Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 27 It’s Not About Money

Chapter 27: Chapter 27 It’s Not About Money

The cold winter was approaching, and the ground was covered in snow.

The front of the hotel was adorned with a background of flowers, and a red carpet stretched from the hotel lobby to the viewing stand. There weren’t many flashy decorations, but there was an air of elegance about Jade Jiali everywhere.

Chen Ningxi validated her identity at the gate. As soon as she stepped into the lobby, she saw Cheng Qiaobei coming out of the elevator. His respectful demeanor suggested he held the elderly man beside him in high regard.

Cheng Qiaobei noticed her too. He quickened his pace and approached Chen Ningxi, extending his hand to greet her, "Mr. Chen, welcome, welcome."

Chen Ningxi: "..."

His manner and tone were overly polite and formal. Chen Ningxi replied in an official tone, "Congratulations on the hotel’s opening, Manager Cheng."

Their hands parted quickly. Cheng Qiaobei turned to the elder behind him and introduced, "Mr. Cheng, this is Chen Ningxi from Danjiang Power."

Cheng Xiangheng smiled before speaking, his eyes kind, "Hello, Mr. Chen. I’ve heard from Qiaobei that without your help, this hotel might not have been able to open. On behalf of the group, thank you."

Chen Ningxi smiled lightly, "Mr. Cheng, you’re too kind. Your choice to open a hotel in Zhoushan also promotes local economic development and employment. I should be thanking you for your contribution to Zhoushan. I wish your business prosperous growth."

Cheng Xiangheng said, "Thank you, time is pressing; I’ll head over. Qiaobei, find someone to welcome Mr. Chen."

"You’re busy," Chen Ningxi nodded.

Cheng Qiaobei said to Wei Lai beside him, "Secretary Wei, please escort Mr. Chen to the VIP section."

Wei Lai: "Mr. Chen, this way, please."

Upon reaching the VIP section, Chen Ningxi noticed that almost all the prominent figures of Danjiang were present, even Danjiang’s richest man, Wen Xuechang, was included.

Chen Ningxi saw a familiar silhouette and uncertainly asked Wei Lai, "Secretary Wei, is that Mr. Zou?"

Wei Lai answered, "Yes, that’s Mr. Zou."

She admired Cheng Qiaobei in her heart. Even Zou Yong, who was known to navigate both black and white circles, respected him. Cheng Qiaobei’s network was indeed extraordinary.

The ceremony went smoothly, and leaders from all quarters took the stage to offer congratulations. Even amidst a crowd, he stood out.

Watching the composed and deep Cheng Qiaobei on stage, his poised manner made him seem even more mature. In short, he gave off a reliable and dependable impression, which was exactly what Chen Ningxi required in a partner.

In the past, Guo Heming had been too noisy, and his character was more about frivolity and arrogance. No matter how well he acted, it was hard to hide the traits of his nature.

After the ceremony ended, Cheng Qiaobei exchanged pleasantries and toasted with the leaders before coming to Chen Ningxi’s side. Chen Ningxi had just put an oyster in her mouth when Cheng Qiaobei pulled up a chair beside her and sat down.

Chen Ningxi swallowed quickly and asked, "The leaders haven’t left yet; why did you come down?"

Cheng Qiaobei picked up chopsticks, "Mr. Cheng has something to discuss with them, and it’s not convenient for me to be there."

Chen Ningxi noticed that they shared the same surname and asked, "Family matters are kept from you?"

Cheng Qiaobei paused his chopstick movement, his expression slightly darkened before he resumed as normal, sending the food into his mouth and chewing slowly before saying,

"When it comes to business, family doesn’t make a difference; even my dad is no exception."

"So your relationship is?"

"He’s my dad. That’s just how he is. In his heart, nobody is more reliable than himself. The fewer people who know about certain things, the better."

Realizing that his expression was off, Chen Ningxi did not continue the topic.

They shared a delicate tacit understanding of knowing when to end a conversation and when to respect each other’s silence.

Chen Ningxi was curious, "How do you know Zou Yong?"

Cheng Qiaobei didn’t lift his head, glancing at her upon hearing the question. "You know him too?"

Chen Ningxi had met him at home during the New Year’s celebrations when Zou Yong brought a car full of local specialties to visit. Chen Weichuan asked her to call him Uncle Zou.

"For someone as famous as him, who wouldn’t know?"

"..."

That’s true, Zou Yong was a renowned figure in Danjiang. From three-year-olds to eighty-year-olds, everyone had heard of Zou Yong’s name.

Zou Yong had built his empire from scratch, founding the Qiankun Group. His life story could be considered a legend.

Cheng Qiaobei said, "The last time you came to the hotel, the facilities weren’t completed. I’ll take you for a tour later, and you can stay the night. The hotel has a hot spring club, and it uses underground hot spring water. You can enjoy a soak, and we have professional massage therapists and beauticians for a SPA experience."

This entire experience would certainly not come cheap.

She attended the ceremony to extend her blessing as a friend, but if she stayed and indulged, it might lead to misunderstandings that she couldn’t explain.

Chen Ningxi declined, "I didn’t bring a swimsuit. Next time."

Cheng Qiaobei easily saw through her concern, "Don’t worry, no one here would take secret photos. Your privacy will be absolutely confidential."

"Next time, it’s really inconvenient without a swimsuit. I’ll bring my friends along next time and support you."

Cheng Qiaobei conceded, "Alright then."

What began as a casual excuse would later become the start of a bond.

Chen Ningxi was ready to leave. Cheng Qiaobei stood up to escort her to the door. As they exited the banquet hall, Zou Yong happened to see them.

Zou Yong seemed surprised to see Chen Ningxi and walked over to ask, "...When did you arrive?"

Chen Ningxi hesitated, "I, I’ve been here."

Zou Yong focused on Cheng Qiaobei, patting his arm. "I told you long ago to develop in Danjiang. It’s not too late now. I have some matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving first." He asked Chen Ningxi, "Are you leaving too?"

Chen Ningxi nodded, "Yes."

"Let’s go together, I’ll give you a ride."

Chen Ningxi quickly said, "I drove here."

Zou Yong gestured to the person outside, and they quickly ran over.

"Brother Zou?"

Zou Yong said, "Give him the keys."

Chen Ningxi awkwardly smiled, "Uncle Zou, I can drive myself."

"With such heavy snow, the roads are slippery. What’s the point of driving?" Zou Yong disregarded her protest, looking directly at Chen Ningxi, who finally handed over the keys out of helplessness.

Chen Ningxi knew that Cheng Qiaobei must have misunderstood her, but hiding her acquaintance with Zou Yong was her fault.

"Goodbye, Manager Cheng."

Cheng Qiaobei: "Take care on the road, goodbye."

He watched as Chen Ningxi got into Zou Yong’s car, only turning back to leave when the taillights disappeared at the end of the road.

In the car.

Zou Yong leaned back against the seat, staring straight ahead with a blank expression. After a long silence, he finally asked, "How do you know Cheng Qiaobei?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "Through work. I was in charge of approving the hotel’s installation of capacity expansion facilities."

"...Oh," Zou Yong nodded in understanding.

Thinking the topic was closed, Zou Yong suddenly spoke again,

"Stay away from him; people like that are too scheming."

Chen Ningxi: "..."

For Zou Yong to say someone was scheming, one could only imagine how terrifying that person must be.

Chen Ningxi was worried he would mention today’s events to her father and quickly agreed,

"We only have a work relationship. He’s always been searching for an installation site for the expansion equipment but couldn’t resolve it. I just lent a little help and never took a cent from him."

Unexpectedly, Zou Yong said, "It’s not about the money."

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