38

After hanging up, the three of them continued chatting in the lounge about business, politics, and the recent developments in Beijing over the past few months.

Before long, Gu Qingqiu and Zhao Xiaohui received calls from a group of young socialites inviting them to spend the afternoon at a club. They invited Zhou Chaosheng to join, but since he planned to return home today, he had to decline and promised to catch up another time.

Before parting, Zhao Xiaohai and Gu Qingqui specifically reminded him, “When you get home, please pass our regards to Uncle and Auntie.”

“Sure, I will.”

After the car accident, Wiesen’s duties as a driver were handed over to bodyguard Liu De, while the original driver, Xu Guang, temporarily stayed in Jinzhou.

The scenery outside the car window flickered by as Zhou Chaosheng leaned back in his seat to rest. Wiesen pressed a button near the window, raising the soundproof divider between the front and rear seats, and then turned to report, “Boss, there’s been progress in the investigation you asked me to conduct recently.”

“Go ahead.”

“Regarding the car accident, Jiang Yuanye’s involvement as a suspect can basically be ruled out. There are two main reasons: first, the individuals involved have no connection to Jiang, and second, this incident is tied to Hong Kong’s land reclamation projects and the council elections, matters Jiang Yuanye has no influence over. Based on these factors, Jiang Yuanye had neither the motive nor the opportunity to act.” Wiesen carefully explained the findings to the “amnesiac” Zhou Chaosheng.

After listening to the explanation, Zhou Chaosheng commented lightly, “You’ve been watching a lot of cop dramas, haven’t you?”

Wiesen scratched the back of his head and laughed sheepishly, “Boss, how did you figure that out?”

“How could I not? The vibe is unmistakable.”

Zhou Chaosheng slowly opened his eyes and gazed at the fleeting shadows of trees outside the window. The interplay of light and shadow seemed to cast a haze over his eyes as well.

He didn’t want to suspect Jiang Yuanye, but the other’s cryptic remark before the car accident remained etched in his heart.

Now that Jiang Yuanye was cleared of suspicion, Zhou Chaosheng didn’t feel any relief. Instead, his unease deepened.

If Jiang Yuanye truly had no involvement in the car accident, then how did he know in advance that something would happen?

He lowered his gaze, choosing not to dwell on why Jiang Yuanye after learning someone intended to harm him, didn’t directly warn him but instead deliberately knocked over a flower pot to get his attention before saying something vague.

It was an unanswerable question.

Zhou Chaosheng understood all too well that, given their years of rivalry and animosity in business, Jiang Yuanye offering even a vague warning was already an act of exceptional goodwill.

But he couldn’t just let it go.

As his thoughts churned, a civilian vehicle with a blue “Jing A88888” license plate slowly drove into the gated villa area of the affluent Western District. Within five minutes, the car stopped in front of one of the mansions. If it had been a military compound, getting in would have taken at least half an hour.

With some assistance, Zhou Chaosheng got out of the car and immediately noticed another vehicle parked near the garage, bearing the license plate “Jing AG66666.” Just from the plate, he could tell that his second uncle had arrived.

Unlike the "Jing A" license plates that can be purchased for a high price, the "Jing AG" plates cannot be obtained through conventional channels. Regardless of wealth or connections, ordinary citizens cannot acquire them.

Once a vehicle with such a plate is issued a high-level security clearance from the Beijing Garrison, it can travel unimpeded nationwide. In other words, it is a pass for vehicles used by deputy state-level and above leaders. This also indicates that the second uncle’s position has successfully transitioned.

Zhou Chaosheng sat in a wheelchair, pushed by Wiesen through the villa courtyard. The sound of trickling water and the light chirping of birds intertwined in the garden. The smooth, marble-paved stone paths allowed the wheelchair to glide easily.

The villa's overall design is a classical three-section style, using off-white stone as the base, with red brick facing and occasional metal trim, creating a classic British style.

Unlike the suburban villas far from the hustle and bustle, this area has complete infrastructure and life amenities. It is well-connected and offers direct access to central Beijing and the future technology city.

Most of the Zhou family lives in this villa area, except for the grandparents and the second uncle’s family.

Before the government banned party and state agencies from pooling funds for housing projects, Zhou Jiqing was already at the section chief level.

At that time, corruption between officials and businesses was serious, but Zhou Jiqing resolutely rejected all bribes and moved into the government-assigned public housing. As his rank rose, he eventually moved into the compound with his grandfather’s family.

"Young Master, you’re back."

The butler, Cecil, had been brought back by his father during his overseas work and had served the Zhou family for nearly thirty years, practically watching Zhou Chaosheng grow up. As Cecil was a lifelong bachelor without children, he treated Zhou Chaosheng with the same kindness and care he would have shown his own child.

