Not long after, Ke Shaozheng received a call from Guangtou and stood outside the café, staring at Cheng Yunqi inside drinking coffee. He thought, "Search high and low, only to find it effortlessly!" Hu Li had been ambiguous, not giving him a clear answer, and he didn't want to strain relations with the Hu family. The longer it took, the harder it would be to smuggle the drugs inland by the end of the year.

Guangtou's call informed him that the woman inside was indeed the eldest daughter of the Cheng family, one of the top import-export companies in Changle City. With such a large business, she must have extensive connections with customs and other departments. He could leverage this woman to smuggle the drugs.

Cheng Yunqi cherished that hand-drawn picture of the pocket watch, the same watch her cousin Hu Li wore 24/7. Reports indicated she had been searching for the owner of the pocket watch, allegedly having fallen for him at first sight. Ke Shaozheng smiled and walked gracefully back to his seat.

"Miss Cheng, you seem particularly fond of that drawing."

"Yes, I like it very much. I drew it myself."

"Miss Cheng, you are quite talented. I genuinely admire you. But it seems you are longing for someone through that drawing?" Ke Shaozheng looked into Cheng Yunqi's eyes, his voice soft, sincere, and tinged with a hint of sadness.

Cheng Yunqi, already unable to resist handsome men, was further disarmed by Ke Shaozheng's intense gaze. She finally lowered her guard and was willing to share her thoughts.

"You're right. I still don't know what the owner of this pocket watch looks like or even his name. Do you find it ridiculous that I'm infatuated with a man I know nothing about?"

"Not at all, because I believe that the connections and sparks between people are beyond our control."

"Thank you for saying that." Ke Shaozheng's affirmation made Cheng Yunqi feel she had found a confidant in her confusion, making her more amiable towards him.

"Actually... I might be able to help you."

"Unless you know him, any help would be in vain," Cheng Yunqi said, feeling hopeless.

"Could you lend me that drawing for a few days? I remember seeing a photo of this pocket watch at a friend's place. Maybe he can provide some information."

"Does your friend really have a photo of this pocket watch?" Cheng Yunqi asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Indeed. I recall seeing a photo of someone wearing it. Such a valuable antique must rarely leave its owner, so the person in the photo is likely the one you're looking for."

"Yes, your analysis is spot on. I'll give you my drawing. Can we get information today?" Cheng Yunqi asked urgently.

Ke Shaozheng replied with difficulty, "I can't say for sure. My friend is not in the country and travels frequently for work, so I'm not sure if I can reach him immediately... But don't worry, given your sincere feelings, I'll do my best to get the information as quickly as possible."

"Thank you so much. If you need any help, just let me know," Cheng Yunqi said gratefully.

Ke Shaozheng hesitated before speaking, and Cheng Yunqi urged him, "You sound like someone who has lived abroad for a long time. You must not be familiar with Haibin City. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

"Since you insist, I won't hold back. I'd like to explore Haibin City a bit. Would you have time to be our personal tour guide? You don't have to be with us all the time, just help us out when you're free."

"Of course." Hearing this, Cheng Yunqi's heart settled. She had feared he might ask for something too difficult, but he hadn't asked for anything unreasonable.

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Cheng Yunqi and Ke Shaozheng had a pleasant conversation, not only drinking coffee but also having lunch together, which Cheng Yunqi treated him to. Ke Shaozheng chivalrously had Guangtou drive Cheng Yunqi to Gao Ruqing's company.

When they arrived at the company building, Cheng Yunqi saw the secretary just getting off a bus. With a contemptuous glance, she walked into the building with a spring in her step.

Cheng Yunqi was in such a good mood that nothing could dampen it. Even when Cheng Jie called, instructing her to continue pursuing Shangguan Ning, she wasn't annoyed. Instead, she patiently told Cheng Jie that within a month, she could locate the man who owned that pocket watch. Once she had him, getting the man who was infatuated with her to help Cheng Jie in areas like funding, market expansion, connections, and information would be a breeze.

The siblings then discussed other matters. Cheng Jie had a broad perspective, while Cheng Yunqi had keen business insights. Their collaboration was indeed a powerful combination.

