Chapter 241: Chen Yang's Company
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Qiao Jing's hug was affectionate, and he held Qiao Yue tight.
Qiao Yue couldn't move in his arms and even found it difficult to breathe, but she had no intention of pushing him away.
She said with a smile, "It's just a business trip, not separation by life and death. Do you need to be like this?"
Qiao Jing's face was buried in the crook of her neck, and his breath seeped through the gauze around her neck. It was warm.
"You must protect yourself," Qiao Jing said after a while.
"Okay. I'm not a kid anymore. Besides, there's still third brother, fourth brother and the old master." Qiao Yue said.
Qiao Jing let her go. The two of them only had eyes for each other now.
Qiao Jing had been very busy lately. He looked a little haggard and even had dark circles under his eyes.
Qiao Yue reached out and touched under Qiao Jing's eyes. "Second brother has been working too hard lately. You've even developed dark circles under your eyes!"
Qiao Yue stood up, went behind Qiao Jing, and began to massage him as usual.
Qiao Jing closed his eyes and felt the strength of Qiao Yue's hands on his temples.
Qiao Yue massaged Qiao Jing's temples for a while, then his shoulders.
It was very quiet in the study, and there was a faint fragrance in the air.
Qiao Yue's movements were very slow and gentle. She wanted this moment to last a little longer even though she didn't know why.
"Rat-tat-tat."
The sudden knock on the door startled both of them.
Qiao Yue sat on the sofa and watched Qiao Jing open the door.
Qiao Yu stood at the door and looked at the two of them in the study. A hint of surprise flashed through his eyes. "Fifth brother, so you're with second brother."
Qiao Yue stood up and nodded in a panic. She didn't know where her panic came from.
"I had something to discuss with second brother, but we're done. I'm leaving now." Qiao Yue smiled at Qiao Yu and walked out of the study.
Inside the study, Qiao Jing was still staring in the direction where Qiao Yue had left.
It was a dreamless night.
The next day, Qiao Yue drove to the address that Cheng Yang had given her yesterday.
Cheng Yang had specifically asked her to go to his office today to discuss filming.
There was supposed to be an inter-college hacker competition this morning, but Qiao Yue had asked Xu Hao to apply for leave on her behalf.
"Brother, thank goodness you took a leave of absence today. Your fangirls and fanboys in school have gone crazy."
"What?" Qiao Yue asked in confusion.
"Your video from yesterday went viral. Many people are looking for you now." Xu Hao exaggerated. "Brother, you're really good at hiding your skills, huh? You've officially become an internet celebrity!"
Qiao Yue sighed.
She had only wanted to help Hong Ning, but now she had landed herself in hot soup.
She didn't want to be too famous in C-Country, nor did she want to become a widely recognized public figure.
The organization expected them to keep as low a profile as possible unless it was a mission requirement.
If the Godfather found out that she was being so high-profile, there would be a lot of trouble.
Qiao Yue pulled her lips inwards in frustration. Sigh, why were there more and more troubles recently?
Cheng Yang's company was located in an office building in the city center. There were several entertainment companies in the building. Cards parked downstairs were mostly luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Bentley, and so on.
These minor celebrities would buy themselves a few luxury cars as soon as they got slightly famous.
Song Lin was one such slightly famous actor.
She was a small star in a talent show and her family was quite well-off. Her family had spent money to buy her a good ranking in the talent show.
Unfortunately, after the group made their debut, they didn't live up to expectations and didn't make a name for themselves even after they disbanded.
Although she still attracted some fans with her beautiful appearance, she only hovered around the B-list and became a familiar face in some second-rate web dramas.
She finally found someone to connect her with Cheng Yang's company this time. When she heard that they were working with Qiao Ze on a new TV drama, she came early to fight for the role of a woman in a man's disguise.
However, just as she made the deal with the assistant director, Qiao Yue's video online went viral the next day.
And the role went to Qiao Yue.
