Chapter 388: Gathered Together 2

He planned to find an excuse to give Ma Jian the money in a few days. His fondness for this old classmate grew immensely. ‘I can meet up with him when I go back before the New Year. Classmates like him are the ones I should keep in touch with!’

As for people like Tao Yong and Liu Bo, it was best to keep his distance from now on.

When he proudly showed Zhao Xiangjun his chat history with Ma Jian, along with the transfer record, all he got in return was a disdainful look.

“Chen Xiao, aren’t you unbelievable? You’re a billionaire, yet you asked a guy who makes 4,000 a month for money. How could you even bring yourself to do that!”

“I’d call it a test of true friendship, and the results were good. It just goes to show that there’s still genuine kindness in the world!”

She rolled her eyes at him, knowing this was his response to the earlier incident with Liu Bo.

“Should we get out and walk around some more? For lunch, we can find a local homestyle restaurant nearby!”

There was nothing to eat in the scenic area itself; restaurants were on the way back to the city.

Zhao Xiangjun had no interest in the crowded scenic area. “Let’s not,” she said. “We might as well be walking in our own neighborhood park!”

She wasn’t wrong. The landscaping in their communities, whether at Bihu Twin Seals or Xiangshan Forest Language, was far better than this. The only reason to come out here was to get some fresh air.

Who would have thought it would be even noisier and more chaotic here than in the city?

The two of them sat in the car for a while.

Chen Xiao used this time to tell Zhao Xiangjun about his plans for Zhao Hui.

This included having the Zhao Family move to Xiangshan Forest Language soon. The area outside the villa complex was under renovation, but the work was minor and wouldn’t affect their living there.

The inside was fully furnished and move-in ready. With all the furniture already in place, moving would be quick.

They would hardly need to move anything from their old home, so they could still go back and stay for a few days whenever they wanted.

Zhao Xiangjun already knew about this, so she wasn’t surprised. She just hadn’t thought about when they would actually move.

The other part was Zhao Hui’s work arrangement. She learned that Chen Xiao planned to promote Zhao Hui to Vice President at Junxiao Business Management. Like Xu Jun, he would be sent to another province to build a team and develop business.

For a moment, she was in a daze. Just a few months ago, her brother was a complete loafer. Looking at Zhao Hui now, he was like a completely different person.

Every time Zhao Xiangjun went home, her sister-in-law, Wang Yan, would tell her that Zhao Hui was completely devoted to his job now. He not only worked overtime but was also engrossed in his work at home. He had even started turning down invitations from his old friends to go out for dinner or parties, saying he didn’t want to engage in “pointless socializing.”

For orchestrating such a huge transformation in her brother, Chen Xiao had undoubtedly become a benefactor in the eyes of the Zhao Family. Mr. and Mrs. Zhao often reminded Zhao Xiangjun to be good to Chen Xiao.

In reality, Mr. and Mrs. Zhao had limited influence over the independent Zhao Xiangjun. She was filial and kind, but she didn’t do everything her parents told her to. She made her own decisions about her own affairs, and no one could interfere in the slightest.

Zhao Xiangjun’s affection for Chen Xiao didn’t need any encouragement. She was the type of person who, once she had chosen someone, would give them her all.

And because of her independent nature, she was also reluctant to interfere with others. ‘We’re all adults; everyone should know how to make their own choices.’

“You can handle the work arrangements.”

Chen Xiao knew her personality. She wouldn’t try to influence him, nor would she interfere with Zhao Hui.

He was telling her as a sign of respect.

When it came to finding a place for lunch, Chen Xiao had learned his lesson and didn’t look it up online this time.

He asked Xu Jun. These veteran businessmen had eaten at practically every good place in Jiangzhou. After all, they used to hold all the power in the business world, with countless suppliers and clients clamoring for their favor.

Those people were always searching for the best restaurants to treat these business titans. If they could make them happy over a good meal, they might be granted a prime retail location. It was all about benefits.

Sure enough, Xu Jun was very familiar with this area. He recommended a farmhouse restaurant called Man Garden, which was conveniently on the way back from Xiangshan Grassland.

Zhao Xiangjun wasn’t interested in Xiangshan Grassland, and the snacks they had earlier had only taken the edge off their hunger. So, they decided to head straight to Man Garden for lunch.

‘Xu Jun really knows how to pick a place!’

Man Garden was a converted farmhouse by the roadside. It had a charming little courtyard planted with bamboo and some loquat trees.

Inside, there were small pavilions and areas for tea tasting.

Stepping inside felt like being cut off from the secular world. It was clear that Zhao Xiangjun quite liked the layout.

There were a few small private booths, sectioned off with simple cloth curtains.

Chen Xiao had Zhao Xiangjun take a seat while he went out to order. This kind of farmhouse restaurant didn’t have menus; you had to go to the front hall to pick your dishes.

“President Chen?”

Chen Xiao turned his head and looked to his left.

“What a coincidence!”

It was Xu Wu’s bodyguard, Xiao Qi!

Xiao Qi and Xiao Wu were Xu Wu’s personal bodyguards. However, Chen Xiao knew that when Xu Wu was in the city, she didn’t always have both of them with her, often giving them some personal time.

Huaxia was a very safe place to begin with. Having one battle-hardened bodyguard was usually enough, so he hadn’t interfered with her arrangements.

“Yes, President Chen. I’m here having a meal with a friend. I didn’t expect to run into you!”

Xiao Qi had already placed her order. Chen Xiao glanced over; four dishes and a soup. It looked like a meal for two.

“Go on and join your friend. I’ll take care of your lunch bill.”

Whenever Chen Xiao drank too much, Xu Wu would arrange for Xiao Qi to take him home, so the two were very familiar with each other.

The cost of a meal was nothing to Chen Xiao. He never really had a chance to thank her, and today was the perfect opportunity.

Flustered, Xiao Qi blurted out, “No, I couldn’t possibly let you do that!”