After Rebirth, I Married My Rival - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: The Forbidden City

« It’s been a while since I last came here. » Xu Yuan gazed at the resplendent golden signboard overhead, feeling a twinge of nostalgia.

The Forbidden City Club—that was one of the capital’s most extravagant pleasure dens.

Welcome.

The greeter at the door was very polite. Even though Xu Yuan’s outfit didn’t look like he had the means to spend money here, the attendant still courteously asked, « Sir, do you have a reservation? »

« I’m here to meet a friend—President Zhang Chao, » Xu Yuan replied with a smile, his hands tucked in his pockets.

Certainly, please wait a moment while I verify at the front desk.

After just a moment, Xu Yuan was led upstairs by the attendant.

The VIP area is just ahead. I’m not permitted to enter, but your friend’s room is the third one around the corner. Enjoy your visit.

The attendant maintained a professional smile throughout, slightly bowing at all times.

Alright, thank you.

Xu Yuan wasn’t particularly surprised. The Forbidden City’s internal system was extremely strict. The clientele here were all wealthy patrons who occasionally had some peculiar preferences.

Therefore, under normal circumstances, service staff weren’t permitted to enter without authorization from the VIP section.

..

Xu Yuan turned a corner. He was quite familiar with the layout here—aside from some decorative changes, the overall structure was no different from how it would be ten years later.

It’s you?

Xu Yuan heard someone calling his name and looked up to see a familiar figure.

Chen Yuhang was slightly surprised to see Xu Yuan here, but quickly regained his composure.

Dressed in a suit with gold-rimmed glasses and a Patek Philippe watch, Chen Yuhang looked every bit the wealthy and distinguished gentleman.

Seeing Xu Yuan’s shabby appearance, Chen Yuhang instantly felt a surge of pride.

« Well, well, working here? » Xu Yuan looked at Chen Yuhang with a mocking smile.

Ha, aren’t you here for the same reason? Though the boss who took a fancy to you must be quite stingy.

Chen Yuhang adjusted his clothes, deliberately showing off his extravagant outfit.

From that day on, he had convinced himself that Xu Yuan was no different from him. Even without any proof that Xu Yuan had traded his body for wealth, he clung to this belief—it was the only way to soothe his twisted heart.

« You’re really something! » Xu Yuan clapped his hands in surprise, giving Chen Yuhang a thumbs up.

Who would’ve thought that Xu Yuan would one day be mistaken for a gigolo!

But Xu Yuan couldn’t be bothered to argue anymore—he was already late, and Zhang Chao was still waiting for him.

Seeing that Xu Yuan was no longer paying him any attention, Chen Yuhang simply assumed he’d hit a nerve. With his head held high, he walked proudly past him.

..

« President Xu, you’ve finally arrived! » Zhang Chao’s anxious heart finally settled as he saw Xu Yuan push the door open.

Xu Yuan noticed Zhang Chao coming forward to greet him and returned the gesture with a nod.

« Is President Ye here too? » Xu Yuan’s gaze flickered as he spotted Ye Hao seated at the table, smiling at him.

Xu Yuan took his seat at the table, where a crystal lazy Susan on the mahogany surface displayed an array of delicacies prepared from premium ingredients, their enticing aroma filling the air.

However, Xu Yuan showed little interest in the dishes, instead giving Ye Hao a meaningful look.

Ye Hao, feeling somewhat unnerved by Xu Yuan’s gaze, awkwardly scratched his temple and said, « Don’t misunderstand, President Xu. A friend invited me to dinner today, and since Old Zhang was next door, I just came over to say hello. »

Of course, Xu Yuan didn’t believe Ye Hao’s excuse, but since Zhang Chao had asked him to come, he knew an explanation would eventually be given.

« Care for a smoke, President Zhang? President Ye? » Xu Yuan pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lit one for himself, then offered to the other two.

« Old Tower? Haven’t smoked this brand in years, have we? » Zhang Chao was slightly surprised to see the 16-yuan-per-pack Old Tower cigarettes, casually accepting one.

Ye Hao also took one.

None of the three rushed into serious discussion—first, they’d smoke a cigarette.

Xu Yuan didn’t usually smoke, but whenever it came to business negotiations or deep thinking, he’d light one up.

« Mr. Xu didn’t bring a lawyer today? » Zhang Chao took a deep drag of his cigarette, speaking with meaningful undertones.

« I’m a rather frugal person—I can review contracts myself. Surely Director Zhang wouldn’t take advantage of a young man like me? » Xu Yuan replied with a chuckle.

Zhang Chao still didn’t fully trust him, though that was understandable. With an investment of tens of millions, it was only natural for Zhang to be extra cautious.

« Let’s eat first—it’s getting late, and we’re all a bit hungry, » Ye Hao said after finishing his cigarette, gesturing for the two to begin.

« The Forbidden City may not be a restaurant, but the dishes here are quite good. Mr. Xu, please help yourself. »

Ye Hao’s words carried a sting, and how could Xu Yuan fail to notice?
« Just average. When I saw Mr. Zhang had reserved the VIP section, I thought there’d be some special entertainment lined up for me. »

« I’m just a student, not lucky enough to enjoy such luxuries. » Xu Yuan took a bite of the dish and said with a smile.

Ye Hao’s eyes lit up slightly upon hearing this. Was Xu Yuan familiar with the rules here? Wasn’t this his first time?
After several rounds of drinks and dishes.

