Futile Devices Scans

The luxurious private room in the clubhouse could be used both for dining and karaoke.

Xue Bao Tian looked down on places like this. They seemed all-inclusive on the surface, but everything they offered was mediocre. If one really got serious about it, there actually wasn’t anything they excelled at.

Seven or eight men occupied the private room, some seated, some standing. Every one of them was tall and powerfully built. Even the older men concealed vigorous muscle beneath their clothing. Their gazes always carried vigilance when looking at others—just like the way they were looking at Xue Bao Tian now.

“Brother Yu said something came up temporarily and he’ll be a little late. He told us to start first.”

After someone relayed the message while holding a phone, everyone’s eyes turned toward Yan Ye. Xue Bao Tian noticed Yan Ye glance at his wristwatch before smiling warmly.

“It’s getting late, and everyone’s hungry. Let’s begin first and eat while we wait for my brother.”

While Yan Ye spoke, Xue Bao Tian quietly swept his gaze across everyone’s expressions. He spotted dissatisfaction on two faces. Most of the others, however, were just like him—observing everyone else’s reactions while carefully considering how to respond.

From something as simple as whether to begin the meal early, one could already see Sheng Yu’s authority within Yanyue Security, as well as the subtle relationship between him and Yan Ye. The acknowledged illegitimate son versus the outsider who had spent years deeply rooted within the company. Whether people had already chosen sides or were still observing, they all seemed more inclined toward Sheng Yu.

Yan Ye stood from the sofa and brought Xue Bao Tian toward the round table.

“No one sitting?”

One man laughed carelessly and sat down first. He looked familiar. He was the same person who had smashed a stool into the hotpot that day to help Xue Bao Tian out of trouble. Back then, Yan Ye had still been called Zhang Chi and had told Xue Bao Tian the guy was the construction boss’s brother-in-law.

Xue Bao Tian clicked his tongue softly and mentally added another crime to the bastard’s record.

People gradually took their seats. The last person to sit down was an older man in his sixties with a face full of flesh and a missing pinky finger on his right hand.

At the moment, two seats remained empty: the main seat and the secondary seat beside it.

Yan Ye pulled out the chair at the head position and gestured politely.

Xue Bao Tian held a cigarette between his lips and let out a low amused “Mm?” before turning his head to exhale smoke.

“Isn’t this a little inappropriate?”

“Vice President Xue used to be my client, and now he’s helping me with work as well. Naturally, he deserves the head seat.”

Xue Bao Tian knew Yan Ye was helping him establish status. Their industry operated legally on the surface, but privately they all had more or less some connection with people like Wang Quan. By elevating him publicly, Yan Ye ensured that debtors like Wang Quan would naturally begin reassessing the situation.

Xue Bao Tian extinguished his cigarette and sat down calmly.

“Then I won’t stand on ceremony. But only this once. Since I’m dining with all the big shots of Yanyue, naturally I should follow Yanyue’s rules.”

Drinks were poured and conversation began. The strong liquor had barely entered his throat when someone suddenly aimed sharp words directly at him.

“Even though we’re rough men, we’ve still heard of Ruixiang Pharmaceuticals’ Crown Prince. The incident with Ruixiang recently caused quite a stir. Heard something about everyone abandoning you? I don’t really believe it. Since we’ve met the Crown Prince today, why don’t you tell us about it?”

The speaker was the man missing a finger. His face was lined with age as he sat with a broad swagger, radiating old-school underworld energy.

Seeing the smile on Yan Ye’s face fade slightly, Xue Bao Tian kicked him beneath the table. Used to eating delicacies and rare dishes, Xue Bao Tian had little interest in the flashy but mediocre food before him. He disdainfully tossed aside a piece of golden-thread frog meat before replying:

“Uncle Qi, my family’s situation’s already been twisted into countless versions. Believe whichever one you like. It’s just entertainment after tea and meals anyway. But if Uncle Qi is planning to lend me money to help me through this crisis? Then I’d really have to tell you the truth.”

The expression on Missing-Finger’s face immediately darkened. He’d once run with gangs in his youth and valued face above all else. In front of everyone here, he truly couldn’t bring himself to say:

I was just trying to put you in your place, not lend you money.

Xue Bao Tian kicked Yan Ye under the table again. The upward tilt at the corner of his eyes carried hidden meaning.

Yan Ye immediately understood. He coughed lightly before stepping in at the perfect moment to smooth things over.

“Uncle Qi has always been righteous and hates evil passionately. He’s personally witnessed people being stripped layer by layer by loan sharks until their lives became worse than death. That’s why he’s never supported borrowing money from everywhere just to repay high-interest loans. To solve the problem, one must deal with the source. Finding Wei Hua, the one who stole Ruixiang’s massive funds, is the real key. Uncle Qi’s especially skilled at finding people. Vice President Xue can privately ask him for guidance. Uncle Qi’s loyal and generous—he’ll definitely help with everything he has.”

