498: Chapter 498 A Bountiful Harvest, Everyone Rejoices

Chapter 498: Abundant Harvests and Mutual Joy

The inside of the silver case was lined with thick black velvet, as if it could absorb all stray light.

Several sets of jewelry lay quietly inside, fully displaying a luxurious texture.

The coldness of the diamonds, the fiery intensity of the gemstones, and the gentle warmth of the jades intertwined under the lights, creating distinct layers of brilliance that shone radiantly.

For a moment, everyone's gaze was completely captivated by the treasure-filled box, and even their breathing unconsciously grew lighter.

"Because time was tight and there was no time to go to the auction house to bid for better ones, I could only transfer these ready-made sets from the family warehouse first."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan took in the expressions of the Illuminati members, then smiled slightly and added sincerely,

"I figured that since you are all returning to Dongdu, you should at least bring back some local specialties."

"Although these little trinkets cannot be considered peerless treasures, they have the advantage of being portable. Whether the ladies use them themselves or the gentlemen take them back as gifts for the elders at home, they can all be considered presentable souvenir gifts."

"I have carefully prepared a share for every single member of the Illuminati. Please don't stand on ceremony; whichever set you like, just pick it out."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan's so-called "souvenir gifts" truly struck a chord with everyone.

"Whoa—"

Bailing was the first to let out an exclamation of wonder, her eyes shining as if they concealed stars: "These pieces of jewelry are just too gorgeous!"

Her gaze was glued to that set of ruby jewelry and couldn't be pulled away at all. She wanted to reach out and touch them, but felt a bit embarrassed.

Although she was accustomed to seeing treasures during past operations, she was still a girl after all, and possessed a natural phototaxis toward such shiny things.

Lin Chuqiao acted much more reserved, but she still couldn't help casting an extra glance at that set of jade necklaces, and her gaze lingered for a noticeably longer few seconds.

Coming from an extraordinary background, she naturally knew her goods.

This piece of imperial green raw jade had a pure texture and a rich color. If placed on the market, it couldn't be secured for anything less than seven to eight million.

Reading their expressions, Second Young Master Chen Xuan immediately smiled and made a "please" gesture, signaling the two ladies to pick whatever they liked freely.

Pan Wendi leaned over to take a look, smacked his lips, and praised,

"Tsk tsk, truly worthy of being the richest man in Tiannan Province, starting out in the jewelry business. Just one move and it's imperial green and pigeon's blood rubies."

"Young Master Chen, your generosity is quite something; you're much more generous than those guys in Dongdu who fancy themselves Young Masters of illustrious families."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan waved his hand modestly:

"Young Master Pan flatters me; it's merely a tiny token of appreciation."

Fang Cheng looked at this box of jewelry, raised his eyebrows slightly, and said,

"Young Master Chen, isn't this gift a bit too heavy?"

"Mr. Bai overstates it."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan quickly bowed slightly, his expression turning a bit more serious:

"Compared to you all saving my Chen family's entire household from dire straits, these external possessions are simply as light as a swan's feather. If you are unwilling to accept them, my heart truly cannot find peace."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Fang Cheng stopped being overly coy.

He thought of how his mother had toiled for half her life and had never worn any decent jewelry.

His gaze fell on one of the jade bracelets; it would be very suitable to take back for her daily body nourishment.

"Since it is Young Master Chen's kind intention, then I will not decline."

Seeing Fang Cheng nod and state his position, Second Young Master Chen Xuan visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and smiles reappeared on his face.

He immediately turned his head and waved to the two bodyguards behind him.

Those two bodyguards immediately lifted the briefcases and walked forward.

"Click, click, click."

Three more crisp sounds rang out.

The remaining three silver briefcases were also opened one by one, placed respectively on the coffee table.

The visual impact brought this time was not as blinding as before, but it was much more direct and much more crude.

Inside the cases, there were no fancy decorations whatsoever, only neatly stacked bundles of brand-new hundred-yuan bills.

That fiery red color connected into a single piece, emitting a unique ink fragrance that made one's blood surge.

And in the third case, aside from the bundles of cash lining the bottom, a kraft paper document bag was placed right on top.

The air in the living room seemed to freeze for a split second.

Professor Ye Zhiren's fingers pushing up his glasses trembled slightly.

He could still maintain his composure when he saw the jewelry just now, but upon seeing this cash, a wolf-like green light instantly burst from his eyes.

For an organization urgently needing funds to develop, these paper bills were simply dearer than relatives.

Pointing at the three cases, Second Young Master Chen Xuan said respectfully to Fang Cheng,

"Mr. Bai, there are twenty million in cash here, which is the personal remuneration given to you by our Chen family."

Fang Cheng was slightly stunned, asking doubtfully,

"I accepted the mission on Naihe Bridge, and since the matter has already been resolved, the platform will naturally settle the bounty. You don't need to pay additionally."

