Morning Azure Sea, Evening Cangwu

That evening, Zhang Yang took Xiang Xiaotian directly to a five-star hotel across the street.

After a long separation, Xiang Xiaotian drank quite a bit of alcohol again.

The evening brought a somewhat stark contrast...

As the smoke cleared, Xiang Xiaotian Zhang Yang's chest like a little white rabbit, not wanting to move a single finger.

"What did you just call me?" Zhang Yang asked abruptly.

"What do you like me to call you?" Xiang Xiaotian's voice was soft and gentle. "My darling? Brother Zhang Yang? Husband? Darling? Actually, I like calling you my darling the most because... you truly deserve the name."

She gently touched Zhang Yang's cheek, her eyes filled with deep affection.

"I forgot one," Zhang Yang laughed. "Not calling me 'Dad' anymore?"

"Huh? Did I shout that?" Xiang Xiaotian was slightly taken aback, her face flushing red. "You must have misheard."

"Then call it now."

"No... no, be gentle... okay, I'll scream, I'll scream..." Xiang Xiaotian pleaded.

As the year drew to a close, the night was cool and still. Finally, the night returned to complete tranquility, and I slept soundly until dawn.

The next morning, after the two got up and washed up, Zhang Yang prepared to take Xiang Xiaotian home.

"Brother Zhang Yang, I..." Xiang Xiaotian stammered, as if she had something to say.

"What's wrong with you? Weren't you quite uninhibited last night? Why are you acting all ladylike today?" Zhang Yang asked with a smile, kneading her waist.

Several guests passing by the hotel lobby happened to be there and saw a fair-skinned, beautiful girl who looked like she came from a wealthy family being held in a boy's arms, his waist and hips being roughly kneaded. They were all a little dumbfounded.

"You went in there several times yesterday... I calculated the days, it Xiang Xiaotian a bit dangerous... I should have bought medicine last night."

"If I can't win, I'm done for," Zhang Yang said casually.

"Huh?" Xiang Xiaotian was dumbfounded, stammering, "Brother Zhang Yang, what are you saying?"

"I was born with a slight problem, commonly known as anorexic syndrome," Zhang Yang said nonchalantly.

Xiang Xiaotian stared blankly at the handsome face in front of her.

God is indeed fair; even someone as perfect as Him has such an unknown flaw.

No, this is not a defect.

Even the purest jade has its flaws, let alone a person?

Suddenly, a surge of tenderness welled up within her, and she took the initiative to tiptoe and kiss Zhang Yang.

"It's okay, we can get treatment. Even if it can't be cured, it's not a big deal..." Xiang Xiaotian touched Zhang Yang's face. "How about we adopt one then? Adopt a little princess. I saw a lot of adorable children abandoned in the orphanage before, it broke my heart."

She talked a lot in one breath, and even started to imagine her future life.

"Let's talk about it later," Zhang Yang said with a smile, taking Xiang Xiaotian's hand. "I haven't had enough fun yet."

"That's true. You're only twenty-five, and you're as strong as a tiger. You should think about this at least twenty years from now," Xiang Xiaotian said with a smile. "Brother Zhang Yang, if you adopt a child in the future, he'll definitely need a mother. I don't care about your health problem. Why don't you consider me?"

"You've been saying it for twenty years... you're going to wait for me for twenty years?" Zhang Yang said, amused.

"Then I'll wait for you for twenty years," Xiang Xiaotian said earnestly.

Zhang Yang was speechless, but a soft spot in his heart seemed to be slightly touched.

"What are you talking about?" He touched Xiang Xiaotian's cheek. "Let's go, don't make vows of eternal love here... I'm busy."

"Okay, Xiao Tian knows Brother Zhang Yang is busy." Xiang Xiaotian nodded gently. "As long as Brother Zhang Yang knows that there's always a girl willing to wait for you for a year, ten years, until one day you get tired and turn around, you'll find that I've always been there..."

"That's so cheesy," Zhang Yang laughed. "You're taking this a little too seriously, aren't you?"

"Hehe, that's the right medicine for the illness..."

The two walked across the street and returned to the restaurant.

I also met the boss, who had dark circles under his eyes but still looked very energetic.

"You... you really..." Zhang Yang was a little surprised. "It's just a car."

"I've accomplished my mission," the shop owner laughed. "I've kept watch all night; I doubt I'll ever have another chance to spend so much time with this amazing car again."

"Want to get in the car and have some fun?" Zhang Yang took out his car keys.

The shop owner's eyes showed a hint of interest, but he shook his head and smiled, "No need for that. If you have time in the future, just come to our shop with your friends more often."

"Absolutely," Zhang Yang agreed with a smile.

