111: Chapter 111 Saving Money

Fifteen minutes later, the black panamera pulled up steadily in front of a China Merchants Bank branch.

Jiang Chen knew very well that this branch had fewer people in the afternoon and no queues; it was a safe bet for handling large amounts of cash, and his timing was perfect.

Pushing the door open, he was met with cool white lighting that stood in sharp contrast to the deepening twilight outside.

There were few people in the lobby, and a security guard leaned against the door scrolling through his phone with a leisurely air.

The lobby manager walking toward him was in her forties, with neat short hair and a crisp uniform; her gaze briefly landed on the travel bag in his hand before shifting away, a professional and restrained smile on her face.

"Sir, what business are we handling today?"

"Cash deposit, personal account, 3.2 million."

Jiang Chen spoke in a flat tone, as if mentioning a trivial amount of loose change, his face showing no emotion.

The lobby manager's expression remained unchanged as she bowed slightly. "This way, please. We'll process this in the VIP room."

The VIP room wasn't large, with soft warm lighting that shut out all the noise from outside.

The account manager who received him had graying hair and wore reading glasses; he spoke slowly and steadily, like an old accountant who had been at it for a lifetime, making one feel strangely at ease.

After asking for his surname, he immediately arranged for tellers to come and count the money.

Two tellers, a man and a woman, pushed in a money counter; their movements were swift, and they didn't waste a single word throughout the process.

The old manager instructed them to keep it "quiet" and turned to brew a cup of Mingqian Longjing for Jiang Chen.

The tea leaves slowly unfurled in the water, and a faint fragrance spread, easing the boredom of waiting.

Two money counters operated in sync, the rustling sound of the banknotes kept very low, quiet and orderly.

Unsealing, machine counting, bundling, and boxing—the whole process was smooth and efficient.

In less than forty minutes, all 3.2 million had been counted, not a penny short.

"Mr. Jiang, the funds have been deposited into your personal account."

The old manager handed over the receipt with both hands.

Jiang Chen glanced at the balance: he originally had 5.27 million, and with this addition, the total was 8.47 million.

He folded the receipt, put it in his pocket, stood up, and left.

The old manager escorted him all the way to the door with impeccable manners.

The evening breeze blew in, carrying the chill from the riverside.

Jiang Chen leaned against the car and dialed Shen Xi's number directly, his voice crisp and carrying a decisive weight.

"The money has been deposited."

"Contact the person in charge of the renovation right now. I'm heading back to Changjiang International to sign the contract on the spot."

Shen Xi picked up almost instantly, her tone immediately shifting into work mode. "Understood. I'll contact them now. I'll be there within ten minutes."

Jiang Chen gave a hum of affirmation, his tone becoming even steadier. "Once the contract is signed, the renovation, registration, LOGO, VI—everything after that will be handed over to you. I won't interfere; you're in charge. Only come to me if you really can't handle something."

"Alright," Shen Xi replied cleanly. "I'll arrange it immediately."

Hanging up, Jiang Chen got into the car, turned around, and headed straight for Changjiang International.

By the time he reached the thirty-seventh floor, the renovation manager was already waiting with the contract.

Shen Xi stood to the side, explaining the construction period, materials, payments, and breach of contract clauses one by one with clear logic and a certain tone.

After listening, Jiang Chen didn't hesitate for a second and picked up a pen to sign his name.

Once the pen was set down, the matter was settled.

The renovation manager left with a thousand thanks, and the scene suddenly fell quiet, leaving only the two of them.

Shen Xi took out her phone, snapped a photo of the empty space and the river view outside the window, bowed her head to edit for a few seconds, and gently tapped send.

A Moments post appeared quietly: just a single photo of the river view, accompanied by four words.

A new beginning.

Jiang Chen saw this but didn't point it out, simply asking casually, "Have you eaten?"

