Chapter 50 The Rose Beretta

Chapter 50 The Rose Beretta

Zhao Shengge handed him a cup of coffee.

Chen Wan took it. It was likely prepared by the second assistant, not a takeout-style cup. The cup had the Minglong logo, the same logo Chen Wan had seen on disposable cups during meetings at their company.

Zhao Shengge moved the laptop on his lap to the side and asked, "How do you like it?"

Chen Wan noticed the oat flavor. In the past, Chen Wan would have said he liked anything, but now, he knew that Zhao Shengge truly regarded him as a friend and appreciated honest conversation, so he was willing to share some truths about himself.

"I like the oat flavor, but I usually go for something less sweet."

Zhao Shengge looked at him and said, "Got it," then took out his phone.

"I’ll let my secretary know."

"Oh?"

While sending a message, Zhao Shengge said, "You’ll be coming to Minglong a lot more in the future."

Chen Wan looked at him, suddenly speechless. He had never been treated so seriously and earnestly in his life.

Finally, he murmured, "Thank you."

Zhao Shengge's typing slowed down. He looked up at him for a while before saying slowly, "This is nothing. We’re just getting started."

"What about food? Any favorites?" Zhao Shengge slightly turned towards him, a relaxed posture, his knee brushing against Chen Wan’s and staying there, as if signaling a deeper conversation.

Chen Wan had never really shared his preferences with anyone before, so he thought carefully and said, "I’m into Cantonese food, and Jiangsu-Zhejiang dishes are great too." Song Qingmiao was from Suzhou, so Chen Wan grew up with those flavors.

Zhao Shengge nodded, "Got it."

Chen Wan smiled and asked, "Zhao Shengge, what about you?"

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow. Before, Chen Wan would’ve answered ten questions without ever asking one back.

He put away his phone, rested his arm on the car window, propped his head up with one hand, and looked at him with a half-smile, "You don’t know?"

"..." Chen Wan felt both guilty and helpless, spreading his hands and smiling, "I don't know."

Zhao Shengge stopped teasing him and said, "I’m more into home-cooked meals." After a pause, he added, "Just the simple stuff."

"Anything is fine."

Chen Wan opened his mouth, many thoughts flashing through his mind, and he looked at him seriously, saying, "Got it, I’ll keep that in mind."

Zhao Shengge turned his gaze away, and the car window reflected his relaxed and pleased expression.

Chen Wan suddenly felt that Zhao Shengge was very close to him, close enough to chat like friends about the most ordinary things, share preferences, and say many truths he would never tell others.

Zhao Shengge wasn’t cold at all—he was actually gentle and generous, Chen Wan thought.

Suddenly, Zhao Shengge took out a Beretta BU9 from the safe and handed it to him.

Chen Wan: "For me?"

"Yes," Zhao Shengge said, looking at him. Chen Wan's daring rescue of Xu Zhiying by intercepting a Jeep Cherokee mid-drive had already earned him a spot on Zhao Shengge's blacklist. "When the time comes, just shoot. Don't worry about anything else."

This meant that Chen Wan's safety was the top priority, and Zhao Shengge would handle everything else, no matter what happened.

However, Chen Wan would never interpret it that way.

He simply took the gun, its body a deep brown hue, and his fingers paused slightly when they touched a small protrusion on the handle.

His heart instantly fluttered as if thousands of butterflies were beating their wings.

In an inconspicuous spot, there was a very intricate and detailed floral pattern engraved, along with the letter "G."

This wasn’t just any gun. Chen Wan had heard from Zhuo Zhixuan that the Zhao family once had a private arms network overseas. In Minglong, this emblem was a symbol of authority, something only those with significant power and status could have engraved.

But regardless of authority, no one could carry a model marked with the letter "G."

This was Zhao Shengge's exclusive.

The handle still retained the warmth of Zhao Shengge's palm, and Chen Wan held it tightly in his hand, secretly rubbing it for a long time. He was grateful for the other's trust and carefully put it away, saying thank you with great solemnity.

Zhao Shengge brushed it off, but the way Chen Wan looked at him was intense and luminous. Zhao Shengge thought for a moment and asked, "Do you like playing with guns?"

"Not much, but I've always wanted to practice." The gun attack Zhao Shengge encountered in Italy had always been a nightmare for Chen Wan.

Zhao Shengge said, "Use this for now. When we’re back, I’ll have someone measure your hand and get you a custom one."

Chen Wan's eyes widened slightly, "Huh?"

Zhao Shengge said casually, "There will be many opportunities for long trips in the future. It’s better to have one custom-made to fit your hand, especially when going abroad. You can't do without a well-fitted one."

Chen Wan agreed but hesitated, saying it wasn’t necessary.

Zhao Shengge raised an eyebrow.

Chen Wan held up the Beretta, "I can use this one."

Zhao Shengge studied him briefly before nodding, "Good taste." He flipped off the business news channel and randomly flipped through the stations, stopping at FM40.

It was a Hong Kong pop radio station, playing "Secret Love Airlines."

Chen Wan felt a pang of guilt.

"Zhao Shengge," he now spoke to the other with less formality, "just stick to the financial news; no need to cater to me."

"Not listening," Zhao Shengge said leisurely, "just clearing my head."

