When Xu Keke returned to the Chen family home, it was already afternoon. The Chen family had just finished a grand banquet for their guests. The close relatives and friends were still there.

Today is the birthday of the third wife of the Chen family.

Originally, women like Mrs. Chen, who had elders living above them, were not allowed to hold birthday celebrations according to custom.

In particular, the Chen family was weak in the city, and in previous years, even when they held a birthday banquet, there were no respectable people to attend.

Now, because of Xu Keke, outsiders believe that the Chen family has established a real connection with the government. The Chen family's fortunes are already on the rise.

Since ancient times, offering help in times of need or adding to someone's success has been the easiest way to make friends.

Not knowing how to get close to the Chen family, he took the opportunity of Mrs. Chen's birthday to visit them.

The Chen family also wanted to take this opportunity to get closer to the other families. Since both sides wanted things to turn out well, the Chen family went all out to organize the event.

As the legitimate daughter-in-law of the third wife, the seventh young mistress's family, the Lü family, naturally all came to support her.

After the women finished their meal, they gathered together according to their age and seniority.

Master Lü and several other gentlemen from various families were chatting about current events with Old Master Chen in the main hall. Sixth Aunt was attending to them.

Upon seeing Xu Keke return, Master Lü naturally showered her with compliments and told everyone.

He also gave Xu Keke quite a few things, afraid that she wouldn't accept them and he would lose face again. He had already had them delivered to her room in advance.

Xu Keke had just learned from Master Zhang that they had set a trap for Chen Zikang, and that Chen Zikang had also dragged the Lü family into it.

Feeling conflicted, Xu Keke exchanged a few pleasantries with Master Lü. This gave Master Lü face, and he became more talkative, pulling Xu Keke aside and talking non-stop.

Chen Zikang, Lü An, Chen Qishaoye, and a manager from the Lü family were playing mahjong in a small, private room.

"Suppliers to the military are such a good thing, how come we got the chance? Is there something fishy going on here?"

Upon hearing Chen Zikang's tone, Lü An knew that he had no doubts at all.

It's obvious even without using your brain; if there were any real doubts, Chen Zikang wouldn't have arranged for them to come along.

Lü An knew what he wanted to hear, and smiled as she complimented him.

"That's why I have to say, you're really something. You went up north and managed to get the fabric prices and supply sorted out. You just got back a few days ago and another huge, sure-fire business opportunity has fallen into your lap. How can we argue with that? We younger ones can only look up to you. Even my father said the other day, 'When will I be able to match your talent? At least he can close his eyes in peace when he dies.'"

Chen Zikang laughed heartily upon hearing this and threw the worthless Zhang in his hand.

Who doesn't like being flattered? Even if you know it's just an exaggeration or compliment, meant to please you and get something in return, it's still pleasing to hear.

The manager of the Lü family, sitting at the lower end of the table, silently took the cards that Chen Zikang had played.

"Gentlemen, I think we should still be cautious. There shouldn't be any problem with the supply. Let's pool our money and get the goods first. Once we've inspected them, we can store them and send a truck over whenever we need them, and there won't be any issues."

However, this involves dealing with the military. It's better to be safe than sorry. They're very strict with inspections over there. What if something goes wrong...?

"Pah! Pah! Pah!" Young Master Chen spat several times at the manager of the Lü family.

"What discouraging talk. You're such a jinx."

The shopkeeper wasn't annoyed. "I think it's best to keep this kind of double-dealing business a secret. Using a shell company would be ideal. This is just my humble opinion; the final decision rests with you two."

Lü An listened from the side without interrupting.

Knowing that the manager hired by the Lü family was experienced, and fearing that Young Master Chen might say something inappropriate again, Chen Zikang quickly reached out to stop him.

"You are more experienced. Tell me, what is the safest way to do this?"

"You and our young master have had this business investigated several times. It's clear that someone sincerely offered it to you."

Ready-made goods, ready-made buyers. They're practically giving you free money. Why not take it? But this kind of business isn't for everyone.

First, you need to have a large amount of spare cash on hand to do this, because you need to stock up on goods in advance. Second, this kind of business definitely requires existing long-term customers.

You're practically stealing business from someone else. So, if you own another business, that would be ideal. That way, after you've made your money, they won't be able to trace it back to you. Of course, this business must be in your possession. You need to be able to directly use it. Once you've made your money, you can withdraw it—it's the same thing. Even if you have other businesses, it's fine.”

Because of what Young Master Chen said, the shopkeeper couldn't be too explicit.

Chen Zikang understood his meaning and nodded, "I do indeed own a trading company, it belongs to the Li family..."

They were plotting something here. Xu Keke had already come out of the main hall and gone to the small living room where there were many women.

When the young mistress of the third generation of the Chen family saw her come in, she immediately turned her head to the side. In that instant, a smile appeared on her lips.

Huihui's face tightened with tension, and she didn't dare to look at her, instinctively shifting her gaze elsewhere.

Chen Han walked over to her in a generous manner, chatting casually with her. However, her expression today was somewhat exaggerated, and her words were less tactful than usual.

Xu Keke just smiled as she looked at them. She'd heard from Li Wan yesterday that she wouldn't be staying here tomorrow.

Xu Keke was wondering whether they would let her leave easily, or whether they would teach her a lesson before leaving.

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