Chapter Eighty-Two: The Eastern Empire

The presidential suite... apart from its opulence, what else could Zhuo Nan say? Having lived two lives, it was the first time he’d ever stepped into such a prestigious room. He recalled that in his “previous life,” the most luxurious hotel he’d ever stayed in was the Marriott in the capital, accompanying his boss on a business trip. He’d been given a suite costing over two thousand a night; back then, he’d already thought that room was astonishing. But compared to the presidential suite before him... he was utterly speechless.

Now, Brother Nan felt like Granny Liu entering the Grand View Garden, his eyes darting everywhere in awe. Swallow Rain of the East frowned discreetly at his side, muttering inwardly, “Country bumpkin.”

“Miss Dongfang... I may lack worldliness, but you needn’t call me a country bumpkin,” Zhuo Nan turned and looked at Swallow Rain of the East, his tone tinged with playful irony.

She was startled, thinking, “How did he know what I was thinking? He must be guessing…”

At that moment, Shiguo of the East emerged from the inner room, bursting into laughter when he saw Zhuo Nan. “This young friend must be Mr. Zhuo Nan, who saved my granddaughter twice!”

Zhuo Nan followed the sound and saw Shiguo of the East walking with vigor, his face radiant with health. The old man seemed in fine shape. Without ceremony, Zhuo Nan plopped himself onto the sofa and propped his feet up on the coffee table, presenting the perfect image of a street ruffian. Swallow Rain of the East quickly interjected, “Hey, aren’t you a bit too rude? Our master greeted you!”

Zhuo Nan glanced sideways at her. “You all invited me; I didn’t come to you of my own accord. If you have something to say, speak. If not, I’ll leave.”

“You…” Swallow Rain was infuriated but left speechless. Shiguo of the East waved his hand from the side. “Rain, step out for now.”

Swallow Rain stomped her feet in anger. “Yes, Master...” As she left, she shot Zhuo Nan a fierce glare, wishing she could tear this scoundrel to pieces.

“Mr. Zhuo Nan, you truly are a man of temperament, impressive,” Shiguo of the East remarked, his airs of seniority and posturing at their peak.

Zhuo Nan replied, “Don’t call me ‘mister.’ I’m not even as old as your granddaughter. Just call me Zhuo Nan. If you have business, speak plainly.”

“Straightforward!” Shiguo of the East laughed, then took a seat on the sofa and poured a cup of tea, pushing it in front of Zhuo Nan.

Zhuo Nan withdrew his feet, politely accepted the tea, and smiled, “Thank you.” Shiguo of the East had given him plenty of face, personally pouring tea for him; to continue acting impudent would seem boorish rather than bold.

“Then I’ll call you Zhuo Nan,” Shiguo of the East said with a smile.

Zhuo Nan nodded in assent. Shiguo of the East continued, “I invited you here to thank you for saving my granddaughter. My family has had its misfortunes...”

Zhuo Nan raised a hand to interrupt, “Mr. Dongfang, whether your family is fortunate or not is your own affair and has nothing to do with me. I just want to know how you intend to thank me.”

Shiguo of the East chuckled inwardly. “This young man is interesting. There are few in Z Country who’d dare speak to me like this. Though the Dongfang family has declined somewhat in recent years, our foundation remains. In the spheres of party, government, and military, who wouldn’t give us face? For him to address me so boldly, there are only two possibilities: one, he’s a fool, but judging by his ability to save Zhiyi twice, that’s unlikely. Two, he’s extremely confident in his abilities, perhaps egotistically so.” Shiguo of the East was curious to see what gave this youth such audacity.

He smiled and asked Zhuo Nan, “How do you want me to thank you?”

Zhuo Nan replied, “Mr. Dongfang, let’s not beat around the bush. I believe you still have many matters to handle, so I won’t take up your time. In this incident, Secretary Lan of the Political and Legal Committee in Deqing City played a significant role... I think you should thank him properly.”

Shiguo of the East was taken aback, then burst out laughing. This youth was truly fascinating—so young yet already adept at offering flowers to Buddha and letting the current carry him. As the saying goes, a local official is better than a distant one. He wanted Shiguo to help Secretary Lan, so that in Deqing, Zhuo Nan could command the winds and rain. Yet his ambition was too small; for the sake of a mere Deqing, he wasted the chance to forge a deep connection with the Dongfang family—hardly wise.

Shiguo of the East said with a smile, “That’s no problem. I still have some connections in the capital... Any other requests?”

Zhuo Nan continued, “I lost quite a bit of blood myself. A million or so in compensation would suffice.”

Shiguo of the East couldn’t help but laugh. His previous understanding of this young man came only from Zhiyi’s retelling, which described Zhuo Nan as a remarkable, calm, handsome, shrewd and capable young man. But now he saw that Zhuo Nan was little different from a street thug.

