Chapter 423: Is 5 Million in Cash Enough as a Gift?
As Jiang Xinghai’s servant, Yan Qingshan naturally knew that his master was not short on women.
’But for a woman like Miao Cuicui, with her excellent figure and looks, wouldn’t it be a shame if his master missed out?’
"How about this? I’ll give your Director Liu a call and have you transferred to a job in Central State. What do you think?" Yan Qingshan said thoughtfully.
"Huh?"
Miao Cuicui obviously hadn’t expected Yan Qingshan to actually offer her a promotion.
She was originally from Central State, after all. She had only been transferred to the Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area after graduating from college, and she’d been working there for five years straight.
"Of course, it won’t be a lateral transfer," Yan Qingshan said.
He left one thing unsaid: if Miao Cuicui managed to truly win Jiang Xinghai’s favor, she could expect a major promotion.
"Chairman Yan, I’d be willing even if it’s just a junior position," Miao Cuicui replied hurriedly.
"In that case, finish up the case you’re working on, then go report for duty in Central State," Yan Qingshan said with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Chairman Yan." Miao Cuicui could hardly contain her excitement.
The case she was working on was none other than Liu Biao’s.
Besides, another team was already handling it. She only needed to provide assistance, so the case would likely be closed within two days.
「Meanwhile.」
The Land Rover followed the winding road around the back of Phoenix Mountain, gradually approaching a small village nestled between mountains on three sides and a body of water on the fourth.
"That village is the Leng Family’s ancestral home. After my grandfather became the Patriarch, my second grand-uncle’s family moved back here. It wasn’t exactly fair to their branch of the family, thinking back on it." Leng Ning gazed at the small village, which felt both familiar and foreign, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.
"The scenery is nice." Jiang Xinghai was fond of places with mountains and water.
’If he could find his parents and kill Black Cloak Mr. Long in the future, he might choose a place like this, build a house, and live with the woman he loves and his parents...’
"I haven’t been back in years, I should have bought some gifts! I completely forgot," Leng Ning said, suddenly slapping her thigh.
She was wearing exquisite capris that hugged her shapely long legs, which quivered slightly from the slap.
"It’s true, showing up empty-handed after so many years isn’t appropriate."
Jiang Xinghai pulled the car over at the intersection and turned to her with a smile. "However, there’s five million in cash in the trunk. That should be enough for a gift, right?"
"Give them money?" Leng Ning was taken aback.
"Is that not appropriate?" Jiang Xinghai asked.
"Back then, my second grand-uncle’s family moved back to our ancestral home to save face. If he only cared about money, he would have demanded something from my grandfather. But they didn’t ask for anything and willingly returned here," Leng Ning sighed.
"Your second grand-uncle sounds like a man of principle," Jiang Xinghai commented.
"Forget it, let’s not bring a gift. I’m here to ask them to return to Central State, so we can skip the formalities," Leng Ning said, pointing ahead as she directed him based on her memory.
Before long, the car stopped in front of an old house with black bricks and a black-tiled roof.
The house was built in the late Qing Dynasty style and had a long history, dating back over a hundred years.
"Second Grand-uncle, it’s me, Leng Ning!"
Leng Ning got out of the car and stood outside the main gate, looking at several elderly people chatting in the courtyard.
"Ning is here!"
One of them, an old man with white hair and a white beard, stood up with a straight, sturdy posture to welcome her.
This was Leng Zhicheng, Leng Ning’s second grand-uncle, who was in his seventies.
"Second Grand-uncle, it’s been a long time! You’re looking very hale and hearty," Leng Ning said with a smile.
"Hahaha, I’m doing alright. Quick, come on in."
"Sister Ning, long time no see," a sturdy-looking man said as he walked over.
"You must be Xiaobing, right? It’s been a few years, you’ve gotten so tall! I almost didn’t recognize you..."
Everyone greeted Leng Ning warmly, and they were soon all mingling and chatting.
Jiang Xinghai stood awkwardly at the entrance, unsure whether he should go in or not.
"Ning, is he... your boyfriend?" Leng Zhicheng asked, noticing Jiang Xinghai.
"Uh..." For a moment, Leng Ning didn’t know how to answer.
"Yes. I’m Brother Hai, Leng Ning’s boyfriend," Jiang Xinghai answered for her.
Leng Ning’s face flushed slightly.
’Her face grew even redder when she thought about how Jiang Xinghai was going to help her align her pathways tonight.’
"Oh, that’s wonderful! We’re all family here. Quick, come in! The food is ready, we can eat right away."
The members of the Leng Family welcomed Jiang Xinghai with great enthusiasm.
All told, young and old, there were only nine of them.
Jiang Xinghai hadn’t expected Leng Zhicheng’s branch of the family to be so small.
After a few rounds of drinks and several courses...
Leng Ning finally brought up the matter of the Central State’s Leng Family being on the verge of rising again.
She had expected Leng Zhicheng and the others to be delighted.
However, after hearing the news, no one said anything, and they all had strange expressions on their faces.
"Second Grand-uncle, what are your thoughts?" Leng Ning had to ask.
Leng Zhicheng first drank a cup of wine before speaking. "Regarding going to Central State to manage the family’s affairs... not only can I not go, but none of the Leng Family descendants, including you, can go either. You must not show yourselves so easily."
"What do you mean?" Leng Ning seemed to realize something.
"Follow me."
Leng Zhicheng glanced at Jiang Xinghai—he wasn’t yet sure if he could be trusted—then signaled for Leng Ning to follow him away from the others.