Chapter 523: Chapter 298: The Last Journey of Issuing Bonds_2

This isn’t their first trip to Yunnan, but it is the second time Tong Jialu has travelled alone with Chen Cheng after their Japan trip.

So, both of them are in pretty good spirits.

“Wow, the air here is so fresh!” Tong Jialu spreads her arms wide, taking in the unique tropical scent.

Xia Yubing’s smile is also broader than when she was in Beijing, “Honey, where are we going next?”

Chen Cheng checks the time; it’s exactly 10 p.m.

“Shall we go to the hotel to drop off our stuff, then head out to eat some late-night snacks?” he asks with a smile.

“Yep yep!” Tong Jialu links her arm with Chen Cheng’s, “I want to eat grilled chicken! And pineapple rice!”

“Little glutton, always thinking about food.”

“Hehe.” Tong Jialu sticks out her tongue playfully, “It’s not often we get to go out and have fun.”

“Shall we pick up our luggage?” Chen Cheng speaks up, “Let’s see where the person picking us up is.”

His gaze quickly sweeps over the crowd at the gate and soon spots a sign that reads: Beijing Chen Cheng.

He heads over, and the man there to meet them is lean with dark skin.

“I’m Chen Cheng.”

“Mr. Chen, hello! I’m Ah Kun, sent by Mr. Jin to pick you up,” he says with a slight regional accent in his Mandarin.

“Thank you for doing this.”

“Mr. Chen, you’re too polite. The car’s outside, this way please.”

After Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu collect their luggage, Ah Kun helps to load it into the trunk, and the three of them get into the car.

The van is spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning that feels refreshingly cool, a stark contrast to the humid heat outside.

Chen Cheng sits in the middle of the back row, with Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu on either side.

“Mr. Chen, shall we go straight to the hotel first, or…” Ah Kun starts the car while asking for instructions.

“Let’s head to the hotel first, settle in, and then we can discuss,” states Chen Cheng, “By the way, do you know where we can find good late-night food? Preferably something with local flavor.”

As soon as Ah Kun hears this, he becomes enthusiastic, “Mr. Chen, you asked the right person! I know a place that serves authentic Dai-style barbecue, and it has a great atmosphere too; it’s located near Gaozhuang Xishuangjing.”

“Gaozhuang Xishuangjing?” Tong Jialu inquires with curiosity, “What’s that?”

“It’s a scenic tourist area with lots of characteristics, featuring many Dai-style buildings, as well as various snacks and bars,” explains Ah Kun, “It’s especially lively at night.”

“Sounds great!” Tong Jialu says excitedly, “Let’s go there!”

Xia Yubing agrees, “I too want to experience the local culture and customs.”

Chen Cheng smiles and nods, “Then it’s settled. We’ll go to the hotel to drop off our luggage first, and then head to Gaozhuang Xishuangjing for late-night snacks.”

Ah Kun acknowledges and skillfully drives towards the hotel.

Once at the hotel, although they officially check into two separate rooms, it’s clear that one of them will remain unused.

Ah Kun doesn’t go upstairs; Chen Cheng waits on the sofa in the suite while Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu quickly change clothes.

Xia Yubing takes out a light linen maxi dress from her suitcase, adorned with elegant floral prints.

As she walks, the hem of her dress flutters gently, adding to her gracefulness.

To ward off the coolness of the night, she also brings a light knit cardigan.

She casually pins her long hair into a loose low bun, stray strands framing her face, adding to her soft and gentle demeanor.

In terms of makeup, she applies only a light layer of lipstick, looking fresh and natural, perfectly complementing her vacation-style outfit.

Tong Jialu, as always, is bold and passionate.

Her dress also features long hems, but with a cut-out design around the neckline and sleeves, revealing her fair skin.

For convenience, she wears flat sandals, with a delicate silver chain wrapped around her ankle for a touch of playfulness.

She ties her long hair into a high ponytail, exuding youthful energy.

Unlike Xia Yubing’s subtle makeup, Tong Jialu wears slightly bolder makeup, including eyeliner and mascara, complimenting her lively and outgoing personality.

After changing, the two women come over and spin in front of Chen Cheng, “Do we look good?”

Chen Cheng looks up after sending a message, “You both look great, each with your own style.”

Hearing Chen Cheng’s compliment, both women show delightful smiles.

Each taking an arm of Chen Cheng, they leave the room together.

And that toe ring, which they dared not flaunt in Beijing, here, could be as undisguised as their relationship itself.

