Chapter 122: Warm and Fuzzy

  Chu Chen hadn't even finished packing his luggage when he received a call from Zhou Wenping.

  "Xiao Chu, are you still in Dian Nan?" came the familiar voice of Zhou Wenping over the phone.

  "Zhou Ge, you're just in time, I've just got back home, how about you?"

  "Haha, I also arrived yesterday afternoon. Your sister-in-law and the two kids will be staying at home for a few more days. Originally, I was thinking that after you got back, we could go pick up the tiles that were transported earlier. But since you just got home, why don't you take a rest first? We can go get them tomorrow."

  Because no one helped Zhou Wenping receive it, Chu Chen let him send it to Wu Shu's house. Originally, this matter could be handled by Zhou Wenping alone, but since he also brought some local specialties from Dian Nan, he smiled and said: "It's okay, we'll go together now, I haven't seen Uncle Wu for several days either."

  Zhou Wenping smiled and said: "Alright, let's go together then. But it just so happens to be lunchtime now, let's go eat first."

  Chu Chen just happened to have not eaten yet, so he agreed. Originally after getting off the plane, Li Guodong and the others wanted to invite Chu Chen to dinner, but the three of them didn't look as good as Chu Chen, who had a great physique. After the tiring journey, they all looked very tired, so Chu Chen let them go back and rest first, and the matter of inviting him out wasn't urgent.

  Chu Chen arrived at the restaurant where he had agreed to meet on the phone, and Zhou Wenping was already waiting for him. However, when he saw the gauze wrapped around Chu Chen's hand, he immediately started questioning him.

  Chu Chen's wound had almost healed, and it didn't matter whether he bandaged it or not. However, in order to avoid raising suspicions from others, on such a hot day, he could only continue wrapping the gauze around it.

  Afterwards, Chu Chen simply told Zhou Wenping about his trip to Dian Nan. Zhou Wenping was delighted that Chu Chen's family had increased in prosperity, but also worried about the dangers he had encountered. Later, when he heard that the injuries were severe, he couldn't help but clap his hands and congratulate him.

  When he heard that Chu Chen's high-ice species was sold for 280 million, Zhou Wenping couldn't help but stare blankly and said: "Xiao Chen, at this rate of making money, you'll become a billionaire in less than half a year! Your ability to make money is really too powerful!"

  Chu Chen scratched his head and said with some embarrassment: "It's all just luck."

  Zhou Wenping waved his hand and said, "Alright, Xiaochun, don't be so modest. Your luck is not bad, but relying solely on luck without real ability wouldn't have brought you to where you are today. However, Xiaochun, there's something I'm not sure if I should say..."

  "Brother Zhou, what's up? Go ahead and say it."

  "Brother Zhou, I'm not envious of your earnings," said Zhou Wenping with a serious tone. "I just want to remind you that gambling on stones requires caution. After all, this line of work has a high risk of loss, and it's not a culturally refined pursuit. Getting rich through this means will inevitably lead to others labeling you as 'tainted by copper'."

  "Actually, with your learning ability and vision, Xiaochu, you should focus on the antique business. Although our line doesn't make money as quickly as gambling stones, it carries the spirit and wisdom of our ancestors for 5,000 years, and the cultural connotation is enough for us to study for a lifetime."

  "Playing with antiques, you have both material wealth and spiritual wealth. Since Xiao Chuan, you have talent and interest, then you should study it more deeply. Who knows, one day you'll become a famous collector nationwide, and we can also bask in your glory."

  In fact, for Chu Chen, gambling was just a means to make money. Moreover, with his special abilities, he wasn't afraid of losing in this dark alley. However, Zhou Wenping's words were also treating Chu Chen as if he were his own brother, so Chu Chen naturally accepted them humbly.

  "Brother Zhou, I remember everything you said and I will definitely not disappoint you in the future," Chu Chen said gratefully.

  Zhou Wenping smiled and said: "Xiao Chuan, you decide your own affairs, I just give my own opinions. As long as you can stand out, I and your sister-in-law will be happy."

  "Brother Zhou, thank you. By the way, did you bring the household registration materials? The house is already settled on the west side of the city, and everything can be completed as soon as I receive your documents."

  Upon hearing the good news, Zhou Wenping couldn't help but get excited and said with a smile: "Everything is already prepared, but for now it's still at my place. Let's go get the deed first and then we can head back together to pick it up."

  Chu Chen nodded and said: "Okay, then I'll make a call first and ask if they have time on that side."

  After finishing speaking, Chu Chen took out his mobile phone and dialed Zhao Qirui's number. The call connected quickly, but because Zhao Qirui had something to do, the two of them only exchanged a few words before hanging up.

  Chu Chen said somewhat apologetically, "Zhou Ge, you might have to wait a bit longer. I still need to go sign a contract first. After I've signed the contract, we can go look at the house."

  Zhou Wenping waved his hand and said with some curiosity: "This matter is not urgent, but why did you want to sign the contract as soon as you came back?"

  Chu Chen scratched his head and told Zhou Wenping about the business venture with Zhao Qirui, Zhou Wenping listened and opened his mouth, not knowing what to say, he was shocked and numb.

