Chapter 1431 - 1421: The Wager

Chapter 1431: Chapter 1421: The Wager

Jiang Cheng followed the young woman into the imposing off-road vehicle, as she drove him to meet Elder Xu. Jiang Cheng couldn’t comprehend why such a beautiful woman would choose to drive such a domineering vehicle; it seemed incongruent with her demeanor.

The car sped along the road, and the two remained silent throughout the drive. Yet, the woman occasionally stole glances at Jiang Cheng, as if there was something about him she was keen to understand.

It must be acknowledged that this woman was indeed a skillful driver; she maintained a speed of seventy on Yanbang’s roads, consistently overtaking and switching lanes, yet as a passenger, Jiang Cheng felt no discomfort at all—everything was effortlessly smooth.

An hour later, the car left the city and reached the outskirts. Jiang Cheng watched as the scenery outside the window transformed from skyscrapers to wild fields, leaving him puzzled as to where this girl intended to take him. The woman noticed Jiang Cheng’s confusion but remained focused on driving, offering no explanation.

Soon, the car entered an estate that seemed steeped in history, reminiscent of the elegant antiquity of Suzhou Garden River.

At the entrance of the estate, two armed soldiers stood guard. Upon spotting the vehicle approaching, they opened the gates immediately, indicating that they were familiar with both the car and the girl.

After entering the estate, the car parked in a structure resembling a parking lot. Following a circuitous path, Jiang Cheng was finally led to a room.

The young woman did not bother knocking, instead, she directly pushed the door open. Jiang Cheng realized this must be where Elder Xu resides, but he was surprised that this woman dared to push Elder Xu’s door open so casually—she must be more than just one of Elder Xu’s subordinates, Jiang Cheng thought.

Inside the room, they found Elder Xu alone, seated at a desk deeply absorbed in something. upon hearing the door open, he set his work aside, smiling warmly at the two entering.

"Jiang Cheng, you’ve arrived. Xiaoying, how many times must I tell you to knock before entering? I’m your grandfather, could you at least respect my old bones?" Despite his words, Elder Xu’s eyes betrayed genuine affection obvious to anyone.

Grandfather? This person was Elder Xu’s granddaughter? No wonder she was so headstrong, raised in such a family, she was surely spoiled from childhood, inevitably resulting in a strong personality.

The young woman shot Jiang Cheng a mischievous glance, sensing the realization in his eyes. The thought that Jiang Cheng perceived her as a typical spoiled family princess unsettled her.

"Jiang Cheng, let me introduce you. Xu Ying, my granddaughter, graduated with a doctorate from Yanbang University’s Computer Science Department at 27, currently serving as the Network Group leader in the Special Operations Division of the Security Corps, at a ministerial level." Elder Xu proudly introduced, though Jiang Cheng remained unimpressed, given Elder Xu’s household prestige, Xu Ying holding any title was unsurprising.

Elder Xu didn’t mind Jiang Cheng’s nonchalant response. "Haha, I know you think Xiaoying’s achievements are due solely to the family, don’t you? Well, you’re mistaken."

"Really?" Jiang Cheng was surprised. Could these accomplishments be her own and not attributed to family connections?

"I’ll tell you her online alias, you’ll surely recognize it—Tea," Elder Xu said calmly.

Tea? She’s Tea! Jiang Cheng was truly astonished; Xu Ying’s face mirrored pride as Jiang Cheng’s surprise became evident.

Jiang Cheng, being Tencent Company’s second-largest shareholder and knowing the online world well, was aware of Tea’s reputation, touted as the premier figure in the Hua Family’s online domain, leader of the Red Hacker Alliance. They had previously clashed when Tea’s prowess seemed insignificant to him, but they belonged to different eras; Tea’s skills were undeniably competent.

"How about now? Do you still belittle me?" Xu Ying looked at him smugly.

"Tsk, your skill is just so-so, pretty unremarkable," Jiang Cheng felt a strange urge to make Xu Ying feel a bit defeated seeing her proud demeanor.

"You!! I challenge you to a duel!" Xu Ying, provoked by Jiang Cheng’s remark, felt dissatisfied, aware she probably wouldn’t best him, yet unwillingness to back down was innate. She’d gone to lengths, persuading her grandfather to invite Jiang Cheng to Yanbang, wanting to learn some tricks for the trouble she’d taken.

Indeed, inviting Jiang Cheng to Yanbang wasn’t Elder Xu’s, but Xu Ying’s idea.

...

Since witnessing Jiang Cheng’s prowess previously, Xu Ying had been astounded, never having encountered someone of such caliber. She exerted every connection at her disposal to ascertain his identity, ultimately requiring her grandfather’s intervention to uncover his background. Upon hearing from her grandfather that Jiang Cheng recently joined the Security Corps, her plan unfolded in mind, thus a branch of tender persuasion ensued, compelling Elder Xu to consent calling Jiang Cheng to Yanbang.

"I won’t duel you, I’m here to see Elder Xu not to mess around," Jiang Cheng quickly declined her challenge.

Jiang Cheng assumed Elder Xu summoned him to Yanbang for something important; childish antics with this young woman were unbecoming.

Xu Ying, hearing Jiang Cheng’s refusal, grew anxious, stamping her foot, "Grandpa! Look at him!" Her girlish demeanor displayed unabashedly. Jiang Cheng felt an inexplicable rush of emotion witnessing it.

Elder Xu laughed heartily.

"Jiang Cheng, why don’t you compete with her? Truth is, there’s nothing particularly important at hand. Spend a couple of days in Yanbang, during which Xiaoying will accompany you. I’ll ensure your documents are delivered over these days," Elder Xu stated, leaving the room instantly, ensuring Jiang Cheng had no chance to refuse.

Upon hearing Elder Xu, astute as he was, Jiang Cheng instantly surmised what was happening. Well, here he was, might as well flow with the tide.

With this realization, Jiang Cheng accepted Xu Ying’s challenge, following her into another room.

The room was equipped with a myriad of computer towers and display screens, clearly a workspace for proficient computer users. "Use this machine; we’ll compete to see who first hacks the other’s computer wins," Xu Ying directed toward the computer in front of Jiang Cheng.

"Fine, but isn’t that a bit dull? Let’s spice it up with a wager!" Jiang Cheng’s face now wore a mischievous grin, which people who knew him recognized as a scheme in the making. Xu Ying, however, found the proposed wager intriguing.

"What wager?" Xu Ying’s curiosity piqued, even though she knew she might not beat him, the prospect sounded fun. "How about a kiss?" Jiang Cheng said spontaneously, seeing Xu Ying’s alluring face, regretting his words instantly, grateful that Xu Ying wasn’t particularly angry.