Saying One Thing, Meaning Another

Chen Ju stared blankly at the card, forgetting to reach out and take it.

“Tsk, what’s wrong? Take it.” Jiang Zhou took Chen Ju’s hand and placed the card in his palm. “I promised you this. I won’t go back on my word.”

The bank card’s cold surface touched his palm. Chen Ju shuddered and snatched his hand back as if he’d been burned. With a clatter, the card hit the floor.

Jiang Zhou’s expression turned cold. Frowning at the man before him, he said his name in a low voice: “Chen Ju.”

Chen Ju suddenly snapped out of it. His eyes widened slightly as he hurriedly picked up the card and apologized repeatedly. “I-I’m sorry.”

“If I give it to you, then hold on to it.” Jiang Zhou frowned as he stared at Chen Ju.

Secretary Liu had called that morning to remind him it was time to transfer the money. He’d originally planned to have Secretary Liu give it to Chen Ju, but had asked how much the contract specified.

“Twenty thousand,” Secretary Liu had said. “Mr. Chen originally only wanted 10,000.”

“That little?” Jiang Zhou hadn’t had time to look over the contract, leaving it to Secretary Liu from the start. He knew Chen Ju was short on money, but hadn’t expected him to ask for so little.

“Would you like me to amend it, Boss?” Secretary Liu had asked. “If so, Mr. Chen will need to sign a new contract.”...