<h4>Chapter 1190: Chapter 1197: Hong Family Banquet (Part 1)</h4>


    "Old Tang, how much more do you know about Hong Wei?"


    "That’s all I know. There’s a saying among Beijing’s elite: it’s better to offend King Yan than Hong Wei. Crossing Hong Wei is akin to courting death." Tang Yuan advised, "I don’t know what you’re nning, but in any case, try to avoid a conflict with him."


    Ling Chen shrugged helplessly, "I’m afraid that’s not possible. Hong Wei secretly hired an assassin to attempt to kill Wanqing. Do you think I can just sit by and do nothing?"


    "Is that true?" Tang Yuan furrowed his brow, "However, I still advise against a direct confrontation with Hong Wei. Besides, Miss Nanrong doesn’t reside permanently in Beijing. If it’s dangerous in Beijing, then let her go back to East Sea City."


    After listening to Tang Yuan’s advice, Ling Chen just nodded without saying anything more. After chatting with Tang Yuan for a while, since he had other matters to tend to and couldn’t stay out for long, Ling Chen apanied him out of the café, then rode alone back to his rented room.


    "Chen, it seems that dealing with Hong Wei won’t be easy," Jiang Yunkai said. When Ling Chen ryed Tang Yuan’s words to the group, everyone felt it would be difficult. Whether in terms of background or the power at their disposal, they couldn’tpare to Hong Wei.


    "Boss Tang, what do you think?" Ling Chen turned his gaze to the pondering Tang Guolun.


    Tang Guolun raised his head and said meaningfully, "Since we can’t do it openly, why not in secret? Didn’t you say Hong Wei is best at underhanded tactics? That’s precisely our expertise too. Hong Wei controls the underworld forces in Beijing; he surely has many illegal activities. We might as well start from there."


    "That’s a good proposal." Ling Chen nodded with a smile, "I’ve been thinking the same." As he finished speaking, Ling Chen shifted his gaze to Zhu Qing, who was sitting silently nearby. Sensing Ling Chen’s attention, Zhu Qing said irritably, "Why are you looking at me?"


    "Lady Zhu, I think you’re the most suitable for this kind of task. What do you say?"


    Zhu Qing was originally an assassin, skilled in various assassination and stealth techniques, making her the best choice for action.


    "My responsibility is to protect your safety, not act as your goon. You’d better find someone else." Zhu Qing refused without hesitation.


    Ling Chen acted as if he didn’t see Zhu Qing’s reluctance, smilingly said, "Lady Zhu, I asked Mr. Zhu, aside from protecting my safety, you mustply with my requests as long as I need besides that, unless it vites the Zhu Family’s rules. Otherwise, you cannot refuse me. Hong Wei’s acts are all illegal; you hitting him should not vite the rules, right? Mr. Zhu also told me that if you don’t perform well, I can lodge aint with the Zhu Family."


    "You... humph!" Zhu Qing eximed in anger, "Do you still call yourself a man, only knowing how to threaten me."


    "I’m certainly a man; if you don’t believe me, we could test it out. Anyway, there’s a vacant room over there."


    Upon hearing Ling Chen tease Zhu Qing in public, everyone pursed their lips and secretly chuckled. Seeing the unusual gazes from everyone, Zhu Qing felt her cheeks heat up, turning as red as an apple, causing everyone’s hearts to flutter.


    "Filthy rascal!" Zhu Qing spat, turned, and walked into her room.


    "Chen, you’ve really got skills." Jiang Yunkai gave a thumbs-up.


    "Alright, enough joking. Kai, I’m counting on you for the next few days, try to gather intelligence about Hong Wei’s underground forces’ bases."


    "No problem."


    "Ling Chen, aren’t you nning to check on your girlfriend?" Tang Guolun asked.


    Upon hearing this, Ling Chen was momentarily stunned, then quickly realized Tang Guolun was referring to Nanrong Wanqing. "Not for now, let’s deal with what’s at hand first."


    Just as he finished speaking, Ling Chen’s phone rang in his pocket. Answering the call, Ling Chen asked, "Haozi, what’s up?"


    Whatever Nanrong Hao said on the phone, Ling Chen’s expression quickly turned strange.


    "Alright, I’ve got it." Hanging up the phone, Ling Chen looked at Tang Guolun and Jiang Yunkai, smiled and said, "Looks like I’ll be meeting Hong Wei tonight."


    Nanrong Hao called to inform that Hong Wei was hosting a banquet tonight, inviting various elite members, including Nanrong Wanqing and Nanrong Hao. Having sent an assassin to target Nanrong Wanqing a few days ago and now inviting her, there’s a chance the opponent might strike during the evening’s g. Hence, Nanrong Hao hoped Ling Chen could attend the banquet as Nanrong Wanqing’s partner, covertly ensuring her safety.


    Ling Chen also wished to meet Hong Wei, to see what kind of formidable foe he was.


    Nightfall.


    Wearing a newly purchased tailcoat, Ling Chen traveled to the hotel where Nanrong Wanqing was staying. After speaking with Nanrong Hao over the phone, within ten minutes, the impably dressed Nanrong Hao and Nanrong Wanqing emerged from the hotel.


    Seeing Nanrong Wanqing approaching, although the two were already familiar, Ling Chen still felt a sense of awe.


    Nanrong Wanqing’s outfit tonight was elegant, a white evening gown with light makeup perfectly highlighting her natural beauty. Though simple, this attire undoubtedly suited Nanrong Wanqing best. Like a snow lotus on the iceberg, pristine and immacte, even without adornments, she was captivatingly beautiful.


    "Wanqing." Before they got close, Ling Chen stepped forward.


    "Ling Chen?" Nanrong Wanqing seemed surprised to see Ling Chen suddenly appearing there, "When did youe to Beijing?"


    "Just arrived today. Heard you needed a partner, so I came uninvited. What do you think, I’m all dressed up, you won’t turn me away, will you?"


    Nanrong Wanqing shot a nce at Nanrong Hao beside her, knowing without guessing, it must have been Nanrong Hao secretly informing him. However, despite this, she was genuinely pleased with Ling Chen’s presence. Lately, she had been unsettled, feeling uneasy even during sleep. With Ling Chen by her side now, all worries instantly disappeared.


    At this moment, a Mercedes slowly pulled up and stopped at the hotel entrance. A man in a suit quickly stepped out, courteously smiled and said, "Good evening, Miss Nanrong, Mr. Nanrong, Mr. Hong sent me to pick you up."


    "Mr. Hong is very kind."


    "Miss Nanrong is an esteemed guest of Mr. Hong; it’s only appropriate. Please, all three of you, get in!" As he said this, the man nced at Ling Chen beside, without asking many questions.


    The car drove for about twenty minutes, finally arriving at the venue for the banquet.


    Mingquan Hotel!


    On the way, Ling Chen learned from the suited man that Mingquan Hotel is one of Hong Wei’s properties, ssified as a tinum five-star hotel.