After leaving the Yu residence, Xiao Anlan got into the car, humming a tune.

The driver Old Wang sneaked a glance at him, surprised. Yesterday, he had left the Yu residence with such a cold face, but today he’s like a different person. This young master’s mood changes faster than the weather in June.

He kept his thoughts to himself and respectfully asked, “Young Master, where are we heading?”

“To Wanchang.” Xiao Anlan tapped his hand to the rhythm, a slight smile on his face, back to his usual suave self.

The Xiao family had made their fortune in the textile industry, now owning two textile mills, a tobacco company, a grand hotel, and several shops. Thousands of people in Liucheng depended on the Xiao family for their livelihood.

The Wanchang Hotel, a Western-style establishment, stood prominently on the bustling Heping Road, occupying nearly half the street. With nine floors, it had been the tallest building in Liucheng for years.

Many thought this was the boldest move by Old Master Xiao, but in reality, the hotel was Xiao Anlan’s brainchild—from its conception to securing funds, selecting the site, construction, and finally opening. Even the current manager was his classmate from abroad.

He had spent years abroad, returning twice specifically to plan for this hotel.

The car wove through the bustling streets, entering the hotel’s iron-gated entrance and stopping in the small plaza.

A sharp-eyed door attendant promptly opened the door for Xiao Anlan.

The wave of heat hit as Xiao Anlan walked in, loosening his hat and tie, tossing them behind him. “Is Zhou Sheng here?”

The attendant skillfully caught the items and said, “Mr. Zhou is waiting for you in 901.”

Zhou Sheng was two years older than Xiao Anlan. In their youth, they were mere acquaintances, but studying abroad had made them close friends.

Returning to China a year earlier than Xiao Anlan, Zhou Sheng had been managing the hotel since.

Wanchang Hotel was an elegant red-and-white European-style building, with intricately carved white stone columns and a clock tower on top.

The lobby featured a marble floor, bronze chandeliers, and an overall aura of sophistication.

The first two floors housed a Western restaurant, a lavish ballroom, a barbershop, a boutique, a telegraph office, and even a car rental service.

Floors three and above were guest rooms, ranging from single rooms to luxurious suites, with a rooftop ballroom on the top floor.

In essence, if you had the money, every need could be met here.

Xiao Anlan strode across the lobby, taking the elevator straight to the ninth floor.

There, he had a suite with a spacious living room, dining area, study, and bedroom.

Zhou Sheng had been waiting in the living room for nearly an hour. Seeing Xiao Anlan finally arrive, he teased, “It’s quite a task to meet the Young Master Xiao.”

“I sat here all day yesterday, why didn’t you mention that?” Xiao Anlan tossed his jacket onto the coat rack, sprawling on the sofa.

He had come to drink with Zhou Sheng the day before, only to find Zhou Cheng had left early. To avoid being questioned by his mother, he stayed until midnight—though he got caught anyway.

Zhou Sheng chuckled, “Out of a month, I spend 29 days working for you. Can’t I have one day for myself?”

Xiao Anlan sneered, “You don’t get enough self-indulgence at the hotel? I bet if I go down and meet ten girls, nine would have been in your bed, and the tenth is planning to be.”

Zhou Sheng wasn’t ashamed, “Those girls all dream of you, but since you’re not interested, I have to comfort them.”

Xiao Anlan shook his head, remembering when they first met, Zhou Sheng was a bookish scholar. Even abroad, he only thought of his fiancée back home.

Unfortunately, by the time he returned, she was married to someone else with two kids.

Since then, Zhou Sheng had changed.

Despite knowing it might not help, Xiao Anlan advised, “Do what you want, but don’t risk your health. You’ll regret it later.”

Zhou Sheng, usually carefree, fell silent at this sincere remark. After a moment, he forced a smile, “Don’t worry, I know my limits. But what’s with your good mood today? I heard you left the Yu residence upset yesterday. Now, you’re beaming like spring.”

Xiao Anlan hummed in agreement, relaxing on the sofa, “Help me out—what do refined young ladies usually enjoy? If I invite her out, where should we go?”

Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow, “You think any of the women I know are refined young ladies?”

“Your ex-fiancée was, right? You courted her for years, you must have some ideas,” Xiao Anlan said.

Zhou Sheng laughed bitterly, “Why are we back to me? Seriously, though, inviting her isn’t the issue. The challenge is getting her to agree. You think she’ll eagerly go out just because you ask?”

Xiao Anlan sat up, serious, “Is it really that hard?”

Zhou Sheng nodded, “If she’s a proper, traditional young lady, it’s even harder.”

Thinking of Yu Wanru’s demeanor, Xiao Anlan nodded, “Very proper.”

Zhou Sheng teased, “Then how did she get involved with you?”

“What’s wrong with me? Aren’t I proper?” Xiao Anlan kicked him. “Stop talking nonsense and help me think. I said something wrong yesterday and made her cry. Today, I apologized and she accepted. Now, I want to take her out. What’s the best way to convince her?”

The more Zhou Sheng heard, the more curious he became, “Who is this girl? You’ve got me intrigued.”

Xiao Anlan kicked him again, “If you want to know, just ask. She’s from the Yu family in the east, my grandfather arranged a childhood engagement.”

Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow, “The one who made Sun Er act like a mad dog?”

Xiao Anlan frowned, “Sun Er’s craziness has nothing to do with her.”

Zhou Sheng shrugged, “Just saying. Your grandfather arranged this, and you’re going along with it? That’s not like you.”

Xiao Anlan responded firmly, “Integrity matters. Don’t compare me to yourself.”

Zhou Sheng shrugged, conceding he couldn’t argue with Xiao Anlan’s thick skin.

Xiao Anlan said, “Stop pretending to be clueless. Give me some advice.”

Zhou Sheng replied honestly, “Young Master Xiao, if my experience were useful, I’d already have kids by now.”

Xiao Anlan thought for a moment and realized it was true; if Zhou Sheng had that kind of skill, his fiancée wouldn’t have left him for someone else.

Still, two heads are better than one, so he figured an extra person’s ideas might help. “Alright, I’ll give you a day. Write me a report by tomorrow, and I’ll pick the best option from it,” Xiao Anlan said, grabbing his coat and getting ready to leave.

Zhou Sheng called after him, “If you want me to help you woo your wife, are you going to share half of her with me when you succeed?”

Without looking back, Xiao Anlan waved a fist at him.

As he passed through the Western restaurant downstairs, he caught a whiff of the dessert aroma, paused, and went in. When he came back out, he had a paper bag in hand.

Old Wang, the driver, saw the bag and asked with a grin, “Young Master, buying treats for the Fifth Miss again?”

Xiao Anlan handed him the bag instead and said, “Take it to Miss Yu.”

Old Wang hesitated, asking, “And you, sir?”

“I’ll take a rickshaw home,” Xiao Anlan replied, motioning for Old Wang to hurry up so the treats would still be warm.

Not daring to ask further, Old Wang quickly started the car and drove off, eager to fulfill the task for his young master.