Chapter 169: High EQ in Enjoying the Show

Chapter 169: High EQ in Enjoying the Show

Lu Mingchao tsked lightly, "Really? I don't believe it."

How did Zhang Cheng, who couldn't even get out of bed, get conned by Sun Zhiye into being the fall guy?

Could it be through telepathy, through some kind of mind meld?

Wei Tang pouted, "No wonder Zhang Cheng is such a mess; Grandfather Zhang's indulgence should bear the primary responsibility."

Lu Mingchao smiled, "Don't be angry."

"Let's head over to the Zhangs' place to catch the show and blow off some steam."

Wei Tang's lips parted slightly, looking shocked. Her horrified eyes seemed to ask: Mingchao, are you teasing me?

"Isn't it a bit much to just storm in?"

Lu Mingchao's eyes were brimming with amusement, her tone drawn out and casual, "Storm in?"

"Wei sister, a gentleman talks, not fights."

"It's really just about watching the show. If we're in a good mood, we might even lend a hand when they're down."

Wei Tang was puzzled, "What kind of show could the Zhangs possibly have?"

Wei Tang didn't know that Zhang Cheng was on good terms with Sun Zhiye, nor did she know that the so-called go-between at the Zhangs' place was Sun Zhiye.

And the news of Madam Sun raising a stink about Sun Zhiye's murder charge hadn't hit Lotus Town yet.

"Grandfather Zhang is liquidating his assets to help the Jade String Gentleman get back on his feet..."

Wei Tang frowned, instinctively saying, "Is the Jade String Gentleman maybe Grandfather Zhang's love child?"

Lu Mingchao: ...

"So," Wei Tang realized belatedly, "Grandfather Zhang is the reason the Jade String Gentleman felt bold enough to start that fire yesterday?"

"My father and brother say that the Jade String Gentleman has what it takes to be a big shot."

"Even so, if the Jade String Gentleman helps the Sun family bounce back, the Zhangs, who've been backing him, will also come out on top. What show is there?"

Lu Mingchao said softly, "I heard that Madam Sun is pointing fingers at the Jade String Gentleman for killing his own brother."

Wei Tang was stunned, feeling like she'd been hit by a bolt of lightning.

That fire that lit up half of Changhe County that day was a total waste.

"Are we really going to lend a hand when they're down?"

Lu Mingchao raised an eyebrow, "There's also a low EQ way of saying it: cashing in on the chaos and piling on when they're already down."

"But, I prefer the high EQ way."

Wei Tang: Got it!

"If my dad hears about this, I'll be stuck at home again."

Lu Mingchao waved her finger in front of Wei Tang's nose, "This is about doing the right thing, helping Grandfather Zhang out, thinking like he does."

"Grandfather Zhang has been selling off his property and borrowing left and right to raise funds for the Jade String Gentleman. Now, with tens of thousands of taels of silver down the drain and surrounded by creditors, don’t you think it’s a good time for me to strike a deal with Grandfather Zhang?"

Wei Tang took a deep breath. "Our Wei family isn’t afraid of Squire Zhang’s family. Some chances don’t come around twice."

"I’ve got to see this show for myself and tell Sister Zhi all about it when I visit her in jail."

"If it’s already a show, why not make it even bigger?"

"I hope Sister Mingchao will let me tell my brother about this."

Lu Mingchao nodded. "Sure."

Lu Mingchao and Wei Tang went together to the restaurant where Lu Yao was hosting a banquet to thank Wei Zhou.

Lu Yao had a few sips of warm wine, his eyes bright and moist, his jade-like cheeks tinged with a rosy glow. His usual coolness was now mixed with a dashing charm, like snow catching the last light of sunset.

For some reason, Lu Mingchao was reminded of the screen in the rouge shop.

"Chao Chao."

"Miss Wei."

Wei Tang gave Lu Yao a quick glance and then looked down. "Brother, I want to go help out."

Hmm, she’s already got the high EQ Sister Mingchao talked about.

Wei Zhou: ???

Wei Tang bowed her head and quickly filled Wei Zhou in on the Zhang and Sun families’ relationship.

Wei Zhou opened the street-facing window, letting the cold air clear his foggy mind.

But even with a clear head, he still didn’t get what Tang Tang meant by "helping others."

After a pause, Wei Zhou said slowly, "You want me to get Father to go collect the debt?"

Wei Tang stayed quiet, head down.

Wei Zhou rubbed his nose. "No, you want all the creditors to swarm the Zhang family."

Wei Tang: "Brother’s a genius."

Lu Mingchao: That does sound familiar.

Wei Zhou didn’t ask for reasons but, after some thought, agreed. "Alright."

"Then you go and help others first. I’ll figure out the rest."

He didn’t ask for reasons because he already knew.

Wei Tang never involved herself in the family business and had no prior conflicts with the Zhang family.

Her actions were for Cheng Zhi and for Lu Yao.

Wei Tang wanted to vent her anger for Lu Yao’s elder brother, Lu Lei.

"Thank you, brother." Wei Tang smiled brightly.

In a flash, Wei Tang grabbed Lu Mingchao’s hand and skipped out of the restaurant.

Lu Mingchao barely managed to wave at Lu Yao from afar.

Once outside the tavern, Wei Tang patted her chest, still shaken. "Luckily we got out quickly."

Lu Mingchao said, "There were no wild beasts."

Wei Tang bit her lip. "There were no wild beasts, but there was..."

There was a stunning beauty.

Used to Lu Yao's cold demeanor, seeing him with sparkling eyes and moist lips made her heart race.

Stay composed!

Stay calm and rational!

Wei Tang lost count of how many times she repeated this to herself.

Lu Mingchao, seeing Wei Tang’s shy and timid gaze, understood.

She understood the impact of a cold, aloof immortal stepping into the mortal world.

In today's terms, it was both innocent and seductive.

At the Zhang residence.

As a woman and the owner of Chaofu Grain Shop, Lu Mingchao's visit made Grandfather Zhang unsure of who should greet her.

After some thought, he decided to join his wife in greeting her.

He also wanted to meet the Mr. Lu who had repeatedly bested the eldest son of the Sun family.

Though a rising star who should keep a low profile, she had made a name for herself in Changhe County by surpassing the Sun family.

Leaning on his cane, Grandfather Zhang squinted at the two in the reception hall from afar.

One of them was familiar—the young lady from the Wei family.

The other had to be the formidable Mr. Lu.

She stood tall yet relaxed, slightly bowing her head as she slowly took the hot tea from a maid.

She skimmed the foam, blew on the tea, and took a leisurely sip, radiating calm.

She sat with her head down, exuding no outward authority.

Yet, her slender figure displayed a natural ease, as if long accustomed to power, exuding calm.

There was no stiffness, timidity, or arrogance.

She seemed as ordinary as if she were just visiting casually.

Grandfather Zhang cleared his throat and entered with his wife, taking their seats at the head of the room.

Lu Mingchao set down her teacup and calmly greeted, "Junior pays respects to Grandfather Zhang and Madam Zhang."

The Zhang family's pillar personally meeting her was surprising yet understandable.

"I have long heard of the great reputation of Mr. Lu from Chaofu Grain Shop, and today’s meeting lives up to the hype," Grandfather Zhang greeted him.

Madam Zhang, detached from worldly concerns, turned the prayer beads in her hand, as still and silent as a clay Buddha.

Lu Mingchao fiddled with the ring on her finger, her tone sincere and earnest, "Is that so?"

"What kind of reputation?"

Grandfather Zhang: ...

"Is it because the dead are to be respected?"