356: Chapter 356 He actually wants to be my father

Looking at the pale blue light screen floating before him, Fang Cheng's lips curved up slightly.

Ever since he drove to the Heishui River in Xishan to dispose of a corpse and cover his tracks after handling the aftermath last time, he had accidentally unlocked the Driving skill.

After that, apart from practicing twice with Ma Donghe's old car, he hadn't touched a steering wheel since.

Now that he had a ride of his own, this long-stagnant experience bar could finally roll forward once more.

Fang Cheng stretched out his finger, swiped casually across the center console touch screen, and opened the music playlist.

A dynamic song then flowed out from the Burmester sound system.

Accompanied by the strong drumbeat, the car windows quietly rolled down.

The gentle evening breeze carrying the city's unique hustle and bustle instantly surged in, dispersing the leather scent of the new car's interior.

It was evening, right during the rush hour of getting off work.

The setting sun dyed the edge of the sky into a magnificent orange-red.

The traffic was moving slowly, resembling a long winding Dragon.

Fang Cheng rested his hands casually on the steering wheel, his fingertips tapping gently to the rhythm of the music.

This feeling of controlling a steel beast in his hands was indeed extremely exhilarating.

He couldn't help but ponder in his heart.

What kind of unexpected enhancement rewards would there be if he upgraded the Driving skill to Expert level?

This thought was like a spark bursting from a spark plug, instantly igniting a trace of restlessness in his heart.

Fang Cheng unconsciously increased the force under his feet, the V8 engine roared lowly, and the power responded instantly.

The massive car body suddenly darted forward, like a beast that had been gathering strength for a long time.

In the blink of an eye, it roared past a leisurely sedan.

The thrill brought by the lightning speed made Fang Cheng inevitably more immersed, further accelerating forward.

"Ah!"

Zhou Xiumei in the front passenger seat was startled by the sudden push-back force, letting out an exclamation.

She instinctively grabbed the handrail beside her, her face turning somewhat pale.

"Er, sorry."

Seeing this, Fang Cheng immediately released the accelerator, letting the car speed smooth out again, and looked at her with an apology.

Zhou Xiumei did not reply, just gently loosening the handrail, her chest rising and falling slightly.

A moment later, not only did she not blame him, but she couldn't help smiling and shook her head.

Her gaze carried a bit of helplessness, mixed with a hint of indulgence.

It was just like returning to childhood, watching a big boy who couldn't help playfully showing off after getting his beloved toy.

The wind poured in continuously from outside the window.

It lifted the long hair hanging over her shoulders, brushed across her sharp, jade-carved nose tip, and half-covered her crystal-clear, black gem-like eyes.

The arc hooked at the corner of Zhou Xiumei's mouth was like a crescent moon, pure and beautiful.

Fang Cheng's gaze was involuntarily attracted by this scene, lingering for an extra second.

Speaking of which, the frail woman by his side since childhood rarely had such an undefended, heartfelt smile.

Perhaps Fang Cheng's gaze carried too much Focus, Zhou Xiumei sensed it, turning her face sideways, her long eyelashes trembling slightly like butterfly wings.

She raised her hand and tucked that rebellious strand of hair behind her ear.

Amidst the movement, a blush quickly spread from her fair neck to her cheeks, just like the evening glow in the sky at this moment.

Fang Cheng timely rolled up the car windows, cutting off the outside hustle and bustle.

The air inside the car, however, seemed to freeze for a moment.

Only the dynamic music remained, sounding like a thumping heartbeat, echoing inside the carriage.

Fang Cheng gripped the steering wheel again with both hands, his gaze staring straight ahead at the traffic.

Zhou Xiumei slightly lowered her head, her fingertips winding around the edge of the seatbelt, and the blush on her face refused to fade for a long time.

Between the two of them, a silent tacit understanding and vague affection were quietly breeding.

To break the somewhat awkward atmosphere, Fang Cheng gave a dry cough and took the initiative to find a topic:

"By the way, how are you studying over at the music training class?"

Mentioning this, Zhou Xiumei's eyes immediately lit up as expected, and her tone became much more relaxed:

"In last week's periodic assessment, I got full marks in both my vocal music class and guitar class, and the teacher even praised me for my rapid progress."

"Of course, you were very talented to begin with."

Fang Cheng smiled, his tone full of sincere encouragement:

"Prepare well, I believe in you. You will definitely pass the auditions in early May smoothly. By then, I'll be your cheering squad leader."

"Mm."

Zhou Xiumei nodded vigorously, a brilliant smile blooming at the corners of her mouth: "Brother Cheng, it's a deal then."

As the two spoke, they returned to being calm and at ease.

Yet that promise just now was like a piece of honey candy, slowly melting deep in Zhou Xiumei's heart.

She turned her head to look out the window, watching that red sun slowly sink among the forest of buildings.

