we sent Wang Chang to Villa No. 1 with Su Bo as a temporary guardian."
"If so why are you taking him away now"
Shang Chang asking turned his gaze back to Ming
"we spend our time with him after coming from the school"
Ming gaining confidence to speak Replied without any fear in his eyes
"i see, you may leave now i will visit you once i am done with my work here"
Shang Jiang waved his hand, signaling their departure. Hearing him, Meng replied, affirming that it was not a problem.
"okay, no problem"
Meng replied as he diverted his gaze towards Su Xin saying
"I hope everything is in order. We're leaving now."
"Of course Young Master Meng"
Su Xin replied, nodding in confirmation that he had taken care of everything. Turning, Meng lifted Wang Chan before saying
"Let's Go"
As he made his way towards the exit, where Ming followed suit, Shang Jiang watched Meng's retreating back with a sense of unease and suspicion.
In the Villa No 2,
Meng and Ming walked in along with Wang Chang. The room was quiet, and the air grew solemn. Meng broke the silence, saying,
"Little Chang Did you had dinner yet"
"no"
Su Meng send Wang Chang as he want to discuss something with Ming
"okay, come down once freshen up and let's have dinner"
"okay"
Wang Chang cheerfully ascended the stairs, making his way to his room on the top floor. Turning towards Ming, Meng questioned, concern etched on his face.
"Are you alright, he didn't do anything to you right"
"Hmm, i am fine"
Nodding Su Ming replied forcing a smile onto his lips
"good thing you are safe, by the way why did you go alone today"
Su Meng, remembering something, asked,
"Why did you visit Villa No. 1 alone without me?"
"well i thought you will be late and i was left alone in this huge villa so i.."
Ming's words flutered with fear thinking that Su Meng was angry
"i got it,go and freshen up let's have a dinner"
Seeing at Ming's scared face Meng smiled lightly while comforting him saying it' okay
"okay"
Ming walked upstairs, and as the figure faded, the smile on Meng's face was replaced with an icy cold one as he followed towards his room.
A few minutes later, Su Meng went downstairs and saw Wang Chang sitting alone. Meng approached him, asking,
"Is brother Ming down yet"
"Not yet, Brother Meng. Will uncle Su be okay"
Wang Chang's body jolted as he looked behind, placing the item on the table, and replied.
"i Hope so, what would you like to eat"
Su Meng Affirmed that everything will be fine as Meng diverted the topic
"i am fine with Anything"
"okay, then let's have a light meal tonight"
Su Meng dashed into the kitchen, saying something, while Wang Chang returned to playing on his phone.
In the kitchen, Su Ming washed the rice and placed it in the rice cooker, then turned on the stove. Su Meng prepared a broth with water and a few spices. Once the broth was cooked, he added the cooked rice, stirring until it reached the perfect consistency. He then added octopus pieces and stirred for 15 minutes before adding some spring onions. Finally, he served it into bowls.
In the dining area, Ming and Wang Chang sat opposite each other, engrossed in their mobile phones. Su Meng emerged from the kitchen with a large tray bearing two bowls, placing it on the table and positioning the bowls in front of them.
Meng seeing that Meng only brought two Bowls of porridge questioned while looking into Meng's eyes
"What about you"
"I already had dinner"
Meng acknowledging his concern replied conforming that he already ate outside
"okay"
Ming said while picking up his spoon full of porridge and took a bit before blowing it. Wang Chang gazed at Ming for a brief moment and then followed suit copying Ming's actions only to burn his tongue
"Uhhhhhahhhhhh"
Ming and Meng exchanged glances before looking at Wang Chang and burst into laughter, tears welling up in their eyes. Wiping his eyes, Meng stood up and walked to Wang Chang's side, gently teaching him how to eat.
As the meal commence the room was filled with laughter and chatter, when the sound of the bell ringing broke the tranquility as they gazed towards the main door as the fear gripped their hearts. remembering something Meng stood up and walked away before saying
"i will take a look you guys continue eating"
"okay, be careful"
"don't worry to much"
Meng said, his gaze steady as he walked out, Su Meng reached for the main door, pulling it open. Standing just beyond was Shang Jiang, flanked by two burly men in military uniforms.
Meng offered a knowing smile and gestured them inside, exclaiming,
"Oh, you're here please come in i didn't know you would bring someone along"
With a playful smile, Meng led them to the living room, gesturing for them to take a seat.
"Please have a seat"
"thanks"
Shang Jiang sat on the sofa, surveying the interior as the other two stood beside him. Meng looked at them, astonishment evident, before stating,
"please have a seat you're not here to intimate are you"
With a firm gaze, looking between them and Shang Jiang, Shang Jiang scratched his nose awkwardly as he ordered,
"Have a seat."
They exchanged a glance before settling diagonally across from Shang Jiang. Meng went to the kitchen, returning with three glasses of juice, which she placed on the table. Taking a seat opposite Shang Jiang, she questioned him with a serious demeanor, a stark contrast to her usual formality, yet tinged with sarcasm.
"May i enquire what brings General Shang to my humble establishment"
Shang Jiang took a deep breath and looked into Mengs eyes with a serious Demeanor
"I informed our superiors about your concerns, but they've decided to proceed with the Dark Web attack. I'm here to formally offer you the leadership position in this operation."
