Super Rich: Spend money on handsome guys and get cashback, turning your life around

Chapter 315 Clash

"Do you and him...have a good relationship?"

Wu Hai's voice was extremely low, as if it came out from between his teeth, carrying a deliberate suppression, yet still clearly discernible bitterness.

Those bright, sparkling eyes were fixed on Bai Li, trying to catch the answer to the question from the changes in her expression.

Beneath her refined and elegant exterior lies an intense, almost palpable, anxiety.

How could the person he went to so much trouble to get close to end up with that dangerous person without him even noticing?

But in Bai Li's view, Wu Hai's surging emotions at this moment were somewhat inexplicable, and even somewhat inappropriate.

"Wu Hai." Bai Li frowned slightly and called out Wu Hai's name. Her voice was calm, with a hint of something to keep her calm. After a moment of hesitation, she thought about her words before continuing, "Our relationship... isn't exactly very good, it's more of a cooperative one."

Bai Li paused for a moment, then added, "There's a common goal that needs to be addressed, that's all."

As for what the goal is, it's too complicated to explain in a short time, and it involves a lot of people. She has no intention of dragging Wuhai into the game.

She hoped that Wuhai would understand what she meant.

But the more Bai Li tries to hide it, the more it stimulates Wu Hai's sensitive nerves.

"Cooperation? A shared goal?" Wu Hai laughed absurdly, taking half a step closer. "What incredible goal requires you to be here with him? Requires you to hold up a sign for him, letting the whole world know your name?"

"Little Pear. Who is he? Do you know? He's getting close to you..."

"Wu Hai," Bai Li interrupted him, her voice unconsciously turning colder, "Wu Hai, thank you for your concern, but..."

She looked up and met his gaze directly: "Once you get involved in some things, you can't just walk away from them whenever you want."

She could understand what Wu Hai was concerned about at that moment, but that was by no means a reason for him to interfere with her in such an almost interrogative tone.

"I have my own judgment about his character," Bai Li said calmly. "As for self-preservation, I have my own methods."

Bai Li's attitude of drawing a clear line at this moment further broke Wu Hai's defenses. The emotions surging in his eyes instantly froze, then turned into a deeper sting and unbelievable anger.

Wu Hai opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end it turned into a cold, self-deprecating laugh: "Ha, okay, I see. It turns out I was meddling."

Bai Li felt a headache coming on: "That's not what I meant..."

Just as Bai Li was trying to explain and ease the tension, a clear and calm voice sounded from behind her:

"Looks like I've come at the wrong time?"

The person who arrived walked with a leisurely pace, and his face remained calm and composed.

If it wasn't Zhou Chengjing, who else could it be?

Zhou Chengjing's gaze swept lightly over Wu Hai, sensing the tense atmosphere between the two. The corners of his lips turned up slightly, but it was less of a smile and more of a knowing, amused expression.

Finally, Zhou Chengjing looked at Bai Li with a questioning expression.

Bai Li glared at him without any politeness, and didn't want to say anything.

The sticky and inexplicably out-of-control Wuhai is certainly annoying, but the culprit is even more annoying!

When Wu Hai saw Zhou Chengjing walking over, his body tensed almost imperceptibly. He then took a half step back, increasing the distance between himself and Bai Li, and took a deep breath.

He quickly concealed his emotions, composed himself, and put on his flawless mask again, even managing a perfect, flawless social smile, as if his earlier lapse in composure had never occurred.

"Ah Jing, long time no see." Although Wu Hai still called out Zhou Chengjing by his nickname, his tone was icy, completely devoid of any warmth or pleasantries.

"It's been a long time," Zhou Chengjing said casually, without much intention of reminiscing.

Wu Hai narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "You've come at the right time. I was just about to ask you, why are you here when you're so busy with state affairs in the capital? If I remember correctly, Monte Carlo Island is unclaimed territory in international waters. Given your complicated political background, is it appropriate for you to be involved here?"

Wu Hai's words seemed to contain concern for his brother.

But in reality, every word is a trap.

The words, however, are filled with sharp barbs, pointing to the trouble that Zhou Chengjing's identity might bring.

Wu Hai smiled brightly: "It's not that I'm being nosy, it's just that I'm worried about your career prospects, brother. If someone with ulterior motives sees this and makes baseless accusations, your position might be in jeopardy."

Zhou Chengjing seemed oblivious to the barb in Wu Hai's words. He nodded slightly, his face bearing an impeccable, gentle smile. He sighed and remarked, "It's truly touching, Hines. It's been so long. I didn't expect you to still 'care' about me like this."

"Thank you for your concern, but perhaps it's unnecessary." Zhou Chengjing changed the subject. "I'm not some unscrupulous 'foreign madman'."

He emphasized a certain word, his gaze turning knowingly toward Wuhai.

"Since I can be here, it naturally means that all procedures have been compliant, reasonable, and legal."

