Maximize Interest, My Money Grows Infinitely
Chapter 429 - 255: No One Visits the Temple of the Three Treasures Without a Reason_2

Chapter 429: Chapter 255: No One Visits the Temple of the Three Treasures Without a Reason_2

Xiao Meier smiled and snuggled up to Chen Cheng, "Husband, you’re so good."

"Of course, aren’t I? You’ve found yourself a treasure!"

"Who slaps their own face with a gold sticker!" Xiao Meier cast a coquettish glance.

Chen Cheng laughed heartily, "But still, when you interact with them, you need to be a bit more cautious."

"What happened?"

"People’s hearts are unfathomable; don’t tell them everything," Chen Cheng reminded.

Xiao Meier was somewhat puzzled, "Why? They all seem nice, and besides, I chat with Sister Lin often."

"Miss Wen is different; she and I have a collaborative relationship, we share mutual interests," Chen Cheng said without any change of expression, "But those ladies, how long have you known them? It’s easy to know a person’s face but not their heart; you must always be on your guard."

Xiao Meier felt that Chen Cheng made sense, "Okay, I got it, I won’t blabber about anything."

"Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore."

Chen Cheng ruffled her hair, "Whatever you want to buy, go buy it, whatever you want to do, go do it, with me, your husband, backing you up, just boldly enjoy life!"

"Okay!"

"Let’s sleep," Chen Cheng said with a smile, "Nothing beats the comfort of our bed at home~"

Xiao Meier found a comfortable spot in his embrace, closed her eyes, and finally felt a sense of peace she hadn’t felt in a long time.

...

...

In the early autumn morning, sunlight pierced through the mist, casting a golden halo on the treetops by the roadside.

The air was crisp and carried a hint of chill.

Meng Wanning wrapped herself tightly in a thin down jacket, pacing back and forth, occasionally looking up towards the intersection with eyes full of anticipation.

She had dressed up specially for today, her elegant makeup accentuating her beautiful features, and her long black hair casually draped over her shoulders added to her graceful charm.

Despite the chilly weather, the excitement and anticipation in her heart kept the cold at bay.

She had been waiting here for almost ten minutes, and Chen Cheng had yet to appear.

She took out her phone to check the time, then glanced again at the intersection, a sense of urgency growing in her.

But the thought of Chen Cheng’s appearance brought a sweet smile to Meng Wanning’s lips, almost unconsciously.

A gust of cold wind blew by, causing Meng Wanning to shiver, and she tucked her hands into her pockets, continuing her pacing.

"Sister, waiting for someone?"

"Yes, waiting for a... friend," Meng Wanning greeted the staff from the Beijing Opera troupe.

They had never seen Meng Wanning look this way before; the typically aloof her was somewhat unusual today.

"Then we’ll go get breakfast first, want us to bring you something?"

"No need, no need."

After they left, Meng Wanning took out her phone again, thinking of calling Chen Cheng but hesitated. She didn’t want to bother him, nor did she want him to think she was too clingy.

Occasionally, vehicles would pass by the intersection. Each time one did, she would instantly look up, hope flashing in her eyes, but quickly replaced by disappointment.

As time ticked by, Meng Wanning grew more restless.

She began to worry whether something had delayed Chen Cheng, or if he’d forgotten about their meeting today.

Just as she was in a dilemma, that familiar Da Lao car finally appeared at the intersection.

Meng Wanning’s eyes brightened as she hurriedly waved her hand.

"Mr. Chen, Miss Meng is up ahead," Chen Donghai alerted Chen Cheng in the back seat.

Chen Cheng put away his phone, "Okay, did you get everything I ordered?"

"Everything you asked for has been bought."

The Da Lao stopped in front of Meng Wanning, and Chen Cheng opened the door for her from inside the car.

"Sir."

Chen Cheng said with a smile, "Get in, have you been waiting long?"

"No... I’ve only waited for a bit," Meng Wanning got into the car, rubbing her hands.

Chen Cheng took her cold hands, "Look at you, your hands are freezing."

He spoke while warming her hands in his embrace.

"I really didn’t wait long, just a tiny bit."

Meng Wanning said this, but in truth, she had been waiting almost an hour.

Chen Cheng smiled, "Is your master there?"

"He’s always there at this time of day," Meng Wanning was also eager; if Cui Xiaoling really agreed to let her move out of the troupe, it would be groundbreaking news.

And it would allow her to be better, and more conveniently, with Chen Cheng.

"Let’s go, meet the elderly lady."

Meng Wanning nodded repeatedly, "Brother Hai, thirty meters ahead, the iron gate on the right."

Da Lao started the car smoothly and drove into the courtyard of the Beijing Opera troupe.

