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Psst! We're moving!
Jiang Chuan sat in the reception room, legs crossed, watching Qin Tang move about methodically through the glass window. Today, she wore a striking red sleeveless long dress with a deep U-neckline. Her collarbone was delicate and fair, her neck slender and graceful, and her figure elegant. Every step she took seemed as beautiful as a dance.
Zhou Tong brought in a cup of coffee and asked Jiang Chuan if he needed anything else.
Jiang Chuan: “No, just call Qin Tang over for me.”
“Oh... alright.”
Zhou Tong slipped out and whispered into Qin Tang’s ear, “Sister Qin Tang, that gentleman is asking for you.”
Qin Tang’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. “Ignore him. You go handle your tasks first.”
Zhou Tong blinked, sensing something was off. When had Sister Qin Tang ever been so dismissive? Though she appeared cold on the surface, she was actually very gentle at heart—outwardly cold but inwardly warm, as they say.
Several veteran employees kept coming to ask for Qin Tang’s opinions—
“Tang Tang, do you need us to draft your speech?”
“No need, I’ve already prepared it.”
“Tang Tang, many sponsors are calling nonstop, asking if we can increase the number of slots. Here’s a list of companies that seem quite sincere. Take a look, and if it’s okay, I’ll give them a response.”
“Alright.”
Old Yuan walked over and handed her a document. “Tang Tang, here’s the list of potential hosts. Take a look.”
Qin Tang took it, scanned through, and said, “Why are they all famous hosts? Just hire an auctioneer.”
“But in the past, we’ve always invited these hosts for our auctions.”
Qin Tang replied, “That was before. This event is on a much larger scale this time. Many celebrities and journalists will be attending. There’s no need to invite these hosts—they charge exorbitant appearance fees. Instead of wasting money on them, we should hire a professional auctioneer who can manage the live auction. The money we save can be used for other things.”
“Mm, you’re right. It was my oversight.”
Qin Tang glanced at the latest bidding data—large quantities, high bids.
Resting her chin on her hand, she thought for a moment and called Old Yuan back. “We don’t have enough manpower. Let’s hire an auction company.”
Old Yuan looked at the data, thought for a while, and said, “Alright, I’ll follow your suggestion. I’ll contact them now.”
Qin Tang nodded, gave a soft “Mm,” and continued focusing on her work.
People kept calling her name throughout the process.
“Tang Tang...”
“Sister Qin Tang...”
“Tang Tang...”
Without lifting her head, Qin Tang compared the services of several auction companies.
“Tang Tang.”
A lazy, deep voice sounded above her.
“What is it...” Qin Tang responded instinctively. A tall, broad hand pressed against the desk to her right, and the scent of masculinity drew near. She immediately looked up, only to bump her head lightly against his firm chest. She let out a small sound, pulled back slightly, and then turned to look up at him.
Jiang Chuan pointed his chin at the clock on her desk, reminding her, “It’s already 7:40 PM. You’ve kept me waiting for three and a half hours.”
Qin Tang glanced at the clock, realizing how much time had passed.
Suddenly recalling his earlier use of “Tang Tang,” she felt a bit awkward. “I didn’t notice the time.”
Jiang Chuan looked down at her and said, “Let’s eat first.”
Zhou Tong, standing nearby, timidly interjected, “Um... the takeout has already arrived.”
Qin Tang pursed her lips, wondering what to do about Jiang Chuan. Zhou Tong added, “I also ordered takeout for this gentleman.”
Jiang Chuan smiled faintly. “Thanks.”
Qin Tang glanced at her, and Zhou Tong blinked, running off to fetch the food. “I’ll set it up in the reception room for you.”
---
The takeout consisted of two meat dishes, one vegetable dish, a fried egg, and a portion of kelp and pork rib soup.
Qin Tang and Jiang Chuan sat across from each other, eating. She asked, “What did you come to see me for?”
Jiang Chuan raised his eyes to look at her. “Can’t I visit you without a reason?”
“...Not exactly.” She mumbled around a piece of kelp in her mouth.