“You’re sure you want money? Fine, I’ll write you a check for ten million right now. But you must know, once I give you the check, you and my family will have no further ties between us. The Dongfang family will have repaid your kindness.” Shiguo of the East stared at Zhuo Nan and spoke in a low voice.

Zhuo Nan smiled indifferently. “Mr. Dongfang, I’m truly a petty man, and you’re no hypocrite yourself. These days, what is more reliable than money?”

Shiguo of the East chuckled, then said, “Young man, you’re mistaken. These days, not only is money important, but power is even more so. With power comes money, and everything else—women, status, prestige—will follow in succession. You may find it impossible to refuse when the time comes.”

Zhuo Nan raised his cup and took a sip, remarking with satisfaction, “This tea is excellent.”

“Top-grade Pre-Rain Dragon Well,” Shiguo of the East responded.

“Oh, I wouldn’t know what it is, only that it tastes good.” Zhuo Nan’s words carried a subtle meaning, and Shiguo of the East quickly realized that this young man was not as simple as he appeared.

“Young man, do you know the influence my family wields in Z Country?” Shiguo of the East asked gravely.

Zhuo Nan took another sip and smiled, “Mr. Dongfang, you jest. The Dongfang clan was known as the foremost family during the founding of the nation. Elder Dongfang Shu Qing was far-sighted, spent his wealth to aid the revolution, and eventually achieved his wishes, soaring to prominence. The Dongfang family, through three generations, spread across party, government, and military. Only when it reached your hands, Mr. Dongfang, did it begin to decline. Am I correct?”

Hearing the first part, Shiguo of the East felt a touch of pride, but his expression darkened at the latter. It was true that the Dongfang family declined under his stewardship, but it wasn’t his fault—it was a lingering effect from the turbulent years. “You’re right, young man, but as they say, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse.”

Zhuo Nan smiled faintly. “Mr. Dongfang, you misunderstand me. I meant no disrespect. What I mean is that, as national policies shift, old established families in the country will inevitably be impacted—first in the economic sphere. Since joining the WTO is unavoidable, some say it will only benefit the country and domestic enterprises, but who knows that once the economy opens up, a flood of foreign firms will enter, with products more refined, durable, and user-friendly, squeezing the survival space of domestic companies. Some say to focus on exports, but Europe and America have always imposed high tariffs on our goods. How much profit could be left then? Changing economic thinking is most important.” Upon finishing, seeing Shiguo of the East deep in thought, Zhuo Nan realized he’d gone off track.

Shiguo of the East pondered carefully, then prompted Zhuo Nan, “Go on…”

Zhuo Nan shook his head. “There’s nothing more.”

Now, Shiguo of the East realized this young man was not as simple as he’d thought. If these insights were his own, then Zhuo Nan was truly a rare talent.

With this in mind, Shiguo of the East asked, “Zhuo Nan, did you come up with these ideas yourself?”

The old man really thought Zhuo Nan was just a teenager. Zhuo Nan understood his implication and replied, “Just casual talk, don’t take it seriously. Write me the check and I’ll be on my way. Remember what you promised.”

The more Zhuo Nan acted this way, the more curious Shiguo of the East became. “Zhuo Nan, let’s talk a bit more.” For Shiguo of the East to lower himself so, was a tremendous gesture.

“Mr. Dongfang, there’s nothing left to say. You’re busy—I won’t waste your time. Once the check is written, I’ll leave.” Zhuo Nan smiled.

Shiguo of the East found Zhuo Nan’s attitude peculiar. There were countless people outside who wished for just such a face-to-face conversation with Shiguo of the East, hoping to catch his eye and rise to prominence. Now, Shiguo of the East himself invited Zhuo Nan to talk, only to be flatly rejected, leaving him both amused and confounded.

He leaned back on the sofa, smiling faintly. “Young man, don’t be too arrogant. Remember, there’s always a higher mountain, a wider sky, stronger people. I can let you walk in here alive, and I can have you carried out horizontally.”

Zhuo Nan covered his mouth with a chuckle. “Mr. Dongfang, should I take that as a threat?”

“Take it however you wish,” Shiguo of the East’s tone dropped as he clapped his hands. At once, six tall, burly bodyguards rushed in from outside.

Zhuo Nan looked up at them and smiled, “Mr. Dongfang, is this really necessary? You’d best write the check. Don’t forget about Secretary Lan. If news of infighting in your family gets out, it won’t do your reputation any good.”

“Young man, is that a threat?” Shiguo of the East’s face grew cold.

“Not at all... It’s just that common folk are always fascinated by the intrigues of powerful families, and love to gossip about them over meals,” Zhuo Nan replied with a smile.

Shiguo of the East narrowed his eyes and spoke in a low voice, “Do you think you’ll have the chance to get out onto the street and chat with anyone?” At his words, the six bodyguards began to close in on Zhuo Nan.

Zhuo Nan laughed heartily. “Mr. Dongfang, do you really think these rotten eggs and limp potatoes can stop me?”