In Lujiazui, this prime financial district,
Zhu Yan had handled business for clients worth hundreds of millions—even billions.
She'd always believed that tagging along with her uncle, a Bank Manager in Shanghai, had exposed her to plenty of big scenes.
Even when she finally saw the legendary Wang Congcong, she didn't feel much.
A big part of that came from her total lack of interest in the famously plain-looking and womanizing Principal Wang.
In her eyes, a man needed more than just money.
As a die-hard looks enthusiast, Wang Congcong was completely off Zhu Yan's radar.
What mattered more was that Wang Congcong had never handled a transaction anywhere near this size.
While double-checking the figures, Zhu Yan stole glances at Jiang Cheng.
Compared with Wang Congcong—sprawled sideways, legs crossed—Jiang Cheng struck her as a different species.
Handsome features, refined bearing,
and a net worth to match.
The phrase "gentleman of noble grace" fit Jiang Cheng perfectly.
Her uncle, a branch Bank Manager of CMB Shanghai, normally ranked among the city's elite,
yet before Jiang Cheng he lowered his stance to almost humble.
Before summoning her, Xu Lei had dropped some heavy hints.
Essentially: seize this chance with Jiang Cheng and bring glory to their clan.
Xu Lei's words kept pulling Zhu Yan's eyes back to Jiang Cheng.
Cradling an iPad, she spoke softly and respectfully, "Young Master Jiang, please review this section. If everything's correct, sign here."
Jiang Cheng skimmed the page and signed his name again.
Within minutes, the Centurion Black Card and a fresh savings card were fast-tracked through processing.
Zhu Yan slipped both cards into an elegant box and presented it to Jiang Cheng with both hands.
"Mr. Jiang, your titanium Centurion Black Card is ready. The opening limit is twenty million; future adjustments will follow your spending patterns. A savings card is included as well. All benefits are detailed in this booklet—feel free to peruse at your leisure."
Jiang Cheng accepted the box with a smile. "Thanks for your hard work."
"You're too kind—it's our pleasure." Zhu Yan waved modestly.
Watching the two interact, Xu Lei felt a private surge of delight.
He had his own motives for assigning his niece as Jiang Cheng's personal account manager.
Though Zhu Yan was three years older than Jiang Cheng,
the old saying goes: "A wife three years senior brings a golden brick."
An older woman knows how to care for a man.
Three years was just right.
Young people thrown together daily can make anything happen.
With her competence and his clout, plus a few more years of seniority,
the deputy-manager seat would be hers for the taking.
At her age, she was already the envy of ordinary folks—a prodigy among mortals.
Family backing helped, but top grades and skipped grades landed her here right after graduation, all orchestrated by Xu Lei.
If she could forge a special bond with Jiang Cheng,
it would be a fresh power boost for their entire clan.
Jiang Cheng studied the two exquisite cards, his expression unruffled.
A twenty-million credit line held little pull for him now.
Still, the card symbolized status—a blunt flex.
One swipe and everyone knew you were loaded.
He picked up the savings card, opened the system interface, and linked the new account.
"So, what's for dinner?" Wang Congcong asked, eyes on a Female Streamer as he turned to Jiang Cheng.
The moment he finished, messages from Wang Zheng and Chen Hao popped up on wechat.
Wang Zheng: "Old Jiang, free tonight? Chen Hao keeps nagging me to get everyone together."
Chen Hao: "Brother Jiang, Peace Hotel for a catch-up feast?"
Wang Zheng and Chen Hao were the first friends Jiang Cheng had made in Shanghai, always inviting him out.
He had a good impression of both.
Yesterday he'd promised next time they'd meet, and turning them down again felt wrong.
Jiang Cheng looked up from his phone. "I've got plans tonight. Want to tag along?"
"Who with? Anyone I know?" Wang Congcong asked, curious.
Jiang Cheng shrugged. "No idea. Two guys—Wang Zheng and Chen Hao."
Wang Congcong frowned in thought. "Wang Zheng… rings a bell. Isn't he the one always with Qin Fen?"
Jiang Cheng nodded. "That's him."
He wasn't surprised Wang Congcong knew Qin Fen and Wang Zheng.
The Second-generation rich circle was tiny; even if they weren't close, paths crossed.
"Just those two?" Wang Congconc pressed.
"Probably. I'll double-check?"
Wang Congcong waved it off. "Forget it. Count me in."
Normally Wang Congcong wouldn't bother; he hated random mixers.
Why waste time with dudes when he could shop—and trend on hot search—with pretty Internet Celebrity girls?
Back at the hotel they could even fold dumplings together.
Why burn hours on a bunch of guys?
He didn't need favors from them, so he rarely hung with other rich heirs.
But if Jiang Cheng was in the picture, that changed everything.
Now Wang Congconc wanted to get closer to Jiang Cheng.
Any circle Jiang Cheng entered, he had to follow.
Jiang Cheng texted back that he'd bring an extra guest.
Moments later Xu Lei bustled in again.
Beaming, he announced, "Young Master Jiang, Young Master Wang—the funds are in place. We can begin the transfer."
At last Jiang Cheng perked up.
This would be his biggest critical-hit amount yet, and anticipation surged inside him.
"Bring the contracts. Once they're signed, we transfer." Jiang Cheng clapped his hands decisively.
Wang Congcong didn't know why Jiang Cheng had suddenly lit up, but another huge inflow for Company meant good news for him too.
After all, he'd brokered the deal—its success would be his credit.