In Zhou Chaosheng’s memories, his parents were always busy with work and travel, and they didn’t spend much time with him. His childhood was mostly guided by Cecil.

"Uncle Cecil, long time no see."

The wheelchair was pushed in front of Cecil, and Zhou Chaosheng opened his arms. Cecil was momentarily stunned before he bent down to embrace him, saying with surprise, "I didn’t expect you to still remember me, Young Master."

Zhou Chaosheng said gently, "During the two months I spent recovering in Jinzhou, I remembered many things."

Cecil repeatedly said "Good, that’s good," and after letting go of Zhou Chaosheng, his gaze fell on his legs. He looked up again, his eyes filled with pity. "It must have been hard on you, Young Master."

Zhou Chaosheng shook his head. "I’m fine, Uncle Cecil. The doctor said my legs will be better after another month of rest."

Only then did Cecil relax his furrowed brow. He stepped around Zhou Chaosheng and gently took over from Wiesen to push the wheelchair. He softly said, "Chairman Zhou and Madam have been waiting inside for quite a while. Shall I take you in?"

"Okay." Zhou Chaosheng nodded.

Five minutes later, the villa doors opened. His family had apparently been notified, as several relatives came out to greet him.

"It’s Chaosheng."

"Chaosheng is back!"

—

“Chaosheng gege!”

In the familiar, friendly voice, the cheerful tone stood out, especially when Zhou Chaosheng lifted his eyes and saw his cousin, Zhou Yating, who had been sent abroad by his second uncle two months ago, running toward him.

“Yating!”

“Chaosheng gege, you still remember me?”

Zhou Yating had just started university this year, attending Peking University and majoring in finance. She had not only inherited the Zhou family's intelligence but also their superior looks. She was fair-skinned, with a smile that resembled a little sun, bringing warmth and joy to anyone who saw her.

"How could I forget?" Zhou Chaosheng smiled.

"Hehe, Chaosheng gege, I missed you so much!" She instinctively tried to rush into Zhou Chaosheng’s arms like before, but was scolded by Zhou Yanqing, who had walked up behind her.

"Yating, can’t you see your Chaosheng gege's legs are injured?"

Zhou Yating immediately retracted her arms and stepped back, saying softly, "Sorry, I forgot."

Zhou Chaosheng gently reassured her, "It's okay, it's nothing," and, like a butler, he embraced Zhou Yating for a moment and then lightly patted her shoulder to comfort her.

After letting go, he turned his eyes to everyone.

"Dad, Mom, Second Uncle, Erchao, Auntie..."

When He Xiaowei heard these words, her eyes reddened. She walked a few steps forward in her high heels and hugged Zhou Chaosheng.

Holding Zhou Chaosheng’s slender face, she said with a choked voice, "You don't know how worried we were when you had the car accident. When you woke up and didn’t remember Mommy, I felt like the sky had fallen."

Zhou Chaosheng smiled gently, hugging his mom back and softly comforting her. "Mom, I’m fine now. It’s okay. Next time, I’ll be more careful. It won’t happen again."

After a few exchanges, Zhou Chaosheng was brought into the Zhou family home. In the living room, his relatives and parents kept him engaged in small talk. During the meal, his aunt left early due to some business. That night, he ate with his second uncle’s family and his parents.

The Zhou family followed the "no talking while eating" tradition at the dinner table, and there was hardly any sound during the meal, not even the clink of chopsticks and bowls.

The meal finished at 7:30 p.m. After bidding farewell to his second uncle’s family, Zhou Chaosheng’s father motioned for him to go to the study to talk.

Zhou Chaosheng knew that his father likely wanted to discuss his second uncle’s matter, as his second uncle had been feeling guilty about the car accident, blaming himself for causing his nephew’s injury.

"Dad."

Zhou Yuanbo: "You know about it?"

Zhou Chaosheng nodded. "Yeah, it’s not related to Second Uncle. It's because I made enemies."

Zhou Yuanbo sighed. "You should go to your second uncle’s house for a meal sometime and clear this up."

Zhou Chaosheng had already planned to do that, so he agreed. He also brought up the matter of visiting his grandfather’s house for dinner the next day.

Zhou Yuanbo nodded, acknowledging the arrangement.

The father and son fell into a brief silence. After a long while, Zhou Yuanbo asked, "When do you plan to recover your memory?"

His mom knew about it, so his dad wasn’t kept in the dark either. When he and his mom discussed pretending to have amnesia to cover things up, it had all been a lie.