Naturally, Song Lin felt indignant. She wanted to see what kind of person Qiao Yue was, that she actually dared to steal her role.
She had spent a lot of time researching Qiao Yue's family background on the internet but she couldn't find anything. It seemed that although her surname was Qiao, she had nothing to do with the prominent family behind Qiao Ze.
Song Lin was reading the information that her assistant sent her when a BMW stopped outside the window.
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Chapter 242: Incident at the Carpark
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
The car window rolled down and an androgynous face appeared.
If Song Lin remembered correctly, this was the face that was trending on the internet yesterday. It was the face of the girl who became a trending search with her dance video.
But why did this girl spot such a hairstyle and look so thin?
How could this kind of unshapely body appear as a heroine in a historical drama? It didn't make sense, right?
And this car was just a BMW, and not a very popular model at that. It was probably one of the older models put on the car rental market.
Song Lin narrowed her eyes and looked Qiao Yue up and down as she got out of the car. She couldn't figure out how someone like that could be chosen by the director for the role she coveted.
Qiao Yue got out of the car, looked around and then she got back in to find another parking space.
She was extremely vigilant. She had offended many people lately, and she wasn't sure if the organization had sent people to protect her. So, she chose another parking space in a corner so she could escape quickly at the sign of any trouble.
Song Lin watched as Qiao Yue drove towards her new parking space and she followed.
She was just a small internet celebrity who shot to fame because of a video. How could she snatch the role from her? She must teach this girl a lesson.
She cut in front of Qiao Yue's car and snatched Qiao Yue's lot. Unfortunately, this parking lot was rather tricky. Song Lin's mediocre driving skills didn't allow her to park her car completely.
Qiao Yue calmly looked at the stuck Song Lin but she didn't reverse her car or try to make way for Song Lin.
Qiao Yue had noticed this Bentley just now and it had been following her. Now, it was here to steal her parking lot. She didn't know who it was.
But her vigilance was immediately aroused. She kept staring at Song Lin, waiting to see what she was up to.
If it was someone who was targeting her, she would definitely not let them off.
Unexpectedly, this person was like a primary school kid trying to find fault with a college student. This person wanted to take her parking space but couldn't park properly because of her poor driving skills.
Qiao Yue was amused as she looked at Song Lin's dazed expression when she turned her steering wheel.
Qiao Yue got out of her car to give this person a hand. She was also curious who this person was and why she snatched her parking space.
When she walked up to Song Lin's car and was about to knock on the window, Song Lin suddenly reversed her car and brushed against Qiao Yue's car for several meters. This scratch would probably cost her tens of thousands in repair fees.
Qiao Yue took a step back and looked coldly at the woman who just rolled down her window.
Song Lin took off her sunglasses and smiled at Qiao Yue. She even fiddled with her curly hair. "You're that internet celebrity, right? This car should be a rental. Expensive?"
When she spoke, her lips, which had been plumped by injection, looked fake and gross.
Qiao Yue took another step back and ignored Song Lin.
This person was probably her competitor for the same role...
"Let's talk about it. How about you give me the role you got from this company? It's hard to survive in the entertainment industry. I've been acting for a few years, and I still haven't made a name for myself. I'm a little peeved that you've stolen my role."
Song Lin touched her curly hair.
Qiao Yue looked at Song Lin. No wonder she didn't get many roles given her acting skills.
"Kid, know what's good for you. If you do as I say, I'll reimburse you for your car repair and rental fees."
Not only was Song Lin's acting bad, but she also had poor judgement .
The BMW that Qiao Yue drove wasn't a widely known model because it was a limited edition. There probably wasn't a second one in the entire C-Country.
Qiao Yue ignored Song Lin, but she was inexplicably angry. All she wanted to do now was to teach Song Lin a lesson.
She got into her BMW and pushed Song Lin's car out of the parking lot.
The consequence was a huge dent in Song Lin's car. She would probably need to call a tow truck to haul it out of the carpark.
Song Lin was dumbfounded by Qiao Yue's actions. What the hell was this? She must be crazy to crash into a Bentley that was worth tens of millions of yuan.
