Unworthy

Later that evening, downstairs at Lin Jingmin's house.

Zhang Yang leaned against the car, smoking as he waited.

Not far away, a middle-aged man was coming down from upstairs and glanced at him several times.

"Are you waiting for someone, young man?"

It's certainly strange to be struck up a conversation out of nowhere.

But in this old neighborhood, a complete stranger, driving Cullinan, and incredibly handsome, naturally makes one want to ask him something.

"Mm." Zhang Yang nodded.

"Girlfriend?" the middle-aged man asked again.

"Not really," Zhang Yang said with a smile, casually handing over a cigarette. "A friend."

The middle-aged man took the cigarette, glanced at it, his heart skipped a beat, and laughed, "You young people, if you're dating, just admit it... Alright, I won't keep you any longer, I'm leaving now."

"Goodbye." Zhang Yang nodded in acknowledgment.

After a while, hurried footsteps finally echoed in the hallway.

A figure jogged out and gave Zhang Yang a big hug.

"Long time no see." Lin Jingmin had put on exquisite makeup, and her eyes showed a hint of eager anticipation.

"It's been quite a long time." Zhang Yang lightly slapped her butt.

The slap rang out crisply, mixed with a soft scolding.

Around the corner in the distance, a middle-aged man who had just returned from buying cigarettes leaned out, staring in disbelief at the scene before him.

His own daughter threw herself into his arms.

I even got my butt slapped...

He recalled that not long ago, Lin Jingmin had told him that she wouldn't be home for dinner that night, saying she was going to meet a client.

Is this the customer?

This is too much...

Inside the Cullinan, Lin Jingmin obediently got into the passenger seat.

Zhang Yang drove her straight to Purple Garden No. 1, the villa that had been renovated for a long time.

Bite!

The system has updated the item: Formaldehyde Removal All-in-One (can be used in any new house to achieve zero formaldehyde).

Priced at five million.

Purchase or not?

"I..." Zhang Yang's eyes widened, and he almost cursed out loud.

This system has become a bit too personified lately. After the new house is renovated, it even knows to send a gadget to help remove formaldehyde?

It's this five million...

Liaodong is abolished.

Anyway, for him now, five million and fifty dollars are about the same, so the system didn't overcharge him.

Although all the materials used in the renovation of this new house are environmentally friendly, it would normally take a long time before we could move in with peace of mind. Now we've saved that waiting time, and my parents can move in and enjoy their new home right away.

It was worth spending those five million.

"Purchase."

Zhang Yang didn't hesitate and bought the prop directly.

"What's wrong? Were you thinking about something?" Lin Jingmin asked softly, noticing Zhang Yang's expression.

"Hmm... there is a little," Zhang Yang said casually.

"I knew it. With your wealth, you must be under a lot of pressure." Lin Jingmin's eyes flashed with a hint of heartache. "Come on, let me help you release some of that pressure."

She thoughtfully bent down.

"No... don't... I'm driving... hiss." Zhang Yang exclaimed softly, gripping the steering wheel tightly with both hands.

Later that evening, outside Purple Garden No. 1.

Lin Jingmin covered her mouth and jogged to the nearest convenience store to buy water.

Zhang Yang parked his car and waited.

I watched as designer Kobayashi ran into the convenience store, quickly grabbed some water, and then unscrewed the bottle on the roadside, tilting his head back to rinse his mouth.

As the sun set, Xiaolin's hair was slightly disheveled, and there were glistening water droplets at the corners of her mouth. Standing there so gracefully in the sunlight, she possessed a touch of ethereal beauty.

Zhang Yang leaned back in his seat, a smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.

"Alright?"

"Hmm." Lin Jingmin got back into the car, took a tissue, and gently wiped her mouth. "Don't bottle up your stress in the future, it's not good. You need to know how to release it... I'm always here whenever you need me."

She leaned over and pressed her face against his chest.

Zhang Yang touched her hair, smiled, and said nothing.

··

This penthouse, the king of the buildings in Purple Garden No. 1, has now been transformed from a bare shell into a brand new one.

The small pavilion in front of the detached house has a touch of the charm of the Jiangnan water town.

Stepping into the home, you'll find that the entire house is furnished with custom-made furniture, with meticulous attention to every detail. From design to quality, you can see the care put into every aspect.

Well, to be honest.

There's still that smell of renovation.

This is definitely not a place where people can live; at most, they can only symbolically move in for the Lunar New Year.

Zhang Yang secretly took out the formaldehyde removal item from the system store and used it.

In an instant, a refreshing breeze swept over me.

Inside the entire detached villa, the air suddenly became exceptionally fresh, as if breathing in a mountain retreat after a fresh rain.

