CHAPTER 525: CHAPTER 299: WHAT IS HE REALLY AFRAID OF_2

"But before he could speak, Xia Yubing put it back, "Let’s go check out Xiao Lu’s side."

"Sure thing, sis."

"Not buying?" Chen Cheng asked.

Xia Yubing smiled and said, "How could the best jade be here?"

Chen Cheng laughed loudly, "I really underestimated you."

"Brother Cheng, you’re not really treating me and my sister as vases, are you?" Tong Jialu playfully took Chen Cheng’s other hand, "If he hadn’t said that phrase, my sister and I might have really bought it."

Chen Cheng looked at the two standing by his side and helplessly smiled, "How could that be, you both are quite capable!"

"Are we heading back to the hotel then?" Xia Yubing quickly asked, "It’s getting late, time to rest."

Chen Cheng nodded, "Alright, let’s pack my luggage, I’ll sleep in the next room."

"Ah? Why?" Tong Jialu immediately objected.

"Your cousin said we need to rest, right? How can I rest if I sleep in your room?"

"Then let cousin rest on her own, I’ll hang out with Brother Cheng!" Tong Jialu held Chen Cheng’s hand, ready to leave.

"I... I didn’t mean that..." Xia Yubing got anxious.

Chen Cheng turned back and smiled, grabbing her hand, "Weren’t you just clever a moment ago? How did you suddenly become silly?"

Xia Yubing gave a coquettish smile, "Do you like it? Husband."

"Ah, you two!" Chen Cheng lamented, "Exhausting!"

...

...

The next day, Chen Cheng got up early.

In the room, stockings, high heels, and various toys were scattered all over, while Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu were still groggily opening their eyes.

"Husband, is it so early?" Xia Yubing propped herself up and rubbed her eyes.

"Xiao Hai is about to arrive, in another hour and a half," Chen Cheng walked towards the bathroom, "You two also wash up, we’ve got serious business soon."

"Okay." Xia Yubing yawned, turning her head to glance at Tong Jialu who was still lounging in bed.

"Time to get up."

"Sis, you go first, I’ll sleep for five more minutes." Tong Jialu turned over, hugged the pillow that Chen Cheng had used, and closed her eyes again.

Xia Yubing had no choice but to get out of bed first and follow into the bathroom.

After preparing toothpaste for Chen Cheng and tying up her long hair, she started to brush her teeth.

"By the way, Yu Bing." Chen Cheng pushed open the bathroom door, Xia Yubing turned around, asking, "What’s up?"

Chen Cheng continued, "Keep an eye on the situation when signing the contract today. See if there’s anything noteworthy."

"You mentioned it last night, I think you had a point." Chen Cheng shampooing his hair, "Better safe than sorry."

Xia Yubing held the toothbrush in her mouth, nodded, "Okay, I’ll pay attention."

She walked towards Chen Cheng, "I’ll help you wash, my nails will make it more comfortable."

Chen Cheng smiled and swiftly pulled Xia Yubing into the bathroom, "The early bird might just get eaten by a bird."

"Mmm~"

...

...

After washing up, the three went down to the restaurant together for breakfast.

Chen Cheng continued discussing the project details with them while eating.

The ambiance of the two in professional attire was distinctly different.

The cream-colored suit Xia Yubing wore accentuated her figure, with a silk champagne-colored shirt underneath, slightly open at the collar revealing her delicate collarbone.

She wore a knee-length A-line skirt and a pair of nude high heels, enhancing the illusion of longer legs.

Tong Jialu was wearing a light gray suit set, differing from Xia Yubing’s elegance; she chose a jacket with a slight design flair, padded at the shoulders, looking spirited.

A white round neck T-shirt conveyed a youthful vibe, paired with slim-fit suit pants and black pointed high heels, appearing even more proficient.

"We’re meeting Director Guo from Banna Travel Investment later, even though Mr. Jin has already spoken to him, proper etiquette is still required." Chen Cheng planned:

"Did you bring the things from Beijing that I asked for?"

Tong Jialu nodded, "Yes! According to Brother Cheng’s instructions, I brought some local specialties. And also the cultural products that Director Guo’s daughter wanted."

