"The world is really small, huh!"
Exclaid Li Jindao, realizing the connection.
"It really is. I never thought you'd know Chen Xianzu."
"Can you tell
about him? I've had als with him a few tis in Xiangdu. He's young but always seed very mysterious to ."
"Sure thing. After learning so things about him, I find him quite impressive. Whether it's in business or personal dealings, he cos off as soone who's impeccable!"
Just from these few words, it was clear that Li Jindao held Chen Xianzu in high regard.
Initially, Chen Xiao didn't think it was necessary to talk about Chen Xianzu with Li Jindao.
But on second thought, he realized it was necessary.
So Chen Xiao spared no details, recounting everything that had happened to Li Jindao.
As he listened, Li Jindao's expression shifted multiple tis with varied emotions.
After hearing it all, Li Jindao said with trendous shock, "I can't comnt, but I must say he's really smart, to manage to completely reinvent himself and enjoy so many years of good life."
Just as Chen Xiao was about to speak, his phone rang.
Glancing at the caller ID, Chen Xiao said, "Want to hear what Chen Xianzu thinks of you?"
Li Jindao gestured for him to go ahead, and Chen Xiao answered, with Chen Xianzu's voice coming through.
By then, there was a hint of fatigue in Chen Xianzu's words.
"Hello, Chen Xiao?"
"It's ."
"What are you calling
for?" Chen Xianzu inquired.
"Do you know soone nad Li Jindao?"
Chen Xiao got to the point, and after a slight pause, Chen Xianzu replied:
"I rember, one of the bosses of the Lebosi Hotel."
"Yes, I'd like to know more about him."
"In what regard?"
"His past and his family."
Chen Xianzu let out an "Oh," then said, "Li Jindao left quite an impression on , though I was montarily stunned you asked, wondering why you'd inquire about him."
"I believe our first eting was in 2001, right? At the ti, he ca to Xiangdu to learn, and even treated
to a al. At the banquet, Li Jindao's manner was imposing, impressing many local big shots in the hotel industry with his conduct."
"So it seems you hold a rather high opinion of Li Jindao?" Chen Xiao interjected.
In a very objective tone, Chen Xianzu said, "He's quite capable indeed, and he manages the Lebosi well. But I always felt the hotel industry in Xiangdu was dangerous, especially in recent years; the wild growth conceals destructive risks."
"Let's set that aside for now, and I'm sure we're not discussing business matters over the phone, right?"
"Of course... your comnt makes
wonder if he's gotten into trouble and fallen into your hands?" Chen Xianzu teased slightly in his tone.
Chen Xiao glanced at Li Jindao and replied, "It's not quite that, just that sothing happened and I needed to look into it."
"I see. Do you have any other questions?"
"How's his relationship with his wife?" Chen Xiao asked, casting a glance at Li Jindao.
The latter's face changed slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why are you asking about my marital relationship?"
Chen Xiao made a shushing gesture, and Chen Xianzu chuckled, "So he's already under your control, aning you're in Shencheng City now."
"Yes, just keep giving objective assessnts."
"If I recall correctly, Mrs. Li's maiden na is Gu, right? She appears gentle, but as far as I know, Li Jindao owes his current status to her."
"How so?"
"Mrs. Li is quite the lady of a prestigious family, with her parents being prominent figures. When they t, Li Jindao was rely a nobody on the smuggling scene in Shencheng City. However, after marrying Mrs. Li, he completely turned his life around."
Chen Xiao looked at Li Jindao again, who, with a not-so-pleased face, said, "President Xu, seems like you're planning to reveal my past, but how do you know these things?"
"President Li, no need to get angry. I've always had this habit of investigating any stranger that cos my way. It's all for survival, you see! Since Chen Xiao is asking, representing the police, I must truthfully relay what I know."
"Is that so? There's no need for you to be so thorough; won't you be facing the firing squad sooner or later?"
"In the world we live in, we can't always be in control. I've handed my hotel to my nephew, Chen Xu, and I can't afford to offend Chen Xiao, otherwise, if he says a word, the Xiangdu police would be relentless against my nephew. So, President Li, my apologies, but if Chen Xiao asks, I'll answer. If what I know is your deepest secrets, then I must unveil them in front of him."
"Tsk tsk, President Xu truly is a smart man."
"You're too kind, President Li! I'm afraid I don't have the luxury of ti to chat more. Chen Xiao... anything else you'd like to know?" Chen Xianzu asked with a laugh.
With a hint of amusent, Chen Xiao asked, "In your understanding, who matters the most to Li Jindao among his family?"
"Do I even need to say? It's certainly his only child who ranks first in his heart, being his sole heir! However, when speaking of such rankings, an interesting incident cos to mind, one I learned through investigation involving so of his drunken words."
"Let's hear it."
"They say one year at his father-in-law's house, after having too much to drink, he knelt before his father-in-law and mother-in-law, thanking them for their nurture. He claid that from that day on, Gu Rong was first in his heart, followed by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, and then his son."
"Thus, based on your question, I believe his son is first because it's evident Li Jindao places great importance on his descendants. Next would be his wife, Gu Rong, out of gratitude. Following Gu Rong, it's not himself but his father-in-law, and then his mother-in-law."
"As far as I know, Li Jindao values relationships greatly, particularly those that afforded him a second chance in life, which he holds dear. Of course, people are inherently selfish. He says his father-in-law and mother-in-law are first, but there's a lot of exaggeration in that, so you may want to consider my ranking."
After finishing, Li Jindao's gaze turned sullen.
It was a different kind of gloom from when he had been brought to the criminal police unit by Chen Xiao.
At this mont, Chen Xiao was certain that if Chen Xianzu were present, Li Jindao would surely tear his mouth apart.
Unfortunately, Chen Xianzu was cunning too, and to buy more ti for his nephew Chen Xu's growth, he was cooperating to the max.
After calming his emotions, Li Jindao couldn't help but mock with a retort, "President Xu really is the model citizen, very cooperative."
"Of course I cooperate. Your connections and those at Lebosi can't threaten my businesses anyway. But President Li, as soone who's been through it, I'd advise you to be clear-headed. My cousin Chen Xiao's eyes aren't easily deceived. If what he's investigating was done by you, admit it right away. If soone else did it, don't even think about taking the fall for them."
"For all you know, he might have already seen through all your sches!"
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