Chapter Fifty-Nine: Chang'an Club

Seeing that Ye Qian was completely stunned by her, Yang Danni took the initiative to hold Ye Qian’s hand and smiled, “Welcome to Beijing! Whenever you get the chance, I’ll personally show you around the city. If you’d like, I can even introduce you to the Chang’an Club.”

“What? The Chang’an Club? You can really get me into the Chang’an Club?” Ye Qian nearly screamed.

It was common knowledge that the Chang’an Club in Beijing wasn’t a place where money alone could get you through the door. Ye Qian had applied more than once, pulling every string she could, but all her efforts had come to nothing. It wasn’t like the China Club, also situated in Beijing, where wealth was the only requirement—CEOs of multinational corporations often specified the China Club, and as long as you could afford the annual membership fee of over a hundred thousand yuan, you could join.

The Chang’an Club, however, was different. Entry required influence in Beijing, not necessarily a high official rank, but a powerful backer. In truth, the Chang’an Club was the stronghold of Beijing’s elite. To gain membership meant you were connected to the city’s power brokers, and from then on you could move about Beijing unimpeded. If trouble arose, flashing the Chang’an Club’s badge would ensure everything was taken care of.

Of course, there was no membership fee for the Chang’an Club, but its expenses were exorbitant. No money? No problem. If you were a member, you could enjoy all its services for free—even if you showed up penniless. The club was shrouded in mystery to outsiders; though it stood right across from Wangfujing, on the main avenue of Chang’an, few truly understood its inner workings. It was neither tranquil nor unified, with internal conflicts and factional strife hidden from the public eye.

“Of course,” Yang Danni replied lightly.

Ye Qian knew she wasn’t lying. With the Yang family’s influence, the Chang’an Club would certainly welcome them, and introducing someone was but a trivial favor. In fact, with Yang Danni’s support, Ye Qian would have her own backing in Beijing, making membership a foregone conclusion.

Ye Qian smiled, her gaze toward Yang Danni now tinged with something new.

When Long Fei emerged, he was somewhat perplexed; women’s affairs were truly unpredictable. Moments ago, they had been exchanging false compliments, but now they seemed as close as sisters. Seeing Ye Qian pull Yang Danni aside for whispered conversation, gesturing toward him, Long Fei was so shocked his mouth hung open. He cursed Ye Qian inwardly.

This girl, who knows what bad things she’s saying about me!

But Long Fei wasn’t worried. Yang Danni was already thoroughly under his sway; no matter how Ye Qian tried to sow discord, it was impossible for Yang Danni to suddenly dislike him. He was quite confident in this.

“What are you two chatting about? You look so happy,” Long Fei placed a bowl of chicken soup with red dates and goji berries on the table, turning back with curiosity.

The two women shook their heads in unison.

Seeing Long Fei had finished cooking, the women came to help. The table was piled high with delicious dishes, making their mouths water.

Besides the chicken soup, Long Fei had prepared papaya carp, stir-fried yam with celery and goji berries, and longan, red date, and peanut porridge, among others. Every dish seemed specially crafted for Yang Danni, moving her deeply.

Ye Qian, however, felt a bit uneasy. Now that she knew Yang Danni’s identity, she wouldn’t deliberately cause trouble—yet she couldn’t stand seeing Long Fei and Yang Danni exchange tender glances. Grabbing her chopsticks, she snatched a piece of fish and popped it in her mouth, immediately exclaiming, “Wow, this fish is so fresh! Danni, you must try it. Someone made it just to please you—I’m benefiting from your good fortune.”

Yang Danni laughed, shot Long Fei a glance, and eagerly took a piece of fish herself. She ate it gracefully, her eyes brightening at once. Having hosted a food show at a provincial TV station, she was no stranger to fine cuisine. Yet Long Fei’s humble papaya carp opened not only her eyes, but her palate. She had never tasted such fresh carp—the freshness mingled with a rich aroma, accented by the subtle flavor of papaya.

Long Fei’s skill was truly exceptional. If he hadn’t cooked enough, he might not have gotten a bite himself. Though Yang Danni started off demure, she soon set aside her elegance—though she still ate with grace, not as voraciously as Ye Qian, her appetite was equally impressive.

At first, the two women occasionally praised the food, but soon they were too busy devouring it to speak, practically wolfing it down. Their thoughts were unexpectedly in sync: whoever married Long Fei would be truly blessed. But thinking of themselves, both blushed, faces tinged red, though Long Fei, focused on serving them, didn’t notice at all. After all, if no one appreciated his culinary efforts, it would be a tragedy. Now, seeing them eat with such gusto, he felt thoroughly satisfied.

After the meal, Yang Danni offered to wash the dishes, but Long Fei stopped her. Having just lost her virginity, she needed rest, so he hoped Ye Qian would do it. She promptly used the bathroom as an excuse, hiding away until Long Fei, left with no choice, had to do it himself. Honestly, he had no interest in washing dishes and rather disliked it. Cooking was different—like killing, Long Fei treated it as an art, so it never felt tiresome. But washing dishes? That could never be art.

Ye Qian spent a remarkably long time in the bathroom. By the time Long Fei was sitting in the living room sipping tea, she finally emerged, yawning, and sat beside him to watch TV.

Long Fei muttered under his breath, “I thought you’d fallen into the toilet.”

Ye Qian didn’t catch his words, but judging from his expression, she knew he wasn’t saying anything nice. Still, having just enjoyed a delicious meal, she didn’t want to argue, so she shot him a glare and focused on the TV.

Time flew, and soon it was nearly ten o’clock. Long Fei had hinted more than once that Ye Qian should head home, but she had no intention of leaving, acting as if she meant to stay overnight. Long Fei was vexed.

Yang Danni had just lost her virginity; if Long Fei made love to her again tonight, it would undermine the restorative effect of the meal. So he abandoned any plans for further intimacy, though some flirtation was inevitable. But with Ye Qian refusing to leave, his shameless intentions could not be carried out.

Thus Long Fei began to urge Ye Qian to go home, but no matter how he tried, she wouldn’t budge. First she claimed it was too late and she feared ghosts, then said she wanted to chat with Yang Danni, then mentioned wanting to discuss something important with Long Fei—but when pressed, she refused to elaborate.

Yang Danni, meanwhile, sat quietly, smiling, neither helping Long Fei nor encouraging Ye Qian to stay, completely detached.

Luckily, just as Long Fei was out of options, Qi Yufei called. Seizing the opportunity, Long Fei exaggerated Qi Yufei’s concern for her daughter, insisting that she wouldn’t be able to sleep without seeing Ye Qian tonight.

To Long Fei’s surprise, this strategy worked. The previously stubborn Ye Qian, reminded of Qi Yufei’s kindness, agreed to leave. Long Fei, in his heart, gave Ye Qian some credit—whatever else, the girl was at least a dutiful daughter.

Once Ye Qian reluctantly departed, Long Fei almost knelt and bowed toward Mengyuan in gratitude—heaven and earth, thank you for sending the little demon away. Otherwise, his dreams tonight would have come to nothing.