July 15, 1997, Shengli Road, Nanchang
The sky over Nanchang was gloomy, and the air was filled with a muggy heat that precedes rain, sticking to the skin and making one irritable. But Chen Yu had woken up early, meticulously grooming himself with a heart full of anxiety. He repeatedly ironed his cheap suit from the street stall with a damp towel, trying to smooth out every wrinkle. His leather shoes were polished to a shine, reflecting his nervous face. His hair was impeccably combed with the cheapest hair gel.He looked in the mirror, trying to make himself look more like a promising university student than a destitute job seeker.At half-past nine, Chen Yu was already standing in front of the Jiangxi Hotel on Shengli Road. This was one of the most prosperous areas in Nanchang, and the people coming and going were all well-dressed city dwellers. Their confident strides and easy laughter made Chen Yu feel even more out of place. He looked around nervously, his palms sweating, wondering what the mysterious Brother Zhang would be like.At ten o'clock sharp, a man in his thirties walked straight towards Chen Yu. He was of medium height, wearing a well-fitting dark blue suit and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. His hair was neatly combed, looking refined and polite, with a friendly smile on his face. Most importantly, he exuded an aura of success that Chen Yu had only seen on television, which made him both envious and nervous."You must be Chen Yu? I'm Zhang Qinsheng," the man extended his hand proactively, his voice warm and magnetic."Brother Zhang, hello!" Chen Yu quickly extended his sweaty hand to shake his. Zhang Qinsheng's hand was warm, dry, and strong, with a perfect grip, which further increased Chen Yu's favorable impression of him.Zhang Qinsheng carefully sized up Chen Yu. A flicker of satisfaction, barely perceptible, flashed in the depths of his eyes. This young man indeed met all their requirements: handsome features, medium build, and most importantly, his eyes revealed that eager longing and worldly naivety."Come, let's go inside and talk," Zhang Qinsheng led Chen Yu into the coffee shop on the first floor of the hotel, specifically choosing a relatively private table by the window. This position allowed them to observe the situation outside while not being easily disturbed by others, perfect for this kind of "special" conversation."Order whatever you like, don't be polite with me," Zhang Qinsheng pushed the menu over, his smile carrying a perfect amount of warmth, while he discreetly observed Chen Yu's reaction.Chen Yu wanted to politely decline, but his stomach growled betrayingly. To save money, he hadn't had a proper meal in two days, surviving on plain water and a few cold steamed buns."Then... then I'll just have a hamburger combo," Chen Yu said embarrassedly, a blush creeping up his face.Zhang Qinsheng chuckled inwardly. This state of hunger was exactly what they needed—hungry people were more easily tempted and more likely to lose their reason.