Qiao Yue parked her car and looked at the scratch marks on her BMW, feeling a little distressed.
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Chapter 243: Arrogant Arm
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
After all, this BMW was a gift from the old master. Fortunately, the scratches weren't too severe; they should be repairable.
Qiao Yue looked coldly at the screaming Song Lin before she turned to go upstairs.
She had already informed her staff at Yayi to come and deal with the car accident. It was time for her appointment with Cheng Yang.
Song Lin, who was left downstairs, was in a sorry state. She had to find someone to tow her car away, and the repairs would be costly.
Just as she was figuring out what she needed to do, the assistant director from Cheng Yang's company called her and asked her to go up.
Although she had lost a supporting role this time, the Director Cheng Yang said that he would still give her a chance.
Song Lin's mood improved at the assistant director's words. After all, she still had a chance to appear on screen.
This was no ordinary movie. Getting a role in it was more important than anything else.
As she brisk-walked her way to the office, the meeting room was already full of people.
Director Cheng Yang sat at the head of the conference table, and beside him sat Qiao Ze, who was looking at his phone. The little internet celebrity was sitting next to Qiao Ze. Even the female lead was sitting next to Qiao Yue.
Song Lin was a little peeved when she realized that she was the lowest-ranking person here. She had no choice but to sit unwillingly far away from the head of the table.
She looked at Qiao Yue and rolled her eyes several times.
For some reason, even Cheng Yang seemed to be flattering this person.
The assistant director gave Song Lin a look, signaling her to go over.
Song Lin walked up to the assistant director, Peng Xi. Peng Xi was an overweight man in his thirties and had previously wooed Song Lin.
Although Cheng Yang had already invited Qiao Yue over, Peng Xi still wanted to fight for Song Lin.
"Cheng Yang, look, this is the Song Lin I told you about." Peng Xi brought Song Lin over to Cheng Yang for him to take a look.
"I wanted Song Lin to play the role that was given to Mr. Qiao. She was an idol before and can dance. What do you think?"
Qiao Yue, Cheng Yang, and Qiao Ze all looked at Peng Xi.
Qiao Ze frowned. This Peng Xi had a rather low EQ, to say this in front of the actor who had gotten the role.
"Peng Xi, I've already decided on this role. We can't just change it." Cheng Yang frowned as he looked Song Lin up and down.
"I've seen this actor before. Let's do an audition later. There are still some roles that haven't been decided." Cheng Yang was not willing to refute Peng Xi directly, so he replied perfunctorily with a frown.
"This person isn't famous and he's recommended by Qiao Ze. I don't think Qiao Ze is very good at picking people. Why don't you let my person try?" Peng Xi probed.
"Song Lin is quite popular, and her family is well-to-do." Peng Xi winked at Cheng Yang, as if he was hinting at something.
Cheng Yang understood Peng Xi's hint.
In order to get their own company off the ground, they had cast many actors who also invested in production. However, Cheng Yang had no intention to replace Qiao Yue.
"Since the decision has already been made, let's have Qiao Yue play the role. We'll talk about this actor later." Cheng Yang was getting impatient.
"Why won't you listen to me? I just want to use the actor that I picked." Peng Xi was annoyed. He stood up, slammed the table, and glared at Cheng Yang.
Song Lin looked on like she was watching a show.
This Qiao Yue was indeed capable to have Cheng Yang speak up for him. However, she, Song Lin, was also not someone who was easily bullied.
"If Director Pang has any ideas, you can tell me directly. There's no need to make things difficult for Director Cheng Yang."
Just as the two directors were arguing, Qiao Ze spoke. "If you don't let my brother play this role, then I won't act either."
Everyone was shocked by Qiao Ze's words.
This little internet celebrity who was on trending search yesterday was the brother of best actor Qiao Ze?
From the mysterious aristocratic Qiao family?
Moreover, Qiao Ze actually threatened to pull out in order to make sure that his younger brother was in...
