Chapter 041: The Enchanting Bride Who Captivates the Soul

Not having a car is truly inconvenient! Song Kai sighed inwardly. He could only humble himself before his roommates.

Song Kai walked to Tang Ying's bedroom door, just about to knock when the door creaked open and Tang Ying rushed out. The two collided with a startled cry.

“What are you doing? Why are you standing at my door?” Tang Ying wore a long-sleeved shirt and carried a bag, looking quite anxious. She kept rubbing her chest where she’d bumped into Song Kai and hurt herself.

“I…” Song Kai began, but seeing Tang Ying’s outfit, suddenly remembered she had to work the night shift. “Never mind,” he said.

Just then, Wu Hongying pushed open her door and stepped in, stretching lazily. She was still in her police uniform, looking sharp and impressive.

“Sister Hongying, could I borrow your car?” Song Kai approached.

Wu Hongying eyed him sideways. “Oh, off to save someone again?”

“Well… sort of. This time, I’m also courting someone! It’s really important to me,” Song Kai said, face serious.

Wu Hongying chuckled and tossed him her car keys. “Don’t forget to fill up the tank! You can’t keep borrowing my car for your dates without refueling.”

Song Kai took the keys and left in a hurry.

Tang Ying shook her head and muttered, “That kid Song Kai, the college entrance exam is coming up, yet he never studies. It’s always dating or pretending to be a Taoist. Oh well.”

Wu Hongying laughed as well.

Tang Ying turned to her. “By the way, how’s the Cross-River Dragon case going?”

Wu Hongying shook her head. “Still nothing. We’ll wait another half month. If there’s no progress, we’ll have to send Song Kai in as an undercover.”

“Don’t overestimate him, he’s still just a kid,” Tang Ying said worriedly. “If there’s any danger, you must tell him.”

“Don’t worry!” Wu Hongying pushed Tang Ying out the door. “Go to work now. You still treat Song Kai like a child. I’m telling you, he’s more mature than most men.”

“You wild thing, don’t lead Song Kai astray,” Tang Ying said helplessly.

Bang—the door closed behind her.

…

Song Kai rode the bike straight to the Jinhua Hotel.

Jinhua Hotel was the most prestigious in Tengyun City, bar none.

But Song Kai didn’t care about that.

He parked the motorcycle outside the hotel, not bothering with security—no one would dare steal a police car, and no one would ticket it.

From the hotel’s top floor, one could see most of Tengyun City.

In the luxurious hall at the top, more than twenty tables were set, filled with people toasting and celebrating.

Those present were all business elites of Tengyun City.

Today was the seventy-eighth birthday of Master Feng Shan.

Feng Shan was a legendary figure—the first from Tengyun City to do business with foreigners. Back in the nineties, when most still struggled to fill their bellies, Feng Shan was already a billionaire, holding vast sums in foreign currency.

A billionaire in those days was more dazzling than a hundred-billionaire now!

Then, one day, Feng Shan quietly withdrew from business. Instead, he became a philanthropist, investing in young dreamers. If their ventures succeeded, he’d only take back his capital and some interest; if they failed, it didn’t matter.

Thanks to his support, waves of entrepreneurs emerged in Tengyun City, many starting from nothing, with their first capital often coming from Feng Shan.

It could be said that Tengyun City’s transformation from a seventh-tier county to its current vibrant, prosperous state—with flourishing commerce, advanced logistics, and a surge of billionaires—was inseparable from Feng Shan’s enthusiastic backing.

So now, for Feng Shan’s seventy-eighth birthday, nearly the entire city’s business community had gathered.

Xu Ling sat at a table in the corner, dressed in a black gown—elegant yet enticing.

In every setting, Xu Ling was the center of attention, and tonight was no exception.

Although she and Xu Haitian were relegated to a corner table, many men’s eyes lingered on Xu Ling, curious about this graceful, striking woman.

At their table sat executives of similar stature to Xu Haitian, including Zhang Gang.

Zhang Gang smiled at Xu Haitian. “Uncle Xu, you’re truly blessed. Xu Ling has returned from her studies and is taking charge of your business. Your Haitian Group is sure to reach new heights!”

Xu Haitian laughed heartily. “Thank you, Mr. Zhang. Lingling is clever and well-educated, but she’s still a novice in business. I hope you all can guide her in the future.”

“Of course, of course,” the group of executives laughed in agreement.

Xu Ling disliked such dull gatherings, but out of courtesy and etiquette, she maintained a polite smile.

Her phone rang.

Xu Ling glanced down—it was Song Kai calling.

A perfect excuse to slip away.

Zhang Gang, seated beside her, had been trying to engage her in conversation—the main reason she wanted to leave quickly.

Xu Ling answered, “Where are you?”

“Right at the entrance to the top-floor hall. The staff won’t let me in—they say I don’t have an invitation,” Song Kai said, exasperated.

“Wait there, I’ll come,” Xu Ling replied, then stood and spoke to Xu Haitian. “Grandfather, I have some business to attend to. Sorry, everyone, I must leave.”

Xu Haitian frowned, about to speak, but Xu Ling took her phone and bag and departed.

Zhang Gang, narrowing his eyes, overheard Xu Ling’s conversation. Seeing her leave, he followed.

Song Kai waited outside.

Xu Ling strode out with her bag, attracting the attention of male staff, who couldn’t help but steal glances at her.

Song Kai, holding information from Dongming Pharmaceutical, was stunned as he watched Xu Ling approach. Her long gown swayed gracefully; though her expression was cold, her beauty was mesmerizing, making it impossible for him to look away.

His old man truly had a keen eye!

“What are you staring at?” Xu Ling asked, bemused by Song Kai’s gaze.

Song Kai stammered, “Uh, wife, you’re so beautiful—utterly enchanting.”

“So I’m a succubus, am I?” Xu Ling rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Alright,” Song Kai grinned.

Just then, a loud laugh sounded as Zhang Gang came out, warmly grabbing Song Kai’s shoulder. “Ah, isn’t this my brother Song Kai!”

Song Kai turned, seeing Zhang Gang, and frowned.

Zhang Gang, exerting all his strength, dragged Song Kai back toward the banquet. Though smiling, jealousy burned in his heart—he couldn’t bear it any longer!

Xu Ling had left the banquet under the pretense of business, only to meet Song Kai. And Song Kai had just called her wife, yet she wasn’t angry.

The more Zhang Gang thought about it, the more furious he became. He couldn’t understand or accept why such a wonderful woman was engaged to a wastrel like Song Kai. Why should they be friends?

Clenching his teeth, Zhang Gang resolved that tonight, no matter what, he would break up Song Kai and Xu Ling; he would humiliate Song Kai thoroughly!

Still dazed, Song Kai found himself being dragged back to the table.

“Haha, gentlemen, look who’s here,” Zhang Gang announced. “This is Song Kai, son of the renowned Song Shuisheng, and my good brother. Come, Song Kai, have a bite—you probably haven’t had such fine food in ages.”

Song Kai glanced at Zhang Gang, understanding his intent, but he didn’t care.

Song Kai smiled at Xu Haitian. “Good evening, Mr. Xu. Actually, Lingling and I have some matters to attend to, so we won’t stay. Please continue.”

Xu Haitian’s face darkened.

Zhang Gang grabbed Song Kai and said, “Brother Song, what could you possibly have to do? You always score last in your exams—are you off to study? Haha, come on, sit down. By the way, last time you wanted to borrow two hundred from me—I forgot then, but today I brought cash. How about two thousand, is that enough for you?”