Chapter 1442: A Conversation in the Study/ The Conversation on the Plane
Translator: Exodus Tales Editor: Exodus Tales
Chapter 1659: A Conversation in the Study
“I understand, but my dad and Seventh Grandfather Chen will also be attending tonight. It is best that Brother Chen Fei comes as well!” Chen Zhifu persuaded hurriedly. Although his brother Chen Zhiye had a net worth of hundreds of millions, Chen Zhiye was only worth tens of millions. Naturally, he respected Chen Fei and hoped that Chen Fei would also partic.i.p.ate in the dinner banquet of the Chen Family Village.
“I see, Seventh Grandfather Chen is coming too!” Chen Fangyu was feeling a little troubled. Seventh Grandfather Chen was the former village patriarch of the Chen Family Village and was a highly reputable person in the Chen family. Hence, if Seventh Grandfather Chen came, it would be inappropriate for Chen Fangyu and Chen Fei not to partic.i.p.ate.
When she and Chen Fei were young, their parents had pa.s.sed away early. But with Seventh Grandfather Chen’s help and favor, they were able to successfully finish university, get married and have a family. Therefore, Chen Fangyu was very grateful to Seventh Grandfather Chen. When she heard that Seventh Grandfather Chen would also be attending, she felt that it would be inappropriate to refuse.
“Yes, the old man heard that my disappointing brother was finally returning to his hometown in silken robes. He is exhilarated and determined to come and enjoy the celebration.” Chen Zhifu said proudly. He also deliberately emphasized the words “returning to his hometown in silken robes” and “disappointing brother”.
However, it was no wonder. Who would not be proud to brag to others if their close relatives were successful?
“I’ll ask my Old Chen in a while. We will try our best to attend the event,” Chen Fangyu finally said after hesitating for a moment. If Seventh Grandfather Chen attended, Chen Fangyu and Chen Fei would not be able to justify their absence. Chen Fangyu did not bother about Chen Zhifu’s father. Chen Zhifu’s father, Chen Dahe, was the present head of Chen Family Village. He did not have a deep relations.h.i.+p with both Chen Fangyu and Chen Fei. He became the village head only after Chen Fangyu and Chen Fei had gotten into a university in Song Jiang. They did not have many opportunities to meet him for many years.
“Okay, sister, I’ll call you later!” Chen Zhifu hung up the phone with a smile. In his heart, Chen Zhifu hoped that Chen couple would come here. Before his younger brother became successful, the Chen couple was considered to be the most promising in the Chen Family Village. Chen Fei was the bureau chief of the Song Jiang police station, while Chen Fangyu was a mid-level leader in a large-scale state-owned enterprise. Both of them were regarded as being successful in their careers.
However, they are a lot worse when compared to my brother. My brother Chen Zhiye now owns a large trading company with a.s.sets of more than one billion. His personal a.s.sets are as much as five hundred million.
Chen Fangyu hung up the phone and shook her head helplessly. All of this had happened in a day, but it could not be helped. No matter what, she still needs to talk to Chen Fei. Otherwise, it would be terrible if Seventh Grandfather Chen got any ideas.
“Mom, who’s calling?” Chen Mengyan found her mother’s conversation a bit strange. It did not seem like a normal call, so she asked out of curiosity.
“It’s your Uncle Zhifu calling. Your Uncle Zhiye is coming back tonight. He is inviting guests to come to a banquet he is organizing in Song Jiang. Your Seventh Grandfather will be attending too. So will your father and I.” Chen Fangyu went to the kitchen to cook while explaining to Chen Mengyan who was beside her.
“Ah?” Chen Mengyan frowned when she heard her mother’s words. She thought of Chen Zhiye’s son, Chen Xiaolong, who pursued her in high school. Later on, he transferred to another school in the south. The thought of Chen Xiaolong’s antics back then filled Chen Mengyan’s heart with utter disgust.
“You just got out of danger. Your father and I should accompany you at home. However, this time, it is not good to refuse,” Chen Fangyu said to Chen Mengyan. “Later on, let’s ask your father for his opinion when he finishes talking to Yang Ming.”
Chen Fangyu’s resentment toward Chen Fei vanished in the blink of an eye as if nothing had happened. Chen Mengyan shook her head at her mother’s att.i.tude and said in her heart, I always squabble with Yang Ming. However, after our fights, we always reconcile.
