Deaf and Mute

Li Ming looked at Zhang Wenhai's message and really wanted to call him to ask, "Since when were we such good friends?"

How could he spout such nonsense so casually? Was he really not afraid of being exposed?

Meeting Tan Chengcheng's puzzled gaze, Li Ming had no choice but to explain.

"If Zhang Wenhai is saying this, he must have some ulterior motive. He’s probably using my name to lure you out, then planning to make his move on you."

"That old bastard really has some nerve!"

Li Ming could guess Zhang Wenhai’s scheme with his eyes closed, and in his mind, he had already sentenced the man to death.

Tan Chengcheng, however, smiled brightly and said,

"I believe you, Warden Li. Zhang Wenhai probably never expected we’ve already been in contact. This time, his trick won’t work on me. Thankfully, you came today—otherwise, he might’ve actually succeeded..."

Li Ming nodded. Judging by the situation, Zhang Wenhai likely planned to make his move on Tan Chengcheng tonight. Li Ming was somewhat curious about what kind of expression Zhang Wenhai would wear if he saw him.

Tan Chengcheng handed her phone to Li Ming, who thought for a moment before simply replying, "Sure!"

He planned to confront the old bastard in person, but he needed Tan Chengcheng’s cooperation. Testing the waters, he asked,

"Miss Tan, since he’s being dishonest, I plan to deal with him today. Would you be willing to help me? I’ll secretly record his words as evidence and have him removed tomorrow. Would that be convenient for you?"

Li Ming figured that if he could get evidence, great—if not, it didn’t matter. A corrupt official like Zhang Wenhai would be easy to take down with just a little digging. Still, he really wanted to see the man’s furious face.

Tan Chengcheng agreed without hesitation. If she could help Li Ming, she was more than willing! Besides, Zhang Wenhai had been eyeing her for a long time, and she had long since grown disgusted with him. Now that she could help bring him down, she was more than happy—especially since she’d also get to witness Li Ming’s skills. Two birds with one stone!

Li Ming checked the time. There was still some distance from Tianyi Villa to City S, and leaving now would be perfect.

So, he motioned for Tan Chengcheng to set off with him immediately.

Tan Chengcheng took a moment to wash her face and touch up her makeup, restoring her tear-streaked face to the refined image of a successful woman. Li Ming couldn’t help but marvel at the transformation.

Instead of driving his own car, Li Ming got into Tan Chengcheng’s convertible. Once they hit the road, she floored the accelerator, and the sudden g-force pushed Li Ming back into his seat, making him instinctively stick his hand out the window.

He’d heard that if you drove fast enough, the wind resistance against your hand at different speeds could mimic the feel of a woman’s curves—20 mph for an A-cup, 40 for a B, 60 for a C. But with Tan Chengcheng’s foot on the pedal, they were easily hitting 100 mph. That had to mean serious potential! Yet, all Li Ming felt was the cool, damp evening breeze carrying the faint scent of earth.

"Looks like it might rain soon..." Li Ming murmured.

"Probably... It hasn’t rained in a while. The weather’s been unbearably hot lately," Tan Chengcheng replied, her high-slit qipao exposing her legs fully to Li Ming’s gaze.

The first time he saw her legs, Li Ming had thought they were longer than the welcoming pine at Jade Tower—not just slender and shapely, but with flawless skin, pale and smooth. Three words involuntarily flashed through his mind:

Legs for days!

If she wore black stockings, the contrast between black and white, light and shadow, would be downright mesmerizing!

He had no idea how she maintained them—her legs had better skin than most people’s faces. No wonder Zhang Wenhai was so obsessed!

Tan Chengcheng, focused on driving, didn’t notice his gaze. The car was quiet, so she broke the silence.

"Warden Li, how should I introduce you at the dinner later?"

Li Ming snapped out of his thoughts, stroked his chin, and replied after a moment’s consideration.

"Just say... I’m your driver, mute and deaf. You brought me along because you were worried about driving at night."

"Zhang Wenhai’s already heard my voice on the phone today. If I speak, that old fox might catch on. I’ll stay silent and see what tricks he’s up to."

He clapped his hands, quietly proud of his quick thinking.

Tan Chengcheng, however, couldn’t help but laugh.

"A mute? Will that really work? Isn’t it too obvious? What if he asks you to wait outside so he can talk to me alone? I can’t just refuse outright."

Li Ming smirked and casually added, "Then say I’m both deaf and mute. He can’t possibly insist on kicking me out then. Don’t worry—if we’re caught, it’s fine. That old fox is sharp. We’re just testing his intentions, seeing if we can record anything. If he notices, no big deal. I’ve got ways to handle him. With me here, you’ve got nothing to fear."

Li Ming figured that if Zhang Wenhai sensed something was off, he wouldn’t bother keeping up the act. Whether it came to brains or brawn, Li Ming had him cornered.

As long as he confirmed Zhang Wenhai was no good, the man could kiss his career goodbye.

Hearing Li Ming’s confidence, Tan Chengcheng relaxed. She might have money, but when dealing with people in power, money wasn’t always enough...

Soon, they arrived in City S, right on schedule. Just as they were about to head to Jade Tower, another message came through.

Tan Chengcheng glanced at her phone, frowned, and handed it to Li Ming.

"Miss Tan, the warden of Black Mountain Prison is currently at Mingdu Hotel on official business! Come straight here! We’re all on the same side—your request won’t be a problem! We’ll be waiting. Mingdu Hotel, Room 1801!"

Li Ming studied the message and chuckled.

"Just as I thought... He switched to a hotel. This is definitely a setup."

"Let’s go! Time to see what he’s plotting. I’ll drive."

Li Ming got out and switched places with Tan Chengcheng before speeding toward Mingdu Hotel.

Mingdu Hotel was a landmark in City S—a towering skyscraper with luxurious decor, frequented by international tourists. It offered everything from fine dining and accommodations to shopping, entertainment, and even foot massages. A high-end establishment through and through.

As Li Ming pulled into the parking lot, a valet came to assist. Once the car was parked, Tan Chengcheng led the way with Li Ming following behind as a staff member escorted them to Room 1801.

Though called a private room, it was essentially a large suite, identical to a hotel room except for a grand dining table set with exquisitely plated but meager portions of food—and, most importantly, alcohol.

The door was ajar. Tan Chengcheng knocked, and Zhang Wenhai emerged to greet them...

...