Chapter 54: A Fortune in US Dollars

The shirtless man followed Mouse to Xinhai Apartment. As soon as he stepped inside, his gaze fell upon a black suitcase on the coffee table, stacks of crisp green U.S. dollars neatly piled atop it. His eyes immediately glazed over. Anyone faced with so much money would find it hard to process at first sight.

“These... are all for real?” The shirtless man hadn’t expected such a sum. His look toward the group shifted, tinged now with respect.

He took in Ye Chen, who sat calmly on the sofa, and the burly Big Shrimp at his side. Narrowing his eyes, he said, “Boss, with such a large amount to exchange, gathering all the funds will take one or two days.”

Ye Chen frowned, straightening up. “I need it urgently. Can’t you exchange it now? If this is how you handle exchanges, maybe I should go elsewhere.”

The man grinned. “You know the Yanlong Gang offers a better rate—six point four, while the official rate is six point three. But I’m just a small player. This has to be reported up for approval before the funds can be brought here.” He was unwilling to lose out on this lucrative exchange; the gang's limit on exchanges meant he could earn a commission of one or two hundred thousand, nearly half a year’s income.

Ye Chen considered, then said, “Alright. At six point four, if you can bring all the money here by tomorrow morning, I’ll give you an extra hundred thousand as a bonus. Money can move mountains, after all.”

The man hesitated. He was a mid-level figure in the Yanlong Gang, usually earning thirty or forty thousand a month. This deal already promised substantial profit, but the prospect of an extra hundred thousand for speed made it irresistible.

“Alright, I’ll try. I’ll go prepare now, and by eight tomorrow morning, I’ll have it here.” He nodded, and Ye Chen smiled, unconcerned with an extra hundred thousand when he was about to receive so much. Speed mattered more.

After he left, Ye Chen turned to Mouse. “Head to the bank and make an appointment. Tomorrow, we’ll have thirty-two million deposited. Let them send someone for a home withdrawal—it’ll save us the trouble.”

Mouse nodded. Ye Chen carefully put away the suitcase, confident no one would dare make a move against them with the three of them guarding Xinhai Apartment—a fortress against all but a small army.

The next morning, the shirtless man arrived punctually. Ye Chen now knew his name: Zhang Tang. He brought a dozen men in several vehicles, parking outside the apartment.

To the uninitiated, it might look like a robbery in progress. At that moment, the bank manager Ye Chen had arranged also arrived, flanked by two assistants. Seeing Zhang Tang’s group startled him.

“Who... who are you?” Though there were only three in Ye Chen’s group, the two men behind him wore bulletproof vests and carried shotguns.

“We’re from the bank, here to conduct business,” the manager replied, a bit intimidated by their show of force. He realized what kind of money was involved, but completing the transaction would be a feather in his cap, so he steeled himself and followed inside.

“Manager Liu, please wait in the room with your colleagues. I’ll be with you shortly,” Ye Chen said with a broad smile, clearly delighted to finally spend the money.

Manager Liu felt chills at Ye Chen’s smile—a man who always had so many attendants for an exchange must be someone extraordinary. He obediently entered the room to wait.

Outside, Ye Chen glanced at Zhang Tang and his men, smiling. “You certainly brought a crowd.”

Page 2/3

“It’s just precaution—thirty-two million, I’ve never seen that much in my life.” Zhang Tang swallowed, sizing Ye Chen up. He was surprised that Ye Chen showed no panic at the sight of so many men. Any schemes he’d considered were quickly shelved; he decided to proceed honestly.

“Here’s thirty-two million, please count it.” After verifying the bills, Zhang Tang produced six suitcases, placing them before Ye Chen.

Ye Chen called Manager Liu to witness the deposit. They checked the stacks one by one, which took three hours to record.

“It’s exactly thirty-two million, no errors,” Manager Liu said, exhausted. Even with a counting machine, it was a grueling task.

Ye Chen nodded, took out two million, and handed the rest to Manager Liu. “Deposit this—thirty million.”

“Of course, I’ll handle it right away.” Manager Liu had never processed such a sum; their private banking usually handled tens of thousands, rarely over a million. Thirty million left him deeply shaken.