Song Lin was also shocked by Qiao Ze's words. This movie had been promoted with Qiao Ze as the male lead. There would be public outrage if the male lead was suddenly replaced.
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Chapter 244: Tracking
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Qiao Yue didn't expect Qiao Ze to say something like that.
At this time, someone came in and whispered something to Cheng Yang.
Cheng Yang frowned and looked at Song Lin. "I heard that you hit Qiao Ze's brother's car?"
He was a little angry. This small-time actress Peng Xi brought was not particularly outstanding in terms of looks and popularity. Why did she cause trouble before she even got a role?
Peng Xi seemed to be under this girl's spell, and ignored his hints repeatedly.
"I've already decided to use Qiao Yue for this role. Peng Xi, please find a way to deal with Qiao Yue's car." Cheng Yang was really upset with Peng Xi this time.
He thought that this small-time actress might have a some talent, but he didn't expect her to be so bold before she could even show her talent.
"I'll take care of the car. I'd like to ask you though, what's so good about Qiao Yue? Just because he's Qiao Ze's relative?"
Cheng Yang turned opened his laptop, clicked on the video that had been shared millions of times yesterday and showed it to Peng Xi.
The number of shares had already exceeded ten million by now, and the comments section was full of praise.
Some netizens even mentioned in the comments section that Qiao Yue's swordsmanship was reflective of Guang Jun's, a kendo master from J-Country.
Guang Jun was a famous kendo master from J-Country and enjoyed a great reputation internationally. He had taken in less than ten disciples in the last ten years, all of them mysterious.
Guang Jun himself only perform kendo once a year at the New Year's celebration. A few kendo enthusiasts could see Guang Jun's moves in Qiao Yue's sword dance; some even uploaded screenshots for comparison.
This video had also been posted on J-Country's video sharing platform, and in an instant, the number of views soared.
"Do you see that? This video has considerable influence locally and in J-Country. Who knows? Maybe we can even use this to market the movie in J-Country!"
J-Country also had a relatively large film market. For Cheng Yang's company, this move could only profit them.
Only then did Peng Xi realize that Cheng Yang's decision made a lot of sense.
"Guang Jun seems to have shared the video of our best actor's brother!"
Everyone looked at the big screen. Qiao Yue's video had just been reposted by Guang Jun on J-Country's social media.
This kendo master was an old man more than half a century old. He lived simply in the mountains and rarely went out. And he rarely used social media. His last post was a new year greeting. He actually posted something on social media today because of Qiao Yue.
Everyone thought this unbelievable.
"Are you really a disciple of Master Guang Jun's?" Peng Xi asked Qiao Yue.
Qiao Yue didn't want people to know, but the situation had forced her to admit it.
Qiao Ze looked at Qiao Yue in surprise.
He knew that his younger brother was no simpleton, he did not expect him to have such connections. He was definitely not a country bumpkin. He was a top talent.
Qiao Yue nodded. "We met by chance. I studied under the master for a while."
Everyone couldn't help but clap.
This kendo master was known to be very strict with his students. It was no easy feat to train under him.
Qiao Ze patted Qiao Yue's shoulder. "Fifth brother, you're really something. Third brother has underestimated you."
Qiao Yue smiled and didn't say more.
It was now Song Lin and Peng Xi's turn to be dumbfounded. They were no comparison to the fifth young master of the Qiao family.
Moreover, he was willing to lower himself to play a minor role. Who else should Cheng Yang have supported? Them?
Peng Xi's expression changed. He looked at Qiao Yue and said, "Fifth young master, I'm really sorry for offending you before. I hope you can forgive me."
Qiao Yue didn't look at him. She just stared at her screen.
She had no interest in the assistant director's games. She had used her phone to connect to the wireless network here just now and cracked some encrypted information about Cheng Yang's company.
This was her real purpose for coming here.
The secret information included a financial report, which recorded some illegal investments that Cheng Yang's company had received, including investments from AT.