In the study, Chen Fei lit a cigarette. He then threw the remaining half pack of cigarettes to Yang Ming, indicating that he could have one.
“No thanks,” Yang Ming waved.
“What’s the matter? You’re still putting up an act in front of Uncle Chen.” Chen Fei smiled and looked at Yang Ming.
“It’s not an act. I really quit,” said Yang Ming. “Mengyan heard that smoking affects fertility and is detrimental to children. So, I quit.”
“Really?” Chen Fei looked at Yang Ming incredulously and secretly admired his perseverance. Chen Fei had tried to quit smoking many times but ended up failing. Yang Ming could actually quit just like that. It was amazing, wasn’t it?
“Why don’t you ask Mengyan later on to know if it’s true or not?” Yang Ming said and shrugged his shoulders. He did not give any further explanation.
“Okay.” Chen Fei gestured to stop and said, “Tell me about your operation this time. You must have had immense courage to go to the Blackhawk Gang’s headquarters alone. You were not even afraid that they would detain you there. ”
“Do you think they don’t want to?” Yang Ming shook his head and said, “However, under immense pressure, they dare not do so.”
Yang Ming did not lie to Chen Fei. He could only lie about certain matters to Chen Mengyan and Mother Chen. There was no need to conceal the truth from Chen Fei. Even if it was concealed, he would eventually need to tell Xia Bingbao the truth. Yang Ming did not believe that Xia Bingbao’s capable spies would not be able to find any related information. So, it would be detrimental once Chen Fei knew that he had lied to him.
At the very least, Yang Ming felt that Chen Fei was a trustworthy person. Even disregarding his relations.h.i.+p with Chen Mengyan, both of them were on good terms. However, Yang Ming decided to tell the truth this time, but not without any reservations.
“I didn’t expect your method to be so tough to force the Blackhawk Gang to compromise!” Chen Fei could not help but be a little emotionally moved after listening to Yang Ming. However, he did not ask anything in detail. Chen Fei also knew this might involve some of Yang Ming’s secrets. It might be involving his special ability that was valued by the people of the Supernatural Investigation Bureau. So, this kind of thing was best kept confidential. Chen Fei was a person within the police system. He would not ask meaningless and disorderly questions.
“As for Nicholas Shevich, you can deal with him without hindrance. You can do what is needed,” said Yang Ming. “Victor Rajiv has also promised that from now on, he will never step into China.”
“Really?” Chen Fei was already surprised by Yang Ming bringing Chen Mengyan back so easily. But hearing that Yang Ming had actually made an agreement with the Blackhawk Gang to ensure that they never set foot in China caused Chen Fei’s expression to change dramatically. He looked at Yang Ming incredulously and nodded after a long time, “Good job. Rest a.s.sured that I won’t ask you the details. I also know your confidentiality rules. Some things can never be disclosed. You don’t need to explain.”
Yang Ming did not expect Chen Fei to say these things first, but it saved Yang Ming from explaining. He put on an understanding smile. “Uncle Chen, this matter has ended. Also, keep the conversation I had with you today to yourself. Do not tell this to Xia Xue and Xia Bingbao.”
“Relax, I will keep it a secret.” Chen Fei quickly made a promise with a solemn face.
The two of them chatted for a while about life lessons. Chen Mengyan’s voice came from the outside of the study, “Daddy, Yang Ming, dinner is ready. Are you coming out to eat?”
“Coming!” Chen Fei shouted through the door and then stood up. He patted Yang Ming’s shoulder and said, ” Yang Ming, let’s go out and eat something. You must be hungry already?”
“Not really.” Yang Ming smiled. “But now that you mentioned it, I’m a little hungry.”
They left the study and went to the dining room. Chen Mengyan and Chen Fangyu had already prepared everything. They were distributing tableware. Chen Fangyu saw Chen Fei come out and said, “Old Chen, Cousin Zhifu just called and said Cousin Zhiye is coming back to Song Jiang tonight. He is organizing a banquet in Song Jiang and has invited a few people from our Chen Family Village. They invited both of us to attend. ”
” Oh? Zhiye is back?” Chen Fei was surprised by Chen Fangyu’s words and said, “The brothers have suffered a lot over the past few years. After Hu San was executed, I heard that Zhiye had established a career in the south. This time, I bet he is returning to his hometown in silken robes.”
