Faint Old Acquaintance

In the evening, a group of younger people got together to eat, drink, and play, as a way of celebrating Teacher Meng's new car.

It was past midnight when everyone reluctantly dispersed.

These people, seemingly congratulating Meng Baihan, were actually trying to find opportunities to get close to Zhang Yang and build a relationship.

"Brother Zhang, I'm actually working in Magic City right now. My biggest dream in life is to have the opportunity to settle down in Magic City own a house of my own, even if it's small," one of Meng Baihan's younger brothers sighed.

"Keep up the good work, you'll have your chance," Zhang Yang said with a smile, offering words of encouragement.

As the event ended, Zhang Yang and Teacher Meng hugged and prepared to leave first, deciding to postpone their intimate moment for another day.

Everyone stood still, watching Zhang Yang's Cullinan into the distance.

"Sis, where does Brother Zhang live in Magic City?" They asked curiously only after the person had left.

Meng Baihan smiled gently.

"You work in Magic City, so you must go to the Bund quite a bit, right?"

"Sure, but there are always too many people. It's always packed with people," said Meng Baihan's younger brother.

"There's a poem that says, 'You stand on the bridge admiring the scenery, while someone in a building admires you.'" Meng Baihan joked, "You stand on the Bund looking at Lujiazui across the river, while Zhang Yang lives right there watching you."

Upon hearing this, the people present immediately fell silent.

There are only a handful of luxury riverside residences along Lujiazui Riverside Avenue, and any one of them is something he can only dream of in this life, the next life, or even the life after that.

He was surrounded by people on the Bund; all he saw was crowding.

But this Brother Zhang was standing in a luxury riverside mansion on the opposite bank, enjoying the river breeze and the view of the river and the Bund. The dense crowd of people was just a part of the prosperity of Magic City in his eyes.

It was getting late, and everyone, still filled with indescribable shock, dispersed.

Meng Baihan also drove his new car back to his villa.

Inside the villa, the lights were on.

With the sound of a car engine, the villa door opened, and the whole family came out to greet them.

"Is this... Panamera? Or a Turbo?" Meng Mingfeng stared wide-eyed at the brand-new car in front of him, speechless for a moment.

The car door opened, Meng Baihan got out, immediately seeing the whole family.

"Huh? What are you all doing out here?"

"This... this car is..." Meng Mingfeng stammered.

"Oh, weren't I with them looking at cars today? Zhang Yang bought one for me while we were at it," Meng Baihan replied with a smile.

"Just casually... bought one?" Meng Mingfeng felt dizzy.

I bought the car, which cost over three million, on a whim.

Think about his own Range Rover, a secondhand one, with a loan on it, all for the sake of appearances.

And what about his younger sister?

Since she started dating Zhang Yang, she's got everything: a million-dollar watch, a luxury car worth millions.

This...

"Hahaha." He suddenly burst into laughter, almost maniacally.

"Brother, are you alright?" Meng Baihan took a small step back and looked at his older brother with some concern.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. I'm happy for you." Meng Mingfeng covered his face, shrugging his shoulders repeatedly, not looking happy at all.

Meng Baoliang and his wife also stepped forward, looked at the car in front of them, and then at their daughter with rosy cheeks. A surge of joy welled up in their hearts.

"Mr. Zhang treats you so well! Xiaohan, from now on, you must be good and obedient when you're with Mr. Zhang. You must never throw a tantrum." Meng Baoliang said earnestly.

Meng's mother gently nudged Meng Baoliang with her elbow.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Don't you know what kind of person our daughter is? If she were throwing a tantrum, would Mr. Zhang spoil her like this?"

The couple's words revealed their genuine joy for their daughter.

In their eyes, this was a token of their affection, and it proved how much their daughter meant to Zhang Yang.

With millions invested, what is there to worry about?

If things continue like this, they might very well achieve a happy ending in the future.

Tonight, the Meng family will be sleepless.

··

Since returning to Yinghai, it is now the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which is the Lantern Festival.

While arranging the procedures for going abroad, Zhang Yang enjoyed this time in Yinghai before leaving the country.

On the Lantern Festival, Zhang Yang didn't go anywhere; instead, he accompanied his parents to check on the preparations for the new store.

This time, we took a slightly bigger step, opening two stores simultaneously.

Nowadays, Haiqin Restaurant has made a name for itself and occupies an important position in Yinghai's catering industry. Naturally, the decoration of this new store is becoming more and more upscale and sophisticated.

Zhang Yang stood in his own antique-style restaurant and looked it over from top to bottom.