Tracking these AT account would allow her to see which other companies in C-Country had received funds from AT. Although this was a risky method that's easily found out, she was not afraid that AT would trace it to her.
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Chapter 245: Preparations
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It looked like there was a group of well-trained hackers behind AT.
If AT wanted to keep this list a secret, they would have set up a firewall in advance and not expose such an obvious security loophole.
It seemed that Cheng Yang was quite involved. His transactions with AT weren't limited to financed capital injection.
Qiao Yue sent the information to Chu Jia and YQ. The organization was not providing much help now, so had to rely on her own resources to uncover the truth.
Very quickly, Chu Jia replied that she had received it. At the same time, Chu Jia sent her a message she didn't expect.
"Trand is likely to be repatriated to D-Country."
Qiao Yue clenched her fists.
It was not a good sign if Trand were sent back to D-Country. After all, people who committed crimes in C-Country should be sentenced in C-Country first before they were sent back home.
It's too strange for Trand to be repatriated to D-Country when he had just arrived.
Qiao Yue frowned at the thought of Andy's recent trip to C-Country.
"Is there any new order from the Godfather?"
"The Godfather's latest instruction was for all of us to stay put and wait for orders. He is now in D-Country."
This sounded really odd. The Godfather had sent people from C-Country to intercept and kill Trand multiple times. It would be a good idea to get someone to intercept and kill Trand while he was being repatriated. But the Godfather gave no such instruction now.
The atmosphere in the conference room was still a little tense. Qiao Yue didn't pay any attention to the argument between Peng Xi and Cheng Yang. She was busy devising countermeasures.
When she told the Godfather last time, he didn't send her any help. So, should she take this opportunity to kill Trand?
As she thought about this, an even more complicated problem appeared in her mind.
At first, the Godfather gave her a mission to kill Trand. But after multiple failures, she had to ask for help from him.
But now, she wanted to kill this drug dealer herself.
Not just because she had almost fallen into Trand's hands a few times, but also because she wanted to know what kind of grudge existed between the Godfather and Trand that made the Godfather put a hit on him.
"Our people and Yayi's were more or less fully recovered. If we want to take action, we should hurry." Chu Jia reminded.
"How long more?"
"He will be repatriated in ten days."
Criminals like Trand were usually sent back to their own countries via international waters.
The best place for them to attack was when he's on international waters.
The city they were at was near the sea, and there was a beach. If they find an excuse to go to the beach, they could find an opportunity to attack Trand.
If they didn't kill Trand now, they wouldn't be able to do anything when he's back in D-Country.
After all, Andy and Trand were brothers. Even if Trand went to prison, Andy would find a way to give him a good life.
The thought of a scumbag like Trand living a good life made Qiao Yue want to kill him immediately.
"We'll act on our own in ten days."
Just as Qiao Yue gave Chu Jia the order, the meeting in the conference room ended.
Qiao Ze patted Qiao Yue on the shoulder and said, "Let's go home."
Qiao Yue followed Qiao Ze to his car. Her car had already been towed to the repair shop for treatment. It was just a little scratch, a small injury compared to Song Lin's car.
"Fifth brother, you're really full of surprises." Qiao Ze praised.
He didn't expect Qiao Yue to have studied under a kendo master.
"I just met him by chance. It's not a big deal."
Qiao Ze nodded and drove in the direction of the Qiao residence. "Did you find anything today?"
Qiao Yue replied, "Cheng Yang's company is indeed connected to AT, but AT worked with many companies. AT's fund transfers were from their company account. And it did, in fact, received funds from D-Country's member of parliament, Andy."
Qiao Ze nodded.
These few dots were slowing connecting: Mahad, Andy, AT Company. These people were probably closely connected to Trand and these seemingly innocent organizations were somehow involved in drug or human trafficking, or both.
Qiao Ze felt a chill run down his spine at the thought of this. His father was actually hanging out with such people and even wanted to do business with them.
"If there's anything you need to find out from my father, feel free to call me."
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