Still, he focused on verifying the deposit, phoned the bank, and transferred the funds.

When he finished, two bodyguards loaded the cash into the armored car. As Manager Liu prepared to leave, Ye Chen placed several bundles of bills in front of him.

Manager Liu looked up, puzzled. Ye Chen said, “Here’s fifty thousand. Take thirty for yourself, and let your two colleagues share the rest. Thank you for your help today.”

“This... this is too much, I can’t accept it.” Manager Liu shook his head, wary of accepting client’s money.

“Just take it. I know your bank has rules, but if neither of us says anything, who will know? Take it.” Ye Chen waved his hand. Everyone loves money, after all.

Manager Liu gave in; thirty thousand was small compared to thirty million, but for him it was a significant bonus, so he pocketed it. The two guards thanked him profusely.

After they left, Zhang Tang licked his lips and looked at Ye Chen. “Mr. Ye, about that promise...”

“Oh, right, I almost forgot.” Ye Chen remembered the promised bonus and handed Zhang Tang a hundred thousand. Zhang Tang accepted it happily, left his phone number, and departed.

This time, Zhang Tang would make at least three hundred thousand, maybe more. If the higher-ups noticed his performance, he could gain more resources in the future. The benefits of this exchange exceeded all expectations.

Both sides came out winners. Ye Chen was very satisfied—throwing out tens of thousands in a single gesture felt exhilarating.

“Alright, time to call Miss Zhang.” Ye Chen pulled out his phone and settled into a comfortable position.

Mouse and Big Shrimp both smiled at Ye Chen’s words. Only Ye Chen dared call the policewoman “Miss Zhang”; anyone else wouldn’t have the nerve.

Page 3/3

“Hello, Officer Zhang, could you come over? The money’s ready,” Ye Chen said with a laugh.

“So soon? You really are wealthy,” Zhang Yantong answered, frowning. She knew Ye Chen had been penniless not long ago, and was surprised he had come by such a sum so quickly—especially with apparent ease.

She knew she shouldn’t pry; everyone has their own way of making money. But for Ye Chen to amass this much in such a short time, it couldn’t have come from official channels.

“Ye Chen, honestly, how did you get the money? Three hundred thousand isn’t a small amount,” Zhang Yantong asked over the phone.

“You’re concerned about that? Money is just a worldly possession—three hundred thousand doesn’t even catch my eye,” Ye Chen replied, amused.

She snorted. “If you’re not going to tell me, you won’t get the Hotpot City contract.”

“Sis, we had an agreement, didn’t we? How can you go back on your word?” Ye Chen was exasperated. They’d agreed yesterday: he’d give her three hundred thousand today, and she’d hand over the Hotpot City contract. Now she seemed ready to renege.

“Ah, I can’t help it. I may not manage the people’s daily affairs, but I can certainly control a contract,” Zhang Yantong replied with a sly smile. Had Ye Chen seen it, he would have admired her charm.

“Alright, I’ll tell you—I won the lottery. Do you believe it?” Ye Chen said, resigned. He was just making it up, not expecting her to believe him. He was about to concoct another excuse when Zhang Yantong laughed, “So that’s it—I wondered how you got the money. Your luck is impressive; must have won a lot?”

“Uh...” Ye Chen was speechless. Though Zhang Yantong was a good officer, she was a bit absent-minded. He’d been ready with another story, but since she believed him, he said, “After taxes, three or four million.”

“Three or four million? That much? You owe me a meal,” Zhang Yantong said.

“Don’t worry. Invite Fang Qin, and we’ll have a grand police-civilian celebration,” Ye Chen replied, grinning mischievously.

“You scoundrel, what are you planning for Fang Qin?” Zhang Yantong said, annoyed. Ye Chen didn’t answer, and she continued, “Alright, I’ll come over soon and bring the Hotpot City contract. The rest is your business.”

Though she’d originally told Ye Chen to come to the police station, she decided to visit him instead—not only to deliver the contract, but also to check on him after his recent discharge from the hospital.

Please remember: Strive to provide the most delightful reading experience! The latest release of “The Beautiful CEO Fell for Me” is exclusively available at Three Dash Not Six More G Good H Read K Kang Mu.