Chapter 57: Preparing for the Banquet

Wang Hu was not from Bashu; he didn’t believe in sitting down for a casual chat to resolve issues over tea. When he arranged a banquet, it was a true feast of danger—a gathering where either he eliminated his opponent or was struck down himself. There was never any cheerful agreement reached over tea. It was said that during the warlord era, the generals of Bashu preferred to fight first, then sit down together for a chat to resolve matters. Wang Hu found this approach quite admirable.

Of course, this “banquet of peril” was merely a spur-of-the-moment idea for Wang Hu. Having been intimidated by Yang Changfeng’s formidable fighting prowess, Wang Hu hadn’t even considered a direct confrontation. Yet after proposing the banquet, his thoughts became shrewder. If he couldn’t win by force, perhaps he could outwit his opponent.

He made a call to the personnel department, then turned and left the company. Remaining there would do nothing to rally his subordinates; unless Yang was brought down, all business would grind to a halt, let alone expand. Where on earth had the boss found such a person? He was immune to both softness and hardness—truly uncanny!

Yang Changfeng, for his part, had no interest in Wang Hu’s schemes. Whatever trick Wang Hu played, Yang was ready to answer with his fists. For men who lived by their fists, that was the only language worth speaking.

When he returned to the study room carrying the suit, Anya was seated properly behind the desk, sitting upright as if deeply absorbed in her studies. Locking the door behind him, Yang tossed the suit her way with a grin. “Shall I help you put it on?”

Anya’s cheeks flushed red. She shot him a fierce glare, puffing up with indignation. “Turn around! No peeking!”

Yang mumbled, “I’ve already touched you—what’s the harm in looking? Sooner or later you’ll be my woman anyway. Besides, you’re not exactly naked. See, I’m not shy at all!”

Who could compete with his shamelessness? It was as if those very words—“shameless rogue”—were written across his forehead.

Turning her back, she quickly changed behind the desk, only feeling safe once the suit was on. If anyone saw her earlier state, the ridicule would be endless. People might even think something had happened between her and Yang.

She subconsciously brushed her hand over her rounded hips, her ears growing warm. Though nothing much had happened, he had already touched and kissed her. Was she destined to be his just like that?

Stealing a glance at Yang Changfeng, Anya felt a flicker of dissatisfaction. How could things be so hasty? At the very least, he should be put to the test. With that in mind, the thought of moving in with Chen Aijia didn’t seem so hard to accept after all.

She opened the door—no one was in sight. This man was so intimidating that even the vice presidents skirted the walls, hurrying past lest they provoke his wrath. As for the security staff, none would dare approach Yang now. Even the supervisor of the study room hadn’t shown his face all day—clearly frightened into hiding.

The security department now faced a choice: stay loyal to Wang Hu and share his soup, or change allegiance to Yang. Wang Hu was a veteran of the company, commanding respect and wielding many tactics, but Yang, though new, inspired such awe that no one in security dared challenge him. If even Wang Hu was beaten black and blue, who would dare stand against this man?

Yet Anya felt a deep unease. “You’d better be careful. They’re not easy to deal with, and the security department won’t help you unless you replace Minister Wang. Besides, you shouldn’t be so forceful. Most people just want to earn a living—you can’t expect everyone to have such high ideals. Not everyone is willing to sacrifice for the company. Don’t you agree?” she advised gently.

How different things were now! Before he touched her, she would barely deign to look at him; now she was offering advice, even with a touch of tenderness.

Yang Changfeng grinned, giving her full chest a quick squeeze. “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. Ah, this is the best—come here, little wife, let me hold you. Haven’t seen you for a few minutes; have you grown thinner or plumper?”

Shameless—utterly shameless!

Anya shot him a look and made to dash off in her heels. Being with him was a constant test of nerves; his brazenness knew no bounds, and one could never predict what mortifying words would tumble from his lips next.

Still, she couldn’t help retorting, “Little wife, in your dreams! Am I so cheap that I can only be your little wife? Go find someone else if you dare—I won’t serve you.”

Oh? So she had a temper now, did she?

Yang swept her into his arms, his hands roaming her curves as he whispered hotly in her ear, “So, will you agree or not? Give me an answer, quick, or else…”

“What will you do?” Anya leaned back, her ample chest thrusting forward as she glared at Yang, eyes flashing.

He grinned. “Or else I’ll take you for a ride right now!”

With a yelp, Anya shoved him away, exclaiming, “No one’s as overbearing as you! Enough, I have to get back to work.”

“Wait—two things I need to ask you, and don’t lie to me. Be honest.” Leaning against the door, Yang spotted Wang Hu hurrying out with a few of his men and gave a scornful smile. He asked, “Is Deputy General Manager Su trustworthy? I just saw her talking with Chen Aijia, and it seems Chen is considering her for a higher position—possibly general manager.”

Anya paused, her face lighting up with delight. She nodded softly. “That’s wonderful! You have no idea—Deputy General Manager Su is a good person, very capable and upright. If she becomes vice president, the company’s restructuring will go much smoother.”

Murmuring to herself, she added, “I can’t believe it’s happening so soon. This is fantastic.”

What a loyal, devoted maid.

“Second,” Yang continued, “I ran into Wang Hu downstairs. After work, he’s arranged a place to have drinks with me. Tell me—who in the local government is Wang Hu close to? Are any of them high-ranking? Outside this area, does he have other places he treats as his own backyard?”

Anya frowned, choosing her words carefully to dissuade Yang from accepting Wang Hu’s invitation. This man’s network in the area was vast; beyond government contacts, many companies were allied with Wang Hu, sharing common interests. Some benefited from Chen Aijia’s group’s collapse; others profited from the group in different ways. Wang Hu, as a high-ranking company official, wielded significant power and was also a figure of great influence in the local underworld. If he wanted to use someone, few would dare refuse him.

In other words, Wang Hu was a man who held sway over both the legitimate and the illicit worlds in this territory.