60 THE SPOILS OF WAR (1/2)
Qiu Dawei drove straight for Hua Zhendan's apartment from the restaurant. If it was a movie, holding an important recording like this, anything could happen if he wasted more time than necessary. He could get shot or something. Since Shen Rui was movie-wicked, he didn't want to take any chances.
Parked one block away from Hua Zhendan's house, he opened his shirt and removed several wires that had been previously taped to his chest. He then made a call.
\”Hello.\” The voice from the other end spoke immediately the call connected.
\”Hello, Su Yang. It's me, Qiu Dawei.\”
\”How did your escapade go?\” Su Yang asked.
\”Very well. Thanks a lot for the recording device.\”
\”Don't thank me. You paid for it.\”
\”Right. Can you help me edit the audio and remove that part where I said I would win Hua Zhendan back? He doesn't need to hear that.\”
\”This would cost you extra money, though...\”
Hua Zhendan had told him about Su Yang when he was talking about his many fights with Xuan Tianyi. However, Hua Zhendan hadn't failed to mention that she put a price on everything. Qiu Dawei nodded. \”Okay. You do it. I'll pay you any amount you want.\”
\”You're a good sport.\”
\”Can you do me one more favor?\”
\”That... Of course. It's—\”
\”Going to cost me extra, I know.\”
\”What do you want?\” Su Yang asked with a cheer in her voice.
\”Can you get Xuan Tianmei to send this recording to Xuan Tianyi? He needs to know what kind of a person Shen Rui really is. If Hua Zhendan doesn't react to this like I want him to, then maybe Xuan Tianyi would come back home to win his lover.\”
Su Yang was silent for a moment. When she finally spoke up, she asked. \”I usually mind my business, but why are you doing this?\”
\”Isn't it obvious? I really just want Hua Zhendan to stop being sad.\”
\”At the moment, Hua Zhendan is depressed and vulnerable. If I have learned anything from my mentor, this should be the best time to go after him. You're still in love with him, right? Instead of trying to reunite him and some other person, why don't you just enjoy the spoils of war?\”
Qiu Dawei sighed. \”I'm not the kind of guy who preys on other people's misfortune to squeeze out benefits for themselves..\” He continued. \”I don't care for Xuan Tianyi, but I care very much for Hua Zhendan and I want him to be happy. Unfortunately, Hua Zhendan loves Xuan Tianyi and not me. Even if I'm able to win Hua Zhendan back, which I'm sure would be a lot of work, he still wouldn't be happy with me. And... I'm not trying to reunite Hua Zhendan and some other man, I'm just trying to make him happy again. No matter what it takes.\”
\”Why did you tell Shen Rui you would go after him then?\”
\”I was trying to rile her up and get her to confess. I have no intention of feeding my affection to someone who won't return it.\”
\”So, you were bluffing as well when you promised to make her lose her son's affection?\”
\”Yes. I mean, I would love to give Shen Rui a taste of her own medicine, their mother-son bond is so strong that Hua Zhendan always just forgives her, neverminding what she has done. I can't possibly do anything about that.\” Qiu Dawei shrugged as he spoke the last words.
\”I sent the recording to your phone.\” Su Yang said.
\”Okay. I'm outside Hua Zhendan's apartment now. I'll just go in and play this to him. Don't forget to give it to Xuan Tianmei like I asked you to. Send me your bill. I'll send your payment a little later.\”
\”Don't worry about it.\”
Qiu Dawei furrowed his brow. He wasn't sure Su Yang had been speaking to him. \”What shouldn't I worry about?\”
\”Paying me.\”
\”Ah! Why not?\”
\”Well... You're going through all this trouble for someone else's happiness. Mostly. If you can be this nice, then surely, I can do one nice thing for you as well.\”
Qiu Dawei smiled. \”I thought you wanted to be evil like Shen Rui. Isn't that why she is your mentor?\”
\”No. I never said I wanted to be evil like her. I just want to be able to scheme like her. If I had half of her scheming skills, I'd be able to mess with people to amuse myself. Pity I'm not that smart.\”
Qiu Dawei smiled again. \”Don't put yourself down. I'm sure you'll be able to scheme like her someday.\”
\”Thanks for that. I'll keep it in mind. Bye now.\”
\”Bye.\”
Qiu Dawei checked the recording to ensure it was what he wanted. He then started his car continued to drive until he was in Hua Zhendan's garage.
Qiu Dawei walked towards Hua Zhendan's door with celerity but gave it a lazy knock on arrival. Quicker than he expected, Hua Zhendan opened the door to let him in.
\”Hey.\” Hua Zhendan mumbled as Qiu Dawei entered the apartment.
Qiu Dawei looked around the living room and gave Hua Zhendan the once-over. Everything in the apartment, including the owner, looked and smelled fresh. Without restraint, he commented. \”You look good.\”
Hua Zhendan chuckled. \”You weren't expecting me to, right?\”
\”Well, no.\” Qiu Dawei replied honestly. \”Not after the state I last saw you in.\”
Hua Zhendan sighed. He took a seat on a sofa, crossed his legs and announced. \”Xuan Tianyi was here this morning.\”