” Hehe, this should be the case. Cousin Zhifu also mentioned returning to the hometown in silken robes a few times during our conversation.” Chen Fangyu did not care. Both Chen Fei and her had successful careers, and her in-law Yang Dahai had climbed to the position of the chairman of a multi-billion dollar multinational group from his initial position as a worker. There was no shortage of money at home. Hence, she was not envious of Chen Zhiye and the others.
Chapter 1660: The Conversation on the Plane
“Logically, we should go tonight. After all, we grew up together and played together. But today there is a special occasion at home. Yang Ming is also here. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to go?” Chen Fei thought about it and said.
“I think so too, but cousin Zhifu said that Seventh Grandfather Chen will be attending tonight. I think that it is inappropriate to reject their invitation,” Chen Fangyu explained apologetically.
“Seventh Grandfather Chen will be there?” Chen Fei stopped speaking when he heard Chen Fangyu’s words. He hesitated slightly, and said, “How about we go there at night. It’s inappropriate not to go. Mengyan, you stay at home with Yang Ming? ”
“Okay…” Chen Mengyan blushed for no reason. She could not help thinking of the night her father was involved in a car accident. Yang Ming had accompanied her at home back then. That was the first time when Yang Ming and her were home alone. This would be the second time. It was just that their relations.h.i.+p was closer than before.
The phone rang again while they were chatting. Chen Fangyu hurried to answer the phone, “Hey, h.e.l.lo, who are you looking for?”
“Sister, it’s me, your Cousin Zhifu!” Chen Zhifu’s voice came over the phone, “How is it? Have you discussed it with Brother Chen Fei?”
” En, I just told my Old Chen. Old Chen said that since Seventh Grandfather Chen will be there, naturally we will go,” said Chen Fangyu. “When is the dinner? Where is the place?”
“It will be at six o’clock in the evening at the Song Jiang International Hotel. We rented the entire sixth floor. You and brother Chen Fei just come over at that time. If you can’t find it, give me a call!!” Chen Zhifu happily said when he heard that both Chen Fangyu and Chen Fei were coming.
” Yup, that’s good. We will be there on time!” Chen Fangyu promised.
“By the way, don’t forget to bring your little Mengyan with you. I haven’t seen her for a long time. She didn’t come to visit her uncle when she was admitted to university. I have not rewarded her with her meal ticket money yet!” Chen Zhifu said with a smile.
There was a custom in the Chen Family Village. The folks in the village would give a child who was admitted to university a monetary gift, known as meal ticket money. However, Chen Fei had just been promoted to bureau chief, so it was not appropriate to hold a banquet. People would gossip that he was asking for more benefits. So, Chen Mengyan’s admission to university was not publicized in the Chen Family Village.
A respectable and well-known person like Chen Zhifu would pay the customary meal ticket money to any student in the Chen Family Village who was admitted to university. It would be a stain on his reputation if he did not give it. In his view, successful people like him should subsidize students in the village. This was both an honor and a privilege. Since Chen Mengyan was admitted to the university, he must pay her the meal ticket money.
“Little Yan…” Chen Fangyu hesitated for a moment. Chen Mengyan had just returned home from a bandit hideout. Mother Chen did not want to trouble her again, but it was difficult to reject since Chen Zhifu had brought it up.
“Seventh Grandfather Chen will want to meet the children. Moreover, other children of a similar age will be there too. They will definitely not be lonely together!” Chen Zhifu said. “That’s a promise, sister. I need to call someone else… ”
“Okay…” Chen Fangyu had no choice but to agree.
“What’s wrong?” Chen Fei asked when he saw Chen Fangyu’s helpless smile.
“Cousin Zhifu insisted on Little Yan coming with us so we go as a family. I just can’t refuse,” Chen Fangyu smiled wryly, “I was thinking Little Yan had just come home from that traumatic experience and should be taking a good rest. I didn’t expect to have to attend this dinner. ”
“In that case, let’s go together,” Chen Fei groaned and said. “For that matter, Yang Ming can come along to let Seventh Grandfather Chen know that our Mengyan has a boyfriend!”
