I Have 10 Trillion Dollars only Usable For Simping Chapter 2159 - 1383: Zhuge Xi (2)

"If you truly won't chase this matter anymore, then I'll head out first."

"Feel free to go!"

The plump bald fellow shot back a swift answer, obviously a sturdy brute of a guy, but carrying himself like a meek student, likely never straightening up that much even when facing traffic cops moments ago.

Jiang Chen gave a nod, and with Cao Jinse by his side, they departed under the crowd's envious gazes.

The plump bald man let out a gradual breath, actual drops of sweat emerging on his brow, while his heart pounded without any hint of calming.

Damn it.

Staying low-key is essential in Kyoto.

A figure of such immense status, yet cruising in a local new energy vehicle costing merely around twenty grand, complete with an utterly ordinary license plate.

Isn't that just setting folks up to stumble?

Fortune smiled on him for his sharp instincts and street smarts; pride and face hold no value. When regulators from fire safety, business affairs, or urban enforcement swarm to close the plant, there's no opportunity to beg on your knees afterward.

The sole regret lies in his modest rank, not bold enough to push for ties, though simply gaining recognition counts as divine favor.

His mind drifted back to that twenty billion transfer.

The bald plump man cracked a wide smile.

The grandeur of the Heavenly Palace defies ordinary comprehension.

Office of the Heaven and Earth Bank President.

Jiang Chen positioned himself before the wall, taking in the "Qianlong’s Southern Inspection Map" displayed there.

"Is this the genuine article or a replica?"

"It's a treasured heirloom from my family."

See that.

That's the mark of sharp social savvy.

Skillfully evading the query while hinting at a prestigious lineage.

"Would you sell it?"

Jiang Chen got right to the heart of it.

"Mr. Jiang, I carried it here myself upon assuming the role; it doesn't belong to the bank's holdings."

A gentle brush-off.

"When did the passion for collecting begin?"

Cao Jinse broke in.

"Drawn by the thrill of the pursuit, but rest easy, a true gent won't steal another's hobby."

Jiang Chen let out a sigh; it fit the bill perfectly for not encroaching on personal pursuits right then.

Blatant hypocrisy.

"Donning gloves in this climate, doesn't that feel stifling?"

Jiang Chen spun about, fixing his eyes on the eye-catching silk gloves adorning Zhuge Xi's hands, the head of Heaven and Earth Bank.

"Custom-crafted, they hold a steady warmth in freezing chills or scorching warmth alike."

"I'm asking why the gloves are necessary at all."

Jiang Chen's interest was genuinely piqued.

It might make sense for a lady.

Yet this steward is a full-fledged gentleman, the tall and striking sort, carrying a hint of Zhuge Liang's vibe.

"Building a persona."

"..."

"..."

As Zhuge Xi wrapped up his statement, both Jiang Chen and Cao Jinse went quiet.

"Heaven and Earth Bank has freshly gone public, requiring some hype and a public facade, and as its president, I serve as the ideal figure for that."

Jiang Chen stayed mute, merely lifting his hand for a quiet round of applause.

Though merely a modest set of gloves, so odd, so distinctive, they could spark an air of enigma.

Minimal expense for maximum gain, no doubt.

"Why the Zhuge surname?"

Jiang Chen pressed on with his intrigued questions.

The pick for Heaven and Earth Bank's president came via Cao Jinse's suggestion.

This Zhuge Xi stands out, his lineage linked to top military roles in the nation, a sole heir across three generations, now independent in his era, naturally, Jiang Chen had vetted his history.

Hmm.

No Zhuge in the family tree originally.

"This name screams cleverness and leads folks to assume you're bright without effort."

"..."

"..."

Jiang Chen's face took on a strange look, "Did you pick that name for yourself?"

Zhuge Xi affirmed with a nod.

What's the hottest commodity in the 21st century?

Talent!

In truth, when selecting him as Heaven and Earth Bank's inaugural president, Jiang Chen skipped any formal interview, but after this short exchange now, Jiang Chen felt assured—this was precisely the fit he sought.

Agile mindset, unbound by conventions, quick to adjust, broad in perspective.

"I'd like a moment alone with Miss Cao."