As soon as the words fell, Su Meng's eyes widened in shock and utter bewilderment, and he eventually fell into contemplation. The room fell quiet. A few minutes later, Su Meng opened his mouth, saying:
"i will pass this time"
"May i ask for a reason"
""Firstly, it was an impossible task. Secondly, I've already received around two warnings from the Dark Web, and thanks to a friend, my family and I are still alive. Thirdly, I don't want to put myself in danger, which would lead to my parents' heartbreak."
Shang Jiang replied, his memory returning. He looked at Meng, saying,
"i see i will let the higher ups know about it, and one more thing"
"go ahead"
"I conducted a brief investigation on that Kid what's his name again Wang ...."
Shang Jiang who was Weak at remembering tried to recall the name of the boy. Su Meng chimed in helping Shang Jiang to remember replied
"Wang Chang"
"Right Wang Chang, aren't you afraid that Wang Family will retaliate against you and your family"
Recalling the name, Shang Jiang questioned. A hint of worry etched on his face.
"I do isn't that the Why i handed him over to International Groups General Manager Su Bo"
Su Meng replied nonchalantly, his voice brimming with confidence.
"What? Aren't you his legal guardian"
Taken aback, Shang Jiang questioned with confusion and astonishment.
""I am only the temporary guardian. Su Bo and Wang Chang will leave this place, even before I become an adult.""
"What do You plan to do to him"
"hmm, Nothing much i will send him Away to US once we found his real mother"
Shang Jiang, who came to clarify things, stood up and waved his hand, saying:
"i see, well then i will take my leave"
"okay, Did you guys had lunch yet"
Su Meng stood up and was about to speak, then paused, remembering something.
"Not yet,"
"Why don't you eat something before you leave"
Su Meng extended an invitation, suggesting they have a meal before departing.
"I..i am fine"
Shang Jiang Declined while waving his hand, Su Ming who was observing the situation chimed in saying
"My brothers cooking was really good, you should give it a try"
Shang Jiang was Hesitant to agree But eventually agreed upon Su Ming and Mengs persuasion Shang Jiang Agreed
"well... Fine"
Shang Jiang and the other two officers shared a hearty meal before departing. Su Ming and Wang Chang then went to bed, as Ming had school the following day, and Wang Chang, being a child, needed rest.
Su Meng sat before the desktop, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he entered a code into the terminal. Ten CCTV footages materialized on the screen. Su Meng quickly organized them, then opened the living room footage, reviewing it from the beginning.
In the footage, Ming entered the living room and knelt before Wang Chang, questioning him.
"what did you learn today"
"i..i learn about China's history and basics of Math"
Wang Chang who was studying diligently look up at Ming replying
"i see can you teach me once we go back"
"of course leave it to me"
Ming stood up, about to pick up Wang Chang, when Shang Jiang entered, accompanied by five soldiers, fifteen local police officers, and his bodyguard. They immediately began searching every corner of the living room.
Hearing the sound, Su Xin walked downstairs and questioned,
"What's going on here"
"Hello, i am Shang Jiang here is the search warrant issued by the government please cooperate with us"
"Okay go ahead"
Su Xin, already aware of the situation, stood aside, allowing them to look around the house. He then made his way to the seating area and sat opposite Ming, offering a reassuring smile.
A few minutes later, the video concluded, with Shang Chang and his entourage departing the villa, their faces mirroring the disappointment that hung heavy in the air.
Meng smiled, her expression unyielding as she glanced at the caller ID.
"Hello"
Su Xin's voice came through the phone.
"Hello Master"
"Hmm, Good Work"
Su Xin's spirits lifted as he replied
"Thank you for your Praise Master"
only to SU Meng to pour cold water on it with his next words saying
"Don't celebrate yet. They placed tapes around. Call someone from the dark web and have them removed by morning."
Su Xin replied saying i will get work done
"Got It, master"
Su Meng smiled in appreciation, saying that before hanging up the call.
"okay, that's it i am hanging up now"
on the other hand in the seclusion Shang Jiang and others are listening to Su Xin's conversation on the radio as soon as the conversation between Su Meng and SuXin came to an end shang Jiang placed his head phone beside exclaiming
"Damn, the whole day careful preparation was completely wasted"
"Don't be so impatient"
As soon as the words left his mouth, everyone stood up, exclaiming as they saluted a burly man. He exerted a sense of superior pressure, and it was none other than Song Chengli, the Commander of the Northern Military Brigade.
"What about that Kid what's his name again"
Shang Jiang chimed in remaining
"You Mean Su Meng Commander"
"Yes, did he agreed to help"
Keep up his previous bravado he waved his hand asking
"No, sir he refused"
Song Chengli cursed out right with a question
"Damn, i can't do anything to that kid can i"
"You can't sir"
Feeling the weight of Shang Jiang's words, Song Chengli questioned with disappointment.
"Why? do you think so"
"Well, I heard from Mayor Cai that he was Old Xu's favorite great-grandson."
Shang Jiang repeated Mayor Cai's words with a bothering expression
"so he was Old Xu's great Grandson"
"yes"
"Ugh, let's just forget about him. We've already gathered twenty S-rank hackers, thirty-seven A-rank, and twenty-nine B-rank. I hope that's enough."
Waving his hand Song Chengli confirmed before leaving the room.
"