Exiting the hotel, the cool night breeze of Banna carries a hint of sweetness, refreshing and invigorating.

Without the daytime’s sweltering heat, everything feels exceptionally pleasant.

Ah Kun drove the car, introducing the customs and culture of Banna along the way, occasionally interspersing some local jokes, which had Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu giggling nonstop.

Chen Cheng also rarely relaxed, a faint smile on his face.

Upon arriving at Gaozhuang Xishuangbanna, the sight before them made Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu gasp in admiration.

Dazzling lights, a wide array of goods, bustling crowds, and a blend of various fragrances, the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.

Xia Yubing clung tightly to Chen Cheng’s arm, “Husband, it’s so bustling here.”

Chen Cheng smiled, allowing her to pull him along, “Not bad, eh?”

He paused, “You’re in a good mood?”

A blush tinged the normally cool face of Xia Yubing, “Of course, I’m in a good mood when I finally get to go out with you.”

Chen Cheng patted the back of her hand, “There will be plenty more opportunities in the future.”

“Mhm!”

Tong Jialu, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement, constantly taking pictures with her phone.

After all, being able to travel on a weekday, and with Chen Cheng, such days were unimaginable in the past.

“Brother Cheng! This place?” She turned around, looking back at the two leisurely walking behind her, then briskly walked back to them.

“The internet says this barbecue is a must-visit.” Tong Jialu pointed to a stall shrouded in smoke not far away, excitedly saying, “So many people are in line, it must be delicious!”

Chen Cheng and Xia Yubing followed the direction Tong Jialu was pointing and indeed saw a bustling barbecue stall with a long line in front, the air filled with the tempting scent of grilled meat.

“Alright, let’s go with this one then,” Chen Cheng said with a smile, turning to Ah Kun, “Ah Kun, want to have something to eat with us?”

Ah Kun quickly waved his hand, “No need, Mr. Chen, it’s fine if just you eat. I’ll wait in the car for you. Call me if you need anything.”

Chen Cheng didn’t insist, nodding, “Alright, just find a place nearby to rest a bit; we’ll come back after eating.”

The three joined the queue, with Tong Jialu excitedly looking around and occasionally standing on tiptoes to look ahead, like a curious child.

Xia Yubing quietly stood by Chen Cheng’s side, taking in the lively atmosphere around them.

After about twenty minutes, it was finally their turn. The stall owner was an enthusiastic middle-aged Dai woman, greeting customers with a cheerful smile.

“What would the three of you like?” The stall owner asked in slightly accented Mandarin.

Tong Jialu eagerly spoke up first, “I want grilled chicken! And pineapple rice!”

“Alrighty!” The stall owner replied cheerfully. “Anything else?”

Chen Cheng looked over the wide selection of ingredients, ordered several skewers of grilled meat, grilled fish, and some vegetables, “How about some of these, is that enough?” he asked, turning to Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu.

Xia Yubing nodded, “That’s enough, I can’t eat too much.”

But Tong Jialu was looking at the food on the grill with eager anticipation, “We can order more too, I’m starving!”

Chen Cheng laughed and ordered a few more skewers of grilled meat, “Then let’s get some more.”

The stall owner quickly put their ordered food on the grill, and soon the aroma started to waft through the air, tempting their taste buds even more.

The three found a spot to sit down, and Tong Jialu couldn’t wait to grab a skewer of grilled meat, blew on it, and eagerly took a bite, “Mmm, delicious!”

Xia Yubing also tasted a piece of grilled fish and praised, “It really is good, very fresh.”

“Can we drink?” she asked.

Chen Cheng nodded, “If it makes you happy, drink.”

Tong Jialu hastily gestured, “Boss, two bottles of beer, chilled~”

Chen Cheng was also busy replying to messages for Wen Shulin on his phone while munching on the skewers.

Xia Yubing saw the contents on the screen but didn’t dare to say anything, pretending not to notice.

Wen Shulin: Why did you suddenly leave again?

Chen Cheng: For work.

Wen: Alone?

Chen: Mhm.

Wen: Come back early, stay safe.

Chen: Got it.

After sending the messages, Chen Cheng turned off his screen, and just in time, the beer arrived too.

Tong Jialu poured a cup for each of them, “Here’s to you, Brother Cheng.”

“Cheers.”

The glasses clinked, and they drank up in one gulp.

Tong Jialu wiped the corner of her mouth and curiously asked, “Brother Cheng, what project are you discussing this time around?”