EIP 63

Mu Liqing was in the middle of removing his makeup when Xiao Wu leaned in and quietly informed him that Young Master Yong had arrived. A faint smile began to form on his lips, but before it could take shape, Xiao Wu added softly, “He just left.”

Mu Liqing froze. The smile vanished before it began, and all the energy drained from him. He sat there, stunned.

Xiao Wu then mentioned that Mr. Fu had sent word that Young Master Zhou wanted to see him. Still dazed, Mu Liqing repeated, “Young Master Zhou?” Xiao Wu nodded. “Yes. Not the elder of the Zhou family. The second master.”

Mu Liqing’s expression changed at once. He clenched a silver hairpin in his palm, the sharp edge biting into his skin.

Xiao Wu rushed to his side and tried to pry his fingers open. “Mr. Mu, your hand.” Only then did Mu Liqing relax. He stared blankly at the items on the table and muttered under his breath, “How could he… how could he be here?”

Xiao Wu pressed a handkerchief against the bleeding wound. The sight of red seeping into the white cloth was strangely jarring.

It had taken some time to remove the makeup. He had lingered inside on purpose, not wanting to face the second young master of the Zhou family. Though he admired the young major, he felt nothing but distaste for Zhou Jun. But in truth, he had no right to admire Yong Jin either. He was only a subordinate under Governor Yong, assigned to handle dealings with the Zhou family. In his heart, he knew there could never be anything between them.

Why did it have to be Zhou Jun? He had risked his life for Yong Jin, but that had never been enough. And yet it was Zhou Jun who stood closer to him now. That, Mu Liqing could not accept.

But more than anything, Yong Jin should never find out the truth. He looked at Mu Liqing with gratitude, at most seeing him as a friend. If he ever learned that Mu Liqing had been planted by Governor Yong, placed in the shadows as a spy, that fragile trust would collapse. Yong Jin would never look at him the same way again.

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An hour later, Mu Liqing finally arrived. He was fashionably late, wearing a white robe with his makeup removed. Holding a fan, he swept aside the beaded curtain and looked up at the man inside. His face was calm and composed, revealing none of the turmoil in his heart.

He had assumed that, after keeping Zhou Jun waiting for so long, the young master would be displeased. To his surprise, Zhou Jun calmly put out his cigar, wiped his hand with a handkerchief, and stood up to greet him. The last time they had met, Zhou Jun had looked pale and disheveled. This time, he had clearly made an effort to present himself well.

Mu Liqing had always known Zhou Jun had a flawless complexion, but he hadn’t expected that even a simple smile could make him appear striking. As he pulled his hand back from the handshake, he looked away. The resentment that had built up within him began to dissipate. It was easier to lose to someone who was truly exceptional, even if the only advantage that person had was looks.

Zhou Jun politely gestured for him to sit. Mu Liqing kept his composure and took a sip of tea before speaking. “I’m sorry for being late. Please forgive me.”

Zhou Jun shook his head. “No need to apologize, Mr. Mu. It was my mistake for being too hasty.”

Mu Liqing was caught off guard by both his tone and demeanor. Moments earlier, Zhou Jun’s gaze had been distant, even unfriendly. It left him unsettled, especially since Zhou Jun clearly did not view him as a rival.

Zhou Jun smiled again and poured more tea for him. Then, unexpectedly, he said, “I’m here today on behalf of the Zhou family to inform you that we’re withdrawing from our business partnership with Governor Yong.”

Mu Liqing had braced himself for many possibilities. He had assumed Zhou Jun would bring up the more unsavory deals, or speak about profit-sharing, clients, or operations. But he had not expected this at all.

He had been prepared to reveal some information if necessary. Personal feelings were private, and business was business. He could separate the two. But he had not expected the acting head of the Zhou family to be so blunt. He let out a soft laugh, then slowly shook his head. “Mr. Zhou, does the eldest young master of the Zhou family know about this?”

Zhou Jun remained composed. He poured himself another cup of tea, and the rising steam curled around his lowered gaze. “I’ve received some news.”

The words unsettled Mu Liqing. He had thought Zhou Jun was being reckless. How could he make such a decision on his own? Their business dealings were deeply entangled. Since Zhou Yan had taken over, this partnership had never been something that could be casually dissolved. Now Zhou Jun was saying he had received news. What kind of news? From whom?

Zhou Jun lifted the lid of the teacup, filtered the tea, and took a sip. “I heard that Governor Yong is being reassigned.”

At first, Mu Liqing appeared unbothered. There was even a trace of contempt in his expression. But when he heard those words, he was caught off guard.“Even if Governor Yong is leaving, the business here still stands.”

Zhou Jun raised an eyebrow. That was hardly a comfort. With Governor Yong gone, everything would be reshuffled. The incoming powers would never allow such a lucrative operation to remain untouched. Without Governor Yong’s support, they would need a new backer. But would that backer tolerate the Zhou family’s betrayal?

It was a dead end. The only way out was to withdraw before the shift occurred.

Zhou Jun had not realized this at first. But a few days ago, he received an anonymous letter. The handwriting was unfamiliar, and when he asked the servant who delivered it, the man could not say where it had come from. The timing was suspicious, but the message was clear enough to make Zhou Jun take it seriously.

The letter was brief. It only mentioned that Governor Yong would soon be reassigned. Zhou Jun had originally planned to take full control of the Zhou family’s operations, just as he had managed things in Germany. The letter, however, was like a splash of ice water to the face. It left him sleepless and uneasy. Soon after, he arranged a private card game with a woman who had once been the mistress of a government official he had ties to.

She flirted with him beneath the table, and he played along. After the game ended, he treated the others to bird’s nest soup but took her aside to speak in private. He gave her a bracelet, one that bore no distinctive markings, so it would not cause trouble if the official ever found out and asked questions later.

He coaxed her gently, chatting idly and arranging a second meeting before sending her off. Once she left, the smile vanished from his face. He then went to see his older brother. He knew that even if he shared what he had learned, Zhou Yan would not retreat. His brother would only say, “Fortune favors the bold. There’s no turning back once you hit the wall.”

Zhou Jun was not made of stone. If he truly had what it took, he would not have been forced to withdraw so humiliatingly from the arms trade years ago.

Looking at Mu Liqing, he said evenly, “If Governor Yong agrees to let the Zhou family withdraw, we’re willing to hand over all these businesses without taking a single cent.”

Of course, Mu Liqing had no authority to make that decision. Zhou Jun continued, “I know you’ve worked with Mr. Allen. I’ve also come across some rather interesting information about his connections. If the Governor is open to it, I’d be willing to share all of it with you.”

Mu Liqing’s expression turned cold. “And if the Governor doesn’t agree?”

Zhou Jun’s smile faded. He let out a soft sigh, his tone almost regretful. “Then I suppose I’ll have to sit down for tea with a few friends from the press.”

Mu Liqing’s heart lurched. “What are you talking about?”

Zhou Jun relit the stub of his cigar and took a drag. He exhaled a slow puff of smoke and replied coolly, “Naturally, about the romantic escapades between the young major and me.” His final words were deliberately drawn out, every syllable laced with meaning.