However, Second Young Master Chen Xuan shook his head, his gaze sweeping across everyone present as his tone turned exceptionally firm:

"That sum of money from Naihe Bridge is your reward for cracking the sorcery case for the Chen family; that is a completely different matter."

"As for this sum..."

Pointing at the cases, his voice raised slightly:

"It is to repay your grace in personally repelling the powerful enemy and saving my Chen family from a catastrophe of extermination."

"If you hadn't turned the tide that night, the Chen family would probably have been left with not even a chicken or dog intact long ago. How could this life-saving grace be measured by mere tens of millions?"

"You must accept this money, otherwise I, Second Young Master Chen Xuan, would be a scoundrel who doesn't repay kindness!"

These words were spoken with true sincerity, even carrying a bit of the straightforward righteousness of people in the Jianghu.

Without waiting for Fang Cheng to respond, Second Young Master Chen Xuan had already reached into the third case, picked up the document bag, and pulled out a thin check.

Then, he handed it to Fang Cheng with both hands, his tone growing even more sincere:

"In addition, this is a fifty million bearer check."

"I know that the Illuminati was founded not long ago and needs to make connections in all aspects. Let this be a little operating expense from me personally to the organization, hoping to contribute bricks and tiles to the development of the Illuminati."

"Young Master Chen, you are truly upfront as a person!"

Pan Wendi looked at the money covering the table and couldn't help giving a thumbs up:

"It seems I had some misunderstandings about you before; in the future, I must learn more from you regarding this broad perspective."

"Young Master Pan jokes."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan gave a bitter smile and bared his heart:

"Now that our two families have already allied, apart from having some stinking money, the Chen family truly has nothing impressive to present in terms of martial power."

"I only hope this meager contribution can make the organization grow stronger, so that in the future, if the Chen family encounters difficulties again, we can have a bit more confidence and backing."

Fang Cheng looked at the check and cash in front of him and did not refuse.

The Illuminati was indeed at a time when it lacked money; purchasing a base, recruiting personnel, buying equipment—which one of these wasn't a money-swallowing beast?

Second Young Master Chen Xuan's money could truly be described as providing timely help in the snow.

Furthermore, he already regarded the Chen family as an outer force of the Illuminati. Taking filial offerings from one's own people was entirely natural and justified.

"Very well, after returning I will report this to the superiors, note down Young Master Chen's sincerity and support, and log this fund into the accounts."

Fang Cheng took the check and handed it over to the logistics grand manager by his side, Lin Chuqiao.

Seeing this, Second Young Master Chen Xuan's face instantly bloomed with joy, and then he pulled out the final document from the document bag.

In black and white, it was impressively a commercial real estate deed, with the property owner column left blank to be filled in.

"And also..."

He spread the document out on the desktop and pointed at the clauses on it, saying,

"This is an entire floor of office buildings located on the top floor of the Cui City World Trade Center. The property rights are clear, and the decoration is complete."

"I figured that the Illuminati also needs a foothold in Tiannan Province; both the security and the view here are the best in the entire city."

"As long as you, Mr. Bai, sign it, this place will be our organization's branch in Tiannan Province."

Fang Cheng's gaze swept over the equally valuable property deed, but his fingertips did not touch the handed-over fountain pen.

He raised his head, looked at Second Young Master Chen Xuan, and said meaningfully,

"This place is not bad, we'll take it. However, you don't need to sign my name."

Second Young Master Chen Xuan was stunned:

"Then whose should I sign?"

"Sign yours."

Fang Cheng's gaze burned brightly, his tone carrying a few notes of a leader's expectations:

"Since you are the representative of the Illuminati in Tiannan Province, this branch should naturally be overseen by you."

"This is not just an office location, it is even more the organization's trust in you. I hope you can guard this setup well and not let me down."

He paused slightly, adding a bit of solemnity to his voice:

"After this probation period passes, we will hold an internal meeting to officially absorb you into the decision-making tier. By then, you will be one of the core members of the Illuminati."

Hearing this, Second Young Master Chen Xuan's body suddenly shuddered.

At this moment, he felt that he was no longer a pure funder or a weakling seeking protection.

Instead, he was truly accepted by the Illuminati, becoming a part of this core circle and representing the organization's Foundation and prestige in Tiannan Province.

"Yes!"

He straightened his back excitedly and responded in a clear voice:

"Second Young Master Chen Xuan will definitely not fail the mission!"

This posture of loyal and sincere allegiance made the previously slightly heavy atmosphere of parting in the living room dissipate a lot, replaced by a kind of like-minded tacit understanding and warmth.

Fang Cheng reached out and patted his shoulder, his gaze filled with encouragement.

Professor Ye Zhiren, Lin Chuqiao, and others also stepped forward one after another to speak with this newly promoted quasi-member, their words carrying a bit more of the closeness reserved for one's own people.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, everyone did not delay further. Escorted by the two bodyguards, they picked up the heavy safe boxes and prepared to set off.

At this time, the afternoon sunlight was just right, spilling over everyone through the mottled tree shadows.

Outside the courtyard, the engines of the motorcade that had been waiting for a long time roared, poised and ready to go.

