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Chapter 29: Rescued by It (Part 2)
In her mind, Dai Ning spoke to Qingtuan.
“Which ones are from the Shen family’s plan to deal with Zhao Yu?”
Qingtuan replied, “The manager and twelve dancers.”
Dai Ning asked, “What’s the manager’s name? And who’s the mastermind behind this plan?”
Qingtuan quickly answered, “The manager is Liu Tiangang, and the mastermind has only a code name, ‘Leopard.'”
Manager Liu approached her. “Miss, do you need any service?”
Lan Lingyun, finally coming out of his daze, remembered he needed to protect Dai Ning. “No, no, we’re just leaving now. Ning Ning—”
But Dai Ning brushed off the troublesome Lan. She beckoned Liu Tiangang closer with her finger.
Though cautious, Liu Tiangang maintained a polite smile and leaned in.
In a low voice, Dai Ning said, “I was sent by Leopard to help you tonight. There can be no mistakes. Liu Tiangang, the fool beside me is Lan Lingyun, young master of the Lan family, and the nephew of County Magistrate Zhuang. I tricked him into coming here. Keep him under control; if anything goes wrong, you can use him as a hostage.”
Liu Tiangang’s eyes widened.
Seeing that “gift” standing beside her, he believed her somewhat.
Dai Ning added, “Things have changed. Gather the dancers—I have instructions about the drugging.”
Hearing her familiarity with the plan, Liu Tiangang finally trusted her completely.
And with Dai Ning’s beauty, it wasn’t impossible she was Leopard’s special operative. “Please wait a moment.”
Dai Ning turned to Lan Lingyun with a smile. “Go wait for me in a private room, okay? I’ll be back after a quick restroom break.”
Lan Lingyun was helpless in the face of her smile. Nodding like a fool, he said, “Alright.”
Following Liu Tiangang, Dai Ning was soon face-to-face with the twelve dancers.
They were all quite attractive, some with a pure look, others with a sultry one. As they exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of her, Liu Tiangang announced, “This is someone sent by Leopard. Follow her instructions.”
Qingtuan, watching in shock, was left speechless. What on earth was Ji Dai Ning planning? Why was she aligning with the villains?
Dai Ning asked, “Where’s the spiked wine?”
One dancer quickly brought over a drink. Dai Ning glanced at it and shook her head. “It won’t work. They won’t drink it. The leader is cautious; even in a business deal, he’ll only pretend to sip.”
Liu Tiangang immediately asked, “Then what should we do?”
Dai Ning opened her hand, revealing two small dark brown bottles.
“There’s just enough here for one person. Put this on the rim of the glass meant for Zhao Yu. Even if he doesn’t drink, just touching his lips will have an effect.”
Overjoyed, Liu Tiangang quickly instructed the dancers to get to work.
Qingtuan nearly lost its mind, exclaiming, “Ji Dai Ning! We cannot kill or harm the one blessed by fate—have you forgotten?”
Dai Ning responded, “I didn’t kill him, and I didn’t harm him, either. In fact, I even saved him—I swapped out the poison.”
Qingtuan was skeptical. “Then what kind of medicine did you give him?”
“It’s a hallucinogen to excite men, with a bit of muscle-weakening effect.” This type of drug was popular in certain circles, hailed as a miraculous aid by men who lacked vitality. It couldn’t be considered “harmful”—it had already saved countless men from embarrassment.
Qingtuan finally caught on and mumbled, “You’re aware that Zhao Yu is destined to turn danger into safety, and you want Lan Rongrong to end up saving him so they…”
Once the male lead and the supporting female lead got entangled, Zhao Yu’s chance of being with Du Tian would be next to impossible. And since Lan Rongrong was no pushover, Miss Dai Ning could relax and go pursue the second lead.
Dai Ning said, “Zhao Yu mentioned that in their village, it’s a tradition to stay with one person for life.” She found this deeply inspiring.
Qingtuan corrected her, “It’s to love one person for life.”
Dai Ning replied, “Same difference.”
After setting everything in motion, Dai Ning walked out of the place openly, right under Liu Tiangang’s nose. Her gown’s train trailed elegantly along the floor, its silver embroidery gleaming with every step—she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Yet, despite such a lovely exterior, Miss Dai Ning was born to play the villain.
