CHAPTER 534: CHAPTER 303: THE STORM APPROACHES

After spending three to four days in Banna, Chen Cheng and his group finally returned to Beijing.

The plane began to descend, the smooth glide bringing a slight feeling of weightlessness.

Outside the window, the skyscrapers of Beijing gradually came into focus, the busy city shrouded by a haze-gray sky.

Chen Cheng lowered the window shade and turned his head to look at Xia Yubing beside him.

A few days of leisurely vacation had reduced the weariness on her face and added a sparkle to her eyes.

"Did you enjoy these past few days?" Chen Cheng asked.

Xia Yubing nodded gently, a sweet smile spreading across her lips.

"Very much. I haven’t relaxed like this in a long time."

However, she was also very worried, tilting her body, she asked, "Honey, we’re back now, but have you seen the news over these past few days?"

Chen Cheng’s smile faded; even though he had been frolicking with Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu, he was not oblivious to the situation in Beijing.

Every morning, before they woke up, he would browse through the news and check his emails, silently keeping track of the unfolding situation.

The unpredictable financial sector never allowed anyone a moment’s rest.

After LinkedIn announced the temporary suspension of product redemptions, Red Mountain, CGG and Daofu sequentially issued statements.

At the root of it all was the suddenly emerged "Gunflower Consultancy" with its series of investigative reports.

Instantly, all sorts of financial products and funds, underpinned by urban investment bonds, became like startled birds. A wave of panic spread among investors, and the redemption tide erupted like a flash flood.

The market was fraught with fear, as everyone feared they might be the next to face the explosion of their holdings.

And the one facing the biggest impact was CGG, already in the eye of the storm.

The company had already been subject to many rumors due to its spin-off process, with significant changes at the top, return of equity, and a series of maneuvers that left the public bewildered. The precise targeting by Gunflower Consultancy only added fuel to the fire.

Now, the stock of CGG in Beijing had been limit-down for two consecutive trading days, evidently becoming the epicenter of the storm.

"I’ve seen it."

Chen Cheng answered succinctly, rubbing his brow, "Shulin contacted me."

"Then... Sister Lin... she..." It had been a while since Xia Yubing used this appellation, yet at this moment, she feared that their once benefactor and the person she feared the most, might be in trouble.

"She’s alright," Chen Cheng’s tone softened, "The pressure is great, but she can handle it."

Xia Yubing pursed her lips, "Honey, I don’t think this matter will be resolved so easily."

"Uh?"

"All sorts of reports are popping up on the forums like bamboo shoots after a rain, and they all point to the risks of urban investment bonds."

Xia Yubing spoke anxiously, "And the company publishing these reports isn’t charging any fees, they’re disclosing everything without compensation. What do you think their motive is?"

"Not making a profit now doesn’t mean they won’t charge in the future," Chen Cheng spoke slowly, "Let’s take it one step at a time. It shouldn’t be a big deal."

Xia Yubing nodded slightly, "There’s another thing."

"What?"

"I and Xiao Lu plan to submit our resignations tomorrow." Xia Yubing continued, "The process should take about half a month to transition the work."

Chen Cheng nodded in agreement, "It’s also an opportunity to start a new life. As you have seen, we are being targeted now."

"Honey, I will have to part with you soon."

"Didn’t have enough fun?" Chen Cheng joked, "Wait for me tonight."

"Really?"

"Just kidding."

The plane landed, taxied, and finally came to a stop.

The announcement came through with the sweet voice of the stewardess: "Dear passengers, welcome to Beijing International Airport..."

"The ground may be slippery, so for your safety, please wait a moment. Our ground staff are preparing anti-slip equipment, and we will announce when you can disembark. Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish you a pleasant journey!"

"See, even the heavens want you to stay with me a bit longer," Chen Cheng teased.

"Surely not!" Xia Yubing looped her arm through Chen Cheng’s, resting her head on his shoulder.

Tong Jialu, who was sitting in the back, came forward, seeing the couple’s affectionate display, she pouted, "Sis, still being clingy?"

"Stop it, Xiao Lu," Xia Yubing straightened up, "Chen Cheng and I were discussing something important."

This seat should have been Tong Jialu’s, but Xia Yubing had taken it.

"Humph~" Tong Jialu turned her head to look out the window, "Don’t think I don’t know..."

She didn’t finish her sentence as her brows furrowed deeply.

"Brother Cheng, why are there police cars coming this way?"

Chen Cheng then turned his head to look, sure enough, besides the jet bridge vehicle, there were several police cars flashing their lights.

They were moving fast, approaching their aircraft, and a foreboding feeling washed over Chen Cheng who immediately realized that something was amiss.

"Something’s not right," he said in a low voice. "Xiao Lu, go back to your seat."

"Mm-hmm."

While they spoke, two flight attendants also positioned themselves before the first-class curtain, blocking the view from the rear of the plane.

"Honey... this..."

"Don’t rush, let’s see what’s going on."

Soon, the cabin door opened.

Several uniformed police officers and plainclothes entered the plane.

They fixed their gaze on the seat where Chen Donghai was sitting, stopped in front of him, and presented their credentials.

"Mr. Chen Donghai, we are from Chaoyang Economic Investigation. Please come with us for a cooperative investigation."

The lead officer spoke sternly, giving a signal to the two colleagues beside him.

Chen Donghai’s brow furrowed. He hadn’t expected to be taken away under these circumstances, but upon reflection, he probably had been controlled from the moment he bought the ticket.

He did not look at Chen Cheng not far away but stood up calmly, "Alright, I’ll go with you."

Xia Yubing clutched Chen Cheng’s hand tightly; she had heard the summons loud and clear.