Chapter Index

    In fact, the master at Baiyun Temple was also quite bewildered and did not expect such a strong reaction from the visitor.

    If we’re not friends, we’re not; no need to guess further.

    Looks like he wants to bite someone?

    Then, Jiang Qin wouldn’t listen to the fortune-telling anymore. Holding Feng Nanshu’s hand, they strolled several rounds in front of the Buddha, from left to right, then right to left, the joined hands lifted high as if worried Buddha wouldn’t see.

    They say the Buddha is everywhere, but just in case.

    Who knows if the Buddha might decide to slack off for a moment and miss seeing this fiery non-friendship?

    But once they were off the mountain and driving back to Hongrong Homes, Jiang Qin toughened up again, showing none of his earlier timidity.

    “Son, the master guessed you were good friends. Why did you get so angry then?”

    “He didn’t say it right!”

    Jiang Qin declared confidently, “If he’s a master, he should speak and act precisely without ambiguity. Friends and good friends are not the same, are they?”

    Yuan Youqin’s face changed: “You might as well live up on the mountain!”

    “…”

    Jiang Qin didn’t take it to heart and drove all the way back to the neighborhood.

    Meanwhile, Feng Nanshu sat in the passenger seat, listening to Yuan Youqin scolding all the way, feeling very amused inside.

    She knew Jiang Qin doted on her, and so did his uncle and aunt, so she clung to Jiang Qin all the way home.

    Jiang Qin intentionally sped up and slowed down to tease her, both acting childishly like preschoolers.

    Not long after they’d returned, Jiang Qin’s phone suddenly rang. It was Lu Zhichuan calling.

    As his parents settled in the living room to watch TV, Jiang Qin pulled Feng Nanshu close and answered the call.

    Lu Zhichuan had finished the procedures and planned to arrive in Linchuan tomorrow.

    Thus, Jiang Qin decided to head back to school the next morning.

    The little rich girl felt insecure in Shanghai, which is why she wanted to return to Hongrong Homes. Whether it was Uncle Three, shepherd’s purse dumplings, or his uncle and aunt, their warmth was addictive, making her reluctant to leave.

    But she was attached to Jiang Qin, so she had no choice.

    “The winter break will bring me home again, not just for a few days but also during the New Year celebrations. And you’ll probably get red envelopes this year.”

    “I love New Year’s.”

    “I love it too.”

    “My favorite was the year you brought me back.”

    Moved, Jiang Qin couldn’t help but ruffle her hair, thinking that their relationship was indeed rare in this world.

    That New Year’s Eve, when he brought her home for dinner, fate probably began to turn.

    His mother had seen Feng Nanshu standing prettily at the doorstep, calling out, ‘Hello Auntie,’ and just like that, naturally, their family grew by one.

    Moreover, the little rich girl had a high status at home and even possessed the special keys Jiang Qin had long desired.

    In fact, the whole neighborhood knew Jiang Qin’s family, which was simply outrageous.

    However, if that was the case, perhaps the family could naturally expand again in the future!

    Just then, the doorbell at the Jiang residence rang.

    Jiang Qin released Feng Nanshu and reached for the door.

    Across the hall, Zhang Jun and his wife had come to visit, leaving an invitation for them to attend a baby’s full-month celebration.

    He had married in the summer, and Yuan Youqin had been busy helping out. The little rich girl had joined the festivities after returning home.

    But Jiang Qin had not expected a quick progression from marriage to baby’s full month in just half a year.

    After welcoming Zhang Jun and his wife, Yuan Youqin and Jiang Zhenghong entertained them warmly, while Jiang Qin examined the invitation intently before folding it neatly away.

    “Let me see.”

    Feng Nanshu stretched her neck to peek.

    Jiang Qin pocketed the invitation: “Nothing interesting. Just a token of friendship.”

    “?”

    Zhang Jun and Wang Yan didn’t stay long as they had to move to the next house. After a brief tea, they left, patting Jiang Qin on the shoulder and encouraging him to try hard.

    Jiang Qin held his breath, thinking, the real experts are indeed found among ordinary folks; this was much better than the guessing done by the old monk at Baiyun Temple.

    Indeed, I do have a tiny bit of an unfriendly heart, which he caught.

    Have to admit, Brother Jun does have some skills.

    After seeing Zhang Jun out, Yuan Youqin started to reminisce.

    She then pulled out a disc from beneath the TV cabinet—it was the wedding video from Zhang Jun’s wedding.

    The videographer had even captured Feng Nanshu, particularly the part where Yuan Youqin tricked her into eating calming noodles and asked if she minded.

    “What’s this?”

    “It’s the wedding video, the full process. You’re in it too.”

    Feng Nanshu’s eyes widened with curiosity: “Auntie, I want to watch (and learn).”

    The next day was sunny in Jizhou, with the recent snow all melted away. Packing his things, Jiang Qin saw the little rich girl with slight dark circles, continuously yawning.

    It seems she had been studying repeatedly last night.

    Jiang Qin gently rubbed her face, then grabbed his packed backpack, loaded it into the trunk, and drove off.

    By then, Lu Zhichuan had arrived in Linchuan, signed the contract, and was taken by Dong Wenhao to Linchuan University for a tour.