The newly opened restaurant has set new records in both lobby size and number of private rooms, indicating a significant investment and high expectations. This also fully demonstrates the confidence of Zhang Zhaohai and his wife, who are finally ready to unleash their full potential.

"How is it, son?" Zhang Zhaohai asked with a hint of pride and satisfaction.

It has a bit of a show-off feel to it.

Zhang Yang naturally wouldn't discourage his parents. Although, in his opinion, the so-called exquisite decoration only looked impressive on the surface, it was definitely top-notch among the restaurants in Yinghai.

Besides, it doesn't matter how the decoration looks; with the system buff, business will never be lacking.

A simple decor might even evoke a sense of retro and nostalgia.

"It's pretty good, quite high-end," Zhang Yang said.

"If my son says it's good, then it must really be good." Zhang Zhaohai laughed heartily.

The father and son walked out of the restaurant and each lit a cigarette.

The antique-style street in the distance is decorated with an exceptionally festive atmosphere for tonight's Lantern Festival. By evening, it will surely be ablaze with lanterns and teeming with tourists.

"So, you're heading back to Magic City tomorrow. No plans for tonight?" Zhang Zhaohai asked with a smile.

"I've been making plans from the first day of the Lunar New Year all the way to the fifteenth. When am I ever free? Can't we take a break today?" Zhang Yang said with a laugh. "How about we have a family dinner tonight? A farewell dinner."

He only said he wanted to go back to Magic City.

But his family didn't know that he was actually planning to go to Africa.

"Tonight?" Zhang Zhaohai patted his son's shoulder. "Son, to be honest, your mother and I are also planning to have some alone time. You can make your own arrangements for tonight's Lantern Festival."

Zhang Yang was surprised to hear this.

He watched his father turn and leave, walking down the steps to get into the car, and then shook his head and chuckled.

So it turns out I'm still single?

It wouldn't be accurate to say he was left over. He had already been invited out by many people for today's Lantern Festival, but he turned them all down because he wanted to go home for dinner tonight.

Now look what's happened! My parents stood me up, and now I have to go back to them?

That would be so embarrassing.

"That's it." Zhang Yang sighed to himself, then turned and got into the car.

As evening falls, thousands of pear trees burst into bloom.

Throughout Yinghai Street and alleys, the greenery along the roadside is adorned with LED strips, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the Lantern Festival.

After the Lantern Festival, the Lunar New Year can be considered truly over.

Zhang Yang drove around and randomly found a local home-style restaurant in Yinghai for dinner, then wandered off aimlessly for a while.

The small park was ablaze with lights.

Everywhere I looked, there were pairs of boys and girls strolling side by side.

Under the night lights, Zhang Yang, with his handsome and dashing appearance, was strolling alone, naturally attracting the attention of many people.

"Such a handsome guy, out alone on the Lantern Festival?"

"Maybe he's surrounded by too many girls and finally has some free time, so he's out for a walk to clear his head?"

In the distance, several girls walked together, stopping and starting intermittently.

"Huh?" The girl suddenly paused, staring at the figure in front of her, stunned.

"What's wrong?" The girl next to her smiled and followed the girl's gaze. "What a handsome back view! He must be handsome from the front too. Are you seeing someone you used to know?"

"They look very similar, maybe I've mistaken someone else for someone else." The girl smiled, pursing her lips.

"Maybe? Then what are you waiting for? Go up and confirm!" the girl said with a smile. "It's a rare Lantern Festival, isn't this fate?"

"Let's forget about it. Even if we were, it's been far too long since we last contacted each other," the girl said softly.

"Let's go." Without saying a word, the girl grabbed the other girl and started to walk forward.

A few steps away, the two stopped.

"Go up there," the girl urged.

"I think I'll pass," the girl hesitated.

"I give up." Without thinking, the girl stepped forward and patted the figure on the shoulder. "Hey, handsome."

The figure turned around, and instantly, a handsome aura emanated from him.

The girl stared at it, then froze, completely stunned.

The girl was also stunned, then suddenly smiled, her eyes sparkling, "It really is you! Long time no see!"

Zhang Yang looked at the girl in front of him, and memories of the past flooded back.

"Indeed... it's been a long time."

··

After the Lantern Festival, on the day of their return journey, Zhang Zhaohai and his wife finally remembered that their son was returning to Shanghai that day, so they got up early and personally made breakfast for Zhang Yang.

"While career is important, remember to take care of yourself when you're out in the world."

Never mistreat yourself.

Song Wenqin kept rambling on, subconsciously still regarding Zhang Yang as a lone wanderer struggling far from home.