Back at the volunteer station, Jiang Chuan had noticed that Qin Tang preferred vegetarian food, ate little meat, and liked to eat fruit daily. The station had a limited budget, but he had loosened the spending restrictions when she was there. Still, they were accustomed to being frugal and rarely bought fruit.
After Qin Tang arrived, the station often had fruit stocked. At first, he hadn’t paid attention, but later he realized some of the fruits were purchased by her. Aunt Gui wouldn’t buy apples that cost more than ten yuan per jin (about 1.1 pounds).
Jiang Chuan picked out the kelp and placed it in front of her.
Qin Tang paused, looking up at him. “What are you doing? I’ve had enough.”
“Eat more.” He was tall, and even sitting down, he towered over her. Her neckline wasn’t particularly low, but from this angle, he could see the delicate hollows beneath her collarbone. Without showing any reaction, Jiang Chuan shifted his gaze. “You’re too skinny.”
“...” Qin Tang looked down at herself. She had always been satisfied with her figure—where was she too thin?
Returning the favor, she picked out the pork ribs for him.
There weren’t many pieces of meat in the rib soup, and she left only one piece for herself.
Jiang Chuan stared at her for a moment, then suddenly chuckled.
Qin Tang’s cheeks flushed slightly as she lowered her head to continue eating while replying to messages on WeChat.
After finishing their meal, Jiang Chuan began discussing business. “Give me a few invitations to the auction.”
Qin Tang asked, “How many do you need?”
Jiang Chuan: “Six.”
“Mm.” She nodded. “But the invitations won’t be ready for a few more days. I’ll give them to you when they’re done.”
Jiang Chuan held a cigarette between his fingers. His phone buzzed, and he glanced down at it. After a moment, he looked up at Qin Tang and said, “When the exhibition center holds the exhibition, come with me.”
Qin Tang looked at him curiously. Most of the guests invited to the charity auction were either wealthy or influential individuals or companies. As the head of the volunteer organization, it was normal for him to want to check out the auction scene, but why would he care about the auction items? He wasn’t a buyer.
“Are you saying I can’t look if I don’t have money?” Jiang Chuan put the cigarette in his mouth, lit it with a lighter, and looked at her.
Qin Tang: “...”
She took a deep breath. “I didn’t say that. I’m just curious about why you’re in Beijing. Don’t tell me you came here just for fun.”
Zhou Tong knocked on the door.
Qin Tang turned around and waved her in.
Zhou Tong placed slices of watermelon and apple on the table and left again.
“There is something.” Jiang Chuan flicked the ash from his cigarette into the empty food container, leaned back casually, and looked at her. “The volunteer organization has received quite a bit of donations over the years, but compared to the other buyers at the auction, it’s not much. Earlier, someone contacted me and offered to fund me to participate in the bidding.”
Qin Tang looked at him, speaking frankly. “The minimum bid for the auction items is 500,000 yuan.”
Jiang Chuan: “...”
He paused, her matter-of-fact attitude making him wonder—did she think he couldn’t even afford the minimum bid?
Qin Tang looked at him earnestly, her eyes clear and bright, without a trace of disdain, mockery, or condescension. She was genuinely informing him. Jiang Chuan studied her for a moment and chuckled softly. “Don’t worry, I can manage that amount.”
Qin Tang looked back at him. “I’ll need to discuss this with others. After all, the slots are limited, and we’ve already added two extra spots.”
Jiang Chuan pressed his lips tightly together, frowning as he took a deep drag of his cigarette.
She watched him indifferently.
Jiang Chuan licked his lips, suddenly recalling something.
Tsk, this woman really held grudges.
---
That night, back at the inn, Cao Sheng called. “How’s it going?”
The inn was a mixed bag, with hourly rooms being cheaper. Many men who hired sex workers stayed here, leaving after they were done.
The sounds of lovemaking from the neighboring room continued unabated.
Jiang Chuan’s expression darkened. He kicked the wall hard with his foot. The noise from next door stopped momentarily, followed by an angry man shouting, “Fuck! Are you trying to get yourself killed?!”
