The Rise of the White Lotus

Chapter 171 Meeting with Wren Tanaka

One week later…

"Huh? Is brother Mo still mad about that punch?" Furrowing his brows, Ethan Lu frowned after hearing that his presence wasn't needed to the transaction with Wren Tanaka. Although it was not a big deal, still, he was an important affiliate with this project that they were proposing. Moreover, it was originally Morris and Ethan's… or so, what he believed.

"Brother Mo is not as petty as you. Besides, you'll have less burden." Sighing heavily, Chris Yu lowly dissed Ethan Lu but his tone was low as if he was tired, or rather disturbed.

"Oi, my reason is not petty. I am dragging him back to reality as a friend." Because he had been relentlessly working for the past week, Ethan Lu's defense wasn't as aggressive as it used to be as he didn't have the energy to argue with Chris Yu.

"Whatever, man." Sighing, Chris Yu ended the call without short notice. He already told Ethan Lu what he needed to say for his own good. Hence, Chris Yu and Morris Liu could be at ease with that problem.

Alas, even if they didn't have to think about Ethan Lu, the man they were about to meet filled Chris Yu with dread. After all, none of them knew how Wren Tanaka's mind works or rather, Chris Yu was more uneasy if he would agree to side with them.

Turning to his side, Chris Yu could not help but admire Morris Liu for keeping his icy front intact. It was as if he had no worries or he could not be bothered if this will be a good day or bloody. As Chris Yu was wondering what was going on in this cold man's mind, Morris Liu spoke.

"You're the only one coming with me." With that said note, Morris Liu exited the car without a word.

"Yes, yes," Slowly nodding, Chris Yu let out another heavy sigh. He then followed Morris Liu towards a private restaurant where they would meet Wren Tanaka.

Chris Yu glanced at the only car parked outside— aside from theirs before his gaze scanned the surroundings.

He recalled that days before their said meeting, Morris Liu received an email personally from Wren Tanaka. His message was short but precise, saying: "Please bring fewer people."

When Chris Yu came to know this short message, he felt a cold chill run down his spine. Unlike Morris Liu who already withdrawn his order the next day when Lexi gave him the note— as if he already predicted this. However, Chris Yu still felt that he was being watched. It was not that he was scared or anything of the sort, but he was irked as he didn't like being spied on.

"Weird, I don't see anyone around." Chris Yu murmured as he expected that the place would be firmly guarded.

"He doesn't need that many." Flatly responding, Morris Liu didn't halt on his step as he made his way directly to the lone restaurant that was located outside the city.

When Morris Liu entered the establishment, he was greeted by the manager with a polite bow and a reserved smile. Aside from the several staff beside the manager, there were no customers present.

"Mr. Liu, this way please." The manager courtly gesture and guided both men to a private lounge where Wren Tanaka was waiting. Reaching the door, the manager turned his head to Morris Liu and Chris Yu.

"Mr. Tanaka is inside." With that said note, the manager walked away without making any noise. Chris Yu's gaze followed the manager's figure until he could no longer see him.

"Sketchy…" He muttered. He had been observing the manager since they came in, hence, Chris Yu turned more hostile and didn't let his guard down.

On the other hand, Morris Liu remained silent as if nothing could faze him. He reached out for the door handle and slowly, he opened it without blinking. The moment it opened, Wren Tanaka raised his gaze while he was languidly sitting on one of the sofas.

Seeing Morris Liu and Chris Yu behind him, his face brightened as a huge smile— revealing his even white teeth showed on his flawless face. Wren Tanaka then stood from his seat as he greeted with open arms, "Mr. Liu!"

Morris Liu slightly bowed his head as his eyes briefly closed. "Mr. Tanaka."

"Hehe, come, take a seat." Sounding friendly as ever, Wren Tanaka gestured for them to take a seat. Alas, when his gaze landed at the long sofa whom a lying person wrapped with a white blanket occupying the whole long couch— the corner of his lips twitched.

"Hehe, don't mind that person there." Laughing it off, Wren Tanaka awkwardly waved his hands off.

Morris Liu nodded his head without a word and as instructed, he sat at the single-seater that was across the head seat where Wren Tanaka perched.

Meanwhile, Chris Yu stood on the side like how a bodyguard would do. He only glanced at the person lying on the long couch yet, with that one glance, he became warier.

Staring at the icy man across him, Wren Tanaka sighed and then frowned. "CEO Liu, didn't I tell you no weapons?" His statement evidently confused Chris Yu while Morris Liu didn't react— not one bit.

After a beat, Morris Liu responded, "Mr. Tanaka, I didn't."

"Hehe, I am not referring to guns or daggers. I meant that man over there." Wren Tanaka thrust his chin as he pointed it at Chris Yu's direction. He added as he leisurely propped his jaw on the back of his hand.

"Humans can be deadly too, you know."

Upon hearing Wren Tanaka's statement, Morris Liu finally had a change of expression as he subtly smirked. It was alluring, yet, someone like Wren knew that he was someone to be wary about.

"Indeed. My apologies but… I need a little protection as well. I hope you understand."

"Hahaha! Nice!" Instead of being offended, Wren Tanaka heartily laughed as he was completely amused. Surely, Morris Liu was an interesting man just like what thought.

"Don't worry, I don't mind. Let's get down to business, hmmm…" Setting that matters aside, Wren Tanaka rubbed his chin as he pondered. After a second, even before Morris Liu could start whatever deal he was about to propose, Wren Tanaka spoke again.

"You know, Mr. Liu, I keep my business very very clean— you probably know that already when I didn't invite you to my, I mean the Yue event."

"This is a clean business, Mr. Tanaka." Without leaving his gaze on Wren's figure, Morris Liu blankly stated.

"Clean? Hmmm, let's see... You are indeed doing clean business but, the Liu Empire's history is not clean at all, am I right? As far as I know, a powerful group still held you by the neck… I don't want to be entangled by this mess— my life's been pretty chaotic lately, thanks to a certain someone." Raising his tone with his last sentence, Wren seemed he wanted that certain someone to hear his sarcasm.

"Years ago, a normal employee was sentenced to death by his employer for being a whistleblower. That man died but, one year later, a certain businessman, who looks exactly like that employee rose out of nowhere. No history, no family— just a wealthy man." Instead of confirming Wren's words, Morris Liu started talking about a story he knew.

When Morris Liu was done, Wren's interest was entirely piqued. Straightening his back, he peered at Morris Liu's stoic expression with fascination.

"You are indeed a smart man. Only a few know that… tsk tsk tsk, no wonder you are in such a predicament— you know a lot that you shouldn't. No wonder you have to push Miss Yang away."