"Mom, you've got it wrong." Zhang Yang chuckled. "It's true that I don't want to waste time and energy on trivial matters, but that doesn't mean I don't care about the quality of life, okay? These trivial matters can be completely solved with money."

"Exactly, why are you worrying about this?" Zhang Zhaohai chuckled from the side. "I've been thinking of hiring a housekeeper to cook and clean at home, so we can have more time and energy to focus on our business. Our son's business is so big, don't you know about this?"

Song Wenqin was taken aback, then nodded hesitantly, "Then... then you must find an honest and reliable auntie. Don't find any young ones... they're unreliable."

She said a lot.

Zhang Yang listened without speaking, only nodding repeatedly.

Regardless of what he does in the end, or whether he hires a nanny or not, at least for now, it shows his mother's concern for him.

He can just write it down.

"Okay, Mom and Dad, I'm off." Zhang Yang nodded. "Actually, I..."

He wanted to tell them the truth, that he was about to embark on a journey to Africa, but after thinking about it, he decided against it.

Why tell them what to do, making them worry for no reason?

"What's wrong? What is it?" Zhang Zhaohai asked with a smile.

"It's nothing." Zhang Yang smiled and shook his head, opening the car door. "I'm leaving now, Mom and Dad. Take care."

"I know, we won't treat ourselves badly now." Zhang Zhaohai waved his hand. "Go ahead, Magic City a dazzling world, much more exciting than our small city. I don't have much to tell you, just come back to visit during holidays."

Old Zhang was incredibly carefree.

Zhang Yang nodded, got into the car, and without saying much, drove off into the distance with the roar of the engine.

"Strange, I had a feeling Zhang Yang had something to say just now." Song Wenqin muttered to herself as she watched the Cullinan drive away.

"You're just imagining things." Zhang Zhaohai's eyes seemed to hold boundless confidence in his son.

"Probably." Song Wenqin shook her head, clearing her mind of distractions.

··

On the way to Magic City, Zhang Yang's thoughts wandered.

There's nothing to worry about on this trip to Africa.

His personal martial arts skills have now reached the level of a grandmaster, making him virtually invincible. In addition, he possesses thirty Injury-Free Card and a Life Shield.

With such multiple layers of protection, there is naturally no cause for concern.

However, a wise man does not stand under a walled city. After all, it is a place of gunfire and war. Although he may be strategically dismissive, he still needs to pay attention to the tactical aspects.

Therefore, before going, you must understand all the necessary details. You must also ensure that the security team you need to arrange in advance is properly in place.

It is the right thing to do to make all the necessary preparations before setting off.

The first thing I did upon returning to Magic City was to visit the domestic office of Kaiwei Mining to get a better understanding of the situation.

Around noon, Zhang Yang arrived in Magic City.

"Secretary, get ready to order food." He sent a voice message to Bai Xiaomi on the way.

"Oh? Chairman Zhang, you're back. Are you eating at the company?" Bai Xiaomi replied immediately. "A new restaurant opened downstairs, the food is really good. Should I wait for you there?"

"Location? I'll go straight there when I get there," Zhang Yang replied casually.

"Okay!" Bai Xiaomi replied happily.

Later that evening, Zhang Yang went straight to his company building and found the Magic City restaurant at the address provided.

Inside the private room.

As soon as Zhang Yang walked in, Bai Xiaomi stood up with delight and came to greet him.

"Chairman Zhang, you've arrived! The dishes have just been served."

She stepped forward and helped Zhang Yang take off his coat, hanging it on the hanger. Then she took his arm and they went to the table together.

Several specialty dishes were laid out on the table.

The soup is rich and savory, with a touch of saltiness. The dish includes poached three-yellow chicken with glistening aspic, crystal shrimp, and several seasonal fresh vegetables.

To be honest, we drove for several hours, right around lunchtime.

He got this meal right after getting off the bus; it really suited his taste.

"How is it, Mr. Zhang? These are all your usual favorites." Bai Xiaomi looked at Zhang Yang expectantly. "This place is absolutely delicious, Mr. Zhang, you should try it."

"Let's go together." Zhang Yang smiled and patted Bai Xiaomi's hand.

Upon returning to Magic City, Zhang Yang had his first meal with Bai Xiaomi.

The dishes were indeed quite flavorful. The winter bamboo shoots in the braised pork and bamboo shoot soup were crisp and sweet, the poached chicken made with free-range chicken from Pudong was tender, the crystal shrimp were bouncy, and then there were several seasonal vegetables.

That feeling, it hit the mark right away.