Era: You're asked to cook a home-style dish, but you cook Wellington.

He just didn't know why, but Gao Yang was exactly the kind of person he liked, and he was willing to risk his future to give Gao Yang a chance at life.

As you bite into the steak, the crispy, caramelized crust cracks slightly between your teeth, followed by a burst of juicy, tender meat inside.

The rich, savory beef flavor is coated with the creamy richness of butter, and enhanced by the pre-marinated sea salt. There is not a trace of fishy or gamey taste, only the pure aroma of meat spreading on the tip of the tongue.

The medium-rare cooking time is just right; the meat is tender yet firm, leaving a lingering fragrance in your mouth with every chew, and even swallowing it brings a long-lasting umami flavor.

Li Zhengye closed his eyes, chewed slowly, and swallowed after a long while. His hand holding the knife and fork paused, and his eyes were filled with undisguised amazement.

"Your skills are truly amazing."

He spoke from the bottom of his heart, his tone full of regret.

"You won't find another place in China that can cook sirloin to this level."

He put down his knife and fork, his gaze toward Gao Yang becoming increasingly complex, and he could no longer hide his regret.

"It's really not worth giving up such a bright future just for Su Wanqing and the Su family. You should have been standing at a higher level, instead of getting caught up in the conflicts in Yuncheng and losing your life in the end."

Gao Yang looked at the steak on the plate with a calm expression and did not reply.

The only sounds in the kitchen were the light clinking of knives and forks against porcelain plates.

Can he betray Su Wanqing?

Impossible! Absolutely impossible!

This is a belief ingrained in his very being.

A cool breeze blew in from the window, carrying the lingering aroma of meat, creating an indescribably somber atmosphere.

Looking at his composed demeanor, Li Zhengye finally sighed softly, stood up, and picked up the coat draped over the back of the chair.

"I should go now. I've said everything I needed to say. I'm giving you three days, which is the deadline Su Zhenhai gave Su Wanqing. If you haven't left by then, you'll have to bear the consequences yourself."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more, turned around and walked out of the kitchen. When he reached the door, he paused.

"By the way, let me remind you, that apprentice next to you named Amin is hiding something. Don't let him drag you into it."

As soon as he finished speaking, he pushed open the door and left, leaving Gao Yang alone in the kitchen. The tea in his cup was still steaming, but the atmosphere became increasingly heavy.

"Amin?"

He muttered to himself, his gaze passing through the wall to the room where the apprentices were.

Actually, he probably had some thoughts about Li Zhengye.

He remembered where he had seen him before.

In his past life, he was so destitute that he had to set up a stall on the street. He was chased and beaten by his enemies and almost lost his life on the street. A man in a black jacket saved him.

The man had a gentle demeanor and acted swiftly. Before leaving, he only said, "Live well and don't waste your skills."

He was in such a sorry state that he couldn't see the other person's face clearly, but he remembered those calm eyes, which were exactly the same as Li Zhengye's from just now.

It turns out that they had crossed paths in a previous life.

Gao Yang tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, a complex feeling rising in his heart.

In his past life, he couldn't find this benefactor no matter what he tried, but in this life, he met him at this crucial moment. What can one say about that?

A bitter smile appeared on his lips.

Just then, Qian Liu walked in.

"Brother Qian."

Gao Yang nodded.

Qian Liu glanced at the plates on the table, a strange look appearing on his perpetually icy face.

"Isn't he from Beijing? You're inviting him to dinner?"

"Sigh, yeah, I can tell he's a nice person, but unfortunately he's not a friend."

Gao Yang made no attempt to hide anything.

They're all on the same side; Qian Liu trusts them and wouldn't have any wild ideas.

Qian Liu wanted to say something, but he opened his mouth and didn't say anything. He just secretly gave Gao Yang a thumbs up.

"By the way, Old Cai just called to say we're about to close the net."

Qian Liu remembered this incident and straightened his expression.

"Okay, I'll go there now."

Gao Yang picked up his coat, which was placed to the side, and walked out of the kitchen door. Then, after thinking for a moment, he turned back.

"Brother Qian, help me interrogate an apprentice named A-Ming. I've been watching him for a while, and there's something wrong with him."

Qian Liu nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll get things done quickly."

…………

The hospital, that luxurious ward.

The sunlight was just right in the ward. Old Cai was leaning against the sofa with a thin blanket draped over him. He didn't look sick at all and was more energetic than the average person.

Seeing Gao Yang push the door open and come in, he put down the newspaper in his hand and asked the question directly.

"Xiao Gao, how are your preparations going? I can't hold on for more than two days."

Gao Yang didn't stand on ceremony and pulled up a chair to sit down.

His expression was calm, and his tone was resolute.

"Everything is almost ready. Su Zhenhai is forcing the emperor to abdicate in the clan, and the capital has also announced that the deadline is in three days. It's the perfect time for us to close the net."

He recounted to Mr. Cai in detail how Li Zhengye had visited, made promises, and offered reminders.

He only omitted his past life's encounter with Li Zhengye, saying that although this person was in the enemy camp, he had no intention of completely annihilating them.

Upon hearing this, Old Cai tapped his fingertips lightly on the bedside table, raising his eyebrows slightly.

"Oh? I didn't expect there to be such a person among this group. I've never heard of him before."

"However, we cannot let our guard down. No matter how soft-hearted Li Zhengye is, he is still a subordinate of that group in the capital. His stance is clear, and he cannot be relied upon."

"I know."

Gao Yang nodded.

"I've already sent Qian Miao to interrogate Amin. That kid was bribed. Although we didn't have time to take action, we know what the other party looks like and how to contact them. Following this lead, we can find out who the direct contact is and then uncover evidence of Su Zhenhai's collusion with the forces in Beijing."

"good!"

A glint flashed in Cai Lao's eyes, and his voice deepened.

"I have already made arrangements. I will hold a press conference in three days to publicly clarify that I have not been poisoned and that it was all a deliberate frame-up by someone with ulterior motives. I will turn the tide of public opinion and shatter the dirty water they have thrown at the Su family."

If it weren't for Gao Yang and Su Wanqing, he would have lost his temper long ago and sent people to find evidence using forceful methods.

"Mr. Cai, it's quite risky for you to personally step in."

Gao Yang spoke up to remind him, his tone full of worry.

"They're desperate and might resort to violence against you."

But to everyone's surprise, Old Cai waved his hand dismissively.

"I've lived this long, I've seen it all."

"They want to ruin my reputation and destroy the Su family, but I'm going to stand up and let everyone in Yuncheng see their true colors."

"Besides, my bodyguards aren't just for show, and I've also made arrangements with the police station; they can't touch me."

He paused, looked at Gao Yang, and spoke solemnly.

"Through Lin Zheng, I've learned a bit about the Su family. Wanqing has suffered a lot of grievances in the Su family, and it's all thanks to you by her side. This time, we must make sure to gather solid evidence against Su Zhenhai and his group in Beijing, bring them down in one fell swoop, eliminate any future troubles, and also help Wanqing completely stabilize the Su family's situation."

Gao Yang stood up, his expression solemn.

"Rest assured, I will definitely handle it well. I will not let you and Wanqing down, nor will I let the Su family fall into the hands of thieves."

"That's good.

Mr. Cai nodded with satisfaction.

"Go back and prepare. As soon as the press conference is over, we'll act in unison. First, we'll deal with Su Zhenhai, that mole, and then we'll settle this score with the people from Beijing!"