The Underground Emperor: Starting with Running Away with His Sister-in-Law

Speaking of which...

The two of them used to work in the same department.

At the time, Choi Chung-shik was the deputy director of the Second Special Investigation Department, while Joo Yang was a senior prosecutor in the Second Special Investigation Department.

In a sense, Cui Zhongshi could be considered his superior.

But the deputy prosecutor...

Ultimately, he's just a senior prosecutor with considerable potential!

He never really paid much attention to this deputy minister.

the reason is simple...

They were locked in a fierce battle, and neither of them could stand the other!

He looked down on Cui Zhongshi's arrogant attitude, which relied on his status and seemed to find fault with everyone!

Cui Zhongshi also looked down on his background as a relative of someone with connections and his tendency to take advantage of others.

Lee Sung-min, who was then a ministerial prosecutor, often mediated between the two.

But it basically has no effect!

And this time...

He hadn't originally planned to invite Cui Zhongshi to the gathering; he only intended to introduce Vice Minister Li Shengmin to Ding Xin separately.

But Li Shengmin insisted!

actually...

Zhu Yang also knew this...

Vice Minister Li Shengmin's request was simply an attempt to improve their relationship!

After all, they were both his students...

The palms and backs of the hands are full of meat!

Especially now that they have both been promoted to powerful positions such as minister and prosecutor.

Li Shengmin wanted them to unite!

They all meant well!

Think of this...

Zhu Yang calmed his excitement slightly and, unusually, offered a way out: "Minister Cui Zhongshi, let's catch up quickly. It's really cold outside!"

As he spoke...

He also took the initiative to step forward, pushing Cui Zhongshi's back as they chased after the others who had gone ahead.

Cui Zhongshi snorted coldly, venting his dissatisfaction.

Although he really wanted to just walk away...

But he knew...

The conditions simply don't allow it!

If he just leaves today...

That wasn't just offending Zhu Yang or that executive director of the Kinmen Group.

He even directly offended his superior, Vice Minister Li Shengmin.

so...

In the end, he could only reluctantly follow them into the restaurant...

......

Wu Xiuyan arranged a private room with a distinctly Korean style.

The decor is elegant and the atmosphere is tranquil.

Inside was a long, narrow table, which was now covered with various cold fruit platters.

Everyone took their seats one by one.

Ding Xin and Li Shengmin naturally sat facing each other on either side of the long table.

Zhu Yang, with a big smile on his face, sat to Li Shengmin's left, while Cui Zhongshi, with a serious expression, sat to his right.

As for Wu Xiuyan...

But he didn't rush to sit down.

Instead, she whispered something to the waiter beside her...

"Director Ding, thank you so much for your help with my niece's art exhibition last time! I'm truly ashamed that I haven't properly thanked you yet..."

Li Shengmin's smile was gentle.

While adjusting the buttons on his cuffs, he said with a smile, "Just you wait and see. As an apology, I'll definitely punish myself with a few drinks later!"

Ding Xin, however, did not rush to respond.

Instead, he subtly glanced at Zhu Yang beside him...

......

Chapter 534 The Atmosphere Gradually Improves

He nodded slightly...

Ding Xincai smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Vice Minister, you are too kind. Personally, I really enjoy art, so I'm happy to be of any help!"

He paused...

He then added, half-jokingly, "Speaking of which, I should thank your niece for giving me this opportunity to enter the art world!"

Upon hearing this...

Li Shengmin couldn't help but burst into laughter, teasing, "Director Ding is really witty. So, according to you, you'll be the one who has to drink the penalty shot later, won't you?"

This statement was not malicious at all.

Everyone present could tell that the intention was to liven up the atmosphere.

so...

His words immediately drew chuckles from everyone present.

Even Cui Zhongshi, who had been keeping a straight face because of some minor incident, smiled in agreement.

Ding Xin also laughed heartily with a touch of magnanimity.

While reaching for the teapot beside him, he replied with a laugh, "Haha, then I'd better make a good impression today and drink a lot of cups!"

At this time...

Wu Xiuyan had also arranged for the waiters and gracefully approached Ding Xin's side.

"Let me do it..."

She spoke softly, then naturally took the teapot from Ding Xin and helped fill the teacups for everyone.

But when it was Cui Zhongshi's turn...

But she followed his example, pretending to hesitate for a moment before slowly filling his glass.

Since we're already sitting at the same table...

That show of force can be given, but certain formalities cannot be omitted.

Regarding the appropriate degree of discretion in this matter...

Oh Soo-yeon's performance was spot on!

Cui Zhongshi certainly understood that she was "deliberately" targeting him, but it was not appropriate for him to react in this situation.

so that...

Although his lips twitched slightly, he still quietly expressed his gratitude to Wu Xiuyan out of politeness.

Wu Xiuyan smiled modestly.

She readily accepted his "reluctant" thanks, then swayed back to Ding Xin's side.

The other three people present also noticed this "interesting" little interaction...

But they all tacitly understood and didn't point it out!

Li Shengmin merely lowered his eyes, showing no intention of standing up for his subordinate...

Even the smile on his face hadn't faded at all!

His speech and demeanor still revealed a sense of composure and wisdom, as gentle as a kind elder, chatting casually with Ding Xin in a humorous and mild tone.

Zhu Yang glanced at Cui Zhongshi, whose face was somewhat stiff, with a half-smile...

But they quickly shifted their attention...