Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

The reply was brief and cautious… “A thorough investigation into Shen Shichang’s case is necessary; he must not be let off lightly or wrongfully executed! Also, please be careful!”

He Ping'an held the telegram towards the fire, and the flames suddenly shot into the air and turned to ashes. He then used fire tongs to crush the ashes. Unfortunately, Feng Qingbo's identity was truly awkward, and no one believed his testimony.

A thorough investigation... How could an old fox like him possibly leave any trace other than the workers? The workers?

He Ping'an's eyes flickered slightly, and he left the warehouse with a meaningful smile.

The next day, at Xiangyang Teahouse, the little girl skillfully played on the soft couch.

Zheng Chaoyang pushed the file folder on the tea table toward He Ping'an. "Liu Rusi called this morning and said she agreed to last night's deal. Also, here's the detailed information about Shen Shichang's family members!"

"So fast?" He Ping'an was somewhat surprised.

Zheng Chaoyang patted his chest smugly, his words carrying a double meaning. "It's not just because I have good connections; all those big shots outside, when they heard I was in trouble, rushed to lend a helping hand!"

"Hmph!" He Ping'an scoffed dismissively, warning, "Be careful of the Secret Service's mad dogs. At this point, they've lost their minds and even their humanity. They're just one step away from being wiped out; don't let them drape the national flag over their heads at the last minute!"

Zheng Chaoyang spat out a few mouthfuls, his face contorted in a grimace. "Who brewed this tea today? It's incredibly bitter! Don't worry, since they're dogs, let them fight like dogs!"

Just as those wealthy families in Beiping, harboring their own ulterior motives, were counting down the days, another rumor spread like wildfire: Zheng Chaoyang, the deputy director of the Fifth Branch of the Beiping Police Bureau, could send people out of Beiping.

Along with the rumors, photos of several wealthy families from Beiping (Beijing) at famous tourist attractions in Nanjing also surfaced. With pictures to prove it, no one could deny the claims.

As for where the photos came from, Liu Rusi could transport gold, so a few photos were nothing to her. Suddenly, Beiping was in turmoil again, with wealthy families rushing to Zheng Chaoyang's house, determined to break down his doorstep.

Zheng Chaoyang initially hesitated, then began to selectively choose his partners. Finally, under pressure from everyone, he agreed to everything.

By this time, the clever ones had already seen through the flaw. But these were "clever" people! Which one would dare to ruin Zheng Chaoyang's plans?

Some might even fuel the fire, hoping to claim credit and rewards later. Thus... a repeat of He Ping'an's exploitative practices against retail investors in the past!

No. 96, Dongjiaomin Lane...

Liu Rusi glared at He Ping'an resentfully. Every day she watched large sums of gold and foreign exchange come into her account, only to have them taken away in the blink of an eye. No wonder she was so indifferent!

He Ping'an looked at the cold water in the coffee cup. "Miss Liu, our cooperation has been quite pleasant. Surely you don't even have coffee? Even if it's just water, at least give me a hot one. Drinking cold water on this cold day will easily upset my stomach!"

Liu Rusi lazily nestled into the sofa, her alluring figure radiating charm.

"I have no money..."

Glancing at the beautiful scenery, He Ping'an shook his head and clicked his tongue, his attitude flippant, "Stingy woman!"

Whether it was his attitude or his words, it certainly hit the beauty's sore spot. Liu Rusi rolled her eyes at He Ping'an, a hint of coquettishness appearing in her allure.

"Me, stingy? You're the one who's cowardly, afraid to drink my food, and yet you turn around and blame me! I'm hosting a banquet for you tonight, just for you. What do you say, Master He, dare to come?"

Meeting Liu Rusi's provocative gaze, He Ping'an subtly swept his eyes over the woman's perfect figure, a deep glint flashing in his eyes. He didn't hesitate, however, smiling as he agreed.

Therefore, I wish to ask for it, but dare not do so!

For a fleeting moment, Liu Rusi's beautiful face showed surprise, as if she hadn't expected He Ping'an to actually agree. She then straightened her face and retorted stubbornly:

"Okay, I'll wait for you! Don't be too scared to come!"

He Ping'an saw through Liu Rusi's bravado and laughed even more unrestrainedly: "Fine!"

After He Ping'an left, Ping'er emerged from the shadows and gently touched Liu Rusi's shoulder. "Miss, everything is ready!"

Liu Rusi lay back down on the sofa, her expression no longer showing the astonishment she had before, and her words now filled with undisguised contempt:

"I thought he was someone important, ha... all men are the same!" Then, as if remembering something, her voice softened considerably: "Still no news from Qingbo?"

Ping'er, the maid, kept moving her hands and shook her head in confusion. "It is a bit strange. Logically speaking, even if Mr. Feng is angry, he shouldn't be out of contact! Could it be...?" Ping'er glanced at the door that had just been closed.

"Sigh..." Although Liu Rusi sighed, a hint of joy inexplicably appeared on her face. She thought Feng Qingbo was jealous of this.

"I'll explain everything to Qingbo after we've dealt with He Ping'an!"

At eight o'clock in the evening, He Ping'an appeared at Villa No. 96 on time. Liu Rusi swirled her wine glass, her captivating peach blossom eyes unable to conceal her surprise. She then adopted a defiant expression and provocatively said:

"You Communists are quite bold, actually daring to come here. Don't you have any discipline?"

He Ping'an chuckled and confidently shook his head, "It's just a meal, nothing to be ashamed of!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Liu Rusi lowered her head to pour wine, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips. When she looked up, she had already resumed her feigned composure.

Liu Rusi was well-traveled and knowledgeable, while He Ping'an was learned and came from a later era. The man and woman discussed the customs and cultures of various places around the world, and found themselves getting along very well.

The maid Ping'er stood silently to the side, but every time He Ping'an's wine glass was emptied, she would immediately step forward to pour more wine.

He Ping'an and Liu Rusi drank one glass after another, neither willing to give in. The red wine had a strong aftereffect, and before they knew it, both of them were tipsy.

He Ping'an, in particular, got even more drunk... Liu Rusi could drink less because of her gender, but how could he, a grown man, possibly avoid drinking? Finally, with a loud "thud!", he collapsed onto the table, completely motionless.

"You...you can't take it anymore, can you?" Liu Rusi spoke haltingly, clearly quite drunk. However, she seemed very happy, pushing He Ping'an, who was slumped on the table, and urging him to continue.

Liu Rusi shouted for a while, but seeing that He Ping'an didn't move, she mumbled something and was helped back to the sofa by Ping'er. A moment later, she lay motionless on the sofa.

The only sounds in the living room were Ping'er clearing the tableware, the occasional clinking of cups and bowls, and He Ping'an's soft snores. Surprisingly, there was a certain warmth to the air.

Just then, Liu Rusi, who had been drunk and asleep, suddenly spoke up, her voice clear and cold, showing no trace of drunkenness.

"Ping'er, do it!"

Ping'er, who was clearing the table, was not surprised at all. She put down the tableware, took out the camera she had prepared in advance from the drawer, hung it around her neck, and, together with Liu Rusi, helped the unconscious He Ping'an to the bedroom.

At the bedroom door, Ping'er let go of He Ping'an and entered the room first. First, she pulled back the quilt, then took out the clothes that had been prepared in advance and scattered them messily all over the place.