Qingtuan felt utterly hopeless. Could Ji Dai Ning ever just play a normal storyline?
—
Dai Ning sat on the second floor in a spot Liu Tiangang had arranged, waiting to watch the drama unfold. Though she didn’t drink, she ordered the priciest drink available and a mountain of snacks.
“All of it goes on ‘Leopard’s’ tab,” she declared.
Liu Tiangang forced a smile. “No problem, no problem. Take whatever you want. If you need anything, just say the word.”
“It’s fine, you can leave now. Just don’t bother me again.”
Liu Tiangang asked, “Should we keep Young Master Lan under control downstairs?”
Dai Ning blinked, only now remembering her little partner. She fluttered her lashes. “Just lock him in a room—no need to let him out.”
With that, Liu Tiangang bowed and left.
Dai Ning played with a small kumquat, waiting for Zhao Yu to show up.
As night deepened, Zhao Yu arrived at Nevernight City with a group of people.
Dai Ning hadn’t seen him for several days, and the moment he stepped inside, she sensed a change in him.
His steady demeanour had gained a sharp edge. They say dangerous situations hone people, and Zhao Yu’s tailored suit highlighted this transformation perfectly.
Even for someone as uncultured as Dai Ning, an old saying popped into her mind: How can a dragon be confined to a pond? Only a storm will unleash its fury.
She perked up, propping her chin in anticipation of the show.
Downstairs, Zhao Yu instinctively felt someone watching him, but when he glanced toward the second floor, he saw nothing but a layer of transparent glass.
He looked away.
“Nevernight City” was a veritable gold mine, and one of his tasks was to negotiate its acquisition for the Lan family.
With the Shen family in disarray, only minor underlings remained, and Liu Tiangang was eager to pledge allegiance, which led to tonight’s gathering.
Liu Tiangang, a smiling schemer, warmly greeted them.
Zhao Yu and his men took their seats.
Liu Tiangang grinned, saying, “This must be your first time at Nevernight City, Mr. Zhao? We have many… interesting services here. You must experience them tonight.” His smile held a hint of mischief.
“No need to go out of your way, Manager Liu,” Zhao Yu replied with a polite smile. “Since we’re here to discuss business, let’s focus on that.”
“Nonsense! A bit of drinking while talking business only adds to the mood.” He motioned to one of his men. “Xiaolong, bring some ladies to pour the wine.”
Zhao Yu kept a calm smile, nodding in agreement.
Shortly, twelve young, attractive women crouched at their feet, pouring drinks with grace.
Zhao Yu discreetly signaled his men, and they understood the unspoken warning.
In truth, Zhao Yu knew tonight wasn’t about “business talks.” Liu Tiangang had laid a trap, and Zhao Yu was determined to turn it on him.
With the Shen remnants staying hidden, Zhao Yu had a hunch they would show up tonight. Lan Rongrong and the police force were stationed nearby, ready to intervene at any sign of trouble.
Liu Tiangang raised his glass, saying, “Mr. Zhao, you must try our most famous wine, Drunken Spring Breeze.”
Leaning back casually on the sofa, Zhao Yu lifted his glass and took a sip. “It’s quite nice.”
Liu Tiangang studied him closely, knowing Zhao Yu came from a humble background but had been bold enough to help the Lan family in acquiring businesses. He wasn’t to be underestimated.
Watching Zhao Yu drink, even Liu Tiangang couldn’t tell if he had actually swallowed.
But it didn’t matter. With advice from the lady upstairs, tonight was in the bag. Zhao Yu’s lips had already touched the glass.
As the dancers flirted with Zhao Yu’s companions, Liu Tiangang began discussing the acquisition.
Minutes ticked by, and faint footsteps echoed outside the door. Zhao Yu casually tapped his finger on the table.
Every man in the room tensed.
They all knew they were in the lion’s den, but having avoided drinking, they’d be alert if things took a turn.
Zhao Yu was thinking the same. However, as soon as the door opened and he stood to greet whoever entered, an odd sensation surged in his abdomen.
His face darkened slightly, his brow furrowing as he tried to understand what kind of filthy substance he had ingested.
Up on the second floor, Dai Ning watched with a gleeful smile.
“Have a pleasant night, gentlemen.”
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