“Dad-” Chen Mengyan suddenly felt a little uncomfortable…
……
There was a father and son pair on board the Airbus 319 first-cla.s.s flight to Donghai Airport. They were Chen Zhiye and Chen Xiaolong who were returning to Song Jiang from the south.
Chen Zhiye’s wife could not endure the hards.h.i.+p when he was away from home. She left him and his child to elope with a rich man, leaving behind the father and son to depend on one another. So, Chen Zhiye particularly loved his son Chen Xiaolong.
When Chen Zhiye had settled down in the south, he relocated his son from Song Jiang to be with him. However, his son was reluctant to transfer to a different school because of his affection for a female cla.s.smate.
Chen Zhiye did not take it seriously at that time. Over the years while chatting with his son, he realized that his son had always liked Chen Fei’s daughter, Chen Mengyan. Chen Xiaolong’s feelings had faded away over the years. The matter was over. Unexpectedly, they were going back to Song Jiang. This made Chen Xiaolong all worked up again.
How could Chen Zhiye not understand his son’s affections? But he did not expect that his son would still be infatuated. After so many years, his son still could not forget a girl! However, Chen Zhiye did not criticize his son because he felt that his son was very much like himself. Although he made money and achieved a reputable status over the years, he never forgot his ex-wife, hoping that she would change her mind one day.
How could he fault his son when he was just the same?
“Are you still thinking of the daughter in Chen Fei’s family?” Chen Zhiye glanced at his excited son and asked weakly.
“Ah?” Chen Xiaolong said suddenly, “I, how can I?”
“Is that so? My guess was wrong. I was planning on getting Seventh Grandfather Chen to match you up. But if that’s the case, let’s forget it!”
“Don’t!” Chen Xiaolong was shocked and said quickly, “Dad, how do you know?”
“Like father, like son. Won’t I know what you think?” Chen Zhiye sighed, “I really don’t know what you little kid was thinking back then. So young but still in love with a girl!
Chen Xiaolong suddenly felt embarra.s.sed, and lowered his head, “Dad, are you kidding me, I…”
“Fine, as if I don’t know what’s in your heart?” Chen Zhiye said, “Now that you have studied in university, you will inherit my enterprise in the future. It is not too early for you to be in a romantic relations.h.i.+p now. Dad will help you this time! ”
“Really?!” Chen Xiaolong was very happy with his father’s words, “Dad, thank you so much! You are so good!”
“I just called your uncle and asked him to invite the Chen Fei family. I also emphasized to make sure that Chen Fei brings his daughter.” Chen Zhiye laughed. “Are you happy now?”
“Hehe…” Chen Xiaolong grinned, his face full of smiles at the thought of meeting his dream lover that night.
Chen Zhiye shook his head looking at his son’s silly expression of happiness. In his opinion, Chen Fei’s daughter was no longer a suitable match for his son. He was now worth five hundred million. His son would definitely inherit his enterprise in the future. By then, he could have any woman he wanted. Why still remember a high school cla.s.smate?
However, after making a call to his older brother Chen Zhifu, he learned that Chen Fei had been promoted to be the Song Jiang City Police Station Bureau Chief. On the other hand, Chen Fangyu was a middle-level manager of a state-owned enterprise. Considering this, he felt that Chen Mengyan would be just good enough to be a match for his son. So, he planned to be the matchmaker for his son.
Of course, although this Chen Fei was the Song Jiang City Police Station Bureau Chief, Chen Zhiye did not think this would not help him very much. After all, his career was in the south, not the north. Having connections in the north would not provide great support to his career. Initially, he wanted to introduce his son to a maiden of equal social status in the south.
However, out of his indulging love for Chen Xiaolong, Chen Zhiye had no choice. Since his son loved her, then he would comply with his son’s desire. Anyway, he had Caique, the big supporter to lean on. Caique was about to become the heir of a big family. Once Caique became the family master of that big family, would he still be worried that he had no connections?
“At that time, let’s find some ways to transfer that girl to the south and educate her economics. She will be an able a.s.sistant to your career in the future,” Chen Zhiye pondered and said. “However, she has to be a capable woman. If she is just a pretty face, I will not allow her to marry into our family! ”