Three black commercial vehicles, led by a bulletproof Rolls-Royce in front, drove away from the quiet villa area and galloped toward Cui City International Airport.

The commercial vehicles had been booked in advance by Pan Wendi, responsible for transporting everyone and their luggage.

As for the leading Rolls-Royce, it was because Second Young Master Chen Xuan insisted on personally seeing them off to show respect for "Mr. Bai".

Inside the carriage, the soundproofing effect was superb, completely isolating the external hubbub.

Leaning against the comfortable aviation leather seat, Fang Cheng looked at the rapidly retreating scenery of Cuihai Lake outside the window, feeling quite good.

On this trip to Tiannan Province, he could be said to have harvested abundantly.

Not only did he successfully resolve the Chen family's trouble and complete the entrusted mission, but he also smoothly found the whereabouts of his uncle.

At the same time, he also obtained many inside stories regarding his father's old case from Xuanzhen and Professor Ye Zhiren, moving a step closer to uncovering the mystery of that year.

In addition, the Breakthrough on the martial arts level was an even more pleasant surprise.

During the process of upgrading his Tai Chi skill, Fang Cheng gained a deeper comprehension of martial arts, giving him a bit more confidence to assault the Realm of "inner scenery externalizing".

And the most crucial thing was that the development Foundation of the Illuminati was steadily planting itself.

The core members' hearts were united and everyone performed their respective duties; the startup funds sent by Second Young Master Chen Xuan had arrived.

Upon returning to Dongdu, they could immediately push forward the construction of the two bases and the Perfection of the organizational structure.

From personal grudges to strength growth, and then to organization building, every single one exceeded expectations, deserving to be called a Perfection conclusion.

The vehicle drove smoothly all the way. As they neared the airport, Fang Cheng had a sudden flash of inspiration and suddenly remembered certain things.

He then turned his head to look at Second Young Master Chen Xuan, who was sitting upright beside him, and said,

"Young Master Chen, I want to ask about a private matter. When you originally commissioned Naihe Bridge to investigate the Chen family's case, how much total bounty was set?"

Second Young Master Chen Xuan was slightly startled upon hearing this, as if he hadn't expected Fang Cheng to ask this, but he still honestly replied:

"At that time, the matter blew up too fiercely and too many people died. We were also rather anxious and hoped to attract truly top-tier experts over, so we directly posted a bounty of fifty million."

Speaking of this, he glanced at Fang Cheng, his eyes filled with gratitude:

"Fortunately, we met you, Mr. Bai. Not to mention fifty million, even five hundred million—to be able to trade it for the lives of over a hundred people in the Chen family from top to bottom, spending this money was totally worth it!"

Looking at Second Young Master Chen Xuan's grateful appearance, Fang Cheng's expression turned somewhat peculiar.

"Fifty million?"

He clearly remembered that when he accepted the mission on Naihe Bridge, the bounty he saw was only twenty-six million.

Among them, eighteen million was the fixed base remuneration, and eight million was the performance rebate issued based on the customer's final favorable rating.

Calculated this way, there was a difference of at least twenty-four million between the two.

The corners of Fang Cheng's mouth twitched slightly as he silently withdrew his gaze and muttered inwardly in defamation:

"Naihe Bridge is too dark! They actually swallowed half of the remuneration directly. Where is this any intermediary fee? It's simply daylight robbery!"

...

Within the dimension of the dark world.

The firmament of Night City was still shrouded by that eternal, thick layer of fog.

The giant eyeball suspended in the clouds rotated slowly.

The eerie green light pillar, like the sword of divine punishment, swept among the bizarre and fantastical buildings, monitoring every inch of the dark corners in this chaotic metropolis.

In the core area of the city, a towering octagonal double-eaved tall building rose abruptly from the ground.

It was constructed entirely of unknown dark wood, with strings of large red lanterns hanging from its flying eaves.

What lit up inside was not ordinary lamplight, but burning dark red light flames.

Amidst the surrounding sea of cyberpunk-style neon light, this tall building filled with ancient charm appeared exceptionally unique.

On the topmost floor, inside a study with antique and elegant furnishings.

An old man wearing a Tang suit stood with his hands behind his back, standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the crowd scurrying like ants beneath his feet.

His figure was extremely peculiar, appearing somewhat illusory under the light, with its edges presenting a translucent texture.

As if at any moment it would turn into smoke and scatter with the wind.

Knock knock knock.

In the quiet space, the suddenly sounding knock on the door appeared exceptionally clear.

"Come in."

The old man responded, his voice aged, yet exuding a strength that pierced through the Soul.

Creak—

The door was gently pushed open, and a young man wearing a fitted suit and with a handsome visage walked in briskly.

He closed the door behind him with a reverse hand, walked respectfully behind the old man, and called out in a low voice:

"Great-grandfather."

The old man did not turn back, his gaze still falling on the night sky outside the window, and asked indifferently:

"That organization called Utopia has sent people over again?"