Their eyes met in mid-air.

Calmness, yet punctuated by sparks of light.

There were no heated verbal conflicts, but there was a hidden undercurrent of tension everywhere.

There was no tense standoff.

There is only one kind of silent, cold assessment and contest.

Neither of them can harm the other for the time being.

But as soon as one side reveals a weakness, the other will not hesitate to "bite" at it.

Just as Zhou Chengjing appeared, several figures slowly followed from a distance.

These were the same three friends of Zhou Chengjing that Bai Li had met on the "Poseidon" before—Arthur, Max, and Luc.

The trio had witnessed the entire scene, and their faces simultaneously wore expressions of anticipation for a good show.

Arthur's eyes darted back and forth between Wu Hai and Zhou Chengjing, filled with gossip. In a London accent that sounded like an aria, he said, "Wow, look at this atmosphere! What movie plot is this? A Casablanca remake? Or a new storyline in the love triangle?"

Max crossed his arms, leaned his burly body against a pillar, and let out a soft, ambiguous groan.

Luc was the most dramatic, clasping his hands together in front of his chest and adding fuel to the fire: "Oh là là! My dear Hines, Cedric! What unpleasant little scuffle happened between you? I'm willing to be your most loyal listener!"

After saying that, he leaned closer and winked, looking all warm-hearted.

They were all old acquaintances.

Since college, the group of friends had been members of the Porcellian Club. They came from similar backgrounds, had similar personalities, and often joked around and watched each other make a scene.

Although they went their separate ways after graduation, inherited their respective family businesses, and were busy with their own lives, making it difficult for them to get together, it didn't stop them from having fun together at this moment.

They knew each other too well, and knew exactly how to deliver the most cunning blows in the most elegant and dignified way.

Especially considering that Zhou Chengjing (Cedric) and Wu Hai (Hines) had hardly any conflicts during their student days, this subtle and undercurrent-filled confrontation is quite unusual.

The trio promptly gathered around to watch, almost ready to grab a small stool and start snacking on sunflower seeds.

But Shirai, caught in the eye of the storm, wasn't in a very good mood.

She could clearly feel the silent tension between the two men beside her.

Already annoyed by Zhou Chengjing's pretentious antics, Wu Hai now adds to the chaos.

Then three more people came to watch the spectacle.

Bai Li was extremely agitated.

She had neither a penchant for being watched nor any interest in watching them play guessing games here.

“Zhou Chengjing,” Bai Li said decisively, not bothering with the superficial politeness of “brother,” directly breaking the delicate atmosphere. “The auction is over, shouldn’t you give me some explanations? I have a lot of questions I want to confirm with you.”

She looked at Zhou Chengjing with a clear expression: Now, immediately, take me away. Don't waste time here.

As soon as Bai Li finished speaking, cracks appeared on Wu Hai's face.

A sense of abandonment and alienation swept over me.

His waiting, his protection, and his suppressed jealousy all seem so ridiculous in the face of Bai Li's choice at this moment.

“Little Pear…” Wu Hai’s voice changed instantly.

All pretense of composure vanished.

With a barely perceptible tremor and an unbelievable vulnerability.

He almost instinctively took a step forward, wanting to grab Bai Li's wrist, but stopped halfway, looking at her with an almost accusing, wet gaze: "You...you just left with him like that?"

Arthur, Max, and Luc, who were standing nearby, all gasped in shock, their eyes widening in disbelief.

They've known Hines for at least seven or eight years, if not ten.

When we hung out together at Porcellian Club, what kind of crazy and strange things hadn't we seen?

But that arrogant Hines, who seemed uninterested in everything and always in control, actually... actually showed such a pitiful, even shameless, sympathetic expression to a woman?!

This...this really is Hines, whom they've known for so many years!?

It's even more shocking than seeing Picasso come back to life.

Zhou Chengjing's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a cold sneer flashed deep in his gray eyes.

Wuhai's tactic is really low-level, but it is effective, especially for soft-hearted people.

Bai Li did indeed fall for Wu Hai's trick.

Seeing Wu Hai's dimmed eyes and aggrieved expression, Bai Li closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and suppressed her irritation.

Fine, considering Wu Hai's unparalleled good looks, and also considering the many favors he'd done for me before...

Bai Li stepped forward, leaned closer to Wu Hai, and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Zhou Chengjing and I have important matters to discuss. They need to be resolved now. I'll come find you after I've dealt with his matter."

She deliberately emphasized "I will come to find you".

What Wu Hai wanted was simply for her to break off her relationship with Zhou Chengjing.

But Bai Li could not make such a promise to Wuhai.

Bai Li could see that Wu Hai and Zhou Chengjing's relationship was now irreconcilable.

Although she didn't know the reason, that wasn't what Bai Li cared about.

No matter how big the conflict is between them, it has nothing to do with her.

