latelenovela Chapter 261 Brothers and Sisters
Chapter 261 Brothers and Sisters
The late spring wind, carrying the scent of pine needles and moss, lifts up a building surrounded by bamboo groves at the end of the winding mountain road.
Located in the western suburbs of Shanghai, the "Yunyin" private club.
A woman dressed in antique style walked ahead, turning to point and saying, "Miss Bai, please follow me."
Bai Li nodded slightly and followed behind, observing silently.
The woman was wearing a Song Dynasty-style jacket, and as she moved, the twin lotus flowers embroidered with silver thread swayed gently at her waist.
It looks quite good and makes the person's figure look great.
Bai Li, who was successfully influenced by the product, plans to buy a few sets for herself when she gets back.
She followed the woman through a long corridor.
The dark blue glazed tiles resemble layered mountains, and gilded wind chimes hang from the eaves. The tinkling sound when the wind blows startles a few sparrows, which flutter across the white marble corridor covered with wisteria.
We didn't encounter anyone else along the way.
This place has been booked out for the entire day.
There will be no second group of guests.
The corridor is a hundred meters long, with openwork windows on both sides carved with intertwined branches, filtering the sunlight into flowing fragments of gold.
Wisteria vines cascaded down the roof like a purple waterfall, and despite the bright sunshine, a slight coolness seeped into the skin.
Bai Li walked slowly on the bluestone slabs, sunlight filtering through the flower bushes, casting shimmering light on her jade-like face.
The sound of flowing water could be heard from outside the corridor.
Bai Li looked in the direction of the sound and saw a pool of dark jade reflecting the eaves of the corridor. Koi fish swam by carrying fallen flowers, scattering fragments of sunlight across the pool.
A faint scent of agarwood floated in the air, mixed with the sweet fragrance of wisteria.
Bai Li's fingertips traced the mottled marks of time on the pillars, the subtle gilding patterns rising slightly beneath her fingertips.
This clubhouse, hidden deep in the dense forests of the western suburbs, tells a story of understated luxury in every brick and tile—far from the hustle and bustle of the city center, yet using the most exquisite craftsmanship to perfectly blend nature and human artistry.
Bai Li secretly marveled at what a treasure trove this place was.
This was her first time here, and the first time she had ever heard of such a place.
There are many private clubs in Shanghai, but most of them are located in the city center.
It's rare to find such a remote location that can achieve such a high standard.
Turning past the winding corridor, the crisp, refreshing scent of the bamboo forest greets you.
The bamboo leaves rustled in the wind.
Hidden deep within the bamboo forest, the teahouse blends seamlessly with its surroundings, its gray tiles and white walls blending perfectly with the scenery. If it weren't for the woman leading the way gently knocking on the carved door knocker, Bai Li would have almost missed this exquisite place.
The tea room features one-way glass walls on all four sides. From the outside, it has a rustic gray tile and white wall design, but from the inside, it overlooks the entire bamboo forest. Thousands of green bamboos sway gracefully in the wind, and sunlight filtering through the bamboo leaves weaves dappled shadows on the ground.
The tea room was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and on the dark brown wooden tea table, a silver-plated teapot was steaming.
The man sitting in the main seat raised his hand to pour tea, the gold rim of the celadon cup complementing the sandalwood bracelet on his wrist.
Hearing Bai Li walk in, the man slowly pushed the teacup toward her with his long, slender fingers. At the same time, his deep, pool-like eyes slowly rose, his gaze intense, almost enveloping her entirely: "Sister Bai, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
Upon seeing the person sitting inside, Bai Li was not surprised at all; in fact, she felt a sense of understanding.
—It really was him.
Even before, when Luo Nan mentioned the case, Bai Li had already suspected the man.
Later, officials came to our door, saying they wanted to discuss the matter in detail.
Bai Li knew that she was pretty much right.
Aside from him, I don't know many officials.
It's likely that only someone of his stature would know about this secluded club hidden in the dense forests of the western suburbs.
It's as mysterious and meticulous as ever.
"It's been a long time," Bai Li sighed, then paused before saying, "Brother Zhou."
Therefore, the official in charge of the Luo family case was indeed Zhou Chengjing.
Why did he suddenly come to find me?
Bai Li didn't think he was simply there to catch up with her.
Although they addressed each other affectionately as brother and sister, they actually had little to reminisce about.
Nine times out of ten, it's still because of the Luo family case...
Just how deep were the connections behind that case that they could alarm even this powerful figure?
Bai Li was secretly alarmed, but quickly calmed down.
No matter how deep the case goes, it won't affect me.
I am a law-abiding citizen!
At most, it was just a matter of "speaking out against injustice and taking action when necessary," protecting a young boy named "Luonan" who had fallen on hard times.
Bai Li stepped into the room with a clear conscience.
Since Zhou Chengjing was able to find him, it means that he must have already obtained some clues, and perhaps his secret assistance to Luo Nan has been exposed.
