Chapter 10

Cheng Yanran wanted to say more, “Zhou Zhou, don’t send me the money…”

Before he could finish, Zhou Zhou put her phone away and smiled, “I already sent it. Please accept it. This 20,000 yuan is enough to send me to the disciplinary committee.”

Hearing that, Cheng Yanran knew he couldn’t argue.

Before, she would always find ways to pay back even for a small pancake and soy milk, so now 20,000 yuan was definitely not something she would give up easily.

He gave up trying to persuade her and said seriously, “Zhou Zhou, this is your filial love for your dad. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it for you.”

Zhou Zhou smiled brightly, “Thank you, thank you for giving me such a big discount.”

“You’re too polite. We can’t pick up the car today, it’s still early. Want to have dinner together tonight? It’s been a long time since we met.”

Worried she might feel uncomfortable, he added, “I’ll also invite Chen Jing.”

Zhou Zhou looked at her watch — it was already past 4 p.m.

Cheng Yanran then noticed the delicate women’s watch on her right wrist. It had a brown strap, simple and elegant. On her fair wrist, it looked very old-fashioned but pretty.

The watch was nice, and her hand was pretty too.

His eyes moved to her face again. One thought came to his mind: she still looked very beautiful.

Unique and unforgettable.

She was about to say she would pay for dinner when her phone vibrated in her small bag. She quickly took it out and saw “Director Wu” calling. She gave Cheng Yanran a look, signaling she had to take the call first.

Director Wu was their main boss, who arranged many leaders’ trips and meetings. A call now meant something urgent.

“Zhou Zhou, the mayor has to go to a meeting in Wangjing early tomorrow morning. You will accompany her. The driver will pick you up at your community gate at 6:30 a.m.”

She couldn’t refuse such an urgent meeting and said, “Please send me the schedule and meeting materials. Is there anything else I need to prepare?”

“Prepare a summary on new industry development, especially on artificial intelligence, aerospace, and new energy vehicles.”

“Okay, I’m outside now, but I’ll work on it when I get home.”

“Good, that’s it.”

Cheng Yanran heard clearly. She was going on a business trip and had to prepare materials. Knowing she was busy, he said, “You have to travel? Let’s reschedule the dinner.”

Zhou Zhou nodded and explained, “Sorry, I have urgent work now. I should pay for this meal. Can we meet next week when I’m off?”

“Of course,” he said easily. “That milk tea shop on Henghu Street is still open. You can treat me and Chen Jing to some milk tea then.”

Zhou Zhou looked surprised, “You two still drink milk tea now?”

“Of course,” Cheng Yanran nodded.

She wouldn’t know if they did or not anyway. He could check with Chen Jing later.

“Great! I drank coffee all the years I was away. Now I’m busy every day and haven’t been to Henghu Street for milk tea. I really miss it.”

Cheng Yanran wanted to ask if the only thing she missed was the milk tea from Henghu Street.

Zhou Feng noticed them talking and thought they were old classmates catching up. He didn’t think much. From afar, the man was tall and gentle; the girl was small, gentle, and calm. Their conversation looked peaceful and well-matched.

He thought quietly: he didn’t know if Zhou Zhou was married. From their talk, she was polite and well-mannered, but her family was quite well-off.

Zhou Feng knew his daughter was excellent but his family was only middle class in H City, not rich. Cheng Yanran’s family ran a car dealership and he was a company partner — they must be quite wealthy.

But he also knew feelings were complicated. To him, Zhou Zhou deserved anyone good.

So, he only thought briefly and let it go.

Zhou Zhou, ready to leave, quickly went to her dad, “Dad, are you done here?”

“Yes, thanks to your friend, we saved a lot.” Zhou Feng looked at Cheng Yanran, “Thank you, young man.”

“Uncle, you’re too kind. Thanks for your business.”

Zhou Feng knew this was polite talk and said, “We’re going home now. Come visit us for a meal sometime.”

Going to Zhou Zhou’s home? Cheng Yanran wanted to say yes immediately but knew it wasn’t proper. He smiled, “Okay, definitely.”

Zhou Zhou quickly said, “Dad, I won’t go back to Ruyi Garden. I have to leave early tomorrow, so I’ll stay at Jade Bay tonight to pack.”

Zhou Feng said, “I’ll take you there now.”

“No, there’s a subway nearby. It’s easier for me. You’d have to go into the city. It’s Sunday and there’ll be lots of traffic later.”

If Zhou Feng drove her, he’d have to go way around the city to pick up Tao Qin and Yuanyuan. She was grown up now — subway was fine.

“That won’t do. Driving is no trouble.”

“Mom took Yuanyuan swimming lessons. If you take me, who will pick them up?” Zhou Zhou asked.

Zhou Feng hesitated. They had planned to pick Tao Qin and Yuanyuan after deciding on the car. If he took Zhou Zhou first, they wouldn’t make it in time.

Zhou Zhou quickly said, “Alright, alright. I’ll go now.”

Cheng Yanran hurried to stop her, “Wait, Zhou Zhou. Wait.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m going back to the office. I can take you on the way.”

Zhou Zhou knew his company was in the High-Tech Development Zone, a place full of cutting-edge companies.

“You’re going back to the office now?”

“I have a place next to the office. I’ll work late and go home afterward.”

Zhou Feng said, “That’s perfect. The subway is crowded on weekends. You’d have to stand for 40-50 minutes.”

He looked at Cheng Yanran, “Thanks for helping. I have to pick up her mom and take my granddaughter to swimming.”

Cheng Yanran was happy to help, “I’ll take you, Zhou Zhou.”

Manager He also said, “Since it’s on the way, Miss Zhou, don’t squeeze into the subway. The No. 2 line is packed with young people on weekends. If you’re in a hurry, take Mr. Cheng’s car. The highway is fast.”

Cheng Yanran silently gave Manager He a thumbs-up. He said, “Zhou Zhou, we’re classmates. Don’t be polite.”

Hearing this from three people, Zhou Zhou worried about her dad and finally agreed, “Okay, thanks for your trouble.”