Chapter 524: Chapter 299: What is He Really Afraid Of

Chen Cheng put down his wine glass, “It’s from the Travel Investment company.”

Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu listened attentively as Chen Cheng continued, “They want to develop a new tourism project in Mengla County. They intend to create a high-end destination that integrates sightseeing, adventure, and vacation.”

Tong Jialu poured Chen Cheng another glass of wine, “This time it’s different from the past. Previously, it’s all about road construction, economic development zones, and such.”

Chen Cheng nodded, “This time it’s about building villas, as well as rainforest trekking, stream tracing, bird watching, and more. The investment is not small either.”

“How much?”

“730 million.” Chen Cheng provided the answer, then looked at them again, “So, you two…”

Tong Jialu quickly said, “Understood, I am Brother Cheng’s secretary, and my cousin is the assistant. Just like last time.”

Chen Cheng nodded with a smile.

Xia Yubing asked, “Eh? Why didn’t Brother Xiao Hai come with you?”

She placed a peeled peanut in front of Chen Cheng, who picked one up, “This time, it’s different from the previous ones.”

“How is it different?”

Chen Cheng explained, “Mr. Jin has already completed all the details. I’m here just to make an appearance. Xiao Hai is coming tomorrow to sign the contract directly.”

“Ah? Just a formality?” Tong Jialu seemed slightly disappointed, “I thought we could have enjoyed a few more days this time.”

Chen Cheng smiled, “You can have fun. It’s not like we must leave right after signing.”

“Really?” Tong Jialu blinked.

“You two are quitting anyway, isn’t playing simple?”

Xia Yubing pondered, “Husband, Mr. Jin asking you to come over is quite intriguing.”

Chen Cheng looked serious, “Hm?”

“I don’t mean…,” Xia Yubing hurriedly said: “Mr. Jin has settled all the details, technically, wouldn’t it suffice for Xiao Hai to come directly? Why do you still need to make an appearance?”

She continued her analysis, “Also, this is the last bond issuance, and we won’t be doing this anymore. You wouldn’t need to come here personally anymore.”

Chen Cheng listened quietly, his gaze deep, not interrupting Xia Yubing’s analysis.

Tong Jialu also stopped joking around and listened seriously to Xia Yubing’s analysis, nodding occasionally to show agreement.

Xia Yubing continued, “So, I think Mr. Jin calling you over is not just for formality. Maybe, he wants to use this opportunity to let you understand his business more deeply or perhaps to send some sort of message to the outside world.”

She paused, looking at Chen Cheng, and ventured, “Husband, do you think Mr. Jin might want you to gradually take over his business?”

Chen Cheng did not reply immediately but picked up a skewer of grilled meat and chewed slowly, seemingly pondering something.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, “He has already pushed me to this position, what else is there to take over?”

He looked at Xia Yubing, “And you also said, this is the last bond issuance.”

“Could Mr. Jin have other arrangements for you?” Xia Yubing frowned slightly, “Although no more involved in bond issuing, there might still be other key sectors.”

Tong Jialu chimed in from the side, “Cousin is right. Mr. Jin must have his profound reasons, Brother Cheng, you should think it over carefully.”

Chen Cheng thought back carefully. He recalled the cars parked outside the small foreign-style house; Jin Baogen had said those were others’ cars given to settle debts and had plates from Beijing and Tianjin, unrelated to here.

Seeing Chen Cheng deep in thought, Xia Yubing spoke softly, “But anyhow, Mr. Jin has always been very good to you.”

“That’s certain.”

Chen Cheng couldn’t figure it out for now, “Let’s just wait and see. Since we are here, let’s go with the flow and talk again after Xiao Hai signs the contract.”

He looked at Xia Yubing again, “I didn’t realize you were so thoughtful.”

Xia Yubing modestly lowered her head, “I just want you to be safe. No more troubles.”

Chen Cheng grinned, “How could there be any trouble in such a safe country? Keep your worries aside.”

“Okay.”

Tong Jialu also nodded repeatedly, “With Brother Cheng here, there’s definitely no problem!”

“Alright, let’s eat. After we finish, we can take a walk.”

After they had their fill, Tong Jialu licked her fingers reluctantly, “So delicious! We must come again next time!”

Chen Cheng stood up to pay the bill, the Dai ethnic group’s proprietress warmly spoke in not quite standard Mandarin, “Handsome boy, beautiful girls, come again next time!”

Stepping out of the barbecue stall, the nightlife of the two scenes of western Dai nationality was just beginning.

The snack stalls were brightly lit, the aroma overflowing; music thumped from the bars, noisy with voices; the roadside shops displayed all kinds of attractive goods, drawing in passing tourists.

Perhaps having been suppressed in Beijing for too long, once here, Tong Jialu began to let loose, returning to authenticity, curious about everything.

At times, roadside trinkets captivated her, at other times, street performers fascinated her.

Xia Yubing held tightly to Chen Cheng’s arm, her face radiating happiness.

“Brother Cheng, look at that!”

Tong Jialu pointed to a nearby stall selling ethnic ornaments and excitedly pulled Chen Cheng and Xia Yubing over.

The stall was filled with a variety of silver jewelry, jade, wood carvings, and other crafts – dazzlingly varied and fascinating.

Tong Jialu picked up a silver bracelet and tried it on her wrist, asking Xia Yubing, “Does it look good?”

“It looks good.”

Xia Yubing also picked up a jade pendant, “This is also quite pretty.”

“How much?” Tong Jialu pointed to the bracelet and pendant and asked.

“The two beautiful ladies have such good taste, this is top-notch jade!” the stall owner immediately boasted.

Chen Cheng glanced briefly; the item in Xia Yubing’s hands was definitely not high-quality, compared to the bracelet on Xiao Meier’s wrist, it was like heaven and earth.