Chapter 40.1

Chen Jubai saw the message around seven o’clock and quickly called her.

He had only learned about the evening’s event that afternoon. It was Ning Shuhui’s birthday, but tonight wasn’t just a birthday party. It was also a social event for the Ning family group. The Ning family held considerable influence in Nan’an. Even disregarding Ning Shuhui herself, he couldn’t avoid attending.

The afternoon had been packed with two consecutive meetings and hosting colleagues for a tour. With no time to check his phone, he had indeed forgotten to inform her in advance. Without making excuses, Chen Jubai apologized, “Sorry, it’s my fault. I forgot to tell you beforehand.”

Song Wei had already arrived at Song Gao Yi’s neighborhood. Kicking a stray soccer ball she’d found somewhere, she responded casually, “It’s fine. Just make sure to notify the 4S dealership.”

“Got it,” Chen Jubai replied in a gentle tone. “Are you at Dad’s place?”

“Downstairs. Go ahead and get busy, but don’t drink too much tonight.”

“Alright, see you tonight.”

After hanging up, Song Wei looked down to find a two- or three-year-old boy standing in front of her, glaring. “Sister, that’s my ball.”

Song Wei crouched down, picked up the ball by her foot, and handed it to him. “Sorry, little guy. Did I accidentally damage it?”

The boy seriously checked the ball over, then said softly, “No, it’s fine.” He tilted his head and asked, “Sister, are you unhappy?”

Song Wei paused, then smiled after a few seconds. “No, I’m not unhappy.”

The boy fished a piece of candy from his pocket. “Sister, here’s some candy for you.”

Song Wei froze completely. The scene felt familiar—just a while ago, a little girl had handed Chen Jubai candy, telling him not to feel sad.

Children’s minds are simple and pure, thinking a piece of candy can solve all unhappiness.

Song Wei accepted the candy and patted the boy’s head. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Sister.”

The boy ran off with his ball. Song Wei looked at the colorful candy wrapper for a long moment, then unwrapped it and put the candy in her mouth.

Peach-flavored.

Not the strawberry flavor from their first kiss.

Upon arriving upstairs and entering the apartment, Song Gao Yi returned at the same time, carrying groceries. Seeing her, he asked, “You really didn’t have a fight?”

Song Wei smiled. “Really, no. He has work, and I didn’t feel like eating alone, so I came here to mooch.”

Song Gao Yi scrutinized her, still somewhat suspicious. That kid Chen Jubai was famously clingy. Even if Song Wei came over alone, he would usually call first. But today, it was her who called him. How could he not overthink?

He didn’t notice anything unusual from her expression. Her explanation was flawless, but he still worried. “Stay here tonight.”

“You only have one bed. Where will you sleep if I take it?” Song Wei took his arm playfully. “Dad, really, it’s nothing. If I don’t go back, he might come here to fetch me, haha.”

Only then did Song Gao Yi relax slightly. “I bought ribs. I’ll make sweet and sour ribs for you later.”

“Great! Thanks, Dad.”

….

Evening Party

Chu Qi accompanied Chen Jubai to the evening banquet.

Before the event began, the two talked in a corner. “I heard Sister Shuhui has come prepared tonight. Not only are there major business figures here, but quite a few officials as well.”

The Ning family’s businesses spanned key industries in Nan’an, blurring the lines between business and politics. This wasn’t surprising. Chu Qi wondered aloud, “What do you think she’s planning to do?”

Chen Jubai glanced at the bustling scene not far away and smiled faintly. With wealth comes a desire for power—perhaps she sought fame or control of the Ning family.

Whatever Ning Shuhui intended, he couldn’t interfere. He wasn’t in a position to. His concern was Guangnian.

If she succeeded, all would be well. But if she failed, how would Guangnian be affected?

Ning Shuhui had contributed significantly to Guangnian in recent years. They were tied together; abandoning her wasn’t an option.