After all, anything done leaves a trace.
Despite Bai Li's extreme caution and meticulous handling of everything, she would likely find it difficult to completely deceive the man before her.
From the moment she stepped into the room to the moment she sat down, Bai Li's brain was already working at lightning speed.
There's no way around it; dealing with someone like Zhou Chengjing is risky, as a slight misstep could expose your weaknesses.
On the rosewood tea table sits a Song Dynasty Jian kiln iridescent temmoku tea bowl, the tea soup shimmering with a mysterious iridescence under the light.
Bai Li picked up her teacup, and the rising steam, carrying the bittersweet aroma of Biluochun tea, blurred her vision. Through the hazy steam, she discreetly observed the man before her.
He wasn't wearing a tie today, so his attire wasn't particularly formal. The top button of his shirt was undone, revealing a hint of his collarbone. He wore a very simple business suit with an air of refined nonchalance.
The refined elegance that comes from a life of luxury emanates from within.
Especially because of men's current status and achievements, their aura of being in a superior position and handling things with ease is particularly captivating.
Bai Li couldn't help but take a second look.
With a 97 out of 100 appearance score, she's still extremely pleasing to the eye no matter how you look at her.
Just then, Zhou Chengjing suddenly looked up, his gray pupils gleaming in the darkness, and a faint smile appeared on his thin lips: "Is there something on my face?"
Bai Li suddenly woke up, her hand holding the teacup trembling slightly, the tea swirling in the cup.
She felt she must be going crazy.
She actually started admiring the man's appearance, and even became lost in thought about it.
Even if it's beautiful, you can't look at it too much!
Bai Li quickly lowered her eyes to hide her thoughts and replied, "No."
The teacup was set down, and the porcelain collided with the wooden plate, producing a crisp sound.
She smoothly changed the subject: "What brings Brother Zhou here?"
The fragrance of sandalwood wafts through the tea room, while bamboo shadows sway on the one-way glass, creating ink-like patterns of varying shades.
“My sister has been quite concerned about the Luo family’s case lately.”
It's not a question, it's a statement.
Bai Li's eyelashes trembled slightly.
As expected, she couldn't hide it from this man.
But how much does he actually know?
Bai Li watched the ripples spread and subside at the bottom of the cup, neither denying nor admitting anything, simply saying casually, "After all, I have a close friend in the Luo family. But Brother Zhou, surely you wouldn't specifically invite me to admire the bamboo just for a medical case?"
The wind outside the window carried the scent of fresh rain, and bamboo leaves, seemingly from nowhere, coincidentally landed on the golden nanmu tea tray between them.
The bamboo leaves trembled slightly where their eyes met.
Zhou Chengjing chuckled softly, his grey eyes reflecting the lush green of the bamboo forest.
Bai Li's flawless answer was exactly what he expected.
After all, he had only deduced Bai Li's connection based on the young master of the Luo family's recent interpersonal relationships, and he did not have any substantial evidence.
If he hadn't had prior acquaintance with Bai Li and clearly understood the limits of her abilities, he wouldn't have been able to deduce the result so easily.
But he didn't come here today to deal with Bai Li.
He no longer concealed his intentions, stating bluntly, "Shi Mei's methods are indeed formidable; investigating cross-border funds is no easy task."
His voice suddenly lowered, carrying a dangerous intimacy: "These clues have not only turned the case upside down, but they've also thrown me into a complete mess."
Bai Li's breathing was slightly sluggish.
The bamboo leaves rustled, and she could hear her heart pounding like a drum.
Zhou Chengjing was absolutely right; the funding chain was indeed provided to Luo Nan by himself, which was the turning point in the case.
Although the man in front of her had told her the truth, Bai Li just looked at Zhou Chengjing without saying a word.
This scheming man is very likely just testing me.
Moreover, this case is not an ordinary medical case. It involves multiple networks of powerful interests, some sensitive points, and organizations operating in the gray area.
Even Zhou Chengjing admitted that things were in complete disarray, which shows how difficult the situation was.
Bai Li wasn't really interested in knowing just how chaotic things had become.
If Zhou Chengjing came today to "question and punish," then he will be disappointed.
I would never admit it myself.
Moreover, I will most likely choose to pretend to be deaf and dumb.
As a law-abiding citizen, I have no desire to get involved in this kind of struggle.
Seeing that Bai Li did not respond, Zhou Chengjing then offered more bargaining chips. He suddenly leaned forward and said slowly, "If you want the Luo family to be completely exonerated, I can help you. I have a decisive test report here. I can help you protect your friend and the Luo family."
The moment Bai Li looked up, she was met with the surging undercurrent in the depths of Zhou Chengjing's gray eyes.
She raised an eyebrow slightly; Zhou Chengjing's words were exactly what she wanted to hear.
She did not doubt the truth of this statement.
