Doomsday Jigsaw Puzzle

Chapter 212: Chapter 16: High Tower Drivers’ Meeting

He frowned, suddenly feeling a kind of indescribable premonition.

Bai Wu heard a faint voice of another woman, but the phone on that end had no response.

"You can rest assured, I will protect your safety," he said.

Bai Wu said:

Is it not possible, those things that can’t be seen, are the men and women on the lower floor, especially the high-level one?

She only looked at a lot of intimate things between the two sexes that needed to be seen through, not because she was a wanton form, but rather she was not interested.

Although she had many male friends that she picked up from the port and could line up from the eastern part of the field, Liu Chengzi was definitely not interested in her.

"Why would I give you to someone else? You wouldn’t really think I’m so petty, would you?"

"You don’t feel angry, do you, that I only thought of you for this kind of occasion?"

Bai Wu suddenly said:

But he did not expect this aunt to answer straight away, although he originally thought this action of Liu Chengzi was very presumptuous.

"Exactly! I also want to go see and learn more! That’s just not acceptable, oh, you understood me," she said. freewebnovёl.ƈom

"Well, that’s also considered."

Liu Chengzi had always held this case dear, doing it for a good friend who had gone missing. She was always brooding over this case.

It could well be related to the missing young lady’s case. Bai Wu was quite certain, and he could even say he had been to the so-called country of girls.

"You’re not going to investigate the missing young lady’s case, are you? After finding a bit of a lead, you suddenly think you have to go and investigate the missing young lady’s case! It’s too exciting," he said.

"Well, it is," she said.

Did this make Bai Wu have some kind of expectation? Could Liu Chengzi really come up with that kind of guess on her own?

"Shall we exchange partners? That kind of thing... well, you’re not going to a dance party for some kind of wild sex, are you? I guess that’s not the kind... Oh, don’t say anything else first, just guess what I’m going to say!" Liu Chengzi came back with a taste, but she was the one who felt awkward within Bai Wu’s silent archives.

Bai Wu always felt that at the first glance he would almost embarrass Liu Chengzi, as it seemed there was some kind of degrading quality to it, making it somewhat difficult for him to speak for some time.

"First, you should listen to what I have to say, this dance... is not at all the kind of good dance... how can I explain this..." Bai Wu was a bit embarrassed.

"Wow, I didn’t realize my little brother cared about this so much! So, is it because you thought of me that you... huh?" she said.

"I’m attending a high-level dance party tomorrow. They are all high-profile, some with names and faces. It is a requirement to bring a female companion, but for someone like you, I don’t suppose you would be opposed to such a man’s tactics," he said. "Okay, you’ve got it."

"Hiya, I was just thinking about those tiresome investigation troop chats, oh, and where is my true destined child? Just call your little brother when the phone rings, okay?" she said.

After a pause, he called Liu Chengzi, although Bai Wu actually already had someone in mind for the "admission ticket" selection.

He seemed to like to look at women a lot, but he could also act in an extraordinary manner, although he really liked women.

Ming Che was indeed a person with all kinds of desires, he was, after all, a person with personal motives, but if Bai Wu still accidentally met Ming Che this time, it would not be an oversight.

Every person he approached would eventually discover that such a person could tempt even your old lady. But once you walk up close, you would find that there is really not much difference.

Ming Che was a very good leader; he did things magnanimously and was slippery and smart when conducting affairs. That’s why he had no need to harbor any kind of moral cleanliness delusion against anyone.

Bai Wu hung up the phone.

"I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow... hahaha," he exclaimed.

"Okay then, see you tomorrow. You know I’m okay with that," she said.

"Of course, the big beautiful woman you’re bringing has to be worthy of attention," Bai Wu said nonchalantly. "Otherwise, what’s the point of bringing along a skewed melon or a cracked jujube? No one would dare approach you for an exchange."

"So, should I refuse the exchange outright just because the other party is an unsightly old lady? How am I supposed to respond if something like that comes up?" Ming Che asked, already foreseeing the potential awkwardness.