In only a few sentences, Yan Ye both rescued Missing-Finger’s dignity and elevated his status. Sure enough, the older man who’d just been dissatisfied with Yan Ye now visibly softened. Though his opinion hadn’t completely changed, it was no longer as hostile.

No sooner had one issue ended than another barb arrived.

“General Manager Yan, you said Vice President Xue was your old client, but I don’t remember you ever officially signing a contract with him.”

The speaker laughed carelessly again.

“I did hear that a few days ago, General Manager Yan carried Vice President Xue straight into the office though. That sounded pretty lively.”

This was clearly aimed at Yan Ye. One layer of meaning accused him of privately taking jobs outside company regulations. The second directly targeted his sexuality, attempting to drag the unspoken secret out into the open.

This round technically had nothing to do with Xue Bao Tian. He’d been considering how to help Yan Ye, but suddenly remembered the miserable treatment he’d suffered in bed these past few days. Grinding his teeth hard enough to spark fire, he abruptly lost all desire to help.

The shark fin soup simmering in its ceramic bowl was rich and fragrant. Yet in Xue Bao Tian’s mouth, it merely counted as barely filling his stomach. He stirred the thick soup lazily with a spoon and openly watched Yan Ye, waiting to see how he’d handle things.

To Xue Bao Tian’s surprise, Yan Ye didn’t seem interested in explaining at all. Though he lacked the imposing air people expected from a general manager, he still held the position. Using rank to pressure others was perfectly justified.

“Zhang Liang, instead of enjoying gossip, why not manage the issue of your subordinates inflating security equipment prices? I’ve already heard there are client complaints. If this blows up, the reputation damaged won’t just be yours—it’ll be all of Yanyue’s.”

Among everyone at the table, Yan Ye was the youngest. Combined with his gentle appearance, people naturally underestimated him. Yet now, as he reprimanded the thirty-something Zhang Liang, although he still smiled and spoke calmly, he showed absolutely no courtesy. The atmosphere around the table instantly turned cold.

Watching coldly from the side, Xue Bao Tian suddenly realized Yan Ye might not be as weak in this power struggle as he’d originally assumed. At the very least, while Sheng Yu wasn’t present, everyone still respected the authority of the general manager title and didn’t wish to openly oppose him.

Zhang Liang opened his mouth several times wanting to defend himself, but ultimately swallowed his words and backed down awkwardly. After that, no one else deliberately provoked Yan Ye again. They drank, joked, and maintained superficial peace.

The true main character of Yanyue arrived after dinner.

When the private room door opened, a wandering beam of light happened to shine directly onto him. It looked like the dramatic entrance of a contestant at some fucking matchmaking show.

Xue Bao Tian sneered inwardly and kicked the song-request attendant beside him.

“Play ‘Too Bad It Isn’t You.’”

Long powerful legs. Polished leather shoes. A spotless black suit.

Sheng Yu walked in leisurely, exuding the mature aura of someone in power. Only when he came closer could one clearly see his features: a sharp nose bridge, deep-set eyes, and countless unreadable emotions hidden within them. On appearance alone, he wasn’t overwhelmingly handsome. But when combined with the composed temperament of a superior, his face carried undeniable masculine charm.

“I’m late. How’s everyone enjoying themselves?”

As he walked, he casually loosened the buttons of his suit jacket. His gaze slid across Yan Ye before settling on Xue Bao Tian.

“So this is Ruixiang’s Crown Prince? I’ve heard for a long time that you’re quite an extraordinary figure. Seeing you today, the rumors really weren’t exaggerated.”

He extended his hand.

“Sheng Yu.”

Still seated on the sofa, Xue Bao Tian didn’t stand. He shook Sheng Yu’s hand and smiled.

“Vice General Manager Sheng flatters me. These days, the only extraordinary thing left about me is how thoroughly cornered I am.”

“Ah, don’t say that.”

Sheng Yu draped an arm familiarly over Yan Ye’s shoulders.

“With my younger brother here, Yanyue’s influence can at least shield the Crown Prince for a while.”

The wording was subtle. On the surface it sounded comforting. In reality, however, he’d publicly implied that Yan Ye was abusing company resources for personal reasons and forcing the entire company to shoulder risks for Xue Bao Tian. Clearly, some people had already understood the hidden meaning—Missing-Finger’s expression had visibly darkened again.

Xue Bao Tian smiled lightly. Leaning against the sofa with crossed legs and a wineglass in hand, he looked no different from the arrogant and overbearing young master he’d always been.

