Chapter 81: Are You Born in the Year of the Dragon or the Dog?

Evening, a private restaurant.

The place Qian Caiying had chosen was indeed quiet. The private room wasn’t large, but it was spacious enough for five or six people, and most importantly, it was decorated with bright flowers and lush greenery, giving it a warm and inviting atmosphere.

As for the food, any private restaurant that could establish its reputation wouldn't be lacking; every dish was a feast for the senses.

...

“Ahem, long time no see.”

When Zhang Long arrived at the private room, Qian Caiying and Liang Xue were already seated, having arrived about half an hour earlier. Yet as soon as he entered, Qian Caiying’s gaze locked onto him, sharp and indifferent.

Zhang Long coughed dryly, feeling a bit intimidated.

“Hmph.”

Qian Caiying gave a soft snort but didn’t say much more. She simply pushed the menu towards Zhang Long. “Pick what you like. Do you want red or white to drink?”

“Uh, just plain water is fine,” Zhang Long scratched his head. Seeing this, Liang Xue’s lips curved into a small smile as she turned to Qian Caiying, “Let’s skip the alcohol.”

“Coward!” Qian Caiying rolled her eyes. “Three people sharing a bottle won’t get drunk. When you work outside, social drinking is inevitable. How can you get by if you can’t hold your liquor?”

“Fine, let’s have Maotai then,” Qian Caiying waved her hand decisively. Liang Xue and Zhang Long exchanged a glance and shrugged; white it is.

Maotai is a fine spirit, and with three people, about a third of a bottle each wasn’t much. It wouldn’t get them drunk or make them dizzy, and anyway, the host was treating.

Soon, Zhang Long finished ordering. The three of them selected seven dishes and one soup, which seemed a bit extravagant. But once they learned the restaurant didn’t serve staple foods like rice or steamed buns, it made sense.

With only dishes and soup, it wasn’t too much.

“Have you made money or lost it lately?”

While waiting for the food, Qian Caiying wasted no time on pleasantries and asked directly, while Zhang Long only shrugged and smiled, refusing to answer, wearing an enigmatic look.

Qian Caiying felt her teeth itch.

“Hmph, you must have lost money.” Qian Caiying tried to provoke him, but Zhang Long wasn’t fooled and simply ignored her.

...

“I won’t be your consultant.”

At these words, Qian Caiying froze for a moment, then looked exasperated and frustrated. Why was he here if he wouldn’t do it? Wasn’t this what they’d already agreed upon? Was he playing games?

Liang Xue was also surprised, but said nothing.

Whether Zhang Long would act as Hongze’s financial advisor was his own decision; she would not get involved.

“Are you sure?”

Qian Caiying’s gaze sharpened.

“I’m sure,” Zhang Long replied with a smile, but before Qian Caiying’s temper could flare, he continued, “Whether I win or lose, I’m definitely going to keep trading stocks. To be Hongze’s consultant would be tantamount to working in the industry, which isn’t appropriate.”

“We’re not signing any contract,” Qian Caiying retorted.

“It’s the same regardless.”

Zhang Long sighed, “Only after really playing the market myself have I realized how difficult it is. It’s nothing like observing and analyzing from the sidelines. It’s the difference between being inside the game and outside it. I believe you understand, Ms. Qian.”

Qian Caiying was silent; of course she understood.

If you stay out of the market, you can analyze objectively and rationally. But once you’re inside, all bets are off.

“Are you still determined?”

Now it was Zhang Long’s turn to ask. Qian Caiying frowned in thought, then said quietly, “Why don’t you stop trading and just come work at Hongze as an analyst?”

“I don’t want to, at least not for now.”

Zhang Long shook his head, and the atmosphere in the room fell still, a tense stalemate.

Liang Xue felt a little helpless.

It wasn’t that Zhang Long had refused Qian Caiying’s offer, but couldn’t they have waited until the food was served, enjoyed a bite before getting down to brass tacks? How was anyone supposed to eat now?

A free meal and drinks, no cost.

With that thought, Liang Xue glanced at Zhang Long, then at Qian Caiying, quietly watching what would happen next.

...

“You almost fooled me.”

Suddenly, Qian Caiying smiled, her gaze fixed on Zhang Long, lips curving. “It seems you’ve made money trading. And since you’ve shown up today, you definitely want to cooperate.”

“How do you want to cooperate?”

She tossed the question to Zhang Long, but he volleyed it right back.