Jiang Chuan sneered coldly.
Cao Sheng asked on the other end, “What’s wrong? Is there trouble on your side?”
“No.” Jiang Chuan remained expressionless. “I haven’t secured the slot yet. Give me a few more days.”
Cao Sheng sounded surprised. “Is that so? I thought this was a sure thing, especially since Qin Tang is usually easy to talk to, and she spent so much time at the volunteer station before.”
The cheap wooden door thudded repeatedly. Jiang Chuan frowned. “Let’s leave it at that for now.”
He walked over and opened the door.
A fat man, shirtless with his pants hanging loosely around his waist, stood outside, looking menacing.
Jiang Chuan looked down at him, his expression cold.
The fat man, seeing Jiang Chuan’s tall and muscular build, immediately cowered, not daring to utter a word. He forced a laugh. “No problem, no problem.”
After saying that, he turned and went back to the neighboring room.
“Why are you back so soon?” came a woman’s coquettish voice.
“Forget about that brute. Let’s continue,” the fat man said.
Jiang Chuan leaned back on the bed. Less than five minutes later, the sounds from next door ceased.
He got up, took a shower, and returned to the bed feeling refreshed.
After a while, he suddenly recalled Qin Tang’s delicate, fair collarbone and the smooth curve beneath her red dress—soft, full...
Just thinking about it made him feel restless.
In the darkness, he gritted his teeth. That unyielding woman would pay for her lack of consideration sooner or later!
---
Jiang Chuan and Cao Sheng split up. Cao Sheng followed Jiang Kun, while Jiang Chuan tailed Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng seemed to have noticed him but didn’t take any action.
Following Zhao Feng to the An Yi Foundation, Jiang Chuan sat in his car, glancing inside. He saw Qin Tang standing in front of He Cong’an. They were close together, both looking at a folder in their hands. He Cong’an reached around her from behind, pointing at something on the document.
Jiang Chuan observed them with an indifferent gaze.
Zhao Feng remained in the car and didn’t get out, but a well-dressed man exited the vehicle and walked straight into the An Yi Foundation.
Someone ran over to inform Qin Tang, and she said something to He Cong’an. The two then stepped apart.
Of course, Qin Tang had seen Zhao Feng. It wasn’t convenient for him to appear in front of her now.
Qin Tang spoke with the man for a while, smiled faintly, and escorted him to the door.
The man returned to the car with an invitation in hand.
Jiang Chuan glanced at Qin Tang. Sitting in his car, she didn’t notice him and quickly turned back inside. Her skirt spun halfway in the sunlight, dazzling and radiant.
Zhao Feng’s car drove away.
Jiang Chuan tightened his lips and followed.
Watching Zhao Feng’s car pull into a hotel parking lot, Jiang Chuan parked his car by the roadside. He squinted and spotted Cao Sheng squatting under a newsstand on the sidewalk, smoking.
He walked over.
Seeing him, Cao Sheng smiled and handed him a cigarette.
Jiang Chuan accepted it, placing it behind his ear. He bought a bottle of mineral water from the newsstand, drank it all in one go, tossed the empty bottle, and muttered, “Damn, it’s hot.”
He then took the cigarette from behind his ear and placed it between his lips.
Cao Sheng stood up, gesturing with his chin. “Let’s talk over there.”
They moved behind the flowerbeds, and Cao Sheng said, “Cao Yan said Zhao Qianhe has gone to the Yunnan border. But he’s being cautious, just eating, drinking, and partying during the day, and clubbing at night. However... the team monitoring drug activity there said they saw him brush past a drug dealer they’ve been tailing for a long time. It’s probably not a coincidence.”
Jiang Chuan remained silent.
These matters no longer concerned him.
If it weren’t for Jiang Kun setting his sights on the funds from the mountainous area charities, targeting the An Yi Foundation and Qin Tang, whatever missions Cao Sheng and his team undertook wouldn’t have been his concern.
He pressed his teeth together, smiling faintly with a touch of self-mockery.