When Zhao Shengge rode in Chen Wan's private car, he had a very comfortable and pleasant experience. He hoped Chen Wan could also have a relaxing and enjoyable time in his car.

Listening to his usual radio stations and music, talking about topics he was interested in, without having to center around others.

He suspected this Maybach might be custom-made, as the space seemed larger than those on the market. Chen Wan spotted a chessboard on the shelf.

"Zhao Shengge, do you play chess?"

When Chen Wan addressed someone by their full name, it had an indescribable effect, at least for Zhao Shengge. It was like flipping a switch inside him, making his heart beat and blood flow a little faster than usual.

It was rare for Chen Wan to show interest in someone else's affairs. Zhao Shengge met his gaze calmly, "Do you know how to play?"

Chen Wan answered honestly, "Not really, I just know the basics."

Zhao Shengge nodded and went to get the chess box, "So there are things you don’t know, huh."

"..." Chen Wan murmured in response, "I don’t know that many things either." Chen Wan didn’t come by all that knowledge naturally; it was just that he often had no choice but to learn.

Zhao Shengge looked up at him and said, "That's plenty."

Chen Wan smiled.

Zhao Shengge raised the chess box and asked, "Feel like a game?"

Chen Wan agreed.

Zhao Shengge held the "Queen," and Chen Wan the "King," as they engaged in a game of offense and defense.

As they neared the Haikou traffic circle, Chen Wan vaguely noticed several ordinary cars merging behind them. Distracted, he felt his hand grabbed.

"Chen Wan, trying to pull a fast one?"

Chen Wan looked down and realized he had taken Zhao Shengge's queen by mistake.

"..." Chen Wan apologized, but his expression remained serious. Zhao Shengge looked at him, took his "Queen" back from Chen Wan's hand, and placed it in a position that completely defeated Chen Wan, saying, "No worries."

Zhao Shengge had a natural air of confidence, which slightly reassured Chen Wan, though he remained vigilant.

Zhao Shengge looked at him and repeated, "No worries."

At the dock, Xu Zhiying gave Chen Wan a warm welcome, while Fang Jian dragged him over to talk about his latest project plans.

Zhao Shengge walked ahead, listening to the security chief's briefing. As they neared the deck, the clouds parted, and the sun blazed down. Chen Wan grabbed umbrellas for Xu Zhiying and Fang Jian, then opened a large one himself and silently held it over Zhao Shengge.

A cool shadow fell over Zhao Shengge. He paused, glanced back, and kept walking while listening to the security chief.

He pulled Chen Wan to his side and adjusted the umbrella, which had been tilted mostly toward himself.

Chen Wan felt a tingle in his arm as Zhao Shengge's hand covered his while adjusting the umbrella.

Chen Wan whispered, "I don't need it."

Zhao Shengge, not up for arguing, pressed Chen Wan's shoulder.

Chen Wan didn't move.

The captain and security chief, seeing Chen Wan approach, kept quiet. The voyage's safety details were confidential and only to be reported to the employer.

However, Zhao Shengge told them, "Continue," without letting go of Chen Wan, keeping him under the shade of the umbrella.

There were few people boarding the ship, making the yacht feel roomy. It wasn't the massive Whale Ship 17 from the previous public sea voyage, which seemed like a show of force. This was a standard official vessel, nothing fancy.

A few people sat inside the cabin as the yacht entered the deep sea. Fang Jian was restless and went out to the deck to check out the ocean conditions. Tides, wave energy, seawater temperature differences, and salinity were all crucial to their engineering project.

Minglong, well-funded, had specialized marine research vessels and unmanned boats. If things went well, the exploration ship would set sail from Haishi to Ting Island in two days, entering the deep sea.

But for now, everything remained uncertain.

Zhao Shengge discussed business with Xu Zhiying for a while. The two companies had deep cooperation, and Chen Wan felt he shouldn't pry too much. He excused himself, saying he would help Fang Jian.

Zhao Shengge naturally pressed his shoulder, "No need." He unabashedly told Xu Zhiying, "Continue."

Xu Zhiying glanced at them, "It all revolves around Li Jiaming. After Shao Yaozong's downfall, most of his followers joined him. He was determined to get the land at Prince Bay, but you intervened halfway and snatched a treasure trove that could sustain them for decades. This is old and new scores to settle."

Zhao Shengge leaned back in his chair and said, "I didn't plan to bypass him."

"So, are you planning to deal with him once and for all?"

Zhao Shengge: "The enemy of my enemy doesn’t have to be an enemy; they could be a friend."

Xu Zhiying: "Are you planning to back Li Shenghui and let them tear each other apart while you stay out of it?"

"It depends on his choice," Zhao Shengge, who’s used to mixing carrot and stick, said, "His most favored mistress and son are both in Haishi."

Xu Zhiying was stunned. Zhao Shengge always moves so quietly; by the time you’ve thought of one move, he’s already made ninety-nine.

Haishi is Zhao Shengge’s turf.

Zhao Shengge had already investigated thoroughly: "He’s also set up a private bank and dabbles in the black market. Cutting off his escape route wouldn’t be hard."

"Private bank?" Xu Zhiying, cool as ever even in schemes for money and murder, said without batting an eye, "Our Xu family can lend a hand from the securities regulation angle."

Chen Wan: "..."

Author's note:

Today’s hit on Hong Kong Radio: "Secret Love Aviation"