"Huh?" Lin Jingmin sniffed the air and muttered something strange, but didn't say anything.

Only Zhang Yang knew.

This villa is not only free of formaldehyde now, but it will also remain so in the years to come.

This place is ready for check-in.

There are three floors upstairs and one floor downstairs.

Zhang Yang toured the entire place, inside and out. With his limited experience, it wasn't exactly amazing, but he was still satisfied.

"How was it? Did it pass inspection?" Lin Jingmin asked with a smile. "Is there a reward if you're satisfied?"

"There will be a reward, of course. Come, let me tell you in detail." Zhang Yang turned to Lin Jingmin, smiled, and pulled her into a nearby room.

It was nearing evening.

Life goes on, and so does exercise; this was truly an exhilarating experience.

As Lin Jingmin walked out of the villa, she touched her slightly bulging belly and exclaimed that she had lost out.

"Hmph, no reward, and my stomach is both hungry and bloated."

"I'm hungry, come on, I'll take you out for a big meal." Zhang Yang said with a smile, pulling Lin Jingmin along.

The two drove straight to Haiqin Restaurant instead of going anywhere else.

At this hour, Haiqin Restaurant had already started serving customers early and was already packed with people; the parking lot in front of the restaurant was full of cars of all sizes.

Zhang Yang glanced at the familiar Maybach and Bentley and knew that his parents were both at the store today.

"This restaurant?" Lin Jingmin blinked. "This restaurant is super popular, why did you think of eating here?"

"That's the way to go," Zhang Yang said with a smile as he walked into the shop.

Inside the lobby, Zhang Zhaohai, exuding an air of superiority, stood with his hands behind his back, talking to the store staff as if he were living a life of luxury.

At the front desk, Song Wenqin was looking down at the accounts.

"It seems there are no seats left." Lin Jingmin gently tugged at Zhang Yang. "Should I go ask?"

Zhang Yang smiled slightly and stepped forward.

"Madam, are there any seats left?"

"Not now, we'll have to wait." Song Wenqin said instinctively without looking up.

Then, as if snapping out of her daze, she looked up abruptly, her face filled with surprise.

"Zhang Yang? Son, you're back?!"

"Yes, Mom, I'm back. Are there any seats left?" Zhang Yang asked.

Standing to the side, Lin Jingmin glanced at Zhang Yang, then at the proprietress behind the counter, and an unbelievable thought suddenly popped into her mind.

Oh my god!

This is Zhang Yang's family shop. And this is his mother?

"Even if we don't have one, we'll find a way to make room for you!" Song Wenqin grinned from ear to ear, glancing at Lin Jingmin next to Zhang Yang.

This girl?

"Hello, Auntie, my name is Lin Jingmin, and I'm Zhang Yang's friend." Lin Jingmin hurriedly introduced herself, a little nervously, while observing Zhang Yang's expression.

Fortunately, Zhang Yang didn't say anything.

"Hello." Song Wenqin smiled at Lin Jingmin but didn't say anything.

Anyway, she's long since gotten used to the pretty girls around her son and won't make any more misunderstandings; she'll just be polite when necessary.

"Old Zhang, come here!" Song Wenqin waved from afar.

Zhang Zhaohai looked over, then his eyes widened, and he walked over laughing.

"My son's back! I was just complaining the other day that he wasn't coming home for New Year's Day. Come on, have you eaten yet? Let's have a drink tonight."

"Let's skip it today," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "Dad, another day."

"Another day?" Zhang Zhaohai asked in surprise. "What are you...?"

He noticed Lin Jingmin standing to the side, and suddenly realized what was going on. He nodded and said, "Okay, let's do it another day. I'll arrange for you to sit down."

A moment later, Zhang Zhaohai arranged a seat for Zhang Yang.

Even if our own restaurant is packed right now, getting a seat isn't difficult.

"If your uncle wants to drink, why don't you drink with him? I don't mind," Lin Jingmin whispered from the side. "It's rare for your uncle to be in such a good mood."

"It's alright, I'll eat with you today, and then I'll eat with my dad another day, it's all the same," Zhang Yang said with a smile. "How about... we have a drink?"

"Oh?" Lin Jingmin nodded quickly. "Sure, if you want to drink, I'll have some with you."

A moment later, the dishes were ordered and the wine was served.

Zhang Yang poured Lin Jingmin a small glass, then raised his glass in a gesture of respect, saying, "Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Lin, a toast to you."

"It's only right that you, Mr. Zhang, do your job, no matter how hard it is." Lin Jingmin smiled, raised her glass, and said, "I've accomplished my mission."

The two clinked their glasses, surrounded by a lively, bustling crowd, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

After dinner, the food, enhanced by the "buff," naturally drew praise from Lin Jingmin, who kept complimenting it.