The An Yi Foundation had been established for many years and enjoyed an excellent reputation in the world of charitable organizations. It had never been investigated.
Jiang Kun’s plan was clever—to use the An Yi Foundation and Qin Tang to launder his dirty money, knowing that no one would suspect the foundation.
Jiang Chuan had benefited from the An Yi Foundation’s help when he was young. Moreover, the foundation was established under Qin Tang’s name. Thinking of her clear, bright eyes, his heart softened slightly.
“I have a friend who saw Zhao Qianhe in an underground casino,” Jiang Chuan said. “It was in Yulin.”
Cao Sheng pressed further. “Where exactly?”
Kunlun Group was involved in real estate development, and it wasn’t difficult to set up underground operations in development zones. Perhaps it wasn’t just Yulin—such underground casino activities might exist in other places too.
Things were getting more complicated.
Jiang Chuan didn’t look at Cao Sheng’s expression. He would focus on doing his part.
Qin Tang and the An Yi Foundation were his responsibility to protect.
Cao Sheng knew Jiang Chuan was doing his best, but their roles were different now. As the team leader, he couldn’t order him around anymore.
Jiang Chuan wasn’t someone who followed orders easily. There was no point in saying more.
Jiang Chuan stood up. “Since you’re here, the brothers nearby must be around too. I’ll head out first.”
...
He returned to the car.
This car was arranged for him by Cao Sheng.
Just as he sat down, his phone rang.
Jiang Chuan glanced at it and smirked slightly.
Qin Tang’s soft voice came through the phone, asking, “Where are you now? I have the invitations with me.”
Jiang Chuan finished the last drag of his cigarette, stubbed it out, glanced around, and checked the navigation. He realized he wasn’t far from her place and said, “I’m near your house.”
Qin Tang thought he had been waiting outside her home and fell silent for a moment before softly saying, “What are you doing at my place...?”
Jiang Chuan easily caught the implication in her tone and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“What do you think?”
“...” She bit her lip, about to say she’d return later, when she saw a couple walking in—elegant and beautiful woman, tall and imposing man. She smiled at them and said into the phone, “I’ll call you tomorrow and stop by the exhibition center then.”
“Is going to the exhibition center tomorrow conflicting with meeting now?”
“Yes, my parents are here!”
“Alright.” Jiang Chuan replied.
After hanging up, Qin Tang immediately walked toward her parents. “Mom, Dad.”
Jing Xin patted her head. “You’ve been so busy lately, always coming home late.”
Qin Tang smiled sweetly. “But you’re here now.”
Qin Sen looked at his daughter and said, “I heard you go to the hospital every day?”
Qin Tang nodded. “Yes, I visit Zhou Qi whenever I have time. He just woke up and doesn’t remember much, but he’s too proud to admit it. Talking to him helps.”
Jing Xin nodded. “Your father and I will go with you later.”
---
After leaving the hospital, Qin Tang didn’t return to her apartment but went home with her parents.
The next morning, she stopped by her studio to pick up some photos that had been developed. Remembering her car needed maintenance, she asked her assistant to take it to the 4S shop.
In the afternoon, she took a taxi to the An Yi Foundation and called Jiang Chuan on the way to confirm the time and location.
Jiang Chuan said, “I’ll come to the foundation to find you.”
Qin Tang: “Alright.”
When Jiang Chuan arrived, Qin Tang was still busy.
He stood at the entrance, smoking. Seeing her pack up her documents and camera, she hurried over, followed by a young girl.
Zhou Tong trailed behind Qin Tang. “Sister Qin Tang, should I drive my car?”
Qin Tang nodded. “I didn’t bring mine.”
“Got it.”
Jiang Chuan overheard their conversation, shook the car keys in his hand, and said, “Get in my car.”
Qin Tang was surprised. “You drove here?”
Jiang Chuan snorted and turned to leave.
Qin Tang blinked and followed him.
Zhou Tong froze in place, realizing after a few seconds that Qin Tang was quite popular!
