Chapter 211 - Fall Guy
At the hour of eight in the evening, they convened at the Grand Hotel.
It was the designated time and location for the rendezvous between Wang Guohui and the other individual.
Their meeting was arranged in a private chamber situated on the highest level of the establishment.
Together, they ascended to the 28th floor via the elevator.
Upon the elevator's doors sliding open, a distinct odor pervaded the air.
Su Ming cast a glance towards Wang Guohui.
His brow furrowed lightly, and he instinctively stepped backward.
Approaching, a server noticed the odor.
The server, too, reacted with a slight frown and retreated a step.
Customers from nearby areas made their exit.
They mirrored the previous reactions, frowning and stepping away.
Wang Guohui found himself perplexed.
He wondered aloud, “What's happening?”
Puzzled by the collective avoidance, he questioned their actions.
He was certain of his innocence.
Unable to tolerate it further, an individual, while covering their nose, implored Wang Guohui: “Buddy, could you keep it in check? We're in a shared space.”
Complaining, “The odor is overwhelming!”
Another person was close to retching.
Disgusted, someone commented, “The lift has just arrived, and the foul smell is unbearable. Better to use the stairs.”
Quickly agreeing, another urged, “Let's move.”
The server opted to transport dishes via the staircase.
Wang Guohui stood there, shocked.
He questioned their insinuations.
Their suspicion fell on him for emitting a foul odor.
He protested, “I've done nothing wrong!”
Wang Guohui felt unjustly accused.
He noted the absence of any foul smell within the lift.
The odor only became noticeable once the elevator doors opened.
Moreover, descending from the 28th floor on foot would result in extreme exhaustion.
“Come on, just confess.”
“Anyone can pass gas. We're not going to mock you for it.”
“It's surprising you're still unable to own up to passing gas at your age.”
Upon hearing Wang Guohui's remark, the others couldn't resist ribbing him.
Wang Guohui was disheartened by their comments.
He hadn't done anything wrong!
He felt unjustly accused.
“Mr. Su, their behavior is unacceptable.”
“They're definitely crossing the line. Let's pay them no mind and leave.”
Su Ming responded with a grave nod.
Wang Guohui felt reassured upon hearing this and silently agreed.
Mr. Su was showing empathy.
He started to rethink the recent incident.
Initially, when they exited the elevator, everything seemed normal.
The misunderstanding began when Su Ming covered his nose and mouth, stepping backward.
It appeared that Mr. Su was the actual instigator!
“Mr. Su, that was mean of you.”
“What do you mean? I'm not following.”
Wang Guohui found Su Ming's feigned ignorance exasperating.
Wang Guohui chose to drop the issue.
Leading the charge, Wang Guohui with Su Ming in tow, encountered an increasingly pungent odor.
The scent grew so repulsive it was unbearable!
Su Ming felt compelled to voice out, “Who's responsible for such a foul fart?”
Wang Guohui found himself curious to discern the source's scent among those nearby.
Wang Guohui silently declared his innocence, thinking he was not the one who farted and thus, was not involved.
Nevertheless, Wang Guohui found himself in agreement with Su Ming's observation.
The odor was simply atrocious.
Reaching a private room's entrance, they opened the door.
Inside, the foul smell was overwhelming.
They questioned the nature of the overpowering stench.
With Su Ming covering his nose and Wang Guohui coughing persistently.
They noticed a middle-aged man standing within the room.
The room's round table was laden with wine bottles and an abundance of food.
Su Ming peered closely with a slight frown.
They wondered about the items before them.
Items such as stinky tofu, stinky leeks, canned herring, rice noodles, tofu milk, bean juice, durian were identified…
All were foods known for their potent and unique odors.
Despite his revulsion, Wang Guohui managed to inquire loudly with a scowl, “Yang, what's all this about?”
“Perfect timing, you two. Come and try these flavors!” was the enthusiastic invitation.
With that, he approached them holding out a bowl.
The substance in the bowl was viscous and emitted a foul odor.
“There's no way I'll consume this!”
Wang Guohui vehemently refused by shaking his head.
“Rest assured, it's not toxic. Try a little.”
“I'd rather face death than drink that!”
“Please, do it as a favor to me.”
“Get lost!”
Wang Guohui felt nauseated.
What was Yang up to?
Had he lost his mind? It seemed he intended to overwhelm him with the stench!
He had concocted a mixture so revolting that it could kill a person with just one taste!
With Wang Guohui watching in shock, Yang stirred the thick concoction with a chopstick before tasting it.
“This doesn't taste good.”
He lamented, considering, “Perhaps some spices will help?”
“Enough, Yang. I'm here to discuss a real estate purchase with you today. Can we relocate to discuss this?”
Wang Guohui reached his limit.
Should Yang persist, Wang was prepared to eject him from the upper floor.
“Fine.”
After a brief pause of surprise, Yang glanced at the spices with a hint of reluctance and then escorted Wang Guohui to a secluded room nearby.
The foul smell was considerably less intense there.
“Yang, this is Mr. Su, whom I mentioned earlier. Mr. Su, meet Yang.”
Wang Guohui was introduced.
Suddenly, Yang interjected.
“I've decided not to sell.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Guohui showed signs of displeasure, remarking, “Yang, that's not what you indicated earlier.”
“My decision has changed.”
Wang Guohui commented, “That's quite a swift change of heart!”
“It's my property, so the decision to sell is mine to make.”
“Do the odors have you feeling lightheaded?”
“While it may have an unpleasant smell, it actually tastes quite good. Would you be interested in trying it?”
“Leave me alone!”
Wang Guohui, holding his nose, kept his distance.
Observing the exchange, Su Ming found himself at a loss for words.
He cleared his throat and advanced towards Yang.
However, he soon discreetly stepped back.
A foul smell lingered around Yang.
“Mr. Yang, my interest in purchasing your property is genuine. Let's talk about the price.”
“Mr. Su, it's not that I'm unwilling to sell to you.”
With a sigh of resignation, Yang Zhiqiang explained, “My plan was to relocate the headquarters to my hometown as a way of giving back. However, due to a recent unsuccessful partnership, I've been left with no other choice.”
“You entered into negotiations with that disreputable person?”
Wang Guohui quickly understood the situation.
“Indeed.”
Yang Zhiqiang confirmed with a nod.
“Creating so much foul-smelling food because you dared to engage in business with him? That's admirable!”
Wang Guohui expressed his admiration with a thumbs-up gesture.
Read 𝓁at𝙚st chapters at Only