The Strongest Master Venturing Urban

Seeing that Guan Kongcheng's expression was growing increasingly grim, Chen Bin continued speaking.

"But don't worry, as long as I'm here, no one will use this matter against you."

In truth, on the night the incident occurred, Guan Kongcheng had already suspected that Chen Bin had set him up.

Now, it seemed even more likely.

However, with the leverage in Chen Bin's hands, Guan Kongcheng didn't dare to say much. He could only grit his teeth and swallow his frustrations.

Sitting on the sofa, Chen Bin looked at Guan Kongcheng with calculated composure.

"If you feel uneasy with the recording in my possession, I do have a way to make you feel completely reassured."

"What way?"

"I have a little hobby—collecting godsons. If you're willing, you could call me godfather. That way, I'd have no reason to harm you."

At those words, both Guan Kongcheng and his agent were stunned.

Neither of them had expected Chen Bin to say something like this.

Especially Guan Kongcheng, who was inwardly seething with anger.

Chen Bin was only a few years older than him, and now he wanted to be his godfather? How was that even possible?

The agent's mind spun quickly, and he hurriedly chimed in.

"Kongcheng, this is a good plan. If you become Director Chen's godson, it's like Yanxi Station becomes your own home. Yanxi is so popular now, joining them would be nothing but advantageous."

As he spoke, the agent kept winking at Guan Kongcheng.

The latter sat there silently, saying nothing.

Seeing this, Chen Bin chuckled lightly.

"Since Kongcheng is unwilling, I won't force it. Let's keep being friends instead."

Under the agent's relentless hints, Guan Kongcheng finally sighed softly.

"Director Chen, in truth, I have great admiration for you. Becoming your godson would be an honor for me. Please accept me."

As soon as he finished, he dropped to his knees in front of Chen Bin and kowtowed three times loudly.

Chen Bin immediately stepped forward to help him up. "Good boy, stand up now."

Then, he pulled out a contract from his bag.

"Remember the culinary show Xin Kalan pitched? I want you to participate in it. As for the price… write anything you want, I won't haggle."

Guan Kongcheng froze for a moment, unsure what to do, and turned to his agent.

The agent immediately said, "Kongcheng, now that you're Director Chen's godson, why don't we treat this show as a gift? No need to take any fees."

Realizing the cue, Guan Kongcheng quickly added.

"Godfather, from now on, for any program at Yanxi Station, as long as you need me, feel free to ask. The money doesn't matter."

"This… doesn't seem right."

"What's wrong with that? I'm your godson—it's only natural."

Feigning reluctance, Chen Bin finally nodded.

"Alright then. We'll discuss fees for future performances later. I'll accept this gift."

After Guan Kongcheng signed the contract, Chen Bin had dinner with the two of them.

He even personally drove them to the airport afterward.

In Chen Bin's eyes, he had made a major gain.

Not only had he netted some free money, but he'd also tightened his grip on two pieces of leverage over Guan Kongcheng.

That kid wouldn't dare to step out of line in the future.

The morning after the Little New Year Gala broadcast, Chen Bin received a call from a staff member downstairs.

"Director Chen, the Tianhai TV director, Ni Bo, is here to see you."

"Send him up."

Soon enough, Ni Bo appeared in Chen Bin's office.

With a blank expression, he asked, "Where's my daughter? Where is Ni Baige?"

Ni Bo couldn't figure out what had happened to Ni Baige after she left Tianhai.

How did she end up on Yanxi Station's spring gala?

Overwhelmed with worry for his daughter's safety, Ni Bo had no choice but to swallow his pride and seek out Chen Bin.

Chen Bin, meanwhile, wore an expression of feigned confusion. "I'm not the police. Why are you asking me about your missing daughter?"

"If not for your permission, Baige could never have appeared on the spring gala. Tell me, where is she now?"

"Is this how you ask for help?"

Ni Bo froze, adjusting his demeanor and forcing out an extremely strained smile.

"Director Chen, I was out of line earlier. I apologize. Can you tell me where my daughter is?"

"She's doing quite well now, but she won't return home before she becomes famous."

"But I miss her dearly. Can you let her come back home?"

Chen Bin shook his head, his face somber.

"I'm sorry, but Ni Baige said your presence stifles her growth. She'll come back as soon as she achieves fame."

"Why are you helping her?"

"She's beautiful, and she sings wonderfully. A talent like her needs to be nurtured."

"And before?"

"You know perfectly well why before. There's no need to ask."

"Then why are you willing to help her now?"

"You ask too many useless questions. Wait till Ni Baige goes home—then ask her yourself. Anything else? I'm really busy."

Seeing that Chen Bin was effectively dismissing him, Ni Bo had no choice but to leave.

Yet as he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped.

Turning back to Chen Bin, he said, "If possible, I hope you'll look after Baige. Thank you!"

During the New Year holiday, Chen Bin immediately returned home.

Ever since Zhao Nianbing grew older, Chen Bin's visits home had become less frequent.

But this didn't diminish Zhao Xinmei's place in his heart.

Zhao Nianbing was now twelve years old. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also especially well-behaved.

On top of that, being Zhao Xinmei's child, Chen Bin adored her to no end.

While they were having dinner that evening, Zhao Nianbing suddenly said.

"Brother, can you do me a favor?"

Chen Bin placed a peeled shrimp into her bowl and smiled as he replied.

"Of course. What is it?"

Zhao Nianbing glanced timidly at Zhao Xinmei, then said in a hushed voice.

"I want to watch TV, but Mom always controls how much I can watch. Can you talk to her for me and ask if I can watch for an extra hour each week?"

Before Chen Bin could respond, Zhao Xinmei snapped at her.

"What's so good about TV? It'll only hurt your academic performance! Your brother is my child too—if he dares to speak up for you, I'll deal with him!"

Since Zhao Xinmei had only one child, she was very strict.

Because of this, Zhao Nianbing was quite afraid of her.

Her lips quivered, and she was on the verge of tears.

"Brother, see? Mom's always like this."

When it came to disciplining kids, Chen Bin had little experience.

And since he wasn't always around, he had to defer to Zhao Xinmei on such matters.

"Nianbing, your mom is doing this for your own good. Only by focusing on studies will you get a good job in the future."

"Okay then, I understand."

Although she said this, Zhao Nianbing was still longing for her cartoons in her heart.

After dinner, Chen Bin joined Zhao Xinmei in doing the dishes.

Once they finished cleaning up, he told Zhao Nianbing a bedtime story.

Only after she finally drifted off did he carry her back to her room.

After tucking her in, he gently closed the door and returned to the master bedroom.

Having endured long stretches of loneliness, only Zhao Xinmei understood her own hardships.

Now that her man was back, Zhao Xinmei felt an overwhelming heat within her.

The mere scent of him made her expression grow hazy with longing.

"Xiao Bin, come closer. Mom missed you so much…"