Free Web NovelChapter 511: Chapter 507: A Favor
Lu Yuanbin was quite surprised by Zhang Tianming’s arrival.
"Zhang—"
Lu Yuanbin was just about to say the rest of his title when Zhang Tianming cut him off.
"Alright, just call me Mr. Zhang."
They were all serving the people, after all. Besides, he was off duty, so "Mr. Zhang" was perfectly fine.
But Lu Yuanbin didn’t dare.
"Mr. Zhang, what brings you here?"
As he spoke, he quickly stepped aside to let Zhang Tianming in.
Zhang Tianming surveyed Lu Yuanbin’s small courtyard. He noted that while the yard wasn’t large, it was quite elegant. There was a large tree with a stone table and four stone stools set up underneath it, creating a rather artistic scene.
It would be an absolute pleasure to drink tea and play chess here in the summer.
’This kid sure knows how to live.’
Lu Yuanbin was still a bit dazed.
"Mr. Zhang, is there something you need?"
’Could it be about the black market?’
’But I’ve already delegated the black market business and have been keeping a low profile lately. Besides, Zhang Tianming used to turn a blind eye, so it shouldn’t be about that business.’
’The skincare, perhaps?’
’Did it cause a bad reaction?’
But judging by Zhang Tianming’s expression, that didn’t seem to be the case.
Lu Yuanbin’s mind raced, but he kept his expression neutral as he led the man inside to talk.
A coal stove was lit in the room, making it quite warm.
Zhang Tianming then stated the reason for his visit.
"That skincare product your person came to recommend to me... the price is just outrageous!"
’So that’s what this is about.’
Lu Yuanbin remained calm and composed. "Mr. Zhang, the skincare sold to you may be expensive, but its effects are guaranteed to be good. The product is difficult to make—only two sets are produced a month—and it uses high-quality ingredients. After accounting for the cost of materials, I’m just making a small fee for the labor."
Lu Yuanbin had the business spiel down pat.
Zhang Tianming knew what kind of person he was dealing with, so it was unclear whether he believed him.
"Didn’t you have two sets? Do you still have the other one?"
Lu Yuanbin nodded. "I do."
"Bring it out. I want to see it."
Lu Yuanbin was starting to understand the purpose of Zhang Tianming’s visit. He had been planning to find an opportunity to show this skincare set to some of his old clients, but he hadn’t expected Zhang Tianming himself to show up.
’Is the product really that effective?’
’Did it actually work on Zhu Wanqi’s face?’
Lu Yuanbin took the box down from the cabinet.
Just then, Zhang Tianming suddenly asked, "Who is the person that makes this skincare?"
Lu Yuanbin’s hand trembled, and he nearly dropped the box. Fortunately, his back was to Zhang Tianming, who probably didn’t notice.
When he turned back around, Lu Yuanbin wore a troubled smile.
"Mr. Zhang, you’re putting me in a difficult position."
Zhang Tianming stared at Lu Yuanbin for a few moments, his gaze carrying an oppressive weight.
The man had, after all, long held a high position. His powerful aura was indeed intimidating.
Lu Yuanbin gave a bitter smile. "Mr. Zhang, I really can’t say."
’She’s Brother Leng’s wife, my own sister-in-law. Even if I get arrested, I could never expose Gu Jiaojiao.’
Seeing that Lu Yuanbin truly wouldn’t talk, Zhang Tianming reined in his authoritative air. His main goal, after all, had been to find out who this person was.
"You know my wife’s face was nearly ruined from using a low-quality facial soap. Her condition gets worse by the day. Since you know the creator of this skincare, and I can see their product really does seem to help with facial repair, I was hoping to have this master take a look at my wife’s face."
"I’ll owe you a favor."
Lu Yuanbin was stunned.
Zhang Tianming was famously upright and incorruptible. He never used his power for personal gain and had an excellent reputation among the common people. Everyone trusted him to handle matters fairly.
He had previously sent someone to try and build a connection, only to be rejected. This man never accepted gifts—not even so much as a single needle.
Lu Yuanbin initially hadn’t wanted to give up, but after hearing about the man’s track record, he decisively abandoned the idea.
A man like that was someone he could never win over.