Not long after, Cheng Jie brought up something that particularly enraged Cheng Yunqi. He asked her to have dinner with Wang Wen, the president of the Gambling Stone Association and vice president of the Jade Chamber of Commerce in Dakou City. Wang Wen, in his fifties, was old and sleazy, with narrow eyes that always glinted lecherously. Just the thought of him made her sick, and she couldn't bear the idea of dining with him.

"Wang Wen has many connections with jade raw material suppliers and skilled gambling stone experts. These connections would be invaluable for our future jade jewelry company. Moreover, his elder brother is the deputy director of the Haibin City Industry and Commerce Bureau."

"I refuse to do it," Cheng Yunqi snapped. She was worried that Wang Wen wanted more than just dinner and would try to sleep with her. She didn't want to see him again, let alone let things go that far. The siblings ended their conversation on a sour note, and Cheng Yunqi began to look forward to news from Ke Shaozheng.

Ke Shaozheng, however, had no intention of telling Cheng Yunqi that Hu Li was the owner of the pocket watch. He concealed this information, preparing a trap instead. He intended to manipulate her emotions, using her love-struck state to lure her into his carefully laid snare.

Before long, Guangtou knocked and entered. Ke Shaozheng asked, "Is the new batch of drugs ready?"

"I just checked; two-thirds are done, and the remaining third will be completed next month."

"Good, the timing is perfect. We can use this time to play with our love-struck lamb. Have you contacted Hu Li?"

"Hu Da said their master is out of town on business and can't meet you immediately."

Ke Shaozheng laughed dryly, "My cousin is even craftier than his father. This might just be an excuse to avoid me. But no matter, there's plenty of time. Let's see how long he can hide. For the next month, none of you are to touch anything related to drugs or meet anyone involved. You are all just tourists on vacation. Consider it a paid holiday."

"Thank you, boss," Guangtou said respectfully. Ke Shaozheng waved him off. After making a few more calls, he flushed the SIM card down the toilet.

In a villa with a view of the De'en Temple, a neatly dressed Reed walked out of his room. Seeing Hu Er coming upstairs, he asked, "Is your master still not awake?"

"No sign of waking up," Hu Er replied.

Frowning, Reed followed him into Hu Li's bedroom. After another thorough examination, he administered the same medication as the day before.

"Isn't this drug not supposed to be used frequently?" Hu Da asked.

"But it's the only thing that might wake him up. Don't worry, he won't go down so easily. Now, both of you say together, 'Hua Yan is getting married!' in his ear."

"But we haven't heard any news about Miss Hua Yan getting married. Hu Er, you're close to her. Have you heard anything?"

Hu Er glared at Hu Da and said calmly, "Miss Hua Yan doesn't even have a boyfriend. Who would she marry? Reed is asking us to say this to wake the master up."

"Oh my God, will this actually work?" Hu Da asked.

"Just do as I say," Reed insisted.

"What will you do while we say Miss Hua Yan is getting married?" Hu Da asked.

"I'll be enjoying your master's excellent tea," Reed replied, earning disdainful looks from both Hu Da and Hu Er.

In an endless pool of blood, Hu Li struggled desperately but couldn't escape. The overwhelming stench of blood filled his nostrils. His body grew colder, and though he couldn't remember why, he felt a deep fear of losing something.

After what seemed like an eternity, he heard a distant voice, but it was unclear. A few minutes later, he made out the words: "Hua Yan is getting married! Hua Yan is getting married..."

The sudden pain in his heart was unbearable. Memories of meeting Hua Yan, dining with her, and watching movies flooded back. The words echoed incessantly in his ears, making him restless and agitated. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, he hoarsely shouted, "Stop saying that! Hua Yan is mine!"

Hu Li's angry roar startled the three men in the room. Reed, about to enjoy his tea, was so shocked that he spilled it on his suit.

Awakened by his own shout, Hu Li's first question was, "Who is Hua Yan marrying?" Though still weak, his voice was chillingly cold. Hu Da and Hu Er feared that if Miss Hua Yan really married someone else, their master might kill everyone.

"Master, Miss Hua Yan isn't getting married," Hu Er quickly explained. Hu Da echoed, assuring that it wasn't true.