Chapter 1417: Chapter 1417: An Unexpected Encounter on the High-Speed Rail
Old Fu left, and after a brief discussion, Ye Fan and Mengyao decided to take Qiu Wen and Du Xueqi along with them.
There was no need for more people; on the surface, having enough power was sufficient, and in secret, there was no need for much worry. If the auction went smoothly, they would rely on Mengyao’s financial prowess to crush their opponents.
After preparing, Ye Fan, Mengyao, Qiu Wen, Du Xueqi, Qi Haomin, and Qi Sixue — six people in total — boarded the high-speed train, heading straight to their destination, Jin City.
In the carriage, Qi Haomin respectfully said, "Mr. Ye, President Chu, I entrust mine and my daughter’s safety to you."
As a collector who had unwittingly attracted such troubles, claiming not to be afraid would be a lie; he could only pin his hopes on others now.
Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, who could warrant such respect from Old Fu, undoubtedly became Qi Haomin’s lifesaver.
"Don’t worry, there’s nothing to be afraid of," Ye Fan replied casually.
"May we take a look at the information on that ancient painting?" Chu Mengyao asked courteously.
"Of course, absolutely," Qi Haomin affirmed, then turned to his daughter and said, "Sixue."
Qi Sixue took out her phone and handed it to Chu Mengyao, saying, "This is the electronic information, President Chu. Take a look, and if there’s anything unclear, feel free to ask me."
"Thank you," Chu Mengyao nodded.
"President Chu, you’re too kind," Qi Sixue replied.
Ye Fan wasn’t very familiar with the underworld situation in Jin City; everything would have to wait until they arrived at their destination to slowly understand.
According to Old Fu, forces he had dealt with included the Black Cat Team, Peng Bird, and Boss Zuo, among others. Japan was obviously the biggest enemy.
A storm of bloodshed was unavoidable; no matter whose hands the ancient painting ended up in, it would cause great trouble, and others would certainly try everything to obtain it. It involved a large number of cultural relics, a staggering wealth that no force could remain indifferent to.
Whether Japan was determined to get it or other forces wanted to take a share, these were unavoidable matters.
When Old Fu learned the secret of the ancient painting, at the very moment Japan was determined to acquire the painting, he leaked the secret, attracting the peeping of many forces. It was precisely a good time to fish in troubled waters.
Most importantly, if they could get the other two crucial ancient paintings from Japan, it would be ideal.
"Mr. Ye, President Chu, even Old Fu holds you in such high regard, which is truly unbelievable. This alone shows your influence," Qi Sixue said with a probing smile, "While I don’t know why this is, I know you must be important figures with terrifying energy."
Qi Sixue was aware of Chu Mengyao’s immense wealth, but didn’t know much about Ye Fan. However, from Old Fu’s attitude, there were many things beyond her imagination, which was precisely what intrigued her.
"It’s nothing much," Ye Fan dismissed casually.
Qi Haomin noticed that Ye Fan and President Chu didn’t want to answer and inwardly blamed his daughter for asking unnecessary questions. Looking at her, he said, "Sixue, don’t ask irrelevant things unnecessarily. Have some manners."
Qi Sixue’s eyes darted around before casting an apologetic glance and she remained silent.
Just then, the door of the carriage was knocked upon, a rhythmic sound echoing.
Qiu Wen got up and opened the door. Two women stood outside, and she asked without emotion, "Who are you? Who are you looking for?"
"Is Mr. Ye Fan here?" one of the women timidly asked; she was Zhou Qiuyan.
Ye Fan had seen Zhou Qiuyan at the film set; she was one of the celebrities with a good relationship with Chu Biyao.
The other woman accompanying Zhou Qiuyan was named Lu Qianqian, a close friend of Zhou Qiuyan.
Qiu Wen didn’t ask who Zhou Qiuyan and Lu Qianqian were, she turned her head to the carriage, smiling, "Master, two beauties are looking for you, will you see them?"
"Two beauties? Your benefactor’s charm is great; randomly encountering beauties who come up to chat, truly a blessing," Lu Xueqi said in a teasing whisper, sitting next to Chu Mengyao.
Qi Sixue keenly looked at Chu Mengyao and then focused on Ye Fan, trying to detect some hint of jealousy or unusual emotion, but unfortunately found nothing.
Chu Mengyao looked completely unaffected.
Ye Fan appeared completely unaffected as well.
"They say the two are engaged, but this couple is quite odd. The man isn’t interested at all in beauties who show up looking for him, appearing completely unfazed. The woman doesn’t care either, she must have a big heart," Qi Sixue thought as she looked at Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, waves of emotion stirring beneath her calm exterior.
She was already very interested in Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, and now her curiosity was even more piqued.
Qi Haomin pretended to know nothing, seeing no need to interject.
"Let them in," Ye Fan said calmly. As for the two women outside, frankly speaking, he was clueless about them and didn’t bother to ask about their identities, just letting them in first.
Zhou Qiuyan and Lu Qianqian entered the carriage.
"Qianqian!" a female voice exclaimed in surprise.
It was Lu Qianqian’s voice.
She was already curious, her eyes fixed on the doorway, and as soon as she saw Lu Qianqian, she immediately recognized her identity — wasn’t this her best friend?
"Sixue!" Following the voice, Lu Qianqian saw Qi Sixue and also exclaimed in surprise.
"What are you doing here?" Qi Sixue and Lu Qianqian’s voices echoed in unison again.
Lu Qianqian also saw Qi Haomin and respectfully said, "Hello Uncle."
"Qianqian, come over and sit," Qi Haomin replied, slightly surprised.
Ye Fan, Mengyao, and others had no interest in knowing how Qi Haomin and his daughter were acquainted with Lu Qianqian; they didn’t even know Lu Qianqian’s identity, but clearly, this was a chance encounter.
"You know each other?" Zhou Qiuyan asked, somewhat surprised, looking at Lu Qianqian and the Qi family duo, then dismissing it, she approached Ye Fan and happily said, "Mr. Ye, do you remember me?"
While speaking, her gaze fell on Chu Mengyao, and she continued, "You’re President Chu, right? I recognize you."
"You are?" Chu Mengyao asked.
"Oh, I’m Zhou Qiuyan, Biyao’s friend. Not long ago, I even met Mr. Ye on set, so you could say we’re acquainted," Zhou Qiuyan replied, smiling.
"Please, have a seat," Chu Mengyao invited.
As her sister’s friend, she naturally had to be hospitable.
Zhou Qiuyan was going to Jin City for a commercial performance, something planned long ago, and she was on her way to her destination now.
Chu Biyao had planned to have Ye Fan speak a word, asking Lu Binwang, the host, to take care of Zhou Qiuyan, but she refused.
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