The Strongest Master Venturing Urban-Chapter 248: Chen Bin Is Not as Simple as He Seems

Chen Bin originally wanted to decline, but he was afraid of Cai Lixia’s displeasure.

In the end, he could only nod, "Alright, everything will be done according to your request."

The two acted on the spot and directly asked Cheng Zhuang to drive them to the county.

Since it was his first visit to her house, Chen Bin naturally wouldn’t go empty-handed.

On the way, he bought some gifts before heading to Cai Lixia’s home.

As soon as they entered the door, Cai Lixia called out loudly.

"Mom, Chen Bin is here!"

Fan Qin was cooking in the kitchen at the time. Hearing the commotion, she promptly came to the living room.

Chen Bin immediately smiled and greeted her.

"Hello, Auntie!"

"Oh my, you’re already here, why bring gifts? You’re too polite."

While speaking, Fan Qin beamed with delight and guided Chen Bin to the sofa to sit down.

Seeing that there was only one person at home, Chen Bin asked curiously.

"Is Minister Cai not at home?"

"He’s gone fishing with his angler friends, but he should be back soon."

As she spoke, Fan Qin glanced back at the kitchen.

"Xiao Chen, you sit and rest for a bit, I still have food cooking on the stove!"

"Do you need help?"

"No need, you just sit."

Taking advantage of the moment, Cai Lixia went into her room to change clothes.

Sitting on the sofa, Chen Bin looked around and noticed that the house was over a hundred square meters, lavishly decorated.

It seemed that Cai Weiguo had quite the refined taste.

Just then, the front door suddenly opened from the outside.

Seeing it was Cai Weiguo, Chen Bin immediately stood up and greeted him with a smile.

"Good to see you, Minister Cai."

Cai Weiguo set down the gear he carried and smiled warmly in response.

"I didn’t expect County Magistrate Chen to visit today — what an honor!"

The two then sat on the sofa and made some awkward small talk.

Although they had met in the county before, they’d never conversed.

Now discussing some work-related matters helped avoid awkward silences.

"Are you adjusting well to working in the county?"

"Not bad. Right now, I’m still getting familiar, but after some time, I’ll visit all the towns and villages."

"When you first take office, going to the grassroots level is very necessary. It’ll help with your work later on."

Nodding, Chen Bin said with a smile.

"I heard from Secretary Xue that when the county was discussing my promotion, you spoke up for me. I really appreciate it."

Hearing this, Cai Weiguo looked very surprised.

He never thought that Xue Baoguang would disclose such matters to Chen Bin.

It was obvious there was an element of currying favor involved.

In Cai Weiguo’s view, Chen Bin’s influential work in Qinghe Town wasn’t just a matter of talent.

There must have been someone orchestrating things behind the scenes, aiming to make a name for Chen Bin.

It was all about laying the groundwork for an exceptional promotion.

At this moment, Cai Weiguo felt an urgent need to uncover who exactly was backing Chen Bin.

If he could hitch onto Chen Bin’s rising tide, his own political career would brim with possibilities.

Just then, Fan Qin walked out from the kitchen, calling everyone to eat.

Cai Lixia, now wearing a dress, came out of her room immediately.

Notably, even in the evening, she’d gone out of her way to put on makeup.

Clearly, it was to present her best self in front of Chen Bin.

At the dining table, Fan Qin had prepared eight dishes.

A balanced mix of meat and vegetables, the spread looked exceptionally lavish.

Once seated, Fan Qin smiled warmly and said to Chen Bin.

"I didn’t know you were coming today, so I didn’t prepare in advance. I hope you don’t mind."

Chen Bin replied politely, "Aunt Fan, this is more than enough. Everything smells amazing."

"Great, if you like it, eat more."

At this point, Cai Weiguo asked.

"Xiao Chen, what kind of liquor do you usually drink?"

"I’m not picky; I’ll have whatever you’re having."

Nodding, Cai Weiguo casually picked up a bottle of Bailing Wine.

"You must be familiar with this liquor, right?"

Chen Bin nodded with a smile, "Very familiar. I used to work in Qingshi County."

While pouring wine, Cai Weiguo asked, "I heard that you’re one of the founders of Bailing Winery?"

"I wouldn’t call myself a founder, but I did contribute to the winery."

"From what I know, you were the first to discover Bailing Wine. You even recruited the winery’s director from Tianhe City and came up with its promotional strategy. Without you, there might not be a Bailing Winery at all."

Both Cai Lixia and Fan Qin, who rarely drank, were unaware of these details.

Hearing Cai Weiguo’s words, they both looked at Chen Bin with surprise.

Soon after, Cai Weiguo brought up several topics about Cai Lixia.

There were good points and a few bad ones, though the bad ones were in the minority.

After thoroughly introducing Cai Lixia, the conversation naturally shifted to Chen Bin.

"Xiao Chen, how many people are in your family?"

"I’ve been an orphan since I was young. After my grandfather passed away, I’ve been alone."

Fan Qin chimed in, "Living alone must’ve been tough, right?"

"It was hard at first, but over time I got used to it."

Cai Weiguo asked again, "You must have many relatives, though?"

"I do, but we rarely stay in touch."

After dinner, Chen Bin stayed a little longer before deciding to leave.

Cai Lixia initially wanted to leave with him, but Fan Qin pulled her back.

Clearly, Fan Qin didn’t want Chen Bin and Cai Lixia to spend the evening alone.

Chen Bin didn’t say much, simply bade farewell, and left alone.

Watching him walk away, Cai Weiguo sank into thought.

Chen Bin’s ability in work and social interactions was undeniable.

But what concerned Cai Weiguo most now was Chen Bin’s background.

After all, how could a young man who lost both parents rise to the rank of deputy magistrate at just twenty-two?

It was impossible without influential backing.

Clearly, Chen Bin wasn’t as simple as he seemed on the surface...

Meanwhile, at Xu Ruoxuan’s house.

Feng Lei sat on the sofa and placed a photo he had secretly taken on Saturday in front of Xu Ruoxuan.

"Yesterday at the mall, I bumped into Chen Bin. He was with this fat pig."

Frowning slightly, Xu Ruoxuan sneered coldly.

"So? What does that have to do with you?"

"That woman is Secretary Cao Sanjin’s daughter. Chen Bin is dating her to mooch off her. How can you still be hung up on a man like that?"

Xu Ruoxuan’s relationship with Chen Bin had long been an open secret.

Most of their relatives knew at least part of the story.

Furthermore, Xu Ruoxuan was fully aware of Chen Bin and Cao Chenxi’s dealings.

Thus, Feng Lei’s words didn’t come as a huge surprise to her.

Instead, she shot back, "Why don’t you worry about your stepmother? Your dad’s over sixty now — that late-born kid might not even be his."

Feng Lei sneered dismissively.

"My dad’s still going strong. Don’t make things up just to deflect!"

Not wanting to waste energy on someone like him, Xu Ruoxuan promptly kicked Feng Lei out.

But as she shut the door, she couldn’t help but quip.

"Believe it or not, but Shen Xue is no pushover!"