Chapter 163: Chapter 134: The Complexity of Human Nature (Triple Combo) (Part 4)
Qi Yun nodded, watching them leave.
After the two walked away, he took out his phone and called Zhou Hongchang, inviting him and a few officers for lunch.
The location was chosen at a restaurant not far from the police department, one of the better ones in the county town.
Qi Yun arrived first with Liu Meng and Zhong Rui.
After arriving at the private room, he instructed Zhong Rui, "Go load a membership card with ten thousand yuan, then buy two cases of Yuxi cigarettes from the next-door liquor store."
"Okay, boss." Zhong Rui responded and quickly left the room to handle it.
Once he left, Qi Yun handed a cigarette to Liu Meng and said with a smile, "Brother Meng, you’ve seen those jewels; they’re worth quite a bit. How about I give you fifty thousand yuan? Just a small token of my appreciation."
Liu Meng was taken aback, accepted the cigarette, and a hint of displeasure flickered across his face.
"Last time we returned from Kashi, I already said I followed to help you. You don’t need to do this; I won’t take it."
Qi Yun wasn’t surprised, lit a cigarette, and continued, "Brothers are brothers, but you haven’t earned anything these days with me. What will your wife and child eat and drink?"
Hearing this, Liu Meng frowned slightly and slowly exhaled a smoke ring: "I know you want to help me, but having this much money makes me uncomfortable."
"Working at the construction site, I only earn three hundred yuan a day. The money you gave last time is enough for me to work there for two months."
Qi Yun knew this guy was a bit stubborn, so he said no more and decided to compensate him in other ways.
After a while, Zhou Hongchang arrived with a few officers to the private room.
As soon as he entered, he had a cheerful smile on his face, "Mr. Qi, sorry to keep you waiting!"
Qi Yun quickly stood up to welcome them, warmly saying, "Please come in, everyone. It hasn’t been long at all. Today, I really have to thank you all. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have come out of the desert smoothly."
They exchanged pleasantries and took their seats, with Qi Yun personally pouring tea for everyone.
A table full of sumptuous dishes was quickly laid out since everyone had to work in the afternoon, so no alcohol was served.
After eating and drinking, Zhou Hongchang handed a cigarette to Qi Yun, leaned over, and whispered, "The two have been interrogated. Is there anything else you want to say?"
Qi Yun smiled and patted his shoulder, "You just follow the normal procedures."
"Understood." Zhou Hongchang nodded in understanding.
After some conversation, their relationship grew increasingly familiar.
Seeing it was getting late, Qi Yun took out the membership card that Zhong Rui gave him earlier and handed it to Zhou Hongchang.
"This restaurant has good food. Bring the guys over when you have time, and share these cigarettes with them. Consider it my gratitude for saving my life."
"They’re not worth much, don’t refuse them."
Zhou Hongchang was slightly taken aback and instinctively wanted to refuse, but when he met Qi Yun’s "sincere" gaze, the refusal died on his lips.
"Mr. Qi, you’re too kind. It’s not a life-saving grace, we were just doing our duty. Since it’s your token of kindness, I’ll accept it on everyone’s behalf, thank you!"
Qi Yun laughed heartily, "Captain Zhou, don’t say that. If it weren’t for your timely arrival, we would have been in big trouble in the desert. If you ever need my help in the future, just ask."
"..."
When they parted, Zhou Hongchang held Qi Yun’s hand and whispered, "Mr. Qi, actually, my home is also in Bird City. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back. Next time I go, I’ll visit you and Director Zhang."