Shen Lang not only had self-awareness but also a keen understanding of others.
He had offended the Kong and Qi families repeatedly, almost to the point of no return, making them wish they could tear Shen Lang to pieces. Such animosity could never be easily resolved.
Upon hearing Shen Lang's words, Qin Lianyue showed no discouragement. "Shen Lang, you must believe me. My connections with Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao are strong. If I intervene, I'm sure I can resolve this."
"Haha, really?"
Shen Lang laughed. "Qin Lianyue, you're quite confident in yourself. But I'm telling you, it's best not to be so sure. You might consider Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao as close friends, but they might not see you the same way."
"Moreover, even if you were best friends, deep hatred can be resolved with a single word. Don't be so naive."
Saying this, Shen Lang took a sip of the mineral water, priced at three hundred yuan a bottle, and chuckled. "Don't worry about the grievances between me and Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao. Let us handle it ourselves."
"Handle it yourselves?"
Qin Lianyue exclaimed, "Shen Lang, how can you, a nobody, resolve this on your own when facing the young masters of two major aristocratic families?"
"I have my own means. You don't need to worry about that."
Shen Lang looked at Qin Lianyue, a hint of gratitude appearing on his face. "Qin Lianyue, I didn't expect you to care about me. Thank you, really. But I have plenty of ways to deal with Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao. You don't need to worry."
"Forget it, it seems my good intentions are unappreciated. Since you don't need my help, I won't interfere in your feud."
Qin Lianyue assumed Shen Lang was too proud to accept help from a woman, leading him to refuse her assistance. She felt a touch of disappointment at his seemingly overconfident, chauvinistic behavior.
"Let's change the subject. Why did you want to see me?"
Qin Lianyue said, "Although I saved your life last time, I know you scions of aristocratic families tend to hold grudges. So don't tell me you want to repay me or anything like that. I don't believe it."
"Shen Lang, you seem to know a lot about aristocratic families."
Qin Lianyue looked at Shen Lang. "I do have other matters to discuss with you. But my desire to help you resolve your feud with Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao is also genuine, after all, you saved my life."
"But since you don't appreciate it, I won't dwell on it. I'll get straight to the point."
Qin Lianyue dropped a bombshell: "Where is Can Dao? Tell me."
"Can Dao?"
Hearing Qin Lianyue's question, Shen Lang looked shocked. "What do you want with Can Dao?"
"Shen Lang, I can't tell you why I'm looking for Can Dao, but he is very important to me. I must find him. So please tell me his whereabouts."
Qin Lianyue looked at Shen Lang, a hint of tears welling up in her eyes. "I know you've met Can Dao, and that your relationship isn't shallow. If anyone in Nanling would know where he is, it would be you."
"Shen Lang, you can name your price. As long as it's within my ability, I will agree without any bargaining."
Qin Lianyue's expression was resolute, clearly indicating how vital Can Dao was to her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know."
Shen Lang replied, "I won't deny that I have some acquaintance with Can Dao, but our relationship isn't that deep. We've only met twice since we first met. He might be able to find me, but I definitely can't find him."
Although Can Dao was supposed to serve Shen Lang, it was only when Shen Lang needed him. If Shen Lang didn't need him, Can Dao would absolutely not appear. Therefore, Shen Lang was truthful when he said he didn't know Can Dao's location.
As for finding Can Dao's whereabouts, that was preposterous. Can Dao had been with Lin Nianfo for years, yet no one knew where he was. He had countless hideouts, and finding him would be as difficult as reaching the heavens.
"Lianyue, I don't think Shen Lang is lying. He truly seems to not know where Can Dao is," Tang Wuzui said to Qin Lianyue. "It seems the time for your meeting hasn't come yet."
"Um, if I may be so bold, may I ask what your relationship with Can Dao is?"
At this moment, Shen Lang asked curiously, looking at Qin Lianyue.
"Shen Lang, you'd best not be curious about my relationship with Can Dao. Knowing it will bring you no good. I'm not trying to scare you; I'm telling you the truth."
Qin Lianyue looked at Shen Lang. "Can Dao is a very dangerous person. Those who get close to him bring danger. If you know where he is, I implore you to tell me. I won't treat you unfairly."
"Then we'll talk when I see him."
Shen Lang disliked it when people kept things from him, especially when they asked him to do something while withholding information. He found that feeling extremely uncomfortable.
Therefore, Shen Lang dismissed Qin Lianyue's words, letting them go in one ear and out the other.
With no further conversation, Shen Lang soon left Tang Wuzui's apartment and drove back to his villa.
Tang Wuzui and Qin Lianyue stood by the apartment's glass window, watching Shen Lang's car start and drive away. Tang Wuzui then said to Qin Lianyue, "Lianyue, it seems your trip was in vain."
"In vain?"
Qin Lianyue smiled. "How can it be in vain?"
"Although Shen Lang doesn't know Can Dao's whereabouts, I at least know there's some connection between Can Dao and Shen Lang. As long as Shen Lang is here, Can Dao will eventually appear, won't he?"
Speaking of which, Qin Lianyue observed Shen Lang with a playful gaze. "Wuzui, Shen Lang is quite good. No wonder you like him so much. He's an interesting fellow."
"Of course. Don't you know who has set her sights on him?"
Tang Wuzui said proudly, "Lianyue, although he seems to be lagging behind Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao now, I believe it won't be long before their gap closes. And then, Shen Lang will surpass them, far surpassing them."
"Really?"
Qin Lianyue shook her head. "Wuzui, I can't deny that Shen Lang is extraordinary. But comparing him to Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao might be overestimating him."
"Don't you believe me?"
Tang Wuzui proposed, "If you don't believe me, how about a bet?"
"I'll bet six months. In six months, Shen Lang will far surpass Qi Tuojiang and Kong Wudao. If he doesn't, I'll give you all the money I made from this stock market venture."
"And if he succeeds?"
Qin Lianyue asked curiously.
"The same terms."
Tang Wuzui looked at Qin Lianyue, a challenge in his eyes. "Do you dare?"
"Who are you afraid of? A bet is a bet."
Qin Lianyue said with confidence, "Tang Wuzui, the one who loses will be you."