Shen Xi was startled for a moment, then shook her head, her tone carrying a hint of exhaustion. "Not yet. I was so busy I forgot."

"Let's go."

Jiang Chen tilted his chin toward the elevator, his tone much more natural. "Let's find a place to eat and have a chat while we're at it."

Shen Xi froze for half a second, then nodded and smiled. "Alright."

The two walked into the elevator side by side as the numbers counted down floor by floor.

It was quiet inside the elevator car, no longer filled with the tension of orders and execution from before; the atmosphere had relaxed considerably.

Stepping out of the building, the sky was completely dark, and the breeze by the river was cool.

Jiang Chen pulled open the passenger door. "Get in. I'll take you somewhere."

Shen Xi sat inside and buckled her seatbelt.

The car smoothly drove out of the underground garage and merged into the flow of traffic.

"What do you want to eat?" Jiang Chen asked casually, eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Anything's fine, I'm not picky."

Shen Xi relaxed, her voice softening a bit. "Just make it quick. After eating, I still have to go back and organize the registration materials."

Jiang Chen gave a faint smile. "There's no rush during a meal."

He didn't go to any high-end restaurant but instead drove to a well-reputed private eatery by the river; the environment was quiet and the lighting soft, making it suitable for conversation.

As soon as they sat down, he pushed the menu toward her. "You order."

Shen Xi didn't stand on ceremony with him, quickly ordering two dishes and a soup—all light flavors—still maintaining her efficient manner.

While waiting for the food, Jiang Chen picked up his water glass and took a sip, his tone very gentle. "Keep an eye on the renovation, but don't overwork yourself."

Shen Xi looked up and replied instinctively, "Don't worry, President Jiang. I'll definitely have it ready for you within forty days."

"I'm not rushing your progress."

Jiang Chen looked at her, his tone gentle yet still carrying an unquestionable aura.

"I mean, do things in moderation. Don't keep yourself so wound up. Chenxing is just starting, and there's a lot to be done later; you need to save your energy for the push forward."

Shen Xi was momentarily stunned, then she smiled, her eyes brightening slightly. "I understand, President Jiang. Thank you for your concern. It's actually fine; I like the feeling of building something from scratch. It's worth being a little tired."

"That's good then." Jiang Chen nodded. "In the early stages of Chenxing, I'll be relying on you to take care of things."

"As I should," Shen Xi said frankly, her eyes filled with determination. "You're providing the stage, and I'm the one performing; I'll definitely do this well."

The food arrived quickly, steaming hot.

The two chatted while eating, no longer just talking about work, occasionally mentioning the weather in Jiangcheng, the night view of the river, or the recent traffic.

The atmosphere was relaxed and natural, with less of the distance between superior and subordinate and more of the ease between friends.

Halfway through the meal, Shen Xi's phone lit up; it was the first draft of the LOGO from the VI team.

She took a quick glance, replied with a few words, and set the phone down.

"The first draft of the LOGO is almost ready. I'll send it to you tomorrow."

"No need."

Jiang Chen was very decisive, his tone full of complete trust. "As long as it's what we originally decided on, it's fine."

Shen Xi looked up at him, said nothing, and lowered her head to continue eating, but the corners of her mouth curled up slightly.

The meal didn't last long, but it was enough to ease the tension of the day.

Walking out of the restaurant, the evening breeze by the river was softer, and the lights were reflected on the water's surface in a shimmering expanse.

"Shall I take you back?" Jiang Chen asked.

"No need. I'll take a taxi back to the office and organize the materials for a bit longer."

Shen Xi picked up her bag, a glint in her eyes. "Now that the contract is signed, the journey has truly begun."

Jiang Chen gave a hum of acknowledgement. "Make sure to rest."

"I will."

Shen Xi nodded to him, turned, and walked toward the roadside to hail a taxi.

Jiang Chen stood where he was, watching her figure disappear into the night before pulling open his car door.

The car merged back into the flow of traffic.