But… he had to prepare for the worst-case scenario—something unavoidable in the future.

Chu Qi scanned the crowd. “Let’s take the opportunity to meet some big shots and make ourselves known.”

“Agreed.”

With some time left before the event began, Chen Jubai glanced sideways. “What’s going on with you and Zhu Qingfei?”

Caught off guard, Chu Qi froze for two seconds before replying, “Nothing much.”

“If you’re not interested, say so sooner rather than later. Don’t string her along.”

Chu Qi understood and could see Zhu Qingfei’s feelings for him. He didn’t intend to play with her, but he hadn’t yet figured out how to handle the situation. For now, he was taking it step by step.

“I know.”

Chen Jubai decided not to meddle further.

The star of the evening, Ning Shuhui, made her entrance, and the two moved closer.

Introducing them, Ning Shuhui said, “Minister Wang, Mr. Qin, this is Mr. Chen and Mr. Chu from Guangnian Technology. Do you know each other?”

Minister Wang, a cheerful man, laughed heartily. “Of course! The young talents who’ve brought multiple awards to Nan’an—I’ve read about them in countless reports.”

Chen Jubai and Chu Qi shook hands with the two men. “Good evening, Minister Wang, Mr. Qin.”

Ning Shuhui smiled. “It seems I didn’t need to introduce you. Minister Wang, Mr. Qin, I hope you’ll support Guangnian in the future.”

“Of course.”

Minister Wang looked them over and, as if in passing, asked, “You two young men are so talented and handsome. Do you have girlfriends?”

Playing matchmaker was a common occurrence in business and political circles. Success or failure mattered little, but a successful match could sometimes yield useful connections.

Chu Qi answered first. “No, work keeps me too busy for that.”

Minister Wang turned his attention to Chen Jubai. “And you, Mr. Chen?”

Ning Shuhui also looked at him.

Chen Jubai smiled. “Minister Wang, I’m married.”

“Oh, what a shame.” With that, Minister Wang focused on Chu Qi, discussing a colleague’s outstanding daughter and attempting to set them up. Chu Qi politely but firmly declined.

Ning Shuhui maintained a light, gentle smile on her lips, giving away nothing. “You two continue chatting; I’ll go greet the other guests.”

“Alright.”

The banquet was no different from the usual social engagements—forced smiles, flattery, toasts, and superficial conversations tailored to whoever was listening.

The weak complain about the environment; the strong adapt to it. Chen Jubai and Chu Qi moved among the crowd, treating themselves like business cards, always ready to present themselves to anyone.

By 10 p.m., the banquet was winding down, and the crowd gradually dispersed.

Ning Shuhui approached them, saying, “Thank you both for your hard work tonight.”

Chu Qi replied, “It wasn’t hard. I gained seven or eight new contacts tonight. The hard part comes next.”

“Good luck with that, Mr. Chu,” she replied with a faint smile.

Chu Qi added, “By the way, Sister Shuhui, with all the guests tonight, I didn’t get a chance to say—happy birthday!”

The others standing nearby echoed, “Happy birthday.”

Ning Shuhui’s lips curved slightly upward. “Thank you. Go on home; I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chen Jubai nodded, and the two of them walked out together. Outside, rain was falling heavily.

Having had some drinks, they called for a designated driver. Once in the car, Chu Qi loosened his tie, sprawling lazily in the seat without a care for his appearance. “I’m exhausted. Dealing with these sharp-witted people is harder than drinking. But hey, I didn’t expect to make some gains tonight—it wasn’t all just about accompanying you.”

Receiving no reply, Chu Qi glanced over to find Chen Jubai typing something on his phone. Confused, he asked, “Seriously, Mr. Chen? Can’t get enough of work even now?”

Ignoring him, Chen Jubai turned to the driver. “Sir, do you know of any fried chicken places that are still open at this hour?”

“Fried chicken?”

Both Chu Qi and the driver exclaimed simultaneously.

“Yes.”