Ming Che’s source of information was not necessarily reliable, but Bai Wu had no other option but to take into consideration his contribution. Although Bai Wu didn’t respond immediately, something in the way he inquired made it clear he was also curious.

"Doesn’t matter if I don’t have tea to serve or a chair to offer, even if the Guardian is gone due to past incidents of grandeur; to stir interest, it’s crucial to bring a woman, one that must be remarkable. It makes your presence more intriguing—a woman that enhances your image," Ming Che continued without waiting for Bai Wu’s response.

"But Bai Wu certainly wouldn’t indulge such vanity," Ming Che said, his words shrinking the space around them.

Is he even aware of the value within this hidden depth? Or is Bai Wu probing deeper, seeking out men?

Upon hearing this from Bai Wu, Ming Che’s tone changed decisively, emitting an unfamiliar vibe, one that hinted at underlying oddities.

"Are you just playing around?" Ming Che accused with a hint of a smile.

"Why wouldn’t that work? Aside from serving tea and pouring water, isn’t it pretty standard?" Here, Bai Wu’s words relay something unexpected.

Ming Che hadn’t anticipated this.

If Bai Wu decided to bring a woman to one of these high-class gatherings for matchmaking, his ulterior motive would have been clear. Such parties are nothing but a marketplace for gendered commodities. Knowing Bai Wu’s inherent quality, it was evident he would never simply objectify a woman as an item to use in these wealth-sharing gatherings.

"It’s a rule, what you’ve brought is also a token of respect," Ming Che said on the phone, continuing his instruction as Bai Wu remained expressionless.

"You definitely have a little wife stashed somewhere, and since you’re such an old hand in this game, I’m sure you understand. Spare me the spiel," Bai Wu hinted with a tone of mystery, perhaps teasing Ming Che.

Ming Che’s words revealed a bit more of Bai Wu’s intentions, which only made Bai Wu more intriguing to observe.

Despite Bai Wu being the ultimate connoisseur of picking a woman’s companion, he’d probably be afraid to choose any beauty, big or small, knowing that this time, it was aimed at the true goal.

As they continued their journey toward Zhuang Yuming Manor, neither Ruan Qingyun nor Liu Chengzi caught even a wisp of flirtatious attention from Bai Wu. His conversations with Liu Chengzi were quite open and cheerful.

Ming Che was also very distinguished in style, never short of female companions, not to mention that he was an absolute gentleman in his conduct.

Both Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi covered their mouths and giggled, not making any exaggerated gestures, ensuring they weren’t putting on a too visible show. After all, it was just for appearance’s sake.

"In the blink of an eye, I’ve affianced you two old ladies to this brother of mine," Bai Wu joked, relishing the sight of Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi.

Never would he have thought that the Bai brothers, known for their pure, innocent image, could actually be hiding their real depth. They were no strangers to the dark side of social engagements; far from being the naive creatures he used to think they were.

Ming Che was dumbstruck for a moment when he spotted Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi.

Bai Wu had an exceptional knack for choosing female company, and Ming Che had realized this from early on.

Ming Che acted swiftly; he immediately arranged for a special car to fetch them, soon reaching the third level of High Tower, knowing that Bai Wu was anxious for each step they took.

If he saw her face again tonight, just the idea of such a reunion was enough to excite countless old wolves at the dance. Her legs alone, slender and tall in black stockings, matched with the black long dress she wore today, would already be ample to whip up a frenzy...

For Ruan Qingyun, it was not about bending over to greet every man’s lips but rather finding herself in constant thought of being someone akin to a woman of high status from the third floor of High Tower, which naturally made many men crane their necks in awe. She was tall to begin with, and the very essence of her was almost life-generating.

By occupying the third floor of High Tower, which was once a trading hall, Liu Chengzi had transformed herself overnight into the essence of elegance, a hitherto unseen gem.

Liu Chengzi, although seemingly a shell of air at first, had an undeniable charm with her tiny, delicate figure. She picked a champagne-colored evening dress, something clean and elegant, which accentuated her curves also hinted at a sophisticated sense of design—wealth was not lacking, even if it just dropped out of the port of a merchandise vessel.

