C14 14 Black Card

Chen Yong felt really frustrated. His son was being openly threatened, and as his father, he couldn't even get angry. Instead, he had to smile and play along, which was incredibly tough. But honestly, it was partly Chen Wenchao's own fault. Given Zhang Qiubai's status, even if he slapped you, you'd have to grin and offer the other cheek.

"Dad..."

"Didn't you hear what I said?"

Everyone around was silent, not daring to make a sound. After all, this was the CEO's son, the eldest grandson of the Chen family. Seeing this, Zhang Qiubai snorted and left without looking back. Chen Yong quickly followed him to the door.

After Zhang Qiubai left, Chen Wenchao looked upset and said, "Dad, why did you yell at me in front of everyone?"

Chen Yong sighed and said, "Do you really think you were the one who upset him?"

Chen Wenchao was taken aback and asked, "Dad, do you mean he's standing up for Mengyao?"

Chen Yong nodded. "The relationship between Zhang Qiubai and Mengyao isn't what we thought."

At the very least, it wasn't the romantic relationship they initially suspected. Zhang Qiubai treated Mengyao with respect, even with a hint of trying to please her. He knew Wenchao was his son, yet he still said those things in front of him. It was a warning, a way to send a message.

Who is Zhang Qiubai? In Cloud City, he's undoubtedly the top dog. The Chen family might be a second-rate clan, but in his eyes, they’re nothing. Yet, why does someone as esteemed as Zhang Qiubai show such respect to Chen Mengyao?

"There must be a secret behind this," he thought. The feeling of something slipping beyond his control was unsettling, and he couldn't allow anyone from the Chen family to escape his grasp. "Investigate thoroughly!" he ordered. Until he understood the true relationship between Chen Mengyao and Zhang Qiubai, he wouldn't make a move against her.

Meanwhile, in the director's office, Chen Mengyao curiously eyed Xiao Tian. "Uncle, what did you say to Director Zhang while I was getting the contract? Why did he salute you?" she asked, her big eyes blinking with curiosity.

Xiao Tian chuckled, "Didn't Zhang Qiubai just say? He was in the military too, and coincidentally, we were in the same unit. Technically, I was his superior!"

"Yeah, right," Chen Mengyao wrinkled her nose. "You're just a deserter; how could you be his superior?" As soon as she said it, she realized her mistake. "Uncle, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

Xiao Tian smiled, "It's okay, silly girl. I know what you meant!"

"Don't overthink it. Saluting is just how we greet each other in the military. It doesn't mean anything else."

"Really?"

"Really!"

Mengyao furrowed her brows, feeling like she was missing something.

"Alright, get to work. I should start job hunting," Xiao Tian said, standing up with a smile. "If I can't pay the bills, my mother-in-law might kick me out."

"Uncle, if it comes to that, I can advance a month's salary," Mengyao offered, considering she might get a bonus from her project, leaving her with about seven or eight thousand dollars after paying back her family.

"What are you thinking? I can't take your money." Xiao Tian playfully tapped her nose and walked out of the office with a smile.

Meanwhile, in the Purple Gold Group building, in the chairman's office, Zhang Qiubai was reporting to Qin Ming.

"Brother Ming, the task is complete," Zhang Qiubai said with a hint of excitement. "And I met the War God. Turns out Miss Chen's husband is..."

"Oh? You met Mr. Tian so soon?" Qin Ming was surprised. "Just remember, Mr. Tian's identity is top secret. If it gets out, it could be dangerous. Do you understand?"

Zhang Qiubai was startled and quickly replied, "Yes, I understand!"

"Good," Qin Ming said. "You've been in Cloud City for three years now, right? Do you know why we supported you back then?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qiubai instantly understood. Could it be that everything had been orchestrated in advance by that person?

"There's no need to say more; you're a smart person," Qin Ming remarked calmly. "Do your best, and your return is just around the corner."

With that, Qin Ming hung up the phone. Hearing those words, he could barely contain a shout. Three years—it had been a full three years. Not a day went by without him yearning to return. All the wealth in the world meant nothing to him. Throughout these three years, he never forgot his mission, and now the opportunity had finally arrived. The plan could be set in motion.

...

After leaving Fuhua Real Estate, Xiao Tian headed straight to the headquarters of Cloud City Commerce.

"Sir, how can I assist you today?" A staff member in professional attire approached him as soon as he entered.

"I'm here to activate a card," Xiao Tian replied.

"Activate a card?" The staff member paused, then asked, "Are you looking to activate a credit card?"

"No," Xiao Tian shook his head. "A bank card."

"That's simple. Your bank card should be linked to your phone number, right? You just need to download our bank's app and activate it there."

"That won't work. Please call your manager. Only they have the authority to activate this card."

"What?" The staff member was taken aback, then her expression turned serious. "Sir, are you joking?"

"Xiaohui, what's going on?" At that moment, a tall, elegant lobby manager walked over.

"Manager, there's someone here to see the bank president."

Xia Yun looked Xiao Tian up and down, noticing his cheap T-shirt, and frowned slightly. "Sir, are you a friend of our bank president?"

Xiao Tian shook his head.

"Did you make an appointment with our president?"

"No."

Xiao Tian said calmly, "I have a bank card here that only your president has the authority to activate."

As soon as he spoke, several people nearby who were conducting their business laughed.

"What kind of card is that, so exclusive that only the president can activate it?"

"Buddy, how many drinks did you have at lunch?"

"Haha... Are you just trying to get the manager's attention because she's pretty?"

People started chiming in with their comments.

"Manager Xia, is someone causing trouble?" A security guard nearby came over.

"Kid, if you're here to make trouble, you should know where you are." The guard placed his hand on the baton at his waist, giving Xiao Tian a stern look.

Xiao Tian glanced at him briefly, but that one look made the guard feel uneasy.

This guy's eyes are intimidating.

The guard stared at Xiao Tian, gripping his baton tightly. With his years of security experience, he sensed this person was very dangerous.

"Sir, what kind of bank card is it? Can I take a look?" Xia Yun asked.

Xiao Tian reached into his pocket to pull out the card, but the security guard quickly shouted, "What are you trying to do?"

The next moment, he felt embarrassed as Xiao Tian pulled out a pitch-black credit card from his pocket. It had no logos or even a card number!

Laughter erupted around him.

"Hahaha... What kind of card is that? It's hilarious! Did you pick that up from the trash? It looks like a piece of scrap metal!"

"Is that ink on it?"

The security guard and Xia Hui's expressions changed completely. They realized this guy was just here to cause trouble.

"Sir, this isn't a valid card. Our bank has never issued anything like it," Xia Yun said coolly. "Please leave, or I'll have to call the police."

"Just because you don't know about it doesn't mean it doesn't exist," Xiao Tian replied calmly. "Take this card to your manager, and you'll understand."

"Can't you understand plain English?" Xia Hui snapped, pointing at Xiao Tian. "Do you think just anyone can meet our manager?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the temperature around them seemed to drop suddenly.

Xia Yun shivered. "Is the air conditioning set too low?"

"Take it to your manager," Xiao Tian insisted.

"Manager Xia, let's not bother with this guy. He's clearly out of his mind!"

Xia Yun looked at the card Xiao Tian was offering, hesitated for a moment, and then, almost against her will, reached out to take it. As soon as she held it, she was surprised by its weight.

The most important thing is, the card doesn't feel smooth to the touch. If I'm not mistaken, there should be numbers on it.

"Manager Xia, you..."

Xia Yun ignored her and turned to Xiao Tian, saying, "Wait for me here."