"Good, remember to bring them later, make sure not to leave anything behind." Chen Cheng instructed.

Xia Yubing was spreading jam for Chen Cheng, "Don’t worry honey, Xiao Lu handles things very properly."

"Additionally,"

Chen Cheng took the toast, took a bite, and continued: "Brother Xiao Hai is here to sign the contract this time, mainly in charge of implementing specific terms and final confirmation."

"I’ve already sent the finalized electronic version to both of your phones. You also need to carefully check the contract provided by the other party before Xiao Hai signs, to see if there’s any discrepancy from what I sent you."

"I understand the importance of contracts,"

Xia Yubing said seriously, "Even a slight difference can lead to huge losses, and even lead to legal disputes."

Tong Jialu added: "And the phrasing of the terms, seemingly the same, but a different expression could mean something completely different."

Chen Cheng nodded, "So, you two take your time and check carefully. There can be no mistakes."

He leaned back in his chair, "The previous two times it was us who prepared everything before the other party signed. This time it’s turned around, we can’t take it lightly."

"Okay."

"Understood!"

"Lastly." Chen Cheng looked at Tong Jialu, "This time, you’re handling the flow of funds again. Be cautious, it’s the last time."

Tong Jialu nodded repeatedly, "Don’t worry Brother Cheng, I’ve got this."

"Mr. Chen."

Chen Donghai appeared in front of the trio just then, having come to the hotel immediately after landing, without even dropping off his luggage.

Chen Cheng gave a signal to Tong Jialu, who stood up, "Brother Xiao Hai, you take this seat. I’ll get you some food."

"Thank you, Miss Tong."

Chen Donghai took a seat.

Chen Cheng started speaking: "Thanks for the hard work, Brother Hai, I’ve already briefed the two of them. After you compare and verify the contract, then sign it."

Chen Donghai nodded, "I’ll follow Mr. Chen’s instructions."

Chen Cheng noticed Chen Donghai seemed troubled and asked, "What’s wrong? You look unhappy."

Chen Donghai forced a smile, "It’s nothing Brother Cheng, just a bit tired from the flight."

Chen Cheng looked at him, his gaze sharp, "Brother Hai, you’ve been with me for over a month now, haven’t you?"

"53 days." Chen Donghai provided the exact number.

Chen Cheng nodded, "Since you remember the days so clearly, don’t you think I can’t tell something’s up?"

Xia Yubing also stopped the action of peeling nuts for Chen Cheng.

Chen Donghai hesitated, then lowered his head.

"Speak." Chen Cheng said just one word.

Chen Donghai gulped, "Mr. Chen, did you see the news last night?"

"Last night?" Chen Cheng thought for a moment.

He had been playing with Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu last night, hadn’t even looked at his phone, let alone any news.

"No." Chen Cheng answered, "What happened?"

Tong Jialu had also come back with the things by then, sensing the subtle atmosphere, she quickly sat down next to Xia Yubing.

Chen Donghai took out his phone, searched for a while, then handed it to Chen Cheng.

Chen Cheng looked at the phone, and Xia Yubing also leaned over, instantly covering her mouth in shock.

"What’s wrong, sister?" Tong Jialu became nervous too.

"Last night at around eleven, Chaoyang District police were called to Lidu Number One, where they found a male body. Preliminary identification indicates the deceased is Deng Xiong. The preliminary cause of death is judged to be suicide. Currently, police have stepped in for investigation, further details will be communicated."

Chen Cheng read the text on the phone, puzzled, "Who is this?"

Chen Donghai didn’t dare to speak, and Xia Yubing gave the answer.

"He is Mr. Jin’s top man..." She looked pale as she looked at Chen Cheng.

Chen Cheng’s pupils dilated, his eyebrows tightly knit together.

Chen Donghai then said, "Brother Xiong was Mr. Jin’s go-between, he died last night."

Chen Cheng took a sharp breath, setting the phone on the table, his mind racing with countless thoughts.

"Does that mean all the previous bonds were issued under the name of Deng Xiong?" he asked the three at the table.

Xia Yubing, Tong Jialu, and Chen Donghai nodded in unison.

Chen Cheng then looked at Chen Donghai in front of him, and at that moment, he fully understood what he was afraid of.