The morning sunlight filtered through the car windows, shining on Meng Wanning’s face, setting off her fair skin and slightly reddened cheeks.

She looked at Chen Cheng beside her, her heart filled with happiness and a sense of security.

"We’re here."

After the car came to a stop, Meng Wanning said with a beaming smile, "Mr. Chen, this is the place."

Chen Cheng got out of the car, stood by it, and looked around.

The Beijing Opera troupe’s residence was not as splendid as he had imagined, but rather exuded an air of simple charm.

A few two-story buildings with grey tiles and white walls formed a courtyard layout, the ground paved with green bricks. Some areas were worn to reveal bits of soil, adding an extra touch of simplicity.

"Mr. Chen, this yard is where we practice our vocal skills every day," Meng Wanning introduced. "The rooms on the west side are for makeup and also storage, and this side is the practice room..."

Chen Cheng nodded slightly, "Quite interesting."

Chen Donghai took out the gifts prepared in advance from the trunk, consisting of some nourishing goods and tea leaves.

"Mr. Chen."

Chen Cheng took them personally, "Let’s go."

"Okay!"

On their way to Cui Xiaoling’s office, they were greeted by staff and actors from the troupe who were curious about Chen Cheng’s appearance and cast scrutinizing glances their way.

Meng Wanning responded to each, her face showing a hint of shyness and pride.

Arriving at the door, Meng Wanning gently knocked, "Master, it’s me."

"Come in." A clear voice came from inside.

Meng Wanning pushed open the door, with Chen Cheng following closely behind.

Cui Xiaoling was around the same age as Jin Baogen, with similarly graying hair, but her first impression was one of great poise.

"Master,"

Meng Wanning stepped forward two paces, "Chen Cheng, he’s here."

Cui Xiaoling then put down the food for her pet turtle, turned around, and laid her eyes on Chen Cheng.

"Mr. Cui, hello, I’m Chen Cheng."

Chen Cheng also stepped forward, politely introduced himself, and handed over the gifts, "Just a small token of appreciation, hope it’s not overstepping."

Cui Xiaoling didn’t immediately accept the gifts, responding with a lukewarm, "Hello."

Chen Cheng maintained the posture of offering the gift, and seeing this, Meng Wanning, relying on Cui Xiaoling’s fondness for her, took it and placed it on the desk,

"Master, look how thoughtful Chen Cheng is, knowing you like to drink tea, he went out of his way to buy some top-quality..."

She was smoothing things over while opening the packaging and checking the label, "Longjing tea."

Only then did Cui Xiaoling glance at the gift, saying indifferently, "Thank you for your kindness, but I’m not in need of anything."

As Meng Wanning’s mentor, and having seen her grow up since childhood, Cui Xiaoling had noted all the changes in Meng Wanning.

From her initial absent-mindedness to her now radiant appearance, plus the careful way she dressed today, and her attitude towards Chen Cheng, all of this led Cui Xiaoling to a suspicion.

Now that Chen Cheng had come in person, it confirmed her guess—her apprentice was in love.

Chen Cheng’s demeanor remained humble and respectful, but his tone carried more firmness, "Mr. Cui, I know you lack for nothing, these gifts are just to express my respect."

"Mr. Chen is not one to come without a reason, and you have already brought a box of valuable pumpkin seeds before we even met. Today you bring such generous gifts, but my small troupe really can’t afford it."

Chen Cheng smiled slightly, speaking neither servilely nor overbearingly, "Mr. Cui, you’re too kind. I indeed have a matter to ask of you today."

"Oh? Please, Mr. Chen, speak freely."

Chen Cheng looked at Meng Wanning, noticing her slightly anxious expression, he took her hand.

Meng Wanning, not expecting Chen Cheng to hold her hand in front of Cui Xiaoling, was very nervous.

"Mr. Cui, my visit today, it’s for Wan Ning," Chen Cheng began.

Cui Xiaoling’s gaze fell on their clasped hands, her eyebrows knitting slightly, "Wan Ning? Mr. Chen, you sure are calling her quite intimately."

"Master, Mr. Chen, he..."

Cui Xiaoling glared at Meng Wanning, and Meng Wanning’s words just slipped out.

She paused for a moment, then said, "Jin Baogen also came to ask for my master’s approval years ago, pestering until she gave in."

Chen Cheng’s eyes lit up, thinking with such a precedent, his own undertaking might go well.

"But I won’t agree."

Cui Xiaoling’s gaze sharpened as she looked towards Chen Cheng, "I know your relationship with Jin Baogen, so the losses and sufferings I’ve endured, I won’t let Xiao Ning taste them a second time."

Meng Wanning suddenly panicked, "Master, Mr. Chen is really good to me!"