A short while later, the two got into the car, waved goodbye to the shop owner outside, and left first.

··

As the year draws to a close, many things are proceeding smoothly.

Since surpassing 100 stores, and with the injection of capital and the establishment of a new central kitchen, Soup King Hotpot's store development speed has been like being given an accelerator, accelerating rapidly.

While the growth rate increased, the sales of each store reached new highs, and the table turnover rate remained high.

On a certain book review platform, it has maintained its popularity and has become an absolute internet sensation. Moreover, it is not the kind of place that is short-lived. Soup King Hotpot's strategy of focusing on its products has allowed it to withstand the scrutiny of millions of diners.

Among domestic hot pot chains, Soup King Hotpot is an unavoidable name.

Preliminary construction work has gradually begun at the Huaying Film and Television Base in Beijing.

With existing system blueprints, Zhang Yang's generous payment for the project, and strong support from the local government, the project proceeded smoothly and quickly, getting started without any obstacles.

Du Xiaochen, who was far away in Magic City, received hundreds of millions of yuan in construction fees from Zhang Yang after winning the project for what was touted as the world's tallest Ferris wheel.

At his home, things naturally took off, and everyone looked at him with newfound respect.

His father also plans to focus on grooming him for future success.

Naturally, this young man became even more respectful and grateful to Zhang Yang, treating him like a brother.

"Brother, are you coming out today? I know you have high standards and are picky, but I'll introduce you to a few rich and beautiful women today. Their families all rely on our company for their livelihood. If you like them, I'll arrange it." Du Xiaochen said on the phone.

"You're exaggerating a bit. Even if they flatter your family, they wouldn't be so easily manipulated by you, would they?" Zhang Yang said with a laugh. "What do you take them for?"

"I wouldn't say that to others, but Brother Zhang... all I have to do is bring the girls in front of you, and they won't have a second thought," Du Xiaochen chuckled.

"Let's talk about it later. I'm busy these few days after New Year's Day," Zhang Yang politely declined his offer.

It can't really be called making excuses.

With only a few days left until the end of the year, he promised to take Bei Wei out to celebrate the New Year.

After discussing it, the two decided to go to Mohe to see the aurora borealis.

Because he had recently read reports that a major geomagnetic storm would occur around New Year's Day, which is also considered the best time to see the aurora borealis, Zhang Yang arranged in advance to fly his private plane to Harbin the "Harbin") first, and then fly to Mohe.

With only a few days left until departure, the little girl has been exceptionally excited these past few days.

Zhang Yang was squeezed dry every day, he was completely exhausted.

Fortunately, Zhang Yang could never be completely drained; instead, he kept coming back, over and over again, leaving Bei Wei exhausted and utterly resigned.

After hanging up the phone, Zhang Yang stood in his COFCO Seaview No. 1, gazing at the skyline of Magic City. On this day nearing the end of the year, he reflected on his year.

From a humble commoner to now, owning mansions, luxury cars, wealth, and businesses...

It really feels like a lifetime ago!

"It seems like it's been a long time since I've been back," Zhang Yang muttered to himself.

Back in Yinghai, ever since my parents' shop was given that almost bug-like buff, everything has gone smoothly.

Since the documentary "Flavors of the Human World" aired on Penguin Video, the family's Haiqin Restaurant has become an overnight sensation, with reservations extremely difficult to secure, and it is regarded as a culinary mecca by countless out-of-town visitors to Yinghai.

With such a thriving business, the cash flow is self-evident.

Not to mention the third store, the fourth and fifth are already in the planning stages. As for Zhang Zhaohai and his wife, they drive a Maybach and Bentley, and run a restaurant that rakes in money every day. Their life is more than just comfortable, so naturally, their son doesn't need to worry about anything.

Zhang Yang plans to go back home after the New Year and present the villa that he had prepared long ago to the couple.

"He's got the air of a boss now." He casually opened his father's WeChat Moments.

The title of the post on WeChat Moments was "[Old Friends Reunion]".

In a group photo, Zhang Zhaohai sits in the main seat, looking plump with fair skin, exuding an air of pampered comfort.

He was surrounded by people his own age, all with smiles on their faces, raising their glasses and looking at the camera.

From this photo, Zhang Yang glimpsed the spiritedness of a middle-aged man.

As for my mother Song Wenqin's WeChat Moments, she occasionally posts links to yoga studio and cosmetic surgery events, and sometimes shares her reflections on life. Basically, every single post gets a like from all the relatives in the family.

"I wonder how my uncle's restaurant is doing?" A thought inexplicably flashed through Zhang Yang's mind.

However, the thought was fleeting, and he didn't dwell on it.

