"We'll arrange this matter later."

Gao Xiaoqiu nodded, "The bodyguard issue needs to be resolved quickly too. We need to discuss it with them tonight."

"Besides, we should prepare for long-term negotiations. It's unlikely we'll get a result overnight."

"Understood."

After finishing with the business talk, the three of them started eating.

Cui Ye and Sun Tianliang ate quickly, as if they polished off everything on their plates with just a few casual bites.

Seeing that everyone was almost done eating, Sun Tianliang gave a nod to Cui Ye.

The latter understood and said,

"President Gao, we'll go handle other matters first."

"In this foreign place where we don't know anyone, we must stay safe outside."

"Got it, President Gao."

After exchanging a quick goodbye, the two got up and left.

Gao Xiaoqiu continued eating alone, then picked up a cup of tea from the table and subconsciously looked at Lin Yi.

Noticing Gao Xiaoqiu's gaze, Lin Yi looked over as well.

Gao Xiaoqiu raised her wine glass slightly and toasted Lin Yi.

Lin Yi also picked up the glass of water from the table and reciprocated.

"Are you here on a business trip?" Gao Xiaoqiu asked with a smile.

"Sort of."

Gao Xiaoqiu sized up Lin Yi, "I have a feeling I've seen you somewhere before."

Hearing this, Lin Yi wasn't surprised.

After all, he did have some reputation in the business world.

It's normal for someone like Gao Xiaoqiu, an executive in a group, to have seen him unintentionally.

If she recognized him, there was no need to hide it.

If she didn't, then there was no need to be forthcoming either.

"Isn't this a bit of an old-fashioned way to start a conversation?"

"I knew you'd say that, but I genuinely have an impression. If you don't believe me, just pretend I never said it."

Gao Xiaoqiu laughed as she looked at Lin Yi and said,

"But you followed us from the room to here and sat beside me. I suspect it's not just a coincidence, right?"

"Are you so sure?" Lin Yi responded with a smile, "Aren't you afraid it really is a coincidence? That'd be awkward."

"In a foreign land, if we worry too much about these things, wouldn't life be too tiring?"

Lin Yi raised his glass of water, "Cheers."

"Cheers."

"Let's find a place to chat. This isn't a good spot to talk."

Gao Xiaoqiu was straightforward. Although she didn't explicitly show anything, for adults, such a hint was enough.

If Lin Yi agreed, it would naturally proceed smoothly.

If he refused, there was no need to continue the conversation.

They're both adults and in a foreign land, so naturally, things should be quick and decisive without wasting time on such matters.

Quick satisfaction is key.

"To my room?" Lin Yi said with a smile,

"Do you want something to drink? But there aren't many options here."

"Beer will do. There's business to discuss later; drinking too much could cause trouble."

"That's unfortunate then."

Gao Xiaoqiu looked at Lin Yi with a smile, "It's fine as long as it's cold. Young man, no rush."

"Well said."

Lin Yi got up and went to the bar, casually ordering some beer and snacks. Then, he and Gao Xiaoqiu went back to his room together.

Upon returning, Lin Yi closed his laptop to prevent Gao Xiaoqiu from seeing any surveillance screens.

Soon, the hotel delivered the items Lin Yi had ordered. The two opened their beers, ready for a light drink.

*Clink*

The crisp sound of glasses clinking filled the air, and they both took a sip.

"May I ask your name?"

"Qin Han."

"Qin Han?"

Gao Xiaoqiu looked at Lin Yi, intrigued.

"That name sounds really familiar."

Gao Xiaoqiu furrowed her brow slightly, musing,

"Seems you're that famous rich second-generation from Zhong Hai."

"Indeed, we share the same name."

"What do you do?" Gao Xiaoqiu asked.

"Just working a job, nothing worth mentioning."

"I'm curious; someone like you working a regular job is really rare."

"Why? Can't I work?" Lin Yi laughed, "The northwest wind isn't drinkable."

"Northwest wind? Surely not."

Gao Xiaoqiu eyed Lin Yi, "The watch on your wrist, it's an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, right? I don't know much about these things, but it's probably worth tens of thousands."

"It was a gift."

"You're quite honest." Gao Xiaoqiu said,

"Now it makes sense; having an older sister give you gifts is quite normal."

What the heck.

Lin Yi muttered internally, it seemed like this woman was convinced he was being kept.

But upon reflection, it wasn't entirely baseless.

Yan Ci was indeed two years older than him.

"What about you, are you on a business trip here too?"

"You could call it that."

"Could call it that?"

"It's not a big deal, so let's not delve into it."

"Doing business with pirates isn't a big deal?"

Gao Xiaoqiu eyed Lin Yi, "You heard everything?"

"I overheard you talking while waiting for the elevator."

"That's right. We're here for that exact reason," Gao Xiaoqiu said,

"Since you're here, you must know the situation. Pirates are rampant, and without paying some protection money, it's really hard to leave safely."

"Indeed, this place is the safest. Once you leave the port without an escort, it's almost impossible to move forward."

"That's why I arranged to meet them tonight. Dragging it on isn't a solution."

"Do you need me to come with you?"

Gao Xiaoqiu paused, looking intently at Lin Yi.

"Why? Are you afraid something might happen to me? Want to protect me?"

"You could put it that way."

"That's sweet, but I won't take you with me." Gao Xiaoqiu said,

"We've hired twenty bodyguards from a local security company, and they'll be enough. You can just wait here for me tonight."

"At least give me a chance to make some extra cash."

"Hmm? A chance to make extra cash?"

"If I'm considered part of your entourage, I could earn an extra wage, and you wouldn't even have to pay me."

"You're quite resourceful; you're wearing a Royal Oak and yet bothered about such a small amount?"

Gao Xiaoqiu looked at Lin Yi with interest, "If you really need that little money, I'll compensate you tonight. If you do well, I won't shortchange you."

"That's a different paycheck; I just want to earn more."

"Alright, since you put it that way, if I didn't agree, it would seem like I'm not giving you face," Gao Xiaoqiu said,

"Just follow me later; you don't need to do anything else."

"No problem."

"But don't expect too much money. These things have to be accounted for afterwards, so don't have high expectations."

"Don't worry, I understand."

The two conversed casually, with Gao Xiaoqiu seemingly trying to make a move during this time, but Lin Yi elegantly avoided it each time.

After about an hour of chatting, Sun Tianliang called.

The security has been arranged, and the negotiation will soon begin.

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