Based on her understanding of this man, Zhou Chengjing, a figure at the top, always played open strategies and disdained underhanded tactics.
Those who engage in open and aboveboard schemes always speak the truth.
Since he said he could completely overturn the Luo family's case, he must be absolutely certain of success.
Bai Li thought to herself, it's just an investigation into cross-border funds. I've done nothing wrong, there's nothing I can't admit.
She dropped the pretense and looked Zhou Chengjing straight in the eye: "What do you want?"
She didn't think Zhou Chengjing would help "for free".
A person like Zhou Chengjing would never do a losing business.
Since he offered to help me, there must be something he wants in my possession.
Zhou Chengjing pulled out an inner bag from behind him, reached in with his long fingers, pulled out a document, and gently pushed it across the tea table, revealing a bright red "Top Secret" stamp.
The moment Bai Li saw the red mark, her pupils contracted sharply, and she looked at the person opposite her in astonishment.
No, what is this?!
Top Secret Files?
How could this man so casually produce such an extraordinary item?
Bai Li's guard was on high alert, and she did not reach out to take it.
I am now just a powerless nobody. If I rashly touch this file, I might unwittingly get caught up in a whirlpool.
Zhou Chengjing said in a deep voice, "Those people in the funding chain are just small fry. The real big fish is yet to come. The current ******** is Li Haidong, the ultimate beneficiary of the network of interests, and also someone I have been investigating for a long time."
Before Bai Li could even cover her ears, Zhou Chengjing had already finished speaking.
— "Li Haidong".
Even though she never gets involved in politics or business, her name is still widely known.
It turns out the big hand hiding behind the scenes was him.
Bai Li had been wondering how the alliance of interests was so firmly linked together, and why such a large alliance of interests was so unbreakable.
In that instant, she understood everything.
It turns out that Li Haidong was Zhou Chengjing's real target.
He never wanted to catch small fish or shrimp, but rather giant sharks diving deep into the ocean.
Those transnational money laundering channels are merely the tip of the iceberg.
Seeing Bai Li's shocked expression, Zhou Chengjing smiled and gently tapped the document with his fingers, reminding her softly, "The specific information is in this document."
Bai Li didn't touch the documents, but glared at Zhou Chengjing resentfully.
This was the first time she had lost control of her expression.
Does anyone know?
She genuinely wished she had a pair of ears she had never heard before.
How could a mere tea party uncover such a shocking secret?
She didn't want to get involved.
But now that I've heard such secrets, it's hard to stay out of it.
Bai Li sighed, rubbed her temples, and felt annoyed.
When did my intuition become so accurate?
She knew that Zhou Chengjing's contact with her was definitely not for anything good.
Zhou Chengjing is actually going after Li Haidong!
Perhaps they are political rivals, or perhaps they have a grudge against each other.
But what are their entanglements, and what does that have to do with me?
Bai Li clenched her fists inwardly and cursed a couple of times indignantly.
Throughout history, it has always been the case that when great masters fight, the lesser ones suffer.
If Zhou Chengjing wants to catch a big fish, he should just go and catch it boldly.
What does it mean to force yourself onto the boat?
Seeing Zhou Chengjing's confident and innocent demeanor, Bai Li felt a tickle in her back teeth.
This person really isn't afraid that I'll gossip about it.
Yes.
I really don't dare to tell anyone.
Once you say it, it's not just about getting into the game, it's about getting into a deadly situation!
Bai Li no longer felt like drinking tea or admiring the bamboo.
Even in a luxuriously decorated high-end club, she still felt extremely uncomfortable, as if she were sitting on pins and needles, with a thorn in her side and a fishbone stuck in her throat.
After a long silence, Bai Li spoke with difficulty, her voice filled with bitterness: "Why me?"
Zhou Chengjing leaned back in his chair and briefly explained the reasons.
The gist of it is that he is currently in the open, which makes it inconvenient for him to handle many things, and he needs Bai Li's help from the shadows.
Since Bai Li has the ability to access overseas funding, she can definitely help him with his needs here as well.
Zhou Chengjing smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, it's just a small favor."
Bai Li remained unmoved; she didn't believe Zhou Chengjing's words were just a "small favor."
"Speaking of which, I should thank you, my sister. Without your list, I wouldn't have been able to catch Li Haidong in the short term. That's why I immediately thought of you when I encountered trouble."
Bai Li nearly vomited blood upon hearing Zhou Chengjing's arrogant words.
Did Zhou Chengjing really take this title of "brother" seriously?
And can't you think of me in a good way?
You thought of me at this time?
Their gazes clashed in the steaming tea, like two unsheathed Tang swords pressed against each other's throats.
Bai Li was already thinking about killing Zhou Chengjing.
Now that we're already in the game, there's no escaping it.
Bai Li's greatest strength lies in maximizing profits.
She said irritably, "I can help you, but I want payment."