The next day, Chen Cheng visited the small Western-style building for the first time since returning to Beijing.
"Mr. Chen, Mr. Jin is in the book room."
Chen Cheng nodded, "Alright."
He handed the car keys to the butler, "I noticed there are more cars outside lately, no place for mine to park. Can you find a spot for it?"
The butler bowed, "Certainly, Mr. Chen."
Crossing the threshold, Chen Cheng made his way upstairs and headed straight for the book room.
Upon pushing the door open, he saw Jin Baogen fiddling with his collection of snuff bottles on the table.
Jin Baogen didn’t turn around, "You’re here, take a seat."
Chen Cheng sat on the other side of the Arhat Couch, feeling at home, casually picked up a bottle, and remarked, "Oh, from the Guangxu period."
Only then did Jin Baogen set down the agate snuff bottle he was holding, glanced at Chen Cheng, and said indifferently, "Good eye."
Chen Cheng toyed with the snuff bottle, feeling its finely carved surface, "This is white jade, right?"
"I always said Mr. Chen has a good eye." Jin Baogen smiled lightly, "Be careful, don’t damage it."
Chen Cheng raised his eyebrows, "I noticed there are quite a few cars outside. When did you start buying cars?"
Jin Baogen picked up a delicate silver spoon and leisurely scooped snuff, "Others’ debts."
Chen Cheng put the snuff bottle back on the rosewood desk, "Quite a debt they owe."
"See anything you like? Go get the keys from Ah Fa."
Chen Cheng waved his hand, "I have enough vehicles."
Jin Baogen put down the trinket and wiped his hands, "The item is on the table, have a look."
Chen Cheng stood up and walked over to the side desk, sure enough, he saw a new contract.
He picked up the contract and began to read it carefully.
The contract was thick, crammed full of clauses and appendices, dizzying to look at.
"Going to Banna?" Chen Cheng asked as he read.
Jin Baogen wheeled over, "Yes, the last trip."
Chen Cheng nodded, "Okay."
"Take two more people with you," Jin Baogen instructed, "to have some support."
"Males or females?" Chen Cheng joked.
"You rascal!" Jin Baogen laughed heartily, "Take anyone you want. Mr. Chen, bringing two people, isn’t that normal?"
Chen Cheng closed the file, "I’ll see about that."
Jin Baogen was pleased with Chen Cheng’s confident appearance, "You’re growing more impressive."
"Isn’t that because of your good teaching?"
Chen Cheng continued, "By the way, I plan to have Xia Yubing and Xiao Tong leave the bank."
He shared his plans, "After all, they won’t be relying on that for a living in the future. It’s hard for them to stay in the bank."
Jin Baogen said lightly, "It’s good to be loyal and righteous; that’s what we value in Beijing."
He paused, "But think carefully about this. Leaving the bank is easy, getting back in is hard. What do you plan for them to do?"
Chen Cheng crossed his arms across his chest, his expression resolute, "The private equity firm is making headway, isn’t it? They can follow me, for support."
"That sounds like a plan." Jin Baogen did not deny Chen Cheng’s idea, "Let’s go with that. It’s no big deal anyway."
"Since you have no objections, then I’ll bring them both this time."
Jin Baogen smiled and nodded at Chen Cheng, not saying anything more.
"Mr. Jin, time for your medicine."
The voice of Cui Xiaoling came through.
Since the last incident, she had been living in the Western-style house, taking care of Jin Baogen’s health.
"Mr. Cui." Chen Cheng greeted her politely.
Cui Xiaoling, seeing Chen Cheng, said, "I’ll leave the medicine here for you, remember to take it."
"Xiao Chen isn’t an outsider, what’s with the formality?"
"I thought you two might be discussing business."
"We’re done talking."
Cui Xiaoling acknowledged softly and then walked with the medicine tray to Jin Baogen’s side.
The tray held a cup of warm water and several pills.
She tested the water temperature first, and once ensured it wasn’t too hot, she handed the cup to Jin Baogen and picked up a pill to bring to his mouth.
Jin Baogen tilted his head slightly and swallowed the pill.
"Mr. Cui, what is it?"
Cui Xiaoling put down the cup, "How’s Ningning doing?"
"Very well, quite happy," answered Chen Cheng, "She’s just a bit busy with Spring Festival rehearsal. I told her not to overdo it."
Cui Xiaoling nodded slightly, a relieved smile appearing on her face, "That’s good, the child has always been hardworking, striving to do her best. But the Spring Festival stage is no small affair; she must be under a lot of pressure; you should take good care of her."
"Don’t worry, Mr. Cui, I will. Wan Wan often mentions you too, saying she will visit after the hectic period."
Cui Xiaoling nodded, "Okay."
Jin Baogen coughed lightly, "I trust Mr. Chen to handle things. Xiao Ling, rest assured and just enjoy life."
Cui Xiaoling nodded slightly, "Alright."
Chen Cheng said, "If there’s nothing else, I’ll head off now. I aim to arrive by tonight."
"Alright, be careful on the road. Someone will be arranged to meet you there," Jin Baogen spoke slowly, "Finish your work and come back early. Don’t dawdle."
Chen Cheng waved, "Got it, Mr. Jin."
Exiting the Western-style building, Chen Cheng dialed Xia Yubing’s cell phone.
"You and Xiao Lu pack up," Chen Cheng stopped in his tracks, looking at the files in his hand, "Come to Banna with me."
After hanging up, Chen Cheng collected his emotions, ready to embrace this last debt issuance journey.
At Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, the night was falling.
Stepping off the plane, Chen Cheng immediately felt the moist, warm air hit his face, a stark contrast to Beijing’s dry autumn breeze.
He took a deep breath, the rich scent of plants mixed with a hint of soil revitalizing him.
Xia Yubing and Tong Jialu followed close behind, both dressed in casual clothes, their faces showing a touch of excitement.