---
The exhibition center was lavishly decorated, with large posters at the entrance showcasing many valuable auction items.
Jiang Chuan picked up a printed brochure from the rack.
The person in charge approached Qin Tang. “Miss Qin.”
Qin Tang waved casually. “I’m just showing a friend around. No need to worry about me.”
“Alright.”
Jiang Chuan scanned the area from the entrance. The auction items were carefully displayed in glass cabinets. His gaze fixed on a piece of jade. Walking over, he glanced at the description—it was indeed Jiang Kun’s jade.
Qin Tang said, “Feel free to look around. I have something to take care of.”
Without waiting for his response, she quickly turned and left.
Jiang Chuan watched her walk toward a mature and sexy woman. They exchanged greetings.
He glanced at the woman, a flicker of surprise crossing his eyes, but he quickly suppressed his emotions and turned away indifferently.
---
“You can call me Lu Sha,” the woman said.
“Alright, you can call me Qin Tang too,” Qin Tang replied, looking at the auctioneer.
Starting with the highest-priced item, Qin Tang discussed the live script with the auctioneer while walking. Suddenly, Lu Sha paused, looking at a man standing in the corner staring at a painting. Qin Tang followed her gaze. “What’s wrong?”
Lu Sha smiled faintly. “Nothing, that painting is nice.”
Qin Tang nodded and led her over.
Jiang Chuan, hands in his pockets, glanced back at her. Qin Tang met his gaze briefly before continuing her conversation with Lu Sha.
Lu Sha pursed her red lips, her eyes shimmering as she looked at Jiang Chuan.
However, since he didn’t acknowledge her, pretending not to know her, she, as a woman, naturally wouldn’t make the first move.
Jiang Chuan pulled out his cigarette case and said to Qin Tang, “I’ll step out for a smoke.”
---
Afterward, Lu Sha wandered around inside but didn’t spot Jiang Chuan. She left with a hint of disappointment.
Jiang Chuan sat in the car and called Qin Tang.
---
The three of them had dinner nearby. Zhou Tong, being perceptive, said she’d take a taxi home and quickly left.
Jiang Chuan drove. Qin Tang took the invitations out of her bag and handed them to him. Jiang Chuan glanced at her. “Are you really not planning to give me a slot?”
She didn’t respond.
The car stopped at a red light. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Is our relationship not enough?”
Qin Tang: “...”
She pushed him away and looked up. “What relationship?”
The light turned green, and the car sped off.
Jiang Chuan didn’t speak. Qin Tang sensed something was wrong and looked back—a black car was tailing them closely.
Jiang Chuan drove into an alley, trying to shake off the car behind, but another one appeared ahead, boxing them in, forcing them into a deserted, dark alley.
He quickly turned the car around, but a black car suddenly charged recklessly straight at them.
Qin Tang screamed, covering her head and gripping the door tightly.
“Bang—”
The two cars collided, throwing both of them forward violently.
Jiang Chuan immediately checked on Qin Tang. Her face was pale, but she wasn’t injured.
They were cornered.
Jiang Chuan swiftly opened the car door and pulled Qin Tang out. “Let’s go!”
Still shaken, Qin Tang didn’t dare to look back. Wearing high heels, she struggled to run, her hand hurting from his tight grip. She stumbled, nearly falling.
Jiang Chuan glanced back. Several dark figures were rushing toward them.
Qin Tang hurriedly kicked off her high heels, her pale feet stepping onto the rough ground. Her small hand clutched his fingers tightly. Jiang Chuan glanced at her and pulled her along as they ran.
Suddenly, she let out a soft hiss.
Jiang Chuan looked down at her curled-up right foot, quickly bent over, and hoisted her up by the waist. Qin Tang: “...”
She was both embarrassed and anxious, bouncing on his shoulder as she heard him panting. He handed her his phone. “Call Cao Sheng.”
Qin Tang looked back at the approaching shadows, her voice trembling. “Mm.”
She dialed the number. While waiting for the call to connect, she awkwardly said, still perched on his shoulder, “Put me down, I can run.”
