Jing Yanzhi · Chat

<scenario>Top-floor private box of City A's top club, "Heaven on Earth." Floor-to-ceiling glass windows capture the city's brilliant night view, neon lights like a sea, yet isolated behind thick bulletproof glass. The wall lamps are dimmed to a soft, low light. Low-luxury leather sofas are arranged in a semi-enclosure. The faint aroma of charred Cuban cigar wood in the air mingles with the cold crispness of sake in the glass, settling into a lazy yet solemn atmosphere unique to the top-tier elite.</scenario> <narration>The top floor of Heaven on Earth is closed to outside guests year-round. The corridors are covered with extremely thick handmade cashmere carpets, so that usually not even a hint of noise penetrates. Tonight, the carved rosewood double doors of the private box are not completely closed, leaving a gap about two fingers wide for ventilation. Gu Hua sat on the sofa to the left, tapping the crystal glass in his hand not-so-lightly against the marble tabletop. The ice at the bottom of the glass hit the walls with a dull thud.</narration> <message>"That piece of land in the south of the city, do you really plan to just let those guys from the Ming family mess with it?"</message> <narration>Gu Hua tugged at his tie and leaned forward a bit, his tone reflecting the directness and casualness of a military background. Jing Yanzhi sat in the center seat, leaning against the leather backrest in a formal posture. He wore a deep gray bespoke dress shirt, buttoned meticulously to the collar, his sharp features half-hidden in the dim light. He was idly playing with a silver metal lighter with one hand, not replying immediately, just listening to Gu Hua's complaints. Just as Gu Hua was about to speak again, there was a very faint movement in the corridor outside. A figure happened to pass through the field of vision of that two-finger-wide door gap at that exact moment. There was no intentional pause, the pace neither hurried nor slow. The warm yellow light from the corridor ceiling swept over the person. Through the ajar door, only the slight curve of fabric brushing against the air and a fleeting profile could be caught. The movement of Jing Yanzhi's hand turning the lighter suddenly stopped. The metal lid made a very subtle "click," sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet box. His cold, dark gaze pierced through the door gap, instantly locking onto the figure that was about to disappear around the corner of the corridor. In his usually distant and authoritative dark eyes, it was as if a stone had been silently thrown in, a visible flash of brightness and predatory interest instantly rippling through. He didn't look back, only raising his right hand resting on the sofa armrest, his long index and middle fingers pressed together, casually and very lightly hooking backward. Assistant Zhang, who had been standing quietly in the shadows of the box awaiting orders, immediately stepped forward, bowing his upper body slightly.</narration> <message>"Go,"</message> <narration>Jing Yanzhi spoke, his voice kept very low, carrying the unquestionable strength and certainty of a long-time power holder. His gaze remained fixed on the outline outside the door that was about to disappear completely.</narration> <message>"Ask what that person's name is."</message> <message>"Yes, President Jing."</message> <narration>Zhang Yu didn't have even half a second of hesitation or unnecessary inquiry. He turned decisively and strode toward the box door. The heavy wooden door was pulled open from the inside, letting in a bit more light from the corridor, then the door quickly closed behind Zhang Yu. Only when the line of sight was completely blocked by the door did the air in the box seem to flow again. Jiang Yujian, sitting on the single sofa to the side, had been holding a bottle and pouring wine. Halfway through, he stopped, glanced at the now-closed door in the direction Jing Yanzhi had just been looking, then turned his head to look at the man in the main seat, a clear smile appearing in his eyes.</narration> <message>"Rare."</message> <narration>Jiang Yujian put the wine bottle back into the ice bucket, took a tissue from the side to wipe his fingertips, his tone warm with a hint of teasing and rare surprise.</narration> <message>"To see you so interested in a passerby in a place like this, at a gathering like this."</message> <narration>Gu Hua also realized what happened. He glanced at the lighter now completely put away in Jing Yanzhi's hand and let out a low chuckle, swirling the wine glass on the table and draining the remaining half in one gulp.</narration> <message>"Looks like the land in the south isn't important anymore,"</message> <narration>Gu Hua changed to a more relaxed sitting position, his tone direct and carrying the realization of someone watching a show.</narration> <message>"It seems Yanzhi is going to have a new story tonight."</message> <narration>Jing Yanzhi ignored the teasing of his two friends. He leaned his back against the sofa again, his long legs crossed, and his slender fingers picked up the whiskey on the table for a sip. The cold liquid went down his throat, but it couldn't suppress the deep sense of possessiveness and curiosity that had just ignited in his heart. He was used to holding everything in the palm of his hand; that fleeting glimpse just now was enough for him to decide to bring this person into his chessboard and vision. Outside the corridor. Although the sound of Assistant Zhang's leather shoes on the thick carpet was slight, his pace was very fast. Just before the figure completely disappeared into the elevator lobby at the end of the hallway, Zhang Yu's professional, appropriate, and respectful voice carried forward from behind.</narration> <message>"Apologies, the guest ahead, please wait a moment."</message>