The more confused Zhou Shanhuai looked, the more smug Song Xiaowen became.
Hmph, she's the only sensible person in this family!
Chen Zhuo was so shocked and confused that he couldn't sort out his thoughts even after he went back to bed.
Chen Zhuo twirled the pen he had just recovered in his hand. His gaze seemed to be fixed on the pen, but there was no real focus. His mind kept replaying Chen Ke's behavior when he left.
However, no matter how Chen Zhuo recalled it, Chen Ke's departure at that time felt like a premeditated act, and he left so decisively and cleanly that it didn't seem like he was going to come back at all.
That's why he was so shocked when he saw Chen Ke again at his workplace.
He thought he had ulterior motives for coming back, but not only did he buy back their house, he also showed great care and concern for him. He would take him to dances to broaden his horizons, teach him to drive, and take him shooting... This didn't seem like he was scheming against him at all, but rather like he was paving the way for him.
And now, there might be more to the story than meets the eye when he ran off with the money?
An unprecedented sense of absurdity arose in Chen Zhuo's heart. The facts he had believed to be true, and the edifice of hatred built upon them, were being eroded little by little...
Chen Ke guessed that Chen Zhuo would be psychologically shocked after discovering the pen, but he didn't expect the shock to be so great. When he saw Chen Zhuo the next day, his eyes were still bloodshot.
Li Guaizi, unaware of the details, was astonished when he first saw Chen Zhuo, who looked somewhat dejected and had bloodshot eyes. "My God, young master, what did you do last night?"
Even with bloodshot eyes, Chen Zhuo still shot out a cold glint in his eyes, "What's it to you?"
Li Guaizi's expression stiffened, then he said matter-of-factly, "How can it be unrelated? Have you forgotten what we're going to do tonight?"
Chen Zhuo glanced at Li Guaizi with disdain, "You should mind your own business. Anyone who sees the fear and guilt on your face will suspect you!"
"Really? Really?" Li Guaizi immediately touched his face.
Chen Zhuo ignored him and walked straight to Chen Ke.
"..." It felt like there was a whole basket of things to say, but after a long time of trying to find the right words, not a single sentence could be uttered.
Finally, he only said one unrelated sentence: "Are you sure you want to take action today? The streets seem a bit unsettled today."
He thought Chen Zhuo would eventually ask him, but he didn't mention it even though his eyes were bloodshot from staying up all night...
"It's better to fish in troubled waters when things are in turmoil. Besides, Matsumoto already took a bus back to Tianjin this morning, so tonight is a good time to make a move." Since Chen Zhuo didn't mention it, he would pretend not to see the bloodshot in his eyes.
Sneaking into the Japanese quarter of the concession to switch out a genuine five-stringed pipa was no easy task. Matsumoto had been staying in Shanghai and hadn't returned to Tianjin because he had obtained a rabbit-hair teacup and a large number of Song Dynasty antiques. Their operation, which they had been preparing for a long time, finally had its opportunity today.
However, due to the recent intense student activities, the armed patrols in the concession have been strengthened and the guards at the checkpoints have increased significantly. It is unlikely that they can get through the checkpoints, so Chen Ke can only ask Xu Manling for help.
Xu Manling wasn't surprised at all after hearing this, as if she had known all along that Chen Ke would have his eye on the five-stringed pipa, and she readily agreed.
I just want to invest in the trading company Chen Ke previously ran...
"That's all? Miss Xu's 'that' is far too outrageous." Chen Zhuo's reaction was even more intense than Chen Ke's.
"Are you asking for too much? I don't think so. How much is that five-stringed pipa worth? Why don't you ask your brother first?" Xu Manling had been angry for a long time after their unpleasant parting last time, and now that she finally had a chance to make amends, she certainly wouldn't be soft-hearted.
Chen Ke chuckled, "Miss Xu's information network is indeed impressive. My company was only established not long ago, and Miss Xu already knew about it."
"Hehe, it's pointless for Boss Chen to talk to me about these official matters now. Others may not know the significance of your participation in the salon, but do you think I don't? As for what happened later, you'll find out just by having a meal with Avery."
"Miss Xu, you have some impressive skills."
Xu Manling didn't care whether Chen Ke's words were a genuine compliment or a mockery. As long as she could get real benefits, that was all that mattered. She took a delicate little mirror and applied her lipstick again in front of it.
Her vibrant red lips appeared even more luscious, and her smile was captivating. "Whether it's a clever tactic or not, Mr. Chen will find out tonight. However..."
"Okay, I agree." After all, with Xu Manling's connections, her investment would only benefit Chen's Trading Company, and would only reduce his share of the profits.
Xu Manling stood up with satisfaction after receiving Chen Ke's reply, saying, "I knew Boss Chen was a good businessman."
Just as she finished speaking and was about to leave, her eyes fell on Chen Ke, whose face was ashen, and she suddenly remembered the humiliation she had suffered that day.
A wicked urge for revenge suddenly arose within her. She bent down slightly, leaning closer to Chen Zhuo, and parted her red lips slightly, "Hehe, little brother..."
"Aren't you angry?" Xu Manling whispered the last three words almost against Chen Zhuo's ear. Her warm breath was like a small snake slithering into Chen Zhuo's ear, sending a chill down his spine.
However, what angered him even more were the three words Xu Manling said.
Damn it! Should I kill this woman?!
Seeing Chen Zhuo's angry expression, Chen Ke knew that Xu Manling must have said something to provoke him, so he didn't stay with Xu Manling any longer. After a brief farewell to Xu Manling, he left the dance hall with Chen Zhuo.
As Chen Zhuo walked out of the dance hall, she turned back and glared fiercely. One day, one day she would make sure that Xu Manling wouldn't dare to show her face in front of Chen Ke!
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