Zhuge Xi stepped out.

"Your judgment stands out as exceptional."

"Should a better option arise, feel free to swap him out."

"No way, I'm quite pleased with him. He's without question the prime pick to oversee Heaven and Earth Bank."

"Worried he might team up with me against you?"

Princess Cao sure holds nothing back in her words.

The weight of Heaven and Earth Bank needs no explanation.

And Zhuge Xi, its president, was her nomination, tied to her circle; merely a pair of letters apart.

"You hail from royal lineage, while I'm mere ordinary folk—if you truly desired it, no schemes required, just command it, and I'd present it willingly."

"Cut the mockery."

Jiang Chen grinned, "If I'd harbored doubts about you back then, I wouldn't have allowed your recommendation. I understand—you stick to your code."

Jiang Chen glanced at the shelves behind the desk.

"Zeng Guofan’s Family Letters"

"The Future is Wet"

"Compendium of Materia Medica"

The shelves brimmed with volumes, spanning eras old and new, realms home and abroad.

Hard to pin down.

Impossible to figure out.

Unclear which serve as props for show, or if every one does.

"Though Heaven and Earth Bank wields vast power, you need to watch your limits closely in running it."

Cao Jinse turned unusually solemn and earnest.

Water might lift the vessel, yet it can also capsize it.

The bank offers endless applications, forging ties, amassing fortunes, but mishandled, it becomes a wild force, unleashing chaos beyond prediction, damaging all it touches.

"You understand my nature well. I've treaded life with utmost caution always."

"You talk nonsense."

Cao Jinse seldom cursed, "Deploy funds wisely, keep backup routes open, countless eyes await your downfall."

Jiang Chen felt a surge of warmth.

Bitter words cut the deepest.

"Rest assured, I won't pull stunts like Hippo Group. They risk 100 to 1000 times leverage, chase billion-dollar trades on billion-scale bets—I lack such boldness. Safeguarding depositors, safeguarding myself, that's Heaven and Earth Bank's enduring creed."

"Hold to those words from today."

"Do you lack faith in me?"

"A wise, composed individual avoids stirring foes right now; vengeance tastes sweeter delayed."

"What's that supposed to imply?"

Jiang Chen felt confused.

"Lately, a wave of prominent Western leaders have met untimely ends—surely your handiwork?"

Jiang Chen held steady.

"Maybe they skipped checking their stars that morning."

"How do you outdo Aunt Lan in ruthlessness?"

Jiang Chen laughed lightly, "I ought to note that compliment."

"I get your grudge over the Seoul plane incident, but you rely on Western channels for housing loan processing, and stirring terror there—do you believe they'll swallow it without a peep?"

"No."

Jiang Chen's directness left Cao Jinse at a loss, "Then why..."

"Halting at this point is pointless regardless. With all that bloodshed, would they still seek reconciliation?"

Classic defeatist outlook.

"Should they strike back, what's your strategy? Launch another clash like against the Japanese? Not every round will bring allies solidly in your corner."

Cao Jinse phrased it delicately, but clearly.

The triumph over the Japanese stemmed from shared national and personal vendettas uniting all.

One success doesn't promise repeats.

"It won't escalate that far."

Jiang Chen waved it off, seeming at ease, "Plus, aren't they the ones trembling?"

Cao Jinse went still for a beat, then her mouth formed a grin.

"Such assurance."

"It's reality. Revolutionary strongholds often crumble from inside, a truth that holds everywhere. Our win against the Japanese wasn't just ours; plenty in the West yearn to ally with us, beyond mere adversaries."

"The allies you mean—those spoiled heirs blasting insurance bosses with homemade 3D-printed firearms in public? The custodian tainting the executive's water supply? Or the worker rigging bombs beneath the executive's vehicle?"

Cao Jinse's tone evened out.

At times, she genuinely respected this man's tactics.

"They share one label: the masses."

Jiang Chen smiled.

"No matter the circumstance, no matter the place, stand true with the people, and no battle stays unwinnable."

Cao Jinse stayed hushed, then spoke.

"Enter the party; I'll vouch for you."

"If it skips the membership fees, I might think about it."

"Get lost."