Chapter Twenty: This Milk Tea Tastes Quite Good

Immediately after, Chu Yunfei also signed his name. Once the contracts were exchanged, he smiled and said, “For a beauty like you, President Xia, to be so invested, this man must be truly exceptional!”

“He’s nowhere near as outstanding as you, President Chu. He’s just a shameless scoundrel, that’s all!” Xia Xin blurted out.

Chu Yunfei was slightly taken aback but replied calmly, “President Xia, you’re too modest. Even if he’s not much, being able to marry a wife like you makes him better than most men.”

With that, he gave his secretary a meaningful glance. She immediately took out her phone and made a call. In a short while, she nodded at Chu Yunfei.

Chu Yunfei then said, “The entire two and a half billion has been transferred to your company’s account. I trust you won’t let me down, President Xia. If you encounter any problems or difficulties, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

With a flourish, he left the conference room with his secretary.

Moments later, Han Yao, the finance department manager, burst into the room, her face alight with excitement. “President Xia, Starfine’s two and a half billion has arrived in full. I’ve never seen anyone so straightforward and generous before!”

“That’s right, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we succeed with this project, Meiting will rank among the top companies in Eastern City. Let’s see who dares to look down on us ever again!” Liu Qin nodded in agreement.

Ma Yutong from the legal department interjected, “This may dampen the mood, but I do find something odd!”

Hearing this, Xia Xin’s expression tightened. She immediately asked, “Is there a loophole in the contract?”

“No, the contract is perfectly legitimate, with no hidden traps. It’s just that, upon closer inspection, the clauses and obligations listed by the other party seem to place no demands on us at all.”

Seeing the confusion on everyone’s faces, Ma Yutong explained, “Let me put it this way—it's as if Starfine doesn’t care about this two and a half billion at all. They’re leaving it entirely to us to manage, and even if we lose money, they have no intention of holding us accountable.”

“To be honest, I’ve never seen a company operate like this. They seem completely unconcerned about profit or loss. It’s as if they have unwavering faith in our company—or rather, in President Xia herself—believing she’s certain to succeed in redeveloping the old district.”

At this, Xia Xin finally understood Ma Yutong’s meaning. She frowned and said, “Are you suggesting that Chu Yunfei was sent to help me?”

“President Xia, I can only say that it’s a possibility. But you know, the way wealthy people think is often different from us ordinary folks. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be rich in the first place. Maybe he just wants to make a wild gamble.”

“Alright, I understand. Keep this contract safe. I need to step out for a moment!”

With that instruction, Xia Xin hurried out of the conference room, eager to verify her suspicions.

Half an hour later, in a milk tea shop near the Meiting Group building.

Chen Fan entered with a smile, teasing, “It’s rare for you to ask me out yourself. But your way of thanking me is a bit too cheap—it should at least be a hot pot dinner!”

As soon as Chen Fan sat down, Xia Xin asked seriously, “Chen Fan, be honest with me. Was today’s incident arranged by you? If it was, please don’t do this again. Otherwise, we’re finished.”

Chen Fan looked puzzled. “I don’t understand what you mean. Didn’t we get the old district redevelopment rights because I introduced you to my friend Leng Shuang, and she put in a good word for you? You agreed to that!”

“That’s not what I’m talking about. Did you send someone named Chu Yunfei to help me with the funding? He invested two and a half billion without any extra conditions at all. That’s highly irregular.”

Xia Xin shook her head as she explained, all the while watching Chen Fan’s eyes. If there was the slightest hint of evasion, she would immediately know he was involved.

Unfortunately for her, Chen Fan’s reaction was exactly as he had anticipated. His composure was absolute—his mental fortitude was such that no amount of questioning could rattle him.

He burst out laughing on the spot. “Hahaha…”

Xia Xin frowned in annoyance. “What are you laughing at?”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I didn’t expect you to think so highly of me. So, in your heart, you still see me as the old Chen Fan. Honestly, I’m deeply touched.”

Chen Fan pressed his palms together apologetically. “But Xia Xin, think about it. If I really had that kind of ability, able to get someone to give you two and a half billion just like that, do you think I’d still put up with your father and grandfather’s nonsense?”

“Let’s put that aside for now. My only support in Eastern City is the Chen family, and you know exactly what state they’re in. Forget two and a half billion—even a hundred million would be out of the question. How could I possibly be playing some hidden master game with you?”

When she left the company, Xia Xin had been inclined to believe Chen Fan was orchestrating everything behind the scenes. But listening to his analysis, she realized it made sense. If he really had such power, why would he have agreed to marry into her family in the first place?

Little did she know, every subtle change in her expression was caught by Chen Fan. This was all part of his plan—by blurring truth and fiction, he would completely dispel her suspicions.

Somewhat embarrassed, Xia Xin said, “Sorry, my tone was rather harsh just now. I just don’t want to be treated like someone’s plaything. But you’re right—right now you really don’t have the means to act as arrogant as you used to.”

Chen Fan grimaced, half-joking, “If you’re going to apologize, just apologize. No need to insult me as well!”

Still, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. So that’s it—she just doesn’t want to be manipulated. But he thought to himself, “Silly woman, if I didn’t do this, who knows when you’d ever become the head of the family? Of course I should be generous to my wife. Not just two and a half billion—even two hundred and fifty billion, I’d give it to you without a second thought.”

“That’s how things are,” Xia Xin replied calmly, taking a sip of her milk tea.

Chen Fan was left speechless. “Yes, yes, thank you for always reminding me I’m not some rich heir. But at least I introduced you to Leng Shuang and helped you get the redevelopment rights. Can’t you at least buy me a cup of milk tea?”

She chuckled. “That’s your duty as my husband, so don’t be so shameless!” She shot him a playful glance, feigning nonchalance as she took another sip of milk tea. “There’s one last sip—do you want it?”

She meant to tease him, but to her surprise, Chen Fan snatched the cup and finished it, even licking his lips with a mischievous grin. “Hmm, this milk tea tastes pretty good!”

Xia Xin’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Shameless! Pervert!”