Around noon, he quietly drove his Bentley from the COFCO Seaview No. 1 and headed straight to meet Bei Wei.

Today, Bei Jiajia finally came back from Rong City and invited them to have hot pot.

As for the location... it's naturally still Soup King Hotpot, owned by Zhang Yang.

At noon, at Soup King Hotpot Lujiazui Center Store.

Bei Jiajia sat opposite, eating hotpot while chattering away nonstop.

Zhang Yang and Bei Wei listened while eating, treating it as entertainment.

"The couple my dad introduced me to are extremely happy with, but I really don't like that type." Bei Jiajia gently blew on the Inner Mongolia mutton roll.

"What kind?" Bei Wei asked with a smile.

"Here it looks like this." Bei Jiajia took out her phone and pushed it towards her.

Zhang Yang glanced at it.

Hmm, he's a fair-skinned, handsome young man wearing glasses. He looks quite kind and has a scholarly air about him.

"Not bad, a cultured person," Bei Wei commented.

"But there are all sorts of people like him in Rong City." Bei Jiajia said speechlessly, "You don't know, one time he invited me to dinner, and someone at the next table was gossiping, so he tried to start a fight like they were, and he almost got beaten up."

Zhang Yang and Bei Wei exchanged a glance.

"That's quite courageous, very good," Zhang Yang commented.

Knowing it's impossible yet still doing it, speaking up when necessary, not causing trouble but not being afraid of it—that's a pretty good guy. Of course, there's another way to put it: act within your capabilities, don't be a show-off if you know you can't do it, and stay away from trouble.

"Brother-in-law, please don't speak up for him," Bei Jiajia said. "What I need is not someone who acts tough in the face of trouble, but someone who can truly handle things and resolve them, not someone who leaves me to clean up the mess in the end."

"You cleaned up the mess?" Bei Wei asked in surprise.

"Of course there were! I scared a few away after I smashed the bottle, and I was the one who called the police," Bei Jiajia said angrily. "By the way, this time when I went back to Magic City, he insisted on following me... My father repeatedly told me to give him some face and not to make things worse."

She briefly mentioned the boy; it turned out he was also a wealthy second-generation heir with some family assets.

Her parents spoke highly of this boy.

"They even followed us?" Zhang Yang chuckled. "They're here to celebrate the New Year, aren't they?"

"Who would spend New Year's Eve with him? By the way, sister and brother-in-law, where are you planning to spend New Year's Eve?" Bei Jiajia suddenly asked curiously.

"In the north, we can see the aurora borealis in Mohe," Zhang Yang said.

"Wow! That's so romantic! I want to go too! When did you book your tickets? Can I come along?" Bei Jiajia was eager to go, completely oblivious to being a third wheel.

Zhang Yang didn't care; it all depended on whether Bei Wei was willing.

"Do you really have to come along?" Bei Wei somewhat reluctantly. "You know, a private time for just the two of you, right?"

"Have you two had enough of your time together? Besides, you should enjoy your romance. I won't bother you," Bei Jiajia said with a grin. "Okay, tell me your schedule, or I won't be able to book your tickets."

Bei Wei looked at Zhang Yang helplessly.

"You do what you think is best, I don't mind," Zhang Yang said with a smile.

"Okay, if you want to come, that's fine too. Just come with us." Bei Wei rolled her eyes at Bei Jiajia. "You don't need to buy the tickets; your brother-in-law has a private jet."

There was a moment of silence at the dining table.

Then...

"WHAT? Am I dreaming? We're going out to celebrate the New Year on my brother-in-law's private jet?" Bei Jiajia exclaimed in disbelief.

In her opinion, it was simply fantastical.

Private jets are for the super-rich, but my brother-in-law...

Looking at the handsome face so close to hers, images of Zhang Yang's mansions, luxury cars, and even a fraction of his vast wealth flashed through her mind...

Yes, it's all because she had preconceived notions; subconsciously, she felt that private jets were too far out of reach.

However, the private jet is far away, but her handsome brother-in-law is very close.

Thinking about it this way, everything seems to make perfect sense.

"Okay, I'll fly to Harbin first, probably the day after tomorrow. Give me your ID later and I'll make the arrangements for you," Zhang Yang said casually.

"No problem, no problem!" Bei Jiajia was overjoyed, practically ecstatic.

She never dreamed that she would have such a fun New Year's Eve.

See the Northern Lights from a private jet...

This is what a vibrant and colorful life should be like!

Beside her, her blind date, who had followed her there, was still rambling on about his bland and uninteresting daily life. She could tell what he was going to say from the very beginning.

But right now, her older sister, whom she had taken for granted, and her handsome brother-in-law, were already living a life of fleeting happiness.

The comparison is incredible.