Chapter 530: Zhang Cheng’s Mission
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Although Xia Chen couldn’t grasp the nuances of the conversation between Xia
Wan and Mr. Zhao, curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to inquire,
“Did Mr. Zhao see who it was?”
Mr. Zhao’s brows were knitted in deep thought, his face, already lined with wrinkles, now resembled a tightly pinched bun.
“I didn’t recognize those people, ” Mr. Zhao admitted, his head shaking in denial.
Just as Xia Wan and Xia Chen began to feel a wave of disappointment, Mr. Zhao added a crucial detail: “However, there was this car I saw for the first time. Its license plate number was quite peculiar, and it caught my attention.”
Xia Wan’s eyes sparkled with renewed hope upon hearing this. “Mr. Zhao, could you share the license plate number with us?”
With a knowing smile, Mr. Zhao nodded. “I thought it might come in handy! My daughter-in-law suggested over the phone would be enough, but I preferred to be more precise.”
Xia Wan clasped Mr. Zhao’s hand in gratitude, “Thank you so much, Mr. Zhao!”
“Oh, it’s nothing!” Mr. Zhao dismissed, waving his hand. “Your dad’s a good man; he’s helped me out a lot before!”
As he spoke, Mr. Zhao recited one of the car’s license plate numbers to Xia Wan, who hastily jotted it down on a piece of paper Zhou En had provided.
“Let me drive you back home, Mr. Zhao,” Xia Wan offered earnestly.
Reflecting on the many challenging years her family had endured in the village, Xia Wan realized how her once distant nature had limited her interactions with the local elders.
It was heartening to receive helD in such a crucial moment.
Mr. Zhao initially declined but eventually allowed Xia Wan to assist him into Chen Mo’s car.
On Xia Wan’s cue, Zhou En placed two gift boxes, leftovers from a recent event, in the car.
After dropping Mr. Zhao off at the village, Chen MO received a text regarding the license plate number. He stared at his phone, his expression turning grave.
Xia Wan, sensing his unease, asked, “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” Chen MO reassured her with a smile. “Let me take you home. You should rest today; we can discuss this tomorrow.”
Xia Wan gave Chen MO a knowing look but chose not to press further, merely nodding in agreement.
Once Xia Wan was safely at home, Chen MO drove off, only to abruptly halt the car a few kilometers away. He quickly dialed a number on his phone: “Cheng Ge, it’s Chen Mo.”
Zhang Cheng arrived at the entrance of the county’s largest nightclub, “Xinghui.” He looked up at the glowing neon sign, chuckling, “Who would’ve thought such a place existed in this little county?”
As he ascended the stairs, a waiter greeted him, “Mr. Zhang, right this way, please.”
A bit surprised but composed, Zhang Cheng followed the waiter inside to the innermost private room.
“Mr. Zhang, please,” the waiter said, opening the door to the private room.
Inside, Zhang Cheng found Chen MO seated on the central sofa, a glass of wine in hand, seemingly deep in thought.
Upon seeing Zhang Cheng, Chen MO immediately rose to greet him, “Cheng Ge, it’s been too long!”
Zhang Cheng returned the greeting with a hearty hug. “What brings you to a place like this?”
Chen MO stepped back, motioning for Zhang Cheng to sit. “I’ve been managing a few projects in the county and have been based here lately.”
“But weren’t you always in Kyoto? What’s your reason for being here?”
After a moment’s silence, Zhang Cheng revealed, “I’m on a mission.”
“A mission?” Chen Mo’s curiosity was piqued. “Anything interesting?” Instead of answering, Zhang Cheng took a swig of the wine Chen MO had poured.
Chen MO, noting Zhang Cheng’s demeanor, chuckled. “Right, confidentiality is key in your line of work!”
“How long will you be staying here?” Chen MO smoothly shifted the conversation.
“I’m not sure yet,” Zhang Cheng replied, his tone non-committal. “Things aren’t going as planned.”
Chen MO’s gaze fell contemplatively to his wine glass.
Breaking the silence, Zhang Cheng teased, “I heard you’ve got yourself a beautiful girlfriend?”
Chen Mo’s face lit up. “Yes! She’s studying here in the county. I’ll introduce you to her one of these days!”
“Studying?” Zhang Cheng was taken aback, then eyed Chen MO with mock suspicion. “You, kid…”
“She’s of legal age!” Chen MO quickly clarified, “We…”
“No need to explain!” Zhang Cheng laughed, waving his hand. “The way you talk about her, she must be something special!”
“She is, indeed!” Chen MO replied proudly.
The two men exchanged a knowing smile, their glasses clinking in a toast before they each took a sip..