However, Su Man’s sharp words didn’t affect Wang Xiaoke’s mood in the slightest. She was already used to her friend’s biting comments.

“You really don’t need to worry about me,” Wang Xiaoke said with a smile. “I’m heading to a place called Nanqiao Village today. I heard there’s a large family there that grows lots of grapes with excellent quality and yield. I want to try convincing them to sell their grapes to us.”

“Alright, once I’m done with things here, I’ll come find you. Just be careful and stay safe,” Su Man reminded her.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m not some fragile girl. Right now, I’m determined to support the entire Wang Group on my own!” Wang Xiaoke said confidently, clenching her fists as if cheering herself on.

The two chatted for a while longer before ending the call.

Wang Xiaoke arrived at Nanqiao Village, a place with rugged mountain roads. For an outsider with only mediocre driving skills, navigating the area by car wasn’t a wise choice. She decided to proceed on foot, holding her phone and struggling to follow the designated navigation route.

“Hey, stop right there!” A soft, childlike voice called out from behind her.

Turning around, Wang Xiaoke saw a little boy with delicate, adorable features. He looked about three or four years old, dressed in a blue suit. His long lashes framed big, bright eyes that darted around mischievously, as if he were plotting something.

“Are you talking to me?” Wang Xiaoke pointed to herself, puzzled.

The boy didn’t answer her question. With his chubby little hands clasped behind his back, he puffed up his chest like a little adult and demanded, “Where are you from? I’ve never seen you before.”

“I’m from Xinyun City. Little brother, are you a local?”

Kneeling down to his level, Wang Xiaoke put on a friendly smile. She thought getting on his good side might be helpful—maybe she could even ask him for directions. Lost in the middle of nowhere, she felt desperate. What she didn’t realize was that this little boy might not know much at all.

“Why should I tell you? We don’t even know each other,” the boy retorted, pouting with an air of arrogance.

What a cautious little thing! Wang Xiaoke thought to herself, amused.

“Alright, I was just asking. If you don’t want to answer, that’s fine,” she replied casually, smiling as she turned to leave.

“Wait, where are you going?” The chubby little boy suddenly hugged her leg, stopping her from moving.

Caught off guard, Wang Xiaoke frowned slightly but tried to keep her tone gentle. “Don’t be naughty, okay? I have important things to do. Let go, please?”

“No, I want to know where you’re going.” The little boy looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes and even added a threat, “If you don’t tell me, I’ll cry and tell my grandpa you bullied me.”

“Fine, I’m lost and trying to find my way. Can you let go now?” Wang Xiaoke sighed, unsure of what was going on in his little head but deciding to be honest.

Finally, the boy released his chubby hands. He looked at her with his bright, innocent eyes, his adorable expression almost triggering her maternal instincts.

“Here’s an idea: take me with you. What do you think?” His soft, childlike voice sounded serious, as if he were making an important proposition.

“I’m lost too, so we can keep each other company,” he added, revealing the key point at last.

Wang Xiaoke couldn’t help but feel exasperated. So this little guy was lost as well!