Already, he could feel the palpable excitement of this particular dance night, with its increased likelihood over previous instances when he prepared for the descent on the elevator.

Bai Wu, along with Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi, proceeded toward the third level after making sure everything was ready.

It’s not just about wearing the rented purse, the patched stockings, or having only the press-on nails or the sips of the finest beverages at their disposal; it’s about their very appearance, which can open many doors at certain places simply because there are so many eyes there, and their hard work materializes in those particular spots.

In those places, with some known backing, their efforts bear fruit, almost as if it were the former world she lived in—this could solve many of their problems.

Bai Wu could solve some issues simply by showing up at Ming Che’s manor. That was the tangible aspect of it all.

In fact, Bai Wu was more than a match for any two women combined. With such affairs, he was a specialist and a professional attacker.

"The very essence of people is resistant to change; you’re not the only one who dislikes change. Others might not even notice the fact that you’re wearing clothes from a few years ago, they’ll just think it’s your regular style. You just need to act the part confidently when you’re at the event with me and Liu Chengzi,"

However, Bai Wu still had her reservations about these two women, despite knowing them all too well.

She hadn’t shelled out tens of thousands at Tower Currency to buy from the third floor. Still, all these clothes were undoubtedly legitimate brands, even though they were last season’s styles.

One afternoon, Bai Wu, alongside Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi, left and right, took him to the ground floor clothing store of Tower Currency. He spent a few thousand there, getting his entire outfit sorted out.

...

...

Bai Wu abruptly hung up the call. "But I’m not willing,"

"Just relax your mind. It won’t cause your family any trouble,"

Ruan Qingyun burst into a chaotic flower of laughter, "Hahaha..."

"If that’s the case, just say that you’re forcing me; no need to discuss it with yourself,"

"That’s settled then,"

But Ruan Qingyun added on the side.

"Are you kidding? Behind a partition, acting as the main character—that Old Plank Wang? What is this, some sort of event? Going to a partner-swapping dance with my future mother-in-law’s shorty husband tagging along?"

"Isn’t that just fanning the flames of a deep friendship with my shorty brother? This thing you’re keeping from shorty—this is a misstep. It should be you who first attracts attention, according to Ming Che’s way of speaking, Ming Che being better for yourself afterward."

He was concerned that if they both went, it would only increase the focus on them, yet he was also taking Chengzi.

In terms of outright glamor, Liu Chengzi was no match for Old Plank; however, Liu Chengzi was considered pretty in her own right but it made Bai Wu furrow her brows even deeper.

"With my fiancée, you’ll be the belle of the ball, Old Plank Liu. Your beauty will shine on the day, just imagine,"

Liu Chengzi, although more experienced and even a few years older than Bai Wu and Ruan Qingyun, still addressed Ruan Qingyun as ’sister.’

"Or do you think I’m not good enough to go? That you’re worried about offending the young miss? Don’t tell me you’re worried that you’re going to hurt her feelings like this? Aren’t you not dividing people into sixes and nines anymore? If you think Chengzi can go, then so can I. What happened, why the hurry?"

"I’m afraid that’s what the Family Head’s worried about..."

Bai Wu said.

Though Chengzi was still technically one of the seven, it was evident that she wasn’t a suitable fit for that kind of high-class event. "I can’t rest easy about her, you know that too. I’ll do what you ask, but you’re still from the team of seven,"

"How can a group of people who respect women so much possibly be all from this place? Perhaps not Old Plank really..."

If she continued down this path, she’d simply be wedging herself into the role of the shorty’s wife—and Liu Chengzi was essentially starting to take the initiative.

Old Plank was now taking on a division of labor to help the shorty, introducing some matters regarding the shorty’s work, becoming the shorty’s group leader. It suddenly dawned on him.

Unbeknownst to Bai Wu, that phone call incoming voice was the shorty’s wife.

Ah, this...

"If you’re not bringing me along, then what? Both are partners, and one is also a partner? You need a partner? Have there been any advances? Aren’t you conducting an investigation on the missing girl from the lower floors, Bai Wu?"

This time, when the phone rang again, the voice was no longer Liu Chengzi’s.