She has important matters to attend to and cannot put them aside because of the conflict between Wu Hai and Zhou Chengjing.

If she doesn't contact Zhou Chengjing, who will handle the controversy surrounding her at tonight's auction?

And what about the organization that went underwater? Who will tell her what happened next?

Moreover, Zhou Chengjing's ability to provide her with political protection and support would greatly benefit her future career.

She has her own game to play and her own goals to achieve; she cannot abandon her rightful ally just because of Wu Hai's personal grudges.

She was aware of the danger he posed and saw through his schemes, but wasn't she also taking advantage of the conveniences he provided?

Her relationship with Zhou Chengjing was purely one of mutual benefit.

Moreover, the kind of people she associates with is her own independent choice, and it is impossible for her to change because of Wu Hai's personal grudges.

I'll go see Zhou Chengjing once I've finished dealing with things here.

This can be considered a substitute, explicit, and reassuring promise.

This was the biggest concession she could make.

Even so, Wu Hai still has objections and wants to interfere with her decision.

So, even if they are friends, she can only draw a clear line.

"Really?" Wu Hai's eyes brightened, though they were still moist, the strong sense of abandonment had mostly dissipated.

"Mm," Bai Li replied briefly.

"Okay." Wu Hai nodded, his tense jawline finally relaxing a little.

Receiving such a promise from Bai Li was an unexpected delight for him.

If he gets any greedier, he might not even be able to keep his friends. He knows when to stop while he's ahead.

Zhou Chengjing witnessed the interaction between Bai Li and Wu Hai.

Although he didn't hear the specifics, their approach and Wu Hai's sudden change in expression were enough to explain the situation.

His face remained calm, but the coldness in his eyes seemed to have deepened.

Before leaving, Zhou Chengjing nodded slightly to Wu Hai as a farewell, and then nodded to Arthur and the others as well, saying, "Excuse me."

Zhou Chengjing naturally stepped aside to make way for Bai Li.

The two walked side by side and quickly disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Only after Bai Li's figure completely disappeared did the broken, tearful expression on Wu Hai's face gradually fade.

He straightened up, adjusting his suit cuffs as he glanced sideways at his three friends who were watching the spectacle.

Wu Hai remained completely unfazed by the fact that his "aloof" persona had crumbled in front of acquaintances.

It's all just a means to an end.

As long as the goal is achieved.

Besides, which of these people doesn't have a thicker black history than him?

“Ask whatever you want,” Wu Hai said first, his tone returning to its usual languidness, with a touch of nonchalant roguishness, “but I won’t answer.”

Arthur whistled: "Great acting, Hines."

Luc, beaming, leaned closer: "Dear Hines, it seems your sweetheart has been temporarily taken over by Cedric? Need our help in devising a plan to win her back? Same old rules, double the bet!"

He rubbed his fingers together, looking like he wanted to stir up trouble.

Wu Hai pushed away Luc, who was practically clinging to him, with obvious disgust: "I don't need it."

Luc was pushed away, but he wasn't angry.

It's a consensus within their circle that Wuhai people reject physical contact.

When his first suggestion failed, Luc's eyes lit up and he immediately threw out a second one: "Aren't you curious? What are your sweetheart and Cedric plotting together?"

He deliberately drew out his words, observing Wu Hai's reaction.

Seeing Wu Hai's gaze fall upon him, Luc smiled mysteriously: "I know, you know. Tell me something about Little Sweetheart, and in exchange, I'll tell you everything I know about the two of them. A fair trade, how about it?"

Arthur, standing nearby, looked at Luc in shock, his eyes clearly saying, "Bro, are you crazy?! Are you going to get involved too? Judging from the looks Hines and Cedric gave you just now, don't you understand how much that woman means to them? You're asking Hines about her now, aren't you just walking into his trap?!"

Wu Hai, whose interest had just been piqued, gave a light "sneer" and stared coldly at Luc.

He knew all too well Luc's wicked, trouble-making nature.

This guy is like a shark that smells blood; he'll go wherever there's fun to be had.

Clearly, his confrontation with Zhou Chengjing and Bai Li's unusual attitude had completely ignited Luc's interest in Bai Li.

“Luc,” Wu Hai’s voice suddenly turned icy, “Do you think I can’t find out what you’re doing just because you don’t tell me?”

Wu Hai stepped forward: "I advise you to curb your curiosity and not get involved."

"Since you've come to ask me, it means you've already done your own research. But I bet you haven't found even the slightest bit of useful information about her, no matter how hard you try."

Wu Hai's lips curved upwards.

He knew all too well how much effort he had spent investigating Bai Li's background back then, only to find nothing in the end.

Luc? Even less likely.

“You can investigate all you want,” Wu Hai’s voice returned to its calm tone, with a hint of threat beneath. “If you can find out, then you’re good at it. But if you do anything to harm her, or have any other ideas, you don’t want to know what the consequences will be.”