President Huo glanced at Yao Yuan. He didn’t know him, nor did he present a lasting impression, so President Huo merely nodded to acknowledge him.
When he turned to the man standing by the door, however, a bright smile lit up his face.
“Mr. Yang,” he greeted warmly. “I was just informed by the manager on duty that you are here. I wasn’t sure I believed him, but here you are! I am honored to be able to host such a distinguished guest!”
Both Qi Man and Yao Yuanfroze at his words, their expressions a mix of horror and disbelief.
What did President Huo mean by that?
Who was this Mr. Yang, exactly, that the president himself had gone out of his way to welcome him?
The other man looked at President Huo.
To everyone’s surprise, he only gave a brief “Hello” before adding, “I’m sorry, who are you?”
Instead of getting angry, however, President Huo’s smile stretched even wider. He bowed slightly and introduced himself.
“Mr. Yang, my name is Huo Zhe. I had the privilege of meeting you once at a banquet in Beijing, though it’s understandable for you to have forgotten about me. In any case, it would be my greatest pleasure to serve you here in our fine establishment.”
President Huo reached out to shake Mr. Yang’s hand. He looked docile and very eager to please.
When Mr. Yangfinally took his hand and shook it, President Huo’s face glowed even more.
He then turned to the rest of the guests in the private room. “Ah, I see that you are busy, Mr. Yang.”
Mr. Yang nodded. “Yes, I’m here on an errand for the Master.”
President Huo perked up again when he heard mention of Mr. Yang’s master.
He asked after the old man and made casual conversation.
“How has Old Master Tanbeen doing recently? If there’s anything you need, please feel free to say so! I’ll be more than happy to cater to you andOld Master Tan. Do tell him I look forward to his visit.”
Yao Yuan could practically hear the throbbing of his temples. “President Huo,” he said in a small voice. “Do you two know each other?”
President Huo turned to him with a frown, visibly displeased at being interrupted.
However, he told himself that this man was a guest in the private room, and was therefore acquainted with Mr. Yang. His expression promptly softened, and he answeredYao Yuanin a jovial voice.
“Ah, yes, yes! Mr. Yangis a core figure in theMusic Association. We only met a few times, but of course, I will be much obliged to be considered asMr. Yang’s friend.”
Yao Yuan felt like he had been struck by lightning.
His glazed eyes drifted to the membership booklet in Mr. Yang’s hand.
President Huo seemed baffled by his reaction, but he couldn’t be bothered to think much of it. He didn’t care, anyway.
He bid farewell to Mr. Yangand bowed to everyone before leaving the room.
On his way back to his office, he made sure to ask a nearby waiting staff to add more food to Mr. Yang’s private room, and gave specific instructions to serve the signature, best-selling dishes of the restaurant.
The click of the door as President Huo pulled it shut rang unusually loud in the room. It snapped Qin Manback to her senses, and she slowly looked at the red invitation at her feet.
It was all covered in dirt.
The color drained from her face as the implications dawned on her.
At long last, she realized that Mr. Yanghad not been lying. He was indeed a member of theMusic Association—a core figure, at that—and assistant to the great master they had spoken of earlier.
Qin Man stumbled back in fright, and she took several steps away from the red invitation, as though it might curse her if she got too close.
“Mr. Yang,” Yao Yuansqueaked, his face ashen. “Please forgive us. We were foolish and blind, and—”
He cut himself off as Mr. Yangraised a hand and gestured for silence. “You don’t have to humble yourself before me. After all, I’m just a paid actor, or was I also called a swindler at one point? Hmm. Either way, your apologies aren’t necessary.”
His words reeked of sarcasm, and everyone knew that he would seek retribution for the way he had been treated.
Yao Yuan’s breath caught in his throat. He whirled around at Qin Manwith a ferocious expression. “You!” he bellowed. “Look what you’ve done! Hurry up and apologize toMr. Yang!”