"How can it taste so good?"

"Seriously, I'm not trying to flatter you. Originally, I thought... uh, don't mind me, I thought this store was just a hyped-up business, but now I know why it's so popular."

Lin Jingmin kept talking.

"It's delicious, I'll come again next time. By the way, mention my name for a discount," Zhang Yang said with a smile.

"Then how should I introduce myself next time I come?" Lin Jingmin asked, blinking.

"Whatever, report it however you want." Zhang Yang reached under the table and touched Lin Jingmin's thigh. "They've met my girlfriend before. Don't be embarrassed if you're caught impersonating her."

"I'm not embarrassed at all. I don't believe you don't have a second or third girlfriend." Lin Jingmin leaned closer and said, "How about giving me a number in the rankings? Is there any hope within the top ten?"

"I'm afraid it's... uncertain." Zhang Yang shook his head.

Lin Jingmin blinked and also reached her hand under the table.

"Now? If I perform well, is a top-five finish possible?"

"Hmm, looks promising."

··

As night fell, a jolt shook the Cullinan from Lin Jingmin's apartment.

Then, Lin Jingmin got out of the car with unsteady steps and walked into the stairwell of her home, leaning against the wall.

As soon as I stepped inside, two stern gazes were cast my way.

"Where have you been so late at night? Meeting clients, really?" Mr. Lin slammed his hand on the table, his gaze sweeping over his daughter, who could barely stand, his expression heavy. "Your car's been parked downstairs for almost half an hour. What are you up to?"

Lin Jingmin knew she was in the wrong, and couldn't maintain an expression of taking it all for granted.

She can't very well justify herself by saying, "I didn't do anything, you're messing with me," can she?

"Mom, please say something for me! You know whose it was, it was the one from last time..."

"You knew about this too?" Mr. Lin looked sternly at Mrs. Lin beside him. "How come I never heard you mention it?"

He certainly has no objection to dating.

But look at that person's aura and presence, is my daughter good enough for her?

Although he didn't achieve much in his life, he still understood the basic principles of life, such as self-awareness.

It's obvious they're just looking for thrills and having some fun.

"Yes... I've seen her." Lin's mother stammered, and under Lin's father's persistent questioning, she could only tell the truth.

"What, you were at home last time?"

"Lin Jingmin, do you even know what you're doing?"

"You, you, you! You have absolutely no sense of propriety or shame! You actually had an affair with your own client... Do you even care about your future? What about your reputation in the company?" Lin's father bombarded him with questions.

Lin Jingmin's eyes reddened as she spoke, and she turned and left.

"That brat, she wouldn't listen even after I told her, and you... you didn't even tell me about something this important..." Mr. Lin stomped his feet in anger.

"It's not that I'm looking at the young man, he really is good-looking..." Lin's mother didn't know what to say.

After all, even if she saw her daughter sleeping with such a handsome guy, she wouldn't dare to say a word against it.

"Foolish woman, does being handsome mean you can do whatever you want? Does being handsome mean you can play with girls and girls should pay them to you?" Lin's father was so angry he was practically fuming, feeling his dignity had been trampled on.

He went forward to try and open Lin Jingmin's room door, but after trying, he found it was locked from the inside.

"Alright, alright, calm down. You still have work to do tomorrow, don't you?" Lin's mother stepped forward to comfort her. "I'll talk to Jingmin about it later."

"You're just too indulgent," Lin's father sighed deeply, shaking his head without saying anything more.

Early the next morning.

Lin's father got out of bed with dark circles under his eyes; he had tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.

Early in the morning, Lin Jingmin's room was already empty. There was breakfast on the table, but he didn't feel like eating. After washing up, he sat down and ate a little, then went to the mirror to check his appearance.

Their company is having an event at the Four Seasons Hotel today.

As the person in charge of the relevant office, he had to arrive early to set up the venue and strive for the successful completion of the event.

"Day after day."

Barely suppressing his thoughts, Lin's father left home and headed straight for the Four Seasons Hotel.

The Four Seasons Hotel Meeting Room.

Mr. Lin met with several colleagues from the company's General Office, and then they began setting up the meeting venue.

The huge, square conference hall was one of the largest and best-equipped in the entire Yinghai Hotel. While coordinating with the hotel staff and setting up the conference equipment, Mr. Lin also arranged for a few young people to get things done, such as setting up the registration area.

By around 10 o'clock, the basic setup was complete.

Company leaders were also present.

"Old Lin, you did a great job." The company's vice president patted Lin's father on the shoulder in praise.

Despite his advanced age, Mr. Lin was all smiles and repeatedly expressed his humility, saying it was all thanks to his colleagues.