Chapter 3012: Taming the Stubborn 29

Yicheng's present success owes to those old-established enterprises that carved out a place for themselves in the wind and waves back in the day; they have now become the leading families of Yicheng, deeply rooted and interwoven, passed down through generations, with every surname tied to the interests and networks of several generations.

Even though Jin Chen now controls about half of Yicheng's port and foreign trade, he still has to maintain surface-level courtesy with those old-established enterprises.

And the upcoming event is none other than the most senior Xie Family private yacht club. The helmsman of the Xie Family, Xie Chang, known as Xing Wu and nicknamed Xie Wu Ye, is sixty-five this year. He started out in shipping and ship services, and is truly a pioneering figure in Yicheng's port and shipping industry. Nominally, this banquet celebrates another step forward in Yicheng's port and shipping cooperation, inviting prominent figures from all walks of life to sail the seas for three days and two nights, eating and drinking to strengthen bonds.

But anyone in Yicheng with a bit of sense knows that holding a yacht club at this juncture is no simple matter for Xie Wu Ye.

Over the past few years, Jin Chen's momentum has been too fierce, nibbling away at the old families' territory bit by bit, from port to customs, from surface enterprises to covert channels. As the Xie Family, the most senior of the old clans, could not simply stand by, Jin Chen's invitation was personally issued by Xie Chang, worded politely and thoroughly, giving full face.

"The banquet is on the high seas, making it convenient for us to move." Chenshu sat cross-legged, with several printed documents and photos spread out before him.

"This is the false identity information I prepared for you," Chenshu pushed one sheet over, "You'll pose as a servant to sneak in."

"These three are backup identities; if your cover blows or you need to relocate, use these."

Pi Te looked at the expertly forged identity documents, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

His buddy is still this reliable, having everything prepared down to the last detail, so he doesn't have to worry about a thing.

He sniffled, moved with emotion, picked up the fake hair from the table and placed it on his bald head, wearing it askew, then asked Chenshu, "And you? How are you getting in?"

Chenshu looked at his eager eyes, his stern expression unchanged, and said, "I have a husband."

Pi Te, who had been lowering his head to study the identity info, jerked upright in surprise, his wig nearly flying off, and said, "Huh?"

"Who! Who just asked that?"

Chenshu continued, still serious and quite offhandedly showing off, "So I'm going in openly and aboveboard."

Pi Te: "……"

He lowered his head in a daze, thinking his brother was becoming less and less human.

Where is the old Brother Chenshu who used to go through life-and-death with him, never relying on anyone! The Brother Chenshu who single-handedly took on ten burly men in training camp without even furrowing his brow!

——

The yacht club's itinerary spans three days and two nights, sailing out from Yicheng Port, cruising the nearby international waters, and finally returning.

On the day of departure, Hillside Villa.

Chenshu rose early, spending half the morning fussing in the wardrobe.

After today, in Yicheng's circles he will officially appear as Jin Chen's partner; although there had been some rumors and small gatherings before, a gathering of this scale is his first.

Chenshu changed into his clothes, then carefully fastened the leather collar around his neck, adjusting it to the proper position, opening his shirt collar just enough to reveal that black ring, he checked himself in the mirror satisfied, and went downstairs.

Jin Chen hasn't returned yet; he went to Lin City the day before yesterday to handle an urgent mineral cooperation, and will only make it back to Yicheng this morning, heading straight to the dock to meet up.

Chu Yu stood by the dining table, carefully taking out the pastries from the food box one by one; seeing Chenshu come downstairs, he smiled gently and politely, gave a slight nod, and said, "Mr. Chenshu, good morning."

President Jin instructed, "I brought you morning tea, as you like it."

Chenshu let out an oh, buried his head and bit into a shrimp dumpling—delicious, delicious, thin skin, generous filling, the shrimp meat springy.

Chu Yu stood at the side, with no intention of leaving.

Chenshu glanced at him, thought for a moment, pointed to the opposite seat, and said, "Sit down."

Chu Yu sat as instructed, "Mr. Chenshu, you look great today, and you match President Jin well."

Chenshu took another bite of the shrimp dumpling; although Chu Yu is a strange fellow, the compliment was quite pleasant, so he didn't take offense.

Chu Yu also brought out that bowl of porridge from the food box, placing it beside Chenshu, the bowl rim wiped clean, the spoon resting on the dish, "President Jin specially instructed that you love this shop's sweet porridge."

The porridge is cooked thick, the rice grains have burst open, with osmanthus honey floating on the surface. Chenshu couldn't help but feel wistful that the old man is so caring toward him, but it's not that he loves this shop's porridge; it's just that after drinking it his mouth feels sweet, giving him an excuse to kiss Jin Chen. Over time, drinking sweet porridge has become an excuse, a natural reason to move in for a kiss. Now that Jin Chen isn't here, drinking it alone holds no meaning.

"Leave it, I'll drink it later." Chenshu didn't touch the bowl of porridge, instead picking up a piece of radish cake to eat slowly, his gaze drifting somewhat toward the window, seeming a bit absent-minded.

He propped his chin on one hand, asking Chu Yu in a desultory way, "Before coming to Yicheng, were you abroad? How did you decide to return to the country and come to Yicheng to look for work?"

Chu Yu said, "It was a chance encounter; I came to look for an old acquaintance."

"Did you find them?"

Chu Yu smiled faintly, "I found them, but unfortunately they already have someone else by their side."

Chenshu raised his eyebrows in surprise. "It's actually a sad story."

He didn't continue asking, as probing too much would be inappropriate, and besides he had no interest in Chu Yu's private affairs; after taking another bite of a shrimp dumpling, he suddenly felt as if telepathically prompted, lifted his head, and looked toward the main gate.

Jin Chen walked in, at the same time taking off his black leather glove and handing it to the attendant who came forward.

Chenshu rushed a few steps to Jin Chen, turned slightly in a small circle to show off his outfit, and asked, "Do I look good in this? Is it similar to yours?"

He lifted his chin, tilting it high to show off the black leather collar, feeling no shame and rather proud to show Jin Chen, as if what he wore wasn't a special-meaning accessory but an honor medal.

Jin Chen wrapped his arms around Chenshu's waist, pulled him close, and kissed his lips, a low hum of laughter escaping his nostrils; he lifted his fingertips, hooked the leather collar around Chenshu's neck, his pad rubbing the black leather, the metal clasp making a faint sound, "Are you going to wear this out?"

Chenshu declared confidently, "What's the problem? It looks great!"

The interest in Jin Chen's eyes deepened a bit as he ruffled Chenshu's hair.

He pushed Jin Chen's shoulders, urging him upstairs; Jin Chen let himself be guided, offering no resistance, walking lazily in step. Chenshu said while pushing, "I've coordinated your outfit, swapped the cufflinks for a matching pair… so we're a couple's set."

Downstairs, Chu Yu watched the two go up, waiting for Chen Gai and the others who would later come to meet up.

Until the two figures disappeared around the stairwell corner, Chu Yu's smile gradually faded; he adjusted his glasses, gazed silently at the untouched bowl of porridge, averted his eyes, and quietly watched the scenery outside the courtyard window, only the fingers at his side curling slightly.

What a pity.