Chapter 325: The First Tale (1/2)

At 8:00 pm, Dali and Xiaotao entered the room. ”Song Yang, what are you doing contemplating here all by yourself?” asked Xiaotao. “You didn’t even turn on the lights!”

She switched on the lamp, the light illuminating a sharply-dressed Dali. Staring at the suit and tie, I asked curiously, ”Dali, are you going to an interview?”

“You’re so forgetful!” Xiaotao burst out laughing, ”Didn't we talk about meeting Xu Zhipeng at night? Dali said he wanted to join in on the fun.”

I slapped my forehead. Our plans had completely slipped my mind. I stood up and turned to leave.

Dali asked if we were going to change into formal wear. ”We have the letter of assistance, so what’s the point of wearing formal clothing?”

”Should I change out of the suit then?” he faltered. “I borrowed it from our roommate just for this occasion.”

“There’s no need,” Xiaotao patted him on the shoulder. ”With this outfit, you might be able to hook up with a rich woman.”

The three of us drove to the dinner which was sponsored by the International Animal Protection Agency. Hence, the theme tonight was all about protecting the environment and wildlife. Anyway, the wealthy would find any reason to hold a party.

The dinner party was naturally a picture of elegance and calm. Taking these wealthy folk as an example, Dali circled around the room with a glass of champagne in hand but his temperament couldn’t hide his humble origins. A rich woman stopped him, ”Waiter, bring me a hand towel!”

Xiaotao and I almost burst out laughing. ”Do I look like a waiter?” Dali asked with the expression of a sad puppy.

”Just enjoy the buffet!” comforted Xiaotao.

”How can I let that stop me?” Dali said through gritted teeth. “I have to try to make some connections. An opportunity like this comes once in a blue moon.”

”Good luck then!” encouraged Xiaotao.

A while later, Dali returned to us in shame, though he feigned disdain. ”These rich folk are so boring!”

”You don't have to be friends with these people,” Xiaotao consoled. “Just start your business and when you have enough money one day, they’ll be lining up to praise you.”

“You’re absolutely right!” Dali nodded.

”By the way, you keep mentioning starting a business but you haven’t told us what it’s about. Do you need my help?” offered Xiaotao.

”I’ll keep that a secret for the time being,” chuckled Dali. “But I promise, you’ll soon find out.”

Right then, Xiaotao’s attention was focused in one direction. ”Attention all units, our target has appeared!”

”Mr. Xu, I might have forgotten to tell you what my job is,” Xiaotao began.

”Might I ask what that is?” said Mr. Xu.

Xiaotao flashed her police badge, prompting a change in Xu Zhipeng's expression. He frowned, ”I wasn't aware that Ms. Huang was a police officer. I apologize if I showed any disrespect. May I know why you’re looking for me?”

”Mr. Xu, may we have a word?” I interrupted.

We hid in the corner, away from the crowd. Xiaotao pulled out the letter of assistance and stated her purpose right away.

”I understand now. So you found a dead body in the outskirts of the city and you suspect that it’s related to me,” he surmised. “But I can guarantee that it’s got nothing to do with me. I’ve always been an honest, law-abiding citizen. I can swear I’ve never done anything to hurt another soul.”

Glancing at his fat fingers, I held out the gold ring. ”Do you recognize this?”

”No!” he refuted.