Chapter 396 - 396: Exploring Beauty Together
Seeing the two of them leave the lounge area, Lin Wu, who was sitting next to him, spoke up, “Boss, you’re really generous!”
“These things don’t matter; they’re all friends. For me, it’s an easy thing to help out a bit. Who doesn’t go through difficult times? Maybe someday when you encounter difficulties, someone will lend a hand to you!”
Even though such a thing wouldn’t happen to Zhou Chao again, he was willing to extend a helping hand to friends he recognized.
Lin Wu nodded in agreement, no longer saying anything, and continued eating the fruit on the table.
“Oh, 1 forgot something!” Suddenly, Zhou Chao sat up straight, clapped his hands, and looked regretful.
“What’s wrong, Boss?”
“Oh, it’s nothing, it’s nothing! When we return to Modu, I’ll arrange for someone to deliver it later.”
Zhou Chao originally planned to visit Ye Zhengfeng and Little Mango, bringing them some Yellowlip Fish Gelatin and similar health products. However, due to the early morning phone call, his plans were disrupted, and today’s hasty departure made him forget. It only came to his mind just now.
Seeing this, Lin Wu didn’t say much and continued to eat the fruit on the table.
Meanwhile, Qiao Shan and his assistant Xiao Yang were on the plane, taking pictures and striking poses. Xiao Yang was using his phone to take various shots, deleting and retaking them if they weren’t satisfactory. They spent over an hour exploring the plane.
“Brother Shan, how do these photos look?” Assistant Xiao Yang sent the edited photos to Qiao Shan.
Qiao Shan carefully examined the nine photos on his phone and nodded in satisfaction.
“They’re good, go ahead and post them!”
Assistant Xiao Yang hesitated and said, “Shan Ge, do we really need to post them?”
“Haha, of course, why not? Young Master Zhou just said he doesn’t mind, and as for others, do I care about them?”
“Alright.” Xiao Yang reluctantly agreed, seeing Qiao Shan’s determined attitude.
Qiao Shan then opened his Weibo account, posted the pictures, and felt satisfied as he stood up from the couch.
Let’s go back; we’re done!” He put his phone back in his pocket and walked towards the lounge area.
Just as he took a couple of steps, his phone rang, followed by a continuous “ding, ding, ding” sound.
He quickly took it out and saw that he had over 30 unread messages on WeChat.
Qiao Shan proudly waved his phone in front of Xiao Yang.
“See, this is the effect brought by the big shot!”
Assistant Xiao Yang looked bewildered. He had been in the industry for less than half a year and was still not very familiar with some of the rules.
“Brother Shan, why is this happening?”
Let me ask you, have you seen any other plane like this in China?”
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yang lowered his head and shook it. “No, there are no private planes like this in China. Even the domestic airlines don’t have many planes this large.”
“Exactly, the photos I just posted unintentionally showcased the luxury of the plane. This implies that I have the support of a bigshot and not just an ordinary one. After all, even the