“That’s for you to decide, Ms. Qian.”

Zhang Long shrugged and smiled, “I am sincere about cooperation, but the specifics are up to you. See if there’s a way that’s balanced and acceptable to both sides.”

“I’ll only nod or shake my head.”

Her response made Qian Caiying grit her teeth again, and Liang Xue rolled her eyes.

So he’d come today with nothing but sincerity, but whether a deal would actually happen was not guaranteed.

“Are you born in the year of the dragon or the dog?”

Qian Caiying took a deep breath, “You really misjudge a lady’s intentions. If I wanted to trick you, would I bother with all these twists and turns? Seriously…”

Whether she found it tiresome or not was none of Zhang Long’s concern; better to be safe than sorry.

He’d rather take a few extra precautions than, should things sour in the future, be forced into a confrontation.

Take initiative, bear primary responsibility; be passive, bear secondary responsibility.

“Ding dong~”

The doorbell rang; the food was ready.

As the dishes were swiftly brought to the table, Zhang Long launched into a feast, occasionally raising his glass to toast the host, Qian Caiying. The Maotai was indeed fragrant.

Liang Xue also ate and drank heartily, occasionally chatting with Qian Caiying about business.

As for the cooperation between Zhang Long and Hongze, it was temporarily put on hold; Qian Caiying would need to think it over carefully.

To cooperate or not? And if so, how?

She had thought that Zhang Long would agree to become an advisor today, that they’d just need to discuss terms and compensation, but the situation had taken an unexpected turn, sprouting new complications.

Frustrating, and infuriating in its confidence.

...

“It wasn’t bad.”

“Mm, I’m a bit dizzy.”

After dinner, Liang Xue and Zhang Long shared a taxi home, their routes overlapping for the first part. Sitting in the back seat, they spoke in low, intermittent voices.

But their posture and the atmosphere seemed a little off; Liang Xue’s head rested on Zhang Long’s shoulder, slightly tipsy.

Three shots of Maotai weren’t much, but even a little would leave one a bit lightheaded, especially with the natural attraction between the sexes.

Sniff, inhale—

Zhang Long breathed in; Liang Xue’s head was right on his shoulder, her fragrance—a hint of her hair, a trace of her skin—drifted to his nose, tickling, warm.

Yet their hands remained chaste, each resting in their own lap, a slight pity.

“Will Ms. Qian give up?” Liang Xue murmured, eyes half-closed, her tone soft and damp with worry. “If she does, the favor you wanted is gone. What about future matters?”

“Don’t worry, she won’t.”

Zhang Long whispered, “The more self-assured I appear, the less likely Qian Caiying is to give up.”

“Bet she’ll invite me alone tomorrow, and present a proposal for cooperation. Want to wager?”

“No, I won’t bet.”

Liang Xue wouldn’t fall for it; she refused to gamble.

Who knew what conditions he might ask for if she lost?

“Come on, let’s bet.”

As if a spark had been lit in his mind, Zhang Long slipped his arm quietly around Liang Xue’s waist from behind, his palm resting at her side, gently squeezing, savoring the softness and bounce.

“Mmm—behave yourself.”

Liang Xue shuddered, instantly tensing, and returned the gesture, pinching Zhang Long’s waist.

“Hiss—easy!”

Zhang Long gasped and surrendered, but did not remove his arm from around Liang Xue’s waist. The driver kept his eyes straight ahead, and they were almost at The Riverside Home anyway, so he didn’t bother to remind them.

Yes, escort her all the way.

A slightly tipsy Liang Xue going home alone wasn’t safe; who knew what intentions the driver might harbor.

Unfortunately, perhaps the driver sensed Zhang Long’s thoughts and was displeased, for soon he braked abruptly. “Sir, you’ve arrived.”

Zhang Long snapped back to reality, cursing his luck.

“Message me when you get home.”

He called out to Liang Xue as he got out, and she nodded, replying with a faint smile.

What Zhang Long didn’t know was that soon after the car started up again, Liang Xue seemed to sober up, leaning against the window to watch the passing scenery, a touch of mystery in her gaze.

The driver shook his head and clicked his tongue; young people nowadays, they really know how to play.

It looked like the ice would soon be broken.

Vrr, vrrr—

The night passed quietly, and dawn came in a blink.

Zhang Long blinked awake, picked up his phone, and sure enough, saw a call from Qian Caiying. Instantly, his mind cleared.