Those who ride in a red flag sedan are definitely not of low rank.

After returning to Huadu, Lin Hai was puzzled because he had hardly dealt with anyone in the political circle. Who could want to meet him?

Could it be someone like Yanhuang Soul trying to test him again?

Lin Hai quickly ran through hundreds of scenarios in his mind. As the King of Mercenaries, analyzing the situation according to his current circumstances was a compulsory lesson. This included dealing with hundreds of different scenarios, which Lin Hai had already rehearsed in his mind.

Lin Hai lazily leaned on the sofa in the back of the car. The driver was obviously an old hand at driving; very smooth, giving one a sleepy sense of comfort. Gradually, he dozed off.

He didn't know how much time had passed when the car stopped and Lin Hai slowly opened his sleepy eyes to find they had arrived at their destination.

Before him was a private teahouse club annex.

In the yard, willow branches drooped, miniature mountains and small lakes were surrounded by fragrant grass – a scene of pleasant tranquility. Combined with the simple architectural style and the fresh air, it was visually delightful.

"Mr. Lin, please follow me," said the middle-aged man who identified himself as Zhang, bowing slightly and extending his hand to make a welcoming gesture.

Lin Hai nodded and followed Zhang, stepping on the pebble path made of rain-flower stones, curiously looking around.

The moment he entered, Lin Hai sensed there were no experts around, nor anyone watching in secret.

There wasn't even a single camera around, clearly to protect the privacy of the "big shots" who patronized this place.

Entering the three-story pavilion in the middle, Lin Hai noticed that the interior decoration mimicked the style of ancient Jiangsu and Zhejing, which had its own charm.

"Tsk tsk, these officials really know how to enjoy themselves. The children in impoverished areas can't even afford tuition, yet they can cultivate their sentiment in such luxury. This place must have cost a fortune to build," Lin Hai commented after looking around.

Zhang didn't seem to take offense and smiled in response, "Mr. Lin might not know, but this was built with funds from several well-known entrepreneurs in Huadu City, without using a penny of state money."

"Okay, forget I mentioned it. I always feel guilty spending money in places like this," Lin Hai shook his head, not bothering to continue the point. Those entrepreneurs were all very wealthy, and with money, well, you can do as you please.

Soon, they arrived in front of a closed private tea room, where Zhang paused and called respectfully into the room, "Leader, Mr. Lin has arrived."

Lin Hai grew curious, wondering who could be so prestigious to warrant such a private and ceremonious meeting.

"Alright, come in," said a mature and intelligent female voice from inside.

Lin Hai felt puzzled. The voice seemed quite unfamiliar, and he couldn't recall who it might belong to.

Zhang gently opened the door, gesturing respectfully, "Mr. Lin, please come in."

"Aren't you coming in with me?" asked Lin Hai, perplexed.

Zhang smiled, shook his head, and bluntly stated, "Those who enter this room are not ordinary in status, and I'm not qualified."

"Ah, the evils of class," Lin Hai complained jokingly, thanked Zhang, and stepped inside.

The walls of the room were made of quaint wood, adorned with intricately carved landscapes.

The room was small, with a tea table in the center, set with delicate tea ware and a range of expensive teas.

Although Lin Hai seldom frequented high-end venues, that didn't mean he lacked experience; he knew that these teas were sold by the gram, costing tens of thousands per gram.

"You've come."

At the tea table, a voluptuous and seductive middle-aged beauty spoke with her lips slightly parting.

It was only then that Lin Hai noticed the mysterious person in the room.

"It's you!"

Lin Hai's eyes widened, somewhat discomposed.

"Hehe, surprised to see me? Lin Hai," the middle-aged beauty said with a smile in her eyes.

Lin Hai scoped out this "old acquaintance" up and down. She was dressed in an elegant, vintage Tang-style cheongsam. Although she wore no excess jewelry, she gave off an aura of great status, especially as her jade arm held a small tea cup to her lips, taking a gentle sip – unwavering grace emanated from her.

But if one only looked at her radiant face, there was an added layer of charm.

"Tao... Mayor Tao, it's really you," Lin Hai said unexpectedly, feeling immensely resigned inside.

He had encountered her once during a bank robbery case and it brought back past memories. He thought that after so much time, Beauty Tao would have given up. Yet unexpectedly, she had someone bring him to this private club today.

"Mayor Tao? Hehe."

"You actually call me Mayor Tao..."

A trace of disappointment flickered in Beauty Tao's eyes, followed by a self-mocking laugh and shake of her head. She murmured as if to herself, "Seven years, I didn't expect that it would take seven whole years for us to meet again after just one parting."

Hearing this, Lin Hai's eyes also revealed a hint of memories, and he sighed, saying, "Yes, it's been seven years. Who would have thought, the once great Beauty Tao has now embarked on a political career, becoming the first female deputy mayor of Huadu City."

"After seven years, how have you been?" Tao Xia's tone carried a note of reminiscence.

Lin Hai chuckled, his tone rather odd, "Mayor Tao, I've been doing very well, extremely well. If it hadn't been for your grandfather personally dismissing me from the military, I would never have had it as good as I do now."

Pausing, Lin Hai did not give Beauty Tao a chance to interject, and said again, "Tao Xia, thank your Old Commander Tao for me. Now I have a beautiful CEO as my fiancée and a wealthy young lady as my mistress. All thanks to what happened back then."

"Now I live with my beautiful CEO fiancée in a big villa, drive a Maybach, and slack off at the company. What a good life I have, tsk tsk, how many people would envy me but not have the chance, don't you think I'm doing well?"

After speaking, Lin Hai forcefully masked the pain in his eyes, replacing it with a cold indifference.

Hearing Lin Hai's biting words, Tao Xia's arm clutching the tea cup trembled violently. She stared hard at Lin Hai, mist in her eyes, indifferent even as the steamy water from the cup spilled onto her cheongsam and thighs. Only her almond eyes remained fixed on his strong face, as a clear tear slid down her charming countenance.

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