Jiangbei District, Hualin Old Street, Listening Cloud Pavilion Teahouse. "The misty smoke veils the heavenly world outside, where mountains like fairy castles appear..." The melodious and twisting opera singing slowly flows from the phonograph, lingering in the air of the teahouse. The guests coming here are mostly elderly regulars, along with small groups of business people meeting up to discuss matters. The decoration inside exudes an old-fashioned republican-era style. The furniture is all in dark-colored vintage styles, and even the wait staff wear traditional Tang suits and cheongsams. Being inside is like time traveling back several decades, surrounded by a nostalgic ambiance. However, the environment is not rundown; on the contrary, the tables and chairs, floors are all meticulously clean. Various vases and potted plants are arranged with perfect precision, giving off a discreet yet sophisticated vibe. In the afternoon, guests are few, adding to the tranquil elegance of the teahouse. In the "Guilan" private room on the second floor, a brass chandelier casts a warm yellow glow. On a round begonia wood table, a wide variety of tea snacks are beautifully arrayed. Crystal shrimp dumplings with thin skin and ample filling, the tender pink shrimp faintly visible. Golden durian pastries with distinct layers, emitting a unique sweet aroma. And a plate of roasted goose, shiny and red from the oil, full of aromatic allure and appetite appeal. Fang Cheng sat at the table with no refined teahouse demeanor. Holding chopsticks in his left hand, he simply grabbed a piece of roast goose with his right hand. The succulent goose skin and tender meat were stuffed whole into his mouth. His cheeks puffed up, and his Adam’s apple moved up and down, chewing and swallowing quickly, as if he hadn’t eaten for three days and nights. Sitting opposite was Xiao Shuai, watching in stunned silence. Today, he made sure to wear a brand-new black suit, with a dark blue tie. His hair slicked back with gel, shoes polished nearly to a mirror-like shine, appearing very formal. After all, today was the moment of meeting the top boss himself. Before coming, he had countless guesses about this mysterious chairman. Perhaps he was a heroic figure who commanded respect without anger, with a powerful aura making one unable to look directly at him. Or maybe a cold and ruthless killer, his eyes hiding knives that could slay. But he never expected the chairman in reality to be so... down-to-earth. Xiao Shuai’s mouth hung ajar, momentarily unable to close. Yet, he felt no contempt, but instead, a deeper reverence surged within. In his view, this was not crude, but rather a simple and carefree elegance. Real influential figures hardly need to mind others’ opinions. Like the chairman, he embodies the style of an elite who hides in plain sight! Fang Cheng finished the last piece of roasted goose in no time. Then grabbed the Zisha teapot on the table, the spout aimed at his mouth. He poured several big sips of hot tea down, as a way to cleanse his palate. Fang Cheng exhaled with satisfaction, placed down the teapot, and casually wiped the oil from his lips with a tissue. Seeing Xiao Shuai still staring blankly at him, he appeared rather tranquil. "Sorry, was a bit hungry." Xiao Shuai jolted as if shocked, quickly bowed his body, humorously respectful smile on his face: "No problem, no problem, chairman, please feel free, continue!" Fang Cheng picked up a toothpick, leisurely picking his teeth. Though he had topped off after dinner, despite the home cooking of a pressure cooker full of beef stew at noon. But his body’s cravings for food were far beyond ordinary, by afternoon his stomach was long empty. Fang Cheng glanced at the nearly cleared plates, praised: "This teahouse is a good choice, dim sum very authentic, especially the roast goose, just perfectly cooked." Xiao Shuai, relieved, laughed and said: "Glad you like it, I was worried you wouldn’t be satisfied with the place, and specially scouted several." Fang Cheng savored the lingering taste of the roast goose, tossed the toothpick into the ashtray, and turned his gaze: Xiao Shuai immediately straightened up: "Chairman, you can call my name from now on, Xiao Jianren." Xiao Jianren? Little rascal? Fang Cheng mused over this name, corner of his lips quirked, then returned to calmness: "I’ll call you Aren then." Xiao Shuai nodded in agreement. This title felt more intimate, naturally he had no objection. Originally because the name’s homophony was somewhat unpleasant, he nicknamed himself ’Xiao Shuai’ to roam the Martial World. After filling up on food and drink, Fang Cheng’s tone became serious: "Any movement from Chen Chen lately? How does he treat you, his newly acknowledged godson?" Xiao Shuai’s expression also turned serious, respectfully reported: "Since recognizing him as my godfather, Chen Chen arranged for me a consultant position at Yuanchen Group, claiming to train me well." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novèlfire.net He spoke, reaching up to tug the tie constricting his neck, expression showing discomfort: "I’m almost like a white-collar now, clocking in on time, learning corporate regulations, management wisdom from Secretary Liu." "Chairman you wouldn’t know, those words on the documents are like huge vehicle wheels, they know me, but I don’t know them, making my head spin." "No clue what all this teaches for, could he really plan to hand both the Red Tiger Gang and company management to me? I always feel Chen Chen deliberately tortures me with this." Xiao Shuai couldn’t help but complain a couple of times, but seeing Fang Cheng’s thoughtful face, quickly reined in his emotions, putting on his utmost attentiveness.