Since the moment Zhou Chaosheng regained his memory, he had never considered pretending. If it hadn't been for Jiang Yuanye's sudden arrival, he would never have come up with the excuse "pretending to have amnesia to catch the mastermind."

"Soon," Zhou Chaosheng could only say. Zhou Yuanbo smiled and scolded him, "You've grown wings now, huh? You even came up with such a stupid idea to hide it from the family. If your mom hadn’t told me, I’d still be kept in the dark. So, when did you regain your memory?"

"Three days ago." Zhou Chaosheng honestly confessed. Hearing this, Zhou Yuanbo’s anger dissipated. "Alright... wait," he suddenly thought of something and continued, "By the way, how’s the situation with your company?"

"It’s fine, I can handle it." Zhou Chaosheng said.

"Good, your mom and I are flying to the U.S. tomorrow. If anything happens, just call us."

"Mm."

The father and son were usually not very talkative, and most of their conversations centered on international politics and financial management. They had discussed everything in the living room.

After a while, they ran out of things to say. Zhou Yuanbo told him to rest here for the night, and that Wiesen would take him to the estate tomorrow.

After the conversation ended, Zhou Chaosheng pushed his wheelchair out on his own. The study was on the second floor, and luckily, the house had an elevator; otherwise, it would have been difficult for Zhou Chaosheng to come up.

The butler was standing outside the study. When he saw Zhou Chaosheng come out, he asked if he was staying home tonight.

After Zhou Chaosheng confirmed, the butler smiled and said, "Your room has been cleaned every day for the past two months, just as clean as before."

"..... Thank you,  Uncle Cecil."

So his obsession with cleanliness was well known?

—

The next day.

Zhou Chaosheng got up early. After washing up and eating breakfast, he sat on the sofa to watch the morning news. After finishing, he leaned back and started discussing stocks and market trends with his father.

After chatting for a while, his parents, carrying their packed luggage, said goodbye to him as they had a flight at noon.

Once the living room was left with just him, Zhou Chaosheng started flipping through a financial newspaper. Normally, at this time, he would have finished his morning run and be preparing to shower.

However, due to his injured leg he couldn’t exercise.

Fortunately, he didn’t gain weight easily, and the muscles he had maintained through regular workouts, as well as his abs, were still obvious during the two times Jiang Yuanye helped him shower.

When Zhou Chaosheng finished reading the financial newspaper, it was still only nine in the morning. Not wanting to stay idle, he picked up his phone and computer to check stock information and observe the fluctuations of A-shares.

After purchasing some newly listed stocks he had been keeping an eye on, he went back to his room to read.

By the time it reached eleven, Wiesen called right on time, saying he was waiting outside. Zhou Chaosheng glanced at his watch and realized he had been reading for over two hours.

The books he usually read were varied, spanning ancient and modern, domestic and international works. Aside from reading for practical purposes, he particularly liked philosophy and history books.

An hour later, the Bugatti Veyron drove onto the winding mountain road. The mansion was halfway up the mountain, and they were stopped at the foot for an identity check.

The identity check process was very troublesome, but it ensured security. It took over twenty minutes before Zhou Chaosheng was allowed to enter.

When he arrived, Gu Qingqiu and Zhao Xiaohui were in the courtyard helping his grandfather pull weeds.

Meanwhile, their grandfather was sitting on a small stool in the courtyard playing chess. When he saw Zhou Chaosheng arrive, Zhao Grandpa happily waved at him, “Chaosheng, come here quickly!”

The three grandfathers all came from humble backgrounds, had fought in dozens of battles, and had even participated in several wars. In their youth, they became revolutionary comrades. After the founding of the nation, they moved from frontline positions to secondary roles, earning numerous honors and titles, and became key figures in the administration.

When Wiesen pushed Zhou Chaosheng forward, he could feel the envious and jealous gazes of his two childhood friends in the dirt. If not for his injured leg, there would probably be one more person in the dirt with rolled-up sleeves and pants, holding a shovel to pull weeds.

“Checkmate.”

As he walked over, his grandfather happened to say these words. His tone was calm, as if beating Zhao Grandpa was the most natural thing.

Zhao Grandpa stared at the chessboard, dumbfounded. “Old Zhou, did you cheat?”

“No,” his grandfather denied.

Zhao Grandpa turned and asked, “Yuanming, tell me, did he cheat?”

Gu Grandpa glanced at Zhou Grandpa, then at Zhou Chaosheng, who had come over to the chessboard. His face wrinkled into a smile as he laughed, “Hahaha, no cheating, no cheating...”

Zhou Chaosheng also laughed.

He knew his grandfather was terrible at chess. The “no cheating” claim was probably just meant to humor Zhao Grandpa and himself

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