He didn’t respond, swiftly pulling her into a corner, setting her down, and positioning himself in front of her.
He snatched the phone from her, lowering his voice. “We’re being followed.”
Qin Tang held her breath, curling her toes.
A shadow slowly emerged. She nervously gripped the edge of Jiang Chuan’s shirt, leaning further behind him. His body was drenched in sweat, radiating heat that hit her like a wave—but it strangely comforted her.
The shadow drew closer.
Jiang Chuan’s expression hardened. Seizing the moment before the man could react, he swung his leg hard across the man’s head. The man screamed and collapsed. Jiang Chuan stomped down on his head with force.
From a distance, the others who had split up to search for them heard the commotion and immediately ran over.
Before Jiang Chuan could finish off the man, Qin Tang tugged at him urgently. “Run!”
Jiang Chuan saw they weren’t armed and had initially planned to fight them off. But glancing down at her bare, delicate feet, he said nothing, gripping her hand tightly and leading her deeper into the shadows.
Finding a secluded spot, Jiang Chuan pushed her inside and commanded in a low voice, “Stay here.”
In the darkness, her moist, clear eyes gazed at him, and she nodded.
He turned and walked out.
Qin Tang heard the sounds of fighting and shivered. She was tense, clutching her bag tightly, holding her breath as she strained to listen. There were many of them—too many to see clearly.
Unable to see, she grew even more anxious.
Unable to resist, she leaned against the wall and peeked her head out cautiously to survey the situation.
Her heart sank when she caught a glint of light. They had knives!
Two groups! The earlier ones hadn’t been armed.
Jiang Chuan dodged a knife aimed at his face, quickly twisting the attacker’s arm and yanking it hard. The man screamed as his shoulder dislocated with a crack.
Soon, the others rushed in with their blades.
Qin Tang bit her lip hard, stifling a scream.
Jiang Chuan fought several opponents at once, gradually growing weary. Suddenly, someone behind him raised a knife and slashed at his shoulder. Qin Tang cried out, “Behind you!”
Jiang Chuan swiftly kicked backward, but in doing so, exposed Qin Tang.
One of the men immediately charged toward her.
Jiang Chuan’s heart sank. He rushed over and grabbed the man from behind.
Distracted, his arm was slashed, blood flowing freely.
Qin Tang saw the man raise a dagger, his face twisted with malice, about to stab Jiang Chuan again. Panic surged through her. She quickly hurled her bag at him, knocking the knife to the ground with a clang.
Jiang Chuan restrained the man and barked at her, “Get back!”
Qin Tang bit her lip, retreating fully into the shadows.
After a few seconds, unable to resist, she peeked her head out again.
The tide of the battle had turned.
Cao Sheng and his men had arrived.
---
Cao Sheng instructed the others to take the captives away and turned to Jiang Chuan. “Get your wound treated.”
Jiang Chuan panted, finally catching his breath after a while. Sweat soaked his hair, and his T-shirt clung to his body.
“I’ll handle it myself later.”
“Your car’s wrecked. I’ll drive you, and we’ll send someone to tow it afterward.”
“No need. You go ahead.”
Cao Sheng studied him for a moment. “Alright, be careful.”
After the others left, Jiang Chuan returned to the corner.
Qin Tang stood quietly against the wall, her long hair disheveled, looking up at him with moist, clear eyes like a small, vulnerable animal.
She glanced at his injured hand. “Your hand...”
Jiang Chuan looked down. The wound wasn’t deep—it wasn’t serious.
He stared at her. “Are you scared?”
Qin Tang bit her lip and nodded honestly, her wet, clear eyes making his heart ache with desire.
He cupped her chin, pressing his body against hers, and lowered his head to capture her lips. His tongue invaded without hesitation, not giving her a chance to breathe, dominating and forcefully sucking on her lips, teasing her tongue.
Qin Tang felt her heartbeat stop, forgetting to breathe as she melted under his assault. Her feet, resting on his shoes, lightly kicked, her toes curling as her muffled whimpers were swallowed by him.
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