Chapter 498: The Pretty Boy (1)

"I hope so too; I don’t want any unpleasantness among us." Having said that, Ling Chen picked up his teacup and continued, "Since everyone is here, I have a favor to ask: I want you to firmly secure control over East Sea City’s territories in the shortest time possible."

Jiang Hao curiously asked, "Chen, why?"

"I’ve run into some trouble; someone is out to get me, and they’re a force to be reckoned with. However, their influence hasn’t extended to East Sea City yet. Before it does, I hope you can keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhengxiong and the others exchanged glances, a trace of unease flickering in their eyes.

Seeing that no one spoke, Ling Chen continued, "I know this is a difficult task, but right now, you guys are the only ones I can count on, so…"

"Chen," Nanrong Hao interrupted Ling Chen, adding, "We didn’t say we’re not going to help you. In fact, we’ve been prepared for such a situation and have been planning for a long time."

"What do you mean?"

Jiang Hao said with a smile, "Chen, weren’t you always wondering why we insisted on opening courier companies? It’s not just courier services, but also the taxi industry; we’re involved in it all. Once we've organized all the territories, half the city’s taxi companies will be under our control. Both couriers and taxis interact with the largest number of people and are the quickest ways to acquire information. Our initial idea was to build a complete intelligence system. Each courier company is an information outpost, with couriers specifically tasked with gathering intelligence, which is then filtered through multiple layers to retain valuable data. With this system, as long as it’s in East Sea City, we can be the first to know about anything that happens."

Ling Chen’s eyes lit up as he listened to Jiang Hao’s explanation. If it weren’t for his orientation, he would have felt like kissing Jiang Hao right then. This news was undoubtedly the best surprise; having his own source of intelligence would make many things much more convenient in the future.

"Good job, well done," Ling Chen said with a grin. "I hadn’t realized you had such foresight."

Nanrong Hao bragged boastfully, "Of course, we’re all people who handle big matters."

"Chen," Zhao Zhengxiong chimed in from the side, "Even though we’ve established a fairly complete intelligence system, there’s still a major issue we haven’t solved."

"What’s the problem?"

Zhao Zhengxiong said resignedly, "We’re all rough and tumble guys. We can handle fighting and killing, but managing intelligence is really not our forte. We need to find someone meticulous and analytical to handle the intelligence."

Ling Chen thought for a moment, and a name immediately popped into his mind.

Hu Fei was in the intelligence business; he would be the perfect candidate to bring onboard. With that thought, Ling Chen smiled and said, "Don’t worry about the candidate; I’ve got it arranged."

With the big matter settled, everyone enjoyed their meal immensely.

During the meal, Ling Chen discreetly handed a regular Heavenly Mechanism Pill to Jiang Yunkai and explained its use, filling Yunkai with both excitement and gratitude.

Ling Chen knew what Yunkai was after, so this regular Heavenly Mechanism Pill was undoubtedly the best reward.

After a satisfying meal, Ling Chen helped the drunken Nanrong Hao out of the restaurant, following the others as they left.

After throwing Nanrong Hao into the car, Ling Chen closed the door and then walked over to Zhao Zhengxiong’s newly bought BMW, gesturing to Zhao Zhengxiong who was in the driver’s seat.

After getting into the car, Zhao Zhengxiong, belching from fullness and with a flushed face, asked, "Chen, did you want to see me about something?"

Ling Chen nodded and said, "There were things I couldn’t discuss in front of everyone. Now that it’s just the two of us, I want to have a serious talk with you." After saying that, Ling Chen looked meaningfully at Zhao Zhengxiong and asked, "Do you know why I agreed to let you divide the territories among yourselves?"

Zhao Zhengxiong answered, "Well... Chen, I don’t quite understand what you mean."

"In both life and work, one should always look far ahead; that’s what I think…"

Five minutes later.

Ling Chen stepped out of the BMW, and in the driver’s seat, Zhao Zhengxiong watched Ling Chen’s departing figure with a solemn expression and ultra-clear eyes.

...

In the blink of an eye, it had been a week since the return to East Sea City. These past days had been peaceful without any trouble from the God Organization, and Ling Chen had been enjoying a few rare days of tranquility.

That day after work, Ling Chen got in the car with Nanrong Wanqing, preparing to drive back to Wealthy Manor. Halfway there, as she watched the traffic outside the window, Nanrong Wanqing suddenly said, "Let’s take a detour to Huamei Mall."

Ling Chen gave a slight smile, "Feeling like shopping today?"

"You don’t want to go?"

"How could I not? You’re the boss here, wherever you say we’ll go." Saying this, Ling Chen glanced at Nanrong Wanqing’s chest and wore a teasing smile.

Feeling the burning gaze from Ling Chen, Nanrong Wanqing’s cheeks turned slightly red, and she lightly tapped his arm, her eyes reproachful as she said in embarrassment and annoyance, "Don’t stare rudely."

Ling Chen leaned in close to Nanrong Wanqing’s ear and whispered, "I hand-raised this myself; can’t I even take a look?"

Hearing this, Nanrong Wanqing instantly blushed even deeper, her face as red as an apple, endearingly cute and enchanting. If it weren’t for Zhong Wei sitting in the front, she would have loved to give Ling Chen a good scolding.

This damn guy is getting bolder, not considering the situation at all.

Seeing Nanrong Wanqing’s hand stretch toward his thigh, Ling Chen’s face changed, and he quickly sat up straight, looking forward with undistracted eyes, and said solemnly, "Captain Zhong, to Huamei."

"Understood."

The car turned into the lane, and after more than twenty minutes, the convoy finally arrived at the underground parking garage of Huamei Mall.

Getting out of the car, Nanrong Wanqing turned and said, "You guys stay in the car, no need to follow. Having Ling Chen with me is enough."

They took the elevator up, arriving directly at the top floor of the mall. This place was lined with international luxury brands, and the clientele who shopped on this floor were all rich and prestigious.

Stepping out of the elevator, Ling Chen wrapped his arm around Nanrong Wanqing’s slender waist, strolling on the floor’s mirror-smooth surface, perusing clothing and purses from various big-name brands.

"Let’s go check that out."

Ling Chen turned his head to look in the direction Nanrong Wanqing was pointing, and saw it was a boutique specializing in custom-made menswear. While the store was small, it had a steady flow of customers, some entering excitedly but leaving looking disappointed and dejected.

"Are you buying clothes for me?" Ling Chen quickly caught on.

Nanrong Wanqing retorted, "Is that a problem?"

"No problem at all, but... I heard that brand’s suits are pretty expensive, the cheapest starting from two hundred thousand."

Nanrong Wanqing gave Ling Chen a look and, without another word, pulled him towards the store.