Chapter 127: A Chance Encounter with Huang Wanting

Seeing that Jiang Muyun was safe and sound, Zhang Shen felt the most pressing matter now was to head straight to Dragon Four.

"Miss Mu, Number 8 Zhongshan Road, Panlong Restaurant."

After Zhang Shen relayed the destination to Mu Qiao, he, Wang Ying, and Meng Ran took their seats in the back. Mu Qiao, however, seemed curious about the name of the establishment.

"Panlong Restaurant? The first part of the name sounds rather imposing, but the latter part is truly underwhelming," Mu Qiao mused to herself. Her expression, however, did not escape Jiang Muyun’s notice.

"Sister Mu, what’s wrong?" Jiang Muyun asked, sensing something amiss with her companion’s demeanor.

"It’s nothing, just that it feels a bit suspicious."

Mu Qiao’s words caught Zhang Shen’s attention. "Does Miss Mu have some insight to share? I am all ears." In Zhang Shen’s view, many hands make light work, and perhaps Mu Qiao’s mature and composed nature could offer him some valuable perspective.

"I wouldn't call it insight, but the name does strike me as rather odd."

"Oh? How so?"

"Look, 'Panlong' (Coiling Dragon) is not 'Wolong' (Crouching Dragon). It suggests that the person behind this has significant ambition and a domineering air. But then, to pair it with the mundane word 'Restaurant'—don't you find that baffling?"

Zhang Shen found her reasoning quite compelling. "I think Miss Mu has a point. If that’s the case, we must be prepared to act according to the situation."

"What do you mean?" Mu Qiao appreciated Zhang Shen’s validation, but she was more concerned with the details of the plan forming in his mind.

"Wang Ying, this matter is intricately linked to you, so I’ve decided you should not go inside. As for you, Meng Ran, stay outside with Wang Ying. Miss Mu, as our mobile support, stay in the car..."

Before Zhang Shen could finish, Jiang Muyun raised her hand from the front seat and called out, "What about me?"

"How could I forget you? You’ll come inside with me to scout the situation, and then we’ll discuss our next move."

Before Zhang Shen could finish outlining the plan, Mu Qiao immediately intervened. "Absolutely not. How could you lead the young lady into a den of wolves? If anything, I should be the one to accompany you."

"You?" Zhang Shen knew Mu Qiao was protective of her charge, but he felt that in terms of rapport and cooperation, the girl Jiang Muyun was a much better fit. "Miss Mu, I understand your concern, but this plan has been carefully considered. You can rest assured."

Mu Qiao, however, did not seem convinced. "To be honest, I am not certain if Mr. Zhang’s plan will succeed. I don't feel a shred of security regarding this restaurant you speak of. Can you truly guarantee the young lady’s safety?"

Though her words lacked sharp edges, they were filled with skepticism—a clear attempt to prevent Jiang Muyun from following Zhang Shen into danger. Zhang Shen himself lacked total confidence in escaping unscathed, let alone protecting another young woman in unfamiliar territory. Yet, thinking of the sincerity in Wang Ying’s eyes, he felt compelled to seek the truth. If Mu Qiao was right, perhaps the girl was indeed ill-suited for this.

"Sister Mu, please, let me go inside! At least I can keep him company! You two can stay outside to provide backup."

"But, Miss..."

Jiang Muyun knew what her personal assistant was about to say, so she replied immediately, "Don’t worry, Sister Mu. Although Zhang Shen can be a bit scatterbrained, he has been very kind to me. You can set your mind at ease."

Seeing that Jiang Muyun had made up her mind, Mu Qiao found it difficult to refuse. "Since you have decided, I will say no more." She turned to Zhang Shen and added, "You must ensure the young lady’s safety. If she suffers even the slightest harm, I will hold you personally accountable."

Though Mu Qiao was a woman, her words were filled with authority. After a long moment of contemplation, Zhang Shen finally replied, "I promise, Miss Mu."

Only after receiving his assurance did Mu Qiao feel slightly more at ease. Though she knew Zhang Shen’s character, she felt it necessary to give him a stern warning to prevent any mishaps. With that, she drove the Buick toward Zhongshan Road.

About half an hour later, the group arrived.

"So this is Zhongshan Road? Why does it feel so remote?"

Indeed, while technically part of Yuehu City, this area was starkly different from where Zhang Shen had been before.

"You wouldn't know, but this used to be nothing but barren hills. It was only after the city’s overall urban planning that it was developed into what you see now," Jiang Muyun explained, seeing Zhang Shen’s confusion.

"I see. You clever girl, you know quite a lot. But it doesn't look like there’s any restaurant here." Zhang Shen had already scanned the area, but the Panlong Restaurant was nowhere to be seen.

Just then, however, he caught sight of a familiar figure. "Isn't that the young lady?"

His remark drew an immediate reaction. "Well, well, Zhang Shen. I didn't realize you were so straightforward yet so fickle! Tell me honestly, which wayward girl have you lured into trouble this time?"

Zhang Shen was left bewildered; he had only met the girl a few times, and he wasn't even sure if Huang Wanting still harbored misunderstandings about him. As he thought about this, he realized a more important point: since he had encountered someone he knew, perhaps he should consult with her—it might lead to an unexpected breakthrough.

"Wang Ying, give me your black bag. It is time for the person who tied the knot to untie it." He reached out, signaling for the bag. He glanced at Meng Ran, whose eyes were darting back and forth.

Soon, Wang Ying handed over the backpack. After taking it, Zhang Shen said to Jiang Muyun, "Little Yun, brother is taking you out for a big meal."

Jiang Muyun was excited and ready to hop out of the car, but was suddenly pulled back by Mu Qiao.

"Sister Mu, what’s wrong?"