  Chu Chen chuckled and said, "Zhou Ge, when your wife's body gets a bit better, why not let her open a store to sell the incense produced by our company? The price of the goods will definitely be discounted, what do you think?"

  Zhou Wenping hastily waved his hand and said: "Xiao Chu, you've already helped our family a lot, don't bother with this matter."

  "Chu Chen smiled and said: 'Zhou Ge, don't rush to refuse, let's talk about it when your wife comes back. Besides, the company is still in preparation, there's no hurry.'"

  When Chu Chen said that, Zhou Wenping didn't refuse anymore. After the two had dinner, they took a taxi to Wu Shu's home.

  It was a coincidence that when the two of them arrived at Wu Shu's house, they happened to meet Wu Shu who was just about to go out.

  After Chǔ Chēn introduced Wú Shū and Zhōu Wén Píng, Wú Shū's expression turned stern and he said: "You little brat, how come you came back without even telling me?"

  "Uncle Wu, you're wronging me! I just got back today and came straight to your place, didn't I?"

  Chu Chen smiled and squeezed through the gate with a large bag of specialty products from Dian Nan, passing by Uncle Wu's side.

  Wu Shu could only smile helplessly and then took Zhou Wenping back into the house together.

  Aunt Wu saw Chu Chen come in and enthusiastically helped him put his things aside, then complained: "Little Chu, why did you bring so many things? This is going to cost a lot of money, isn't it?"

  Chu Chen smiled and said, "Auntie, don't worry, these are all local specialties from Dian Nan, didn't cost much money. The pine mushrooms inside, you must eat them often, after finishing I'll ask my friend to help me buy more. Pine mushrooms are good stuff, can nourish the skin and resist aging, then Auntie Wu will become Sister Wu."

  "You kid, stop talking nonsense, this thing isn't an elixir of immortality, eating it won't make you young again."

  Aunt Wu scolded with her mouth, but her face was smiling. However, she suddenly saw the gauze on Chu Chen's hand and exclaimed: "Xiao Chu, what's wrong with your hand?"

  "A few days ago, when I was picking wool, I accidentally poked a sharp stone and scratched a small cut, but it's not deep, it will be fine in a few days."

  Chu Chen said so also in order to avoid Wu Shu's worries.

  "Wu Shu furrowed his brow and said: 'I'm telling you, at your age, you still don't know how to be careful. Next time if this happens again, I...' "

  "Alright, Old Wu."

  Wu Shu hadn't finished speaking when Wu Jie interrupted, "It's just an accident, why are you being so serious? But little Chu, be careful not to get wet, or you'll catch a cold. You know that? Tonight, no, I mean tomorrow night, come over to Uncle Wu's house for dinner, Aunt Wu will cook something delicious."

  The deep concern revealed in Wu Shu's words made Chu Chen feel warm and he nodded repeatedly to agree.

  "Wu Shu, I'll help take care of Zhou Ge's things first, let's talk about the Yunnan matter tonight."

  After helping Zhou Wenping put all the tiles in place, Chu Chen took a car to Zhao Qirui's company.

  Fengrui Building, located in the bustling area of Xicheng, is where Zhao Qirui's Whitetrad Company is based. Chu Chen took the elevator to the floor where Whitetrade was located according to the instructions.

  Whitetrade occupies the entire floor. As soon as Chuyan walked in, a receptionist smiled and asked: "Hello sir, welcome to Whitetrade, what can we do for you?"

  "Hello, I'm Chu Chen, and I've already made an appointment with Director Zhao."

  "Oh, it's Mr. Chu, right? Manager Zhao instructed earlier that when you arrive, go find him in the general manager's office."

  Then, Chu Chen followed the receptionist to the general manager's office.

  "Xiao Chu, I reckon you should be arriving soon. Come, sit down for a bit, Qin Shu won't arrive for a while yet." Zhao Qirui welcomed Chu Chen warmly as he arrived, and personally poured him a cup of tea, causing the front desk girl who brought Chu Chen to reveal a look of surprise on her face.

  Chu Chen hastily said with a surprised expression: "Zhao Ge, you are really too polite!"

  After the receptionist left, Zhao Qirui smiled and said: "Xiao Chu, we didn't have any reservations before, and this time thanks to you, otherwise Yulan would have been in a precarious situation."

  Chu Chen waved his hand and said, "Where is it? This is what I should do. Xiaolan still calls me Brother Chu, besides, this time Xiaolan went with my invitation, her safety I have to guarantee."

  Zhao Qirui heard this and said with a smile: "Xiao Chu, since you say so, I won't say more. However, I will definitely keep your kindness in mind. By the way, is your hand okay?"

  Chu Chen relaxed and shook hands, saying: "Nothing serious happened to me. You also know that I practice boxing, my energy is sufficient, and my body recovers quickly."

  Zhao Qirui nodded and smiled: "Mm, now I can rest assured."

  Chu Chen took out the piece of jade from his pocket and placed it on the table, saying: "Zhao Ge, this is what I was talking about. Take a look first."