Chapter 26: Unexpected Encounter

The physical discomfort persisted, but Jian Ren couldn't afford to skip this meal. Compared to the jeopardy he faced, the expense was inconsequential.

Jian Ren had been contemplating for a while, growing increasingly fearful. Worried that the Bai family might suddenly appear and leave him dead in the streets overnight, he pretended to leave Yafang Tower with Xue Rong and discreetly returned. His plan was to earnestly implore Qin Hai for help, asking him to mediate with Bai Ruyan and seek her leniency.

Driven by desperation, Jian Ren had limited options. Among the people he knew, only Qin Hai could potentially communicate with Bai Ruyan. Moreover, he had observed the exceptional relationship between Qin Hai and Bai Ruyan earlier. If Qin Hai agreed to assist, the matter could likely be resolved.

The crucial question was whether Qin Hai would be willing to help. Jian Ren had offended Qin Hai recently, and approaching him for help left Jian Ren uncertain. Therefore, he decided beforehand to spare no expense and ensure Qin Hai's agreement.

Fully committed, Director Jian was remarkably forthright. Not only did he readily agree, but he also drove them in his own BMW. Soon, they arrived at the magnificent entrance of Sea Sky Residence.

Xiao Lingling was the first to step out of the car, gazing at the facade of Sea Sky Residence with countless stars twinkling in her eyes.

"So, this is Sea Sky Residence, truly impressive!" she exclaimed.

Following closely, Qin Hai observed the three-story antique wooden building with flying eaves, carved beams, and painted walls. In the center hung a huge plaque bearing the characters "Sea Sky Residence" in elaborate calligraphy, exuding grandeur.

Just then, a black Mercedes pulled up right behind them, and a young woman, radiating opulence, stepped out disdainfully.

"Truly a bunch of country bumpkins, haven't even been to Sea Sky Residence!" she sneered at Xiao Lingling.

Qin Hai furrowed his brow, glancing at the license plate of the Mercedes that had been tailing them and incessantly honking without overtaking. It seemed the woman harbored dissatisfaction and seized the opportunity to express it.

"Who are you talking about?" Xiao Lingling's ears were sharp, and upon hearing the woman's mockery, she immediately became agitated.

"I'm talking about you. What? Did I say something wrong?" The woman coldly huffed, "Clearly, you're rural folks. Haven't even seen Sea Sky Residence. Well, maybe it's for the best. This place isn't affordable for your kind. Just take a look and leave quickly. Watch out, security might come to kick you out later."

"You..." Xiao Lingling pointed at the woman, visibly upset. However, being articulate as always, she refrained from using explicit language, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"Lingling, what's going on?" Qiao Wei, who had just gotten out of the car, hadn't heard the woman's earlier sarcastic remarks and was unaware of what had transpired.

"Wei Wei, she called us country bumpkins!" Xiao Lingling said indignantly.

Qiao Wei glanced at the woman and exclaimed, "Xiao Hong, why is it you?"

The young woman, upon seeing Qiao Wei, also seemed surprised but quickly regained composure. She scrutinized Qiao Wei and chuckled, "Qiao Wei, didn't expect to see you here. What? Did you also come to Sea Sky Residence for a meal?"

Seemingly acquainted with Qiao Wei, Qin Hai and Xiao Lingling refrained from speaking for the moment.

Qiao Wei smiled, "Yes, a friend invited us for a meal. Didn't expect to run into you. How have you been lately, Xiao Hong?"

The woman named Xiao Hong glanced at Qin Hai, smiling meaningfully, and said sarcastically, "Qiao Wei, is this your new boyfriend? Doesn't look like much. Need my husband to introduce you to someone better? By the way, almost forgot to tell you, my husband works at the hospital, now a chief physician. They have many young doctors; just pick one, anyone would be better than your current boyfriend."

At that moment, a man in his twenties emerged from the Mercedes and walked over to Xiao Hong. She immediately hooked her arm around the man's, nestling her plump body against his side, proudly saying, "This is my husband. How about it? Handsome, isn't he?"

Qin Hai glanced at the man, aged around twenty-seven or twenty-eight, tall and lean, wearing stylish clothes. However, his sunken eye sockets and pallid complexion had nothing to do with being handsome.

Xiao Hong suddenly burst into laughter, covering her mouth, and continued, "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Guo Wei has been gone for so long; it's time for you to find a new man. Just be careful this time, don't end up causing harm again."

After saying all this, Xiao Hong burst into laughter once again. Then, casually waving her hand at Qiao Wei, she walked toward Sea Sky Residence while linking arms with the man beside her, swaying her hips. It was unclear what she said to the man, but he turned back, giving Qiao Wei an inexplicably strange look.

Qiao Wei's face turned extremely pale, and her body swayed as if she couldn't stand steady.

Xiao Lingling quickly supported her and asked, "Wei Wei, are you okay?"

"I'm fine!" Qiao Wei took a few deep breaths and finally steadied herself, leaning on Xiao Lingling.

At this moment, Director Jian, who had parked the car, walked over, puzzled. "What happened?"

"Nothing!" Qiao Wei shook her head, forced a smile, and said to Qin Hai, "Let's go inside."

Inside Sea Sky Residence, Director Jian was very generous, not only choosing a luxurious private room with a minimum spending of 1888 but also handing the menu to Qin Hai. He said, "Xiao Qin, see what you like, order anything you want."

Qin Hai passed the menu to Xiao Lingling, gesturing to her while saying, "Little Bell, you choose, don't be polite with Director Jian."

Understanding the hint, Little Bell quickly opened the menu, glanced at the prices, secretly stuck out her tongue, and smilingly said, "Really, anything? I'd like to have Australian lobster, is that okay?"

A twitch appeared on Director Jian's face, and he laughed awkwardly, "Anything, order whatever you like."

"Okay, I want an Australian lobster then." Xiao Lingling looked up and asked the nearby waiter, "Do you have lobsters here?"

"We do, you're very lucky. Our restaurant just received a fresh batch of seafood this morning, including a supreme Australian lobster. Such supreme Australian lobsters are extremely rare; you'd be lucky to encounter one in a month. If you want, I'll instruct the kitchen to reserve it for you right away." The waiter said hurriedly, seeming afraid that Xiao Lingling might change her mind. After all, just this supreme Australian lobster could earn her a considerable commission.

Xiao Lingling's eyes lit up, immediately glancing at Director Jian. Although he was in pain, Director Jian, for the sake of preserving his wealth and life, could only wave his hand reluctantly and say, "We'll take it!"

On the other side, Qin Hai and Qiao Wei exchanged a smile. Qin Hai poured a cup of hot tea for Qiao Wei and handed it to her, saying, "Sis, have some tea. Are you feeling better now?"

Qiao Wei smiled, "Thank you, I'm fine now."

Qin Hai nodded, although he had questions in his mind, it wouldn't be appropriate to ask Qiao Wei in front of Director Jian. He had noticed that the relationship between Qiao Wei and Xiao Hong wasn't good, and Xiao Hong had mentioned Qiao Wei's deceased husband, indicating a significant impact on Qiao Wei.