The next morning, Cheng Xiaofan was sound asleep when his phone suddenly rang, startling him awake. He picked up his phone and saw it was Meng Xizi.
"What's gotten into this old guy, calling so early?" he grumbled. "Doesn't he want me to get a good night's sleep?"
"Hello, Old Meng," Cheng Xiaofan answered, pressing the accept button. "Do you know that disturbing someone's dreams is a grave offense? I was sleeping soundly. Why are you calling?"
Meng Xizi's excited voice came through the phone, "Your Excellency, I have good news to report! Twenty-five girls, all reported missing last time, have been rescued, not a single one short!"
"Oh, this good news doesn't seem to concern me, does it?" Cheng Xiaofan stretched lazily, saying with a yawn.
Meng Xizi chuckled, "It certainly concerns you, Your Excellency! The girls' parents are so happy that in addition to the three hundred tons of gold, they've added another hundred tons for you!"
Cheng Xiaofan's spirits instantly lifted. "Not bad. Nine hundred tons of gold has suddenly become a thousand tons. It's too easy to make a fortune in this small country!"
"Old Meng, it seems the people of your small country are quite appreciative!" Cheng Xiaofan said. "I like that kind of character!"
"Your Excellency, I won't disturb you further," Meng Xizi said. "Get some good rest this morning. I have something to ask of you in the afternoon!"
Cheng Xiaofan immediately replied, "Old Meng, I was planning to go back today. What do you need me for?"
Before he could finish, the call was hung up. That old fellow certainly didn't treat him like an outsider. He almost called back, but then thought better of it. He had a hunch that whatever Meng Xizi wanted was likely to be a great opportunity for him. Besides, there was no rush to return today; tomorrow would be fine.
Seeing Xiang Wanli sleeping soundly beside him, Cheng Xiaofan lay down again and slept for a while longer. He overslept and woke up past eight o'clock.
"Mr. Cheng, are you not planning to go back today?" Xiang Wanli asked as they ate breakfast.
Cheng Xiaofan nodded. "Yes, Old Meng is so busy. I just solved a case for him, and he called again, saying there's something important in the afternoon that he needs my help with. I was too soft-hearted and agreed."
Xiang Wanli smiled, "Who told you you're so capable? The capable have to work harder. Help him one more time!"
"Mm, I'll help him this once," Cheng Xiaofan said. "No matter what, I'm leaving tomorrow."
Not long after breakfast, Cheng Xiaofan's phone rang again. This time, it was Zhang Heng calling. As soon as Cheng Xiaofan answered, Zhang Heng's voice came through.
"Xiaofan, you've been very efficient in that small country. You managed to quell the virus in just a few days!"
Cheng Xiaofan smiled, "Yes, I guess I was just lucky."
Zhang Heng laughed heartily, "You are indeed lucky, kid. Not long after you arrived in that small country, the queen gave you two beautiful women and you were made the esteemed ruler. Then they started preparing to build you a Golden Pavilion. I heard you solved a major case for them last night and they're rewarding you with another four hundred tons of gold! Kid, you're amazing!"
Cheng Xiaofan was speechless. Zhang Heng's intelligence network was incredible. How did he know all this in such a short time? He couldn't help but say, "Teacher, you know too much."
Zhang Heng chuckled, "What are you worried about? I won't spread it around! As for your Golden Pavilion and four hundred tons of gold, they'll have to be shipped by that small country for you, so such things can't be kept secret."
Clearly, Zhang Heng was subtly warning Cheng Xiaofan that the amount of gold he had obtained in that small country was enormous, and that it might attract jealousy and trouble later on. However, Cheng Xiaofan was unconcerned by Zhang Heng's reminder. He already had more gold stored in his personal space. Shortly after returning, he planned to erect a golden tower in the back mountain. What if others were envious? Anyone who dared to touch his golden tower would regret it.
Cheng Xiaofan smiled slightly and said, "Teacher, you didn't call just for these matters, did you?"
Zhang Heng replied, "Xiaofan, I called to ask when you'll be back."
Cheng Xiaofan chuckled, "I was planning to come back today, but Old Meng is clinging to me, asking me to help him with something this afternoon."
Zhang Heng asked curiously, "Who is this Old Meng you're referring to?"
Cheng Xiaofan laughed, "This Old Meng is the King of that small country, Meng Xizi!"
Zhang Heng burst into laughter, "Xiaofan, you call him Old Meng. Won't he be angry?"
Cheng Xiaofan replied, "He asked me to call him Old Meng, saying it sounds more intimate!"
Zhang Heng then asked, "What does Meng Xizi want you for this afternoon?"
Cheng Xiaofan replied, "I suspect it's related to another case!"
Zhang Heng said, "Alright, Xiaofan. When you return tomorrow, don't forget to come to my place after you get off the plane!"
"Got it, Teacher!" Cheng Xiaofan said.
After hanging up with Zhang Heng, he dialed Meng Xizi's number again.
"Old Meng, I've rested well. What do you need me for?"
Meng Xizi quickly replied, "Your Excellency, I'll have the Lorrain sisters come pick you up right away. Let's talk when we meet!"
About twenty minutes later, Cheng Xiaofan found himself back in the royal palace. In a corner of the council hall, a large pile of exquisite gold bricks was stacked.
Meng Xizi, with a beaming smile, said to Cheng Xiaofan, "Your Excellency, this is the gold sent by the parents of the missing girls. It's exactly four hundred tons! Tomorrow noon, they will also host a banquet for you to express their gratitude!"
Upon hearing this, Cheng Xiaofan immediately shook his head and said, "Old Meng, I appreciate their sentiments. We'll be heading back home tomorrow morning!"
Meng Xizi looked surprised. "What, Your Excellency, you're leaving tomorrow morning?"
"Yes," Cheng Xiaofan said. "There are still many things to do at home. I can't always be away!" "Alright, tell me, what is it you need me for this time?"
Seeing Cheng Xiaofan's impatience, Meng Xizi finally said, "Your Excellency, I've called you about another major case. It's a significant gold robbery!"