All three had a few drinks, and Zhang Chao finally took the contract out of his bag.

Xu Yuan’s face was slightly flushed. Though the liquor here bore no label, it was undoubtedly aged vintage—expensive as hell and high in alcohol content.

Although I hadn’t drunk much, I was still feeling a bit tipsy.
The three lit another cigarette, probably thinking Xu Yuan’s sixteen-yuan-per-pack Lao Lou brand tasted better.

It took a full hour and a half before Xu Yuan finally closed the contract again.

No major issues, it’s ready to sign.

Xu Yuan took out a pen from his pocket and signed his name.

Zhang Chao glanced at Ye Hao, as if to say: « Did you misjudge him? »
The reason Ye Hao appeared here was that he doubted Xu Yuan’s financial capability and wanted to intercept the deal.

After smoothly signing the contract, Xu Yuan leisurely took out his phone and said, « Give me your account details. »

« Pfft… » Ye Hao, who was about to take a sip of wine, spat it out upon hearing this.

Zhang Chao was also stunned—Xu Yuan transferring the money directly?

Although the first investment of 10 million wasn’t a huge amount, transferring it right after signing the contract was way too generous.

« Is there a problem? » Xu Yuan shook his bank statement. A long string of numbers—nearly 55 million.

He did it on purpose. If he didn’t show some of his skills, how could Ye Hao give up?
« That’s not urgent. I haven’t informed the company’s finance department yet. I’ll notify President Xu after some time. » Zhang Chao smiled awkwardly. Anyway, the contract was already signed, and as long as Xu Yuan had the money, there was no rush.

Zhang Chao also realized that Xu Yuan was hinting at him, telling him not to overthink things. This young man was truly remarkable.

President Xu, I hope our cooperation goes smoothly!

The two shook hands, marking the official start of their collaboration. Zhang Chao’s address of « President Xu » was no longer mere flattery.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Come in!

Gentlemen, Mr. Lin Changyuan next door would like to invite Mr. Ye over.

The man who entered was dressed very formally, with a name tag on his chest that read « Manager. »

« Lin Changyuan? » Ye Hao slightly furrowed his brows. Earlier, when he mentioned having a friend next door, it was purely a social nicety.

But now, with Xu Yuan right beside him, he couldn’t very well expose his own lie.

« Alright, I understand. You can go ahead first, » Ye Hao said with a frown.

Some investors in the imperial capital often host gatherings, which, of course, aren’t about sharing investment experiences but rather indulging in some lowbrow entertainment.

Although Ye Hao didn’t consider himself a particularly upright person, he had no interest in mingling with that crowd. However, Lin Changyuan now knew he was in town and had personally invited him—it would be somewhat inappropriate not to go.

Besides, Xu Yuan was staring straight at him.

President Xu, President Zhang, how about we go check it out together?

Ye Hao going alone probably wouldn’t find it easy to leave, so bringing two people along would make it easier to slip away.

« You actually have friends next door? » Xu Yuan said with a chuckle.

Ye Hao froze for a moment at these words but soon shrugged helplessly. « President Xu, seeing through it but not calling it out—that’s how we can stay friends. After all, your girlfriend is my daughter’s roommate. »

« Heh… Xu Yuan is young, pure at heart, » Zhang Chao chimed in, smoothing things over.

..

« The tea is rich and mellow, brewed with mountain spring water over high heat for seven hours. Its fragrance permeates from within, and upon careful tasting, the bitterness carries a hint of sweetness.

It is truly the finest among teas! »

At the dining table, a lavishly dressed woman sincerely praised the pot of tea before her.

Even though the woman knew nothing about tea, she was absolutely certain it must be of exceptional quality. After all, everyone present was a wealthy VIP, and in a place of such high standards, how could there possibly be a pot of inferior tea?
Lin Changyuan chuckled, while the other big shots also smiled as they looked at the woman.

This was truly the worst tea one could possibly imagine.

And this woman, just a few months ago, had been nothing more than a waitress in a restaurant. Now, she had transformed into a socialite of the capital, sincerely praising a pot of subpar tea.

These kinds of lowly people, who thought they could blend into their circle, were nothing but clowns in their eyes—and they thoroughly enjoyed watching the show.

« Yuhang, what do you think of this pot of tea? » Lin Changyuan turned his gaze toward Chen Yuhang beside him.

Chen Yuhang carried himself with dignified elegance, taking a delicate sip before slowly closing his eyes. His lips and teeth moved subtly, as if he had become one with the tea leaves.

He remarked softly, « This should be Dahongpao from Wuyi Mountain. Whenever I felt weary at school, I would brew a pot myself. »

He felt he had conducted himself quite appropriately. Being able to discuss tea appreciation with these distinguished figures gave him immense satisfaction.

Just as the smiles on those big shots’ faces were growing brighter, Ye Hao walked in with Xu Yuan and the others.

« Old Ye, finally caught you today, huh? » Lin Changyuan quickly stood up, beaming as he tightly embraced Ye Hao, acting as if the two were old friends.

Ye Hao also laughed heartily, patting Lin Changyuan on the shoulder, showing no trace of his reluctance to be there.

Let me introduce you all—these are my friends, President Zhang and President Xu.

Xu Yuan glanced at the crowd and noticed Chen Yuhang staring at him in astonishment.

He roughly understood what kind of gathering this was now.

What a bunch of scumbags and degenerates!