Chapter Index

    Half an hour later.

    Three Cars stopped at a tea house named ‘Early Bite’.

    The morning tea culture in Jiangzhou had ancient roots, but as modern life sped up, it had become rare to see people fully involved in enjoying breakfast tea.

    Many low-end tea houses had been phased out, leaving only high-end places catering to the middle and upper classes.

    Ordinary people were busy working all day. Even having breakfast in the morning was a race against time, rushing to catch the bus. Who had the luxury of sitting down for tea?

    On the other hand, some wealthy people and women from well-off families had more time, becoming the main patrons of tea houses.

    “Good morning, Mr. Ye.”

    “Good morning, gentlemen.”

    It was obvious Ye Huaiyuan was a regular here, as the waiters knew him well.

    Led by a waiter, the three of them headed to a private room on the third floor, facing the street.

    The room was decorated in a traditional style, with sandalwood incense burning in the corner, creating a refreshing and serene atmosphere upon entry.

    “Mr. Ye, here is the menu.”

    The waiter respectfully handed the menu to Ye Huaiyuan.

    “Same as always, just bring three servings.”

    Ye Huaiyuan said casually, then explained to Xu Shaochen and Sun Hai: “I ordered the signature dishes here. You’ll know when you try them.”

    Soon, the dishes they ordered were brought to the table, and they began eating while chatting.

    “By the way, do either of you know any excellent planners or designers?”

    Xu Shaochen suddenly asked.

    The two were startled for a moment. Sun Hai was the first to respond: “Why? Are you redecorating a house?”

    “Designing is secondary. My main focus is overall planning. I bought an island and plan to develop it a bit.” Xu Shaochen casually responded.

    The two of them sank into deep thought upon hearing this. They felt somewhat defeated.

    Most people buy houses or Cars, but you went ahead and bought an island.

    Isn’t this kind of flaunting wealth a bit excessive?

    Why does it suddenly feel so sour around here?”

    “What’s up with you guys?” Xu Shaochen asked, confused. “Is buying an island that expensive? I thought it was really cheap.”

    Yes, this was the way he showed off.

    Ye Huaiyuan took a deep breath: “So, how much are you planning to develop it, Mr. Xu?”

    “Just a small city.” Xu Shaochen said without hesitation.

    Ye Huaiyuan and Sun Hai once again sank into silence. Both suddenly felt incredibly poor.

    Is this what you call casually developing it?

    Big Brother, do you have some misunderstanding about the word ‘casually’?

    “Sorry, Mr. Xu, but you really shouldn’t ask us about this. Our imagination is too limited by poverty.”

    Ye Huaiyuan said with a resentful look. He was always the one showing off his wealth, but today, Xu Shaochen had completely outdone him.

    While he was still playing city simulation games on his computer.

    Xu Shaochen had already started playing a real-life version of ‘Minecraft’.

    The gap between people really is bigger than the gap between people and pigs.

    “No, actually, I do know someone.” Sun Hai said, looking at Xu Shaochen. “I know a city planner who might fit your needs, but he’s currently in Mg Country.”

    As he said this, Sun Hai seemed to suddenly realize something: “Oh, right, I haven’t asked. How big is your island?”

    “Not very big, just a bit larger than Hong Kong.” Xu Shaochen humbly replied.

    Sun Hai: “…”

    Ye Huaiyuan: “…”

    You’re calling that not big? And ‘just’?

    Talking with Xu Shaochen really made the two feel exhausted. They had the urge to flip their trays onto his face.

    Showing off isn’t scary.

    What’s scary is thinking someone is showing off when, in fact, it’s just normal for them.

    “Phew.” Sun Hai let out a long breath, calming his emotions. “I have to go to Mg Country soon. I’ll help you ask him in person. I’m sure he’ll be interested in designing a whole island.”

    “You’re going to Mg Country too? When? I’m also planning to make a trip soon.” Xu Shaochen asked.

    Sun Hai was taken aback: “When do you plan to leave at the latest? I’ll adjust my schedule.”

    “Not sure yet, but definitely before the new school term starts.” Xu Shaochen said after some thought.

    Sun Hai nodded: “That works. It’s around the same time as I was planning to go. It’ll be good to travel together.”

    “Ding, ding, ding…”

    Suddenly, Xu Shaochen’s Phone rang.

    He looked down and saw it was a call from Liu Rushuang. Xu Shaochen gave an apologetic look to Sun Hai and Ye Huaiyuan before answering.

    “Hello, what is it?”

    “Shaochen, your cousin has arrived, the one named Xu Ling.”

    Xu Shaochen frowned at hearing this and remained silent for a while before saying: “I’m not coming back. Treat her to a meal and handle the rest yourself.”

    By rights, Xu Shaochen should despise Xu Ling. After all, what she did back then was disgusting.

    But perhaps as his horizons broadened, and as time passed, that disgust somewhat faded.

    Xu Ling was, after all, just a petty person with a narrow mind. It wasn’t worth it for Xu Shaochen to hold a grudge against her; it would only make him seem petty.

    Besides, she had already been severely punished back then.

    This change in mindset was part of Xu Shaochen’s personal growth.

    Back then, when Xu Shaochen had just come into wealth, he was more of a nouveau riche, venting his pent-up emotions.

    But times were different now. At least, Xu Shaochen had become a respectable rich man, with a broader worldview and a more open heart.

    His approach to matters had changed. He no longer judged purely based on his own emotions but instead analyzed things from different angles and perspectives.

    “It seems she needs your help with something. She’s crying a lot, and… your mom is here too. She wants you to come home right away.”

    Of course, the ‘mom’ Liu Rushuang mentioned was none other than Xu Shaochen’s mother, Li Xiaoli.

    Hearing this, Xu Shaochen’s feelings for Xu Ling turned sour again. If Xu Ling had asked for his help, she should’ve come herself.

    Why did she bring his mother into this? Was she trying to use his mom to pressure him into helping her?

    And his mom had only just recently had surgery. Why make her travel like this? It was infuriating.

    “I’ll be back immediately.”

    Xu Shaochen said flatly, then hung up the Phone. He looked at Sun Hai and Ye Huaiyuan: “Chairman Ye, Chairman Sun, I’m sorry. Something urgent came up at home, and I have to go handle it.”

    “Family matters come first. We can always have breakfast together again sometime. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

    “Exactly. Chairman Ye is right. Family comes first.”

    The two stood up and saw Xu Shaochen off as he left the private room.

    Chapter Summary

    Xu Shaochen and his friends, Ye Huaiyuan and Sun Hai, meet for morning tea. During their conversation, Xu reveals he bought an island for development, astounding his companions. A Phone call from his cousin Xu Ling, and news that his mother is involved, compels Xu to leave abruptly. He becomes annoyed, suspecting Xu Ling is trying to manipulate his mother into helping her. Xu leaves, explaining to his friends that he must handle urgent family matters.

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