The golden radiance pierced through the gaps of the skyscrapers, and every glass curtain wall reflected the afterglow of the setting sun.

The whole world seemed shrouded in a soft glow.

Zhou Xiumei imagined what she looked like standing on the stage.

And off stage, there was his gaze full of Focus.

That wonderful yearning made the corners of her mouth rise, and accompanied by the music in the car, she hummed softly.

That was a melody without lyrics, the tune clean and ethereal.

Fang Cheng glanced at her and silently turned off the car stereo.

Without external noise interference, Zhou Xiumei's singing became clearer.

Her voice wasn't as flashy in technique as professional singers, but it carried a spring-like clarity and purity, as if it could cleanse people's hearts.

In this tiny carriage space, every note appeared exceptionally moving.

Fang Cheng drove quietly, his mood tranquil and comfortable like never before.

As if seeing again that afternoon many years ago, a little girl lying alone on the windowsill, facing the sunlight outside the Tubular Building, humming an out-of-tune song over and over again.

Just in this beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.

"Ding-a-ling—"

Suddenly, a mobile phone ringtone rang abruptly.

The singing also came to an abrupt halt accordingly.

Fang Cheng steadied the steering wheel with his left hand and took out his mobile phone from the side messenger bag with his right hand.

Glancing at the caller ID, it was Xiaosa's number.

Seeing this name, Fang Cheng's thoughts stirred slightly.

Previously, he had asked Xiaosa to withdraw money from the activity funds and buy a new mobile phone as a communication tool.

According to the agreement between the two, if the situation was urgent, Xiaosa would directly recite his name repeatedly in his heart.

Then through the spiritual connection, they would contact each other, communicate problems in time, and make countermeasures.

Conversely, if it was routine work reporting or the like, they would contact via phone.

This could prevent him from being made nervous by the frequent warnings appearing in his heart, unable to tell whether the situation was serious or not.

Since a phone call was made now, it meant that the matter was still within a controllable range.

Fang Cheng glanced at Zhou Xiumei beside him who cast a curious gaze.

Hesitating for a moment, he still pressed the answer button and put it to his ear.

"What is it?"

His voice resumed its habitual calm.

On the other end of the phone, Xiaosa's respectful voice came immediately:

"Chairman, Chen Chen invited me to visit the Yuanchen Group building as a guest again today."

His speech was very fast, actively reporting the situation:

"We chatted in the office for about half an hour, and Secretary Liu accompanied us the whole time."

"Chen Chen mainly complained to me, saying how difficult it was for the company to operate now and that raising the mission reward was somewhat difficult, but he repeatedly guaranteed that he would definitely pay off the remaining balance before the deadline."

"Right, he still didn't give up, beating around the bush to inquire about our organization's situation, wanting to get words out of me."

"Rest assured, Chairman, my mouth is very tight. I just played Tai Chi with him and let him guess for himself."

"These can still be considered normal. What's absurd is that when he hosted a banquet to treat me at noon, Chen Chen suddenly sighed, saying that after struggling for many years, he didn't even have a single confidant around him."

"Then, he put forward a ridiculously absurd request..."

When Xiaosa said this, he seemed to feel that the following words were a bit too absurd, and couldn't help pausing for a moment.

"What request?"

Fang Cheng asked calmly.

The other end of the phone was silent for two seconds, and Xiaosa's voice sounded again, his tone becoming very weird:

"He... wants to recognize me as his godson."

As soon as these words came out, the air inside the car also seemed to quiet down for two seconds.

Fang Cheng's mouth twitched slightly, and he asked indifferently:

"He doesn't seem to be a few years older than you, right?"

"I also feel like he's taking advantage of me."

Xiaosa's voice exuded a hint of embarrassment:

"That guy is only seven or eight years older than me, never thought this trip would result in him wanting to be my dad..."

"He even swore solemnly that as long as I agree, he will cultivate me with all his might, let me be the 'Crown Prince' of the Red Tiger Gang, and become the next gang leader."

"Chairman, I always feel that what he said is very illusory, like making empty promises, and there might be some conspiracy..."

Fang Cheng pondered slightly.

Xiaosa himself did not have much utilization value to be worth Chen Chen spending such a heavy price.

The intention of doing this was none other than wanting to approach himself, this mysterious assassin, and the so-called "organization" behind him by winning over Xiaosa.

However, this price tag offered was indeed a bit too big.

The "Crown Prince" of the Red Tiger Gang?

Fang Cheng was quite speechless. After pondering for a moment, he instructed:

"For this kind of matter, make your own decision. As long as it ultimately conforms to the organization's interests, you can be more flexible in your usual actions."

Hearing this, Xiaosa cautiously expressed his thoughts:

"Chairman, that's what I thought too. Regardless of whether he is sincere or fake, since this old fellow took the initiative to hand over the ladder, I might as well climb up and take a look."

"If I can enter their core circle, maybe I can really dig up some fierce gossip about that Noah Organization."