    Having been away from university for many years, Lu Zhichuan felt a vibrant student atmosphere and was quite moved. Of course, he was even more impressed by Jiang Qin’s status as a university student.

    He had known this fact for a while, but thinking about it still unsettled him.

    It reminded him of Pang Rui’s casual remark back then—Jiang Qin was too young, young enough to outlast many people.

    But what’s more frightening is that his core team is just as young, which is indeed terrifying.

    “Mr. Dong, even though I’ve known the boss for a long time and am new here, do you know what he likes or his hobbies?”

    “He… likes his wife the most.”

    “?”

    Despite being younger than Lu Zhichuan, Dong Wenhao had been involved with Jiang Qin’s startup for a long time and understood Lu’s current mindset.

    Suddenly switching jobs, blending into a new company, and being responsible for establishing a new department undoubtedly brought some nervousness.

    And the boss had high hopes for Lu Zhichuan, tying him to future investment plans, so it was natural for Lu to feel the pressure.

    “Our boss has a love-struck brain, but you can’t mention love or dating in front of him. It has to be referred to as friendship.”

    Dong Wenhao pursed his lips: “Also, winning the lady boss’s favor is a quick way to advance.”

    Lu Zhichuan paused, “Really?”

    “Yes, you must have heard of Xitian, right?”

    “I know it; it’s a brand of Linchuan Business Group.”

    Dong Wenhao nodded: “But it’s also a business run by our lady boss. This store is the first Xitian store.”

    Following Dong Wenhao to the front square, Lu looked up at Xitian: “No wonder…”

    “Back then, there was a part-time milk tea girl here named Fang Xiaoxuan. The lady boss said she liked her, and now she’s the CEO of Xitian. Of course, she worked hard, working while taking an upgrade exam, preparing for graduate studies.”

    “Truly inspirational.”

    Dong Wenhao glanced at his watch: “It’s noon, Mr. Lu. Shall we grab some food at Juxian Tower?”

    Lu Zhichuan looked back at the cafeteria: “Actually, I quite miss my university days. How about we eat in the cafeteria?”

    “Of course, that’s fine.”

    “Mr. Dong, after you.”

    It had been two years since Dong Wenhao graduated, and even if he had a meal card, he wouldn’t carry it around. So, he called Zhang Boqing for help, saying he was treating someone.

    Principal Zhang was puzzled, wondering who they were treating to a meal in the cafeteria.

    Dong Wenhao didn’t hide it: “Just a very ordinary former Alibaba investment department manager.”

    “Holy moly, ordinary? Where are you guys? I’ll have someone bring it over!”

    “Thanks, Principal. We’re on the second floor of the cafeteria.”

    After hanging up, Dong Wenhao turned to Lu Zhichuan: “Don’t mind the term ordinary. At our Linchuan University, not just anyone is described that way. Our boss often describes himself that way, so this phrase is sacred to us.”

    Lu Zhichuan initially felt a bit uncomfortable, thinking even though his position wasn’t high, calling it utterly ordinary seemed impolite.

    But after Dong’s explanation, he felt quite honored.

    This was much more genuine than being called a “distinguished guest” and wasn’t at all pretentious. It seems Pintuan is indeed filled with talent.

    Around 1:30 PM, Jiang Qin drove back to Linchuan University, parked at the cafeteria entrance, and called Wen Jinrui to bring down two documents from room 207.

    Then, heading upstairs with the little rich girl, they met Lu Zhichuan and Dong Wenhao.

    On first seeing the lady boss, Lu Zhichuan was stunned, feeling a bit overwhelmed by her cool and wealthy demeanor.

    But the lady boss’s remark was so shocking it nearly ended Lu’s career.

    “Old Lu is a bad guy.”

    “?”

    Jiang Qin laughed heartily: “It’s okay, Old Lu, don’t be nervous. She’s just not had enough fun at home yet, a bit moody.”

    Feng Nanshu puffed her cheeks and slipped her hand into Jiang Qin’s palm.

    Soon after, Wen Jinrui arrived from 207 with two sealed document envelopes, handing them over to Jiang Qin, who immediately passed the top one to Lu Zhichuan.

    “This is the target company.”

    Lu Zhichuan took it, breaking the seal to peek inside: “An entertainment company? Are we moving into the entertainment industry? That’s quite a leap.”

    Jiang Qin waved his hand: “We’re not getting into entertainment, but this company will be useful for later plans. Besides, this is a practice run for you. The real deal is Gaode Maps.”

    “Ah, I see.”

    “Get to know the first one, then take it over. After that, it’s Gaode Maps. We’ve almost finalized the talks there, but there are still differences over the amount and proportion. That’s up to you now.”

    “I guarantee I’ll get it done.”

    Chapter Summary

    During a visit to Baiyun Temple, Jiang Qin and Feng Nanshu humorously flaunt their relationship in front of a Buddha statue. Back at home, old friends and familiar warmth make Feng reluctant to leave. As Jiang plans his return to university, discussions about new business ventures and personal jests about his relationship hover in the air, reflecting the intermingling of personal ties and business ambitions.

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