“Vice General Manager Sheng, I may be in rough shape now, but once the fraudster is found and the money recovered, Ruixiang will still belong to the Xue family. At that point, Ruixiang and Yanyue will become brother companies, supporting each other. Why wouldn’t there be even greater opportunities for growth?”

Taking a sip of wine, he added pointedly:

“Vice General Manager Sheng, we’re all businessmen here. We all understand that business is business. It just depends on whose vision reaches farther.”

The implication was obvious. Yan Ye possessed more vision and strategic ability than Sheng Yu, perhaps making him more suitable to lead Yanyue forward. At the same time, Xue Bao Tian was openly signaling another message to everyone present: if he successfully made a comeback, Ruixiang would become Yan Ye’s greatest support in seizing power. Anyone choosing sides had better keep their eyes open.

Across from him, Sheng Yu’s smile deepened while the shadows hidden within his eyes grew heavier.

Looking toward everyone else, he laughed.

“Don’t just sit there staring. Drink, have fun. Change that song to something happier.”

Then he turned toward Yan Ye.

“Xiao Ye, go receive Tong Yan at the entrance. He should be here by now. I’m worried he won’t find the room.”

Yan Ye glanced once at Xue Bao Tian before getting up to fetch him.

While Zhang Liang howled wildly into the microphone, Sheng Yu sat down beside Xue Bao Tian. Picking up a glass from the liquor counter, he filled it before quietly toasting him.

“Looks like the rumors really aren’t accurate. Vice President Xue isn’t the useless second-generation idiot I heard about.”

The clear clink of glass echoed softly.

Xue Bao Tian merely wet his lips symbolically.

“Vice General Manager Sheng’s comforting me. If I were truly capable, I wouldn’t have lost my family business.”

Then he glanced down at the long leg subtly rubbing against his knee and laughed mockingly.

“Though yes, rumors really can’t be trusted. There’s also one saying Vice General Manager Sheng has an… unclear relationship with his own aunt. That’s obviously bullshit too, right?”

That leg instantly withdrew.

Sheng Yu stiffened in shock.

“What?! Who started that rumor?!”

Xue Bao Tian shrugged.

“Just idle gossip. Vice General Manager Sheng shouldn’t take it seriously.”

Displeasure had already appeared on Sheng Yu’s face when the private room door opened again. Yan Ye walked in from outside, followed by a slender man. Xue Bao Tian narrowed his eyes slightly. He looked vaguely familiar.

Sheng Yu had already returned to the opposite sofa by then and extended his hand toward the newcomer.

“Come here, Tong Yan.”

The man possessed a refined kind of handsomeness. After sitting beside Sheng Yu, he revealed slight surprise upon seeing Xue Bao Tian. Then disgust immediately surfaced in his eyes.

Xue Bao Tian had offended too many people to remember every insignificant scallion and didn’t care enough to try. He simply turned back to speak with Yan Ye.

“Vice President Xue, long time no see.”

The cold voice spread just far enough to encompass the three men nearby. Everyone looked surprised. Including Xue Bao Tian himself.

“Sorry. I’ve got a bad memory. I forgot who you are exactly…?”

“Vice President Xue naturally wouldn’t remember someone like me. Important people forget easily.”

The refined man picked up a pack of cigarettes from the table. Instead of putting one in his mouth, he tossed it directly into Xue Bao Tian’s wineglass.

Watching tiny bubbles rise from the soaked cigarette, he looked toward Xue Bao Tian.

“Remember now?”

Xue Bao Tian thought for a moment before finally recalling who he was. Roughly a year ago, he’d dealt with a two-faced manager from a health supplement company. Tong Yan had been that man’s friend and had repeatedly self-righteously tried to lecture Xue Bao Tian about morality. Eventually irritated, Xue Bao Tian had agreed to let the supplements onto store shelves—on the condition that Tong Yan drank a glass of hard liquor with a cigarette soaked inside it.

“I remember now.”

Xue Bao Tian smiled.

“Thanks for the reminder, Mr. Tong.”

“Good that you remember.”

Tong Yan rotated the liquor bottles on the table, examining each label one by one.

“I heard Vice President Xue’s fallen from grace. Just a desperate drowned dog now, aren’t you? So what—you came here begging? If you’re begging, then you should at least have the proper attitude.”

Yan Ye frowned slightly, but Xue Bao Tian laughed instead.

“Yeah. I came to beg.”

“Need me to teach you how to beg properly?”

Tong Yan picked up the strongest liquor bottle.

“If you beg well enough, I might ask my boyfriend to help you.”

A vicious glint surfaced faintly in Xue Bao Tian’s eyes.

He nodded.

“Sure. Teach me then.”

The liquor glass was refilled completely. The cup containing the cigarette-soaked alcohol was pushed in front of Xue Bao Tian.

“Drink it,” Tong Yan said coldly, “and I’ll give you a chance.”

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