Chapter 62: Greedy and Timid

“Third Master, Minister Tang is here.”

Tang Jinwen.

The Minister of Health of Yancheng.

Sheng Xiao glanced at Zuo Chuan, who handed Tang Jinwen a cigarette. Tang Jinwen waved his hand, “No, thank you.”

He then took a seat.

Zuo Chuan and Qin Zhuo stepped out.

Only Tang Jinwen and Sheng Xiao remained in the private room.

As Sheng Xiao sized up Tang Jinwen, Tang Jinwen was also silently observing him. He never expected that the legendary Sheng Third Master, known for his iron-fisted approach, would be such a young and handsome man.

Tang Jinwen had met Sheng’s father once when he was young. Sheng’s father was a decisive and commanding figure in the military, highly respected by those under him. Tang Jinwen was just a small soldier under him back then.

Now, meeting Sheng Third Master, he found him even more impressive than his father.

“I didn’t know you were in Yancheng, Third Master. I should have visited you. However, Mr. Zuo said you weren’t very convenient…”

Sheng Xiao replied, “I’m just dealing with some minor matters. It’s not like Minister Tang, who manages all the affairs of Yancheng.”

“You’re flattering me. I’m just the Minister of Health.”

Sheng Xiao swirled the red wine in his hand, “Then I must have been misinformed. I heard that Minister Tang is very approachable in private, and you have good relationships with Song Pu, Wu Si, and even Guo An.”

The three people Sheng Xiao mentioned were the heads of the Finance Bureau, the Supervision Bureau, and the Judicial Bureau of Yancheng respectively. Yancheng was in the middle of a leadership change, and Tang Jinwen’s position was sensitive. Frequent interactions with these people could easily attract criticism.

Of course, the “relationships” Sheng Xiao mentioned were not just simple friendships, but rather some kind of exchange of interests.

Tang Jinwen was surprised that his carefully guarded actions were so easily exposed by Sheng Xiao. He felt a surge of anger, but more than that, he was afraid. This young man could even grasp the pulse of Yancheng in such a short time. He was more formidable than he appeared.

Earlier, Zuo Chuan had met with him on behalf of Sheng Xiao, hinting that Sheng Xiao was also interested in helping him ascend to the top position in Yancheng. Of course, he didn’t think it was a gift from heaven. Sheng Xiao must want something from him.

“I wonder what Third Master wants?”

It was always easier to talk to smart people. Sheng Xiao relaxed his brow, “Old Master Zhao has been in that position for too long. It’s time to give young people some opportunities.”

As he spoke, he flicked the ash off his cigarette, his eyes lowered, and a cold glint appeared in his brow.

Tang Jinwen was alarmed.

Old Master Zhao had deep roots in Yancheng. Sheng Xiao wanted to uproot him completely. “Third Master, this…”

“What, Minister Tang finds it difficult?”

It was more than difficult, it was almost impossible. However, Tang Jinwen didn’t dare to say that in front of Sheng Xiao.

Sheng Xiao raised his eyelids to look at him, “Without removing the Zhao family, the top position will only be a puppet. Of course, if Minister Tang puts in some effort, I guarantee that I will give you a great gift after you take office.”

As soon as Sheng Xiao finished speaking, Zuo Chuan came in and handed Tang Jinwen a list.

It contained evidence of corruption, bribery, and violations of regulations by some important figures in Yancheng and their children. Tang Jinwen immediately looked up at Sheng Xiao. Sheng Xiao raised his eyebrows, “Jizhou Province is currently strongly advocating anti-corruption. These things in Minister Tang’s hands can help you secure your position at the top and eliminate a powerful opponent, a win-win situation.”

“Of course, I’m not one to make things difficult for people. It’s up to Minister Tang to decide.”

Tang Jinwen clutched the paper file in his hand, his knuckles turning white. After a long silence, he nodded, “I’ll do as Third Master says.”

After he left, Sheng Xiao rubbed his temples and drained the red wine in his hand.

Zuo Chuan asked, “Third Master, will Tang Jinwen do as you say?”

“He’s a smart man. With a great opportunity presented to him, he knows he has to gamble. Besides, with the Zhao family around, he’ll never climb to that position.”

Zuo Chuan finally understood why Third Master chose Tang Jinwen. He was both greedy and timid.

Such a person, if someone behind him gave him a push, his greed would be amplified instantly, enough to support him in doing this.

Sheng Xiao tapped the armrest of the sofa, “Where’s Qin Zhuo?”

Qin Zhuo had been leaning against the railing on the second floor, looking down since he came out of the private room.

In a corner booth downstairs, two young women were sitting close together, laughing and joking. Qin Zhuo’s eyebrows shot up, what a coincidence.

Sheng Xiao came out of the private room, and Qin Zhuo stopped him, “Third Brother, your little sister-in-law is downstairs.”

Sheng Xiao paused and looked down from the railing. He saw the woman looking very happy. He didn’t know what Mi Tiantian had told her, but she was laughing so hard she couldn’t straighten up.

A few men nearby kept their eyes on them, but the two women were oblivious.

Sheng Xiao’s eyes turned cold.

He left directly through the back door.

The black Mercedes circled from the back door of the CLUB to the front. Sheng Xiao called Lin Yuanye.

Lin Yuanye answered the phone, “Sheng Xiao? Did you finish overtime?”

Sheng Xiao replied, “Yes, where are you?”

Lin Yuanye told him her location without hesitation. Sheng Xiao said he was nearby and would come pick her up.

Mi Tiantian said, “You said you wouldn’t leave first, but you’re so obedient when your husband comes.”

Lin Yuanye put her arm around her shoulder, “It’s getting late, Miss. We should go home. You’ve had some wine too, so I’ll take you back.”

“I don’t want to be your third wheel.” With Sheng Xiao’s frightening gaze, Mi Tiantian didn’t dare to be in the same space with him.

As she was speaking, Sheng Xiao had already walked in, accurately locating Lin Yuanye, “Yuanye, let’s go home.”

Lin Yuanye’s cheeks were flushed, and she smiled as she pulled Sheng Xiao’s wrist, “Sheng Xiao, let’s take Tiantian home.”

“Mr. Sheng, what a coincidence?” Qin Zhuo walked over from the side and greeted them politely.

Sheng Xiao nodded symbolically, his eyes shifting.

Lin Yuanye was surprised to see Qin Zhuo. She pulled Mi Tiantian off the sofa, “Tiantian, look who this is!”

Mi Tiantian only knew that Qin Zhuo was very handsome, with sharp features and a gentle demeanor. The gold-rimmed glasses on his nose made him look even more charming. But the next moment, Lin Yuanye told her something explosive, “Tiantian, this is Qin Zhuo, the Qin Lu you’ve always liked.”

Mi Tiantian’s eyes widened, Qin Zhuo???

The senior lawyer who led her into the legal profession in the spiritual realm???

Shouldn’t he be an older man? Why was he so…black-eyed, fair-skinned, with delicate features, like a man who walked out of a comic book?

While she was stunned, Lin Yuanye pinched her elbow and said in a voice only they could hear, “Tiantian, your jaw is dropping. Say hello.”

Mi Tiantian smiled innocently, “Lawyer Qin, I’ve liked you for many years. I’m a bit flustered to finally meet you in person. Sorry about that.”

Sheng Xiao glanced at Qin Zhuo. They were brothers, and they all knew what was on each other’s minds. He put his arm around Lin Yuanye’s shoulders, “Since you know each other, why don’t Lawyer Qin give Miss Mi a ride home?”