He furrowed his eyebrows suddenly, with an inexplicable bad premonition.

Such people are capable of achieving great things. They might be passionate about something, but it ends at passion, never descending into greed.

"Bai, you really surprised me today. I have good news and bad news for you, which do you want to hear first?"

"The bad news."

"Your social engagements tonight might be a bit numerous. Two beautiful ladies will certainly attract a lot of attention and interest,"

Bai Wu nodded:

"That’s not a problem, I don’t believe anyone can exchange another woman for the two beauties I have with me. It’s not confidence in myself, but confidence in the two of them."

Ruan Qingyun smiled, Bai Wu really had a sweet mouth.

Ming Che agreed, he had been to too many of these kinds of balls. He really couldn’t find anyone who could compare with the tall beauty Bai Wu had brought.

Even the other petite one was quite a feast for the eyes.

Envy aside, Ming Che didn’t covet them, and he continued to talk about business:

"Another piece of good news, I can assert that the Harbinger will definitely seek you out tonight."

"Good," Bai Wu had an idea of what to expect.

Amid the laughter and chatter, the group quickly arrived at Mingyu Estate.

Even the Ghost Grinding Firm’s proprietress, no stranger to seeing the world and dealing in all sorts of business, had to admit that Mingyu Estate indeed had the aura of aristocracy.

The ball was organized on the second floor of the manor’s main building.

Bai Wu had never been here before, and at a glance, it looked more like a chicly decorated restaurant, very similar to the socialite gatherings of Britain in a previous life, the only difference being the stomach-turning food on the table.

It was as if you had entered a private kitchen that served only a few patrons a day, and the first dish on the jade dining table was a plate of fresh excrement.

Looking at the nutrition platter that was quite artfully presented, Bai Wu was already feeling underwhelmed about the ball.

His arrival was neither too early nor too late; guests continued to trickle in behind him, and under the reception of staff arranged by Ming Che, began discussing various matters.

The warm yellow light refracted from crystal chandeliers, the languid singing of popular music among the upper class, and the undertone conversations between men and women, all contributed to the building atmosphere of the so-called gathering.

Ming Che said:

"You can choose any girl you like, and then talk with her owner. As for what to talk about, you know. Now, go in with everyone’s envy on your shoulders."

Accompanied by Ruan Qingyun and Liu Chengzi, Bai Wu walked into the ballroom.

At that moment, many were still pondering how to persuade other men to up their bids in Tower Currency to close a deal.

The moment Bai Wu entered, they only glanced out of habit, then couldn’t look away.

The warm yellow lighting and the soothing music were all overshadowed by the two women beside Bai Wu.

The old lechers immediately grew excited.

"I’ve suddenly changed my mind. Maybe I should hold onto my Tower Currency and talk with that young fellow over there?" said a balding man with yellow teeth.

Behind him, a petite and beautiful woman with a seductive air stood—their combination was the very definition of money talks.

"Really? But you’ll end up dealing with me in the end. Don’t hide it, I’m also quite interested," said a gaunt middle-aged man, his eyes filled with greed.

He was more handsome and wealthier than the bald man; if given the choice, both men and women would prefer dealing with him.

Bai Wu’s gaze swept across the room; these people treated women like commodities, and he felt no affection for them.

He didn’t hurry to find a seat because everyone dislikes negotiating while standing up, and once you’re seated, you’re busy dealing with these old wolves.

His purpose was only to find the Harbinger, whom he believed was hidden among these people.

However, finding the Harbinger happened much faster than Bai Wu anticipated, and this Harbinger... was actually a woman.

The woman’s eyes were sharp; she also had a man by her side, who seemed to be a well-off noble, but their demeanor suggested she was the master and he was but a servant.

[As the ruler from the Fifth Layer and the Guardian of the Zhong Family, she possesses the same item as you—the Traction Disc. Don’t be curious why a female from the Fifth Layer would come here; the Zhong Family is very special. In the eyes of their Family Head, even his own children are merely commodities. Just think, once you were in a manor and met a daughter of the Zhong Family. But it’s better to wait for her to approach you, rather than seeking her out.]