"Even if he wants to play tricks, being by his side is better than guessing blindly outside, and I can always be on guard in advance."

"Alright, handle it as you see fit."

Fang Cheng praised his train of thought while reminding him:

"The key is to keep a clear head and not be bewitched by the sugar-coated bullets of that old fox Chen Chen."

"Chairman, you can rest one hundred and twenty percent assured!"

Xiaosa's tone suddenly became incomparably firm:

"Whose person I, Xiaosa, am is crystal clear in my heart. My loyalty will forever belong to you alone, Chairman!"

Seizing the opportunity once more to fiercely express his loyalty, Xiaosa then continued:

"Also, Chen Chen said that around April 1st he can gather the final payment. How should I hand this money over to you when the time comes?"

"I will come looking for you in a few days. We'll talk about it then."

"Alright, I'll wait for you."

Hearing that he could meet the Chairman in person, Xiaosa's responding voice couldn't help exuding a hint of excitement.

The phone hung up.

Zhou Xiumei blinked those bright, clear eyes of hers and asked curiously:

"Brother Cheng, are you really doing big business now?"

Fang Cheng smiled and explained casually:

"Didn't I say I invested in a Cleaning company? The person who called just now is a spy I planted in the management. If there is any slight disturbance over there, he will tip me off at the first instance."

Zhou Xiumei came to a sudden realization, then pursed her lips and smiled:

"No wonder the tone of your conversation just now made it look just like secret agents meeting on TV, so mysterious."

Seeing her rarely cracking a joke, Fang Cheng also cooperated with a haha laugh:

"Who's to say it isn't? The business world is like a battlefield after all."

He didn't deliberately conceal it anyway.

Letting people around him understand a little bit in advance about some things...

In the future, they wouldn't produce excessive doubts and worries due to his drastic changes.

Besides, Zhou Xiumei actually knew in her heart that his physical fitness far exceeded the scope of ordinary people, and he harbored many unspeakable secrets.

The car headed all the way north, returning to the familiar JB District, and finally drove into Jiuchang Street.

The street was narrow, and Fang Cheng steadily parked the car by the flowerbed below the Tubular Building.

Try to stay a bit further inside to avoid obstructing the already narrow road and affecting the neighbors' travel.

This brand-new, imposing large black SUV formed a sharp visual contrast with the slightly dilapidated surroundings.

A string of letter logos on the front of the car shimmered with eye-catching luster under the afterglow of the setting sun.

It was currently the time of getting off work, a few neighbor aunties were gathering on the roadside chatting, and there were also office workers who just came back riding battery bikes.

Everyone's gaze was attracted by this car like a magnet.

When seeing Fang Cheng and Zhou Xiumei walk down from the car, a burst of gasping sounds instantly erupted in the crowd, and it immediately boiled over.

"Holy crap, is A-Cheng Driving the latest Land Rover Range Rover? Did I read it wrong?"

A young fellow who knew a bit about cars shouted out involuntarily.

"A-Cheng, this is you... did you win the lottery, or did you rob a bank?"

An auntie exaggeratedly covered her mouth, her eyes staring as big as copper bells.

"This car must cost millions, right? Goodness, if the back of this car gets scratched, my electric bike will have to be paid in!"

Another uncle Driving an electric bike was cautiously squeezing into the hallway.

Fang Cheng wore a smile and greeted this group of dumbfounded neighbors.

Casually coping with a few sentences, he pressed the key to lock the car.

After the crisp locking sound, the rearview mirrors automatically folded, once again attracting a chorus of wondrous gasps.

He and Zhou Xiumei walked into the hallway together, leaving those envious and gossiping sounds behind them.

Arriving at the ninth floor, in front of her own doorway, Zhou Xiumei stopped and turned around.

With a slightly flushed face and bright eyes looking at Fang Cheng, she said softly:

"Brother Cheng, I am very happy today, thank you..."

Finished speaking, without waiting for Fang Cheng's response, she quickly turned around, opened the door, and slipped in like a startled fawn.

Accompanied by a soft "bang" sound, that shyness was all locked behind the door.

Fang Cheng stood in place, looking at that tightly closed door, couldn't help laughing dumbly, and slowly shook his head.

A moment later, he turned around, took out his key, and opened his own apartment door.

The house was dead quiet, nobody was in.

Mom should have gone to the market to buy groceries.

When going out this morning, Fang Cheng originally planned to take her to the 4S shop to look at cars together.

Seeing Zhou Xiumei accompanying them, Mom smiled and said that since she didn't understand cars, she wouldn't go.

She also said she was preparing to make a big meal tonight.

Both to celebrate the family purchasing a new car, and to prepare for the upcoming important exam, to give her precious son a good nourishing meal.

Fang Cheng changed into slippers, walked into the living room, and cast his gaze toward the calendar on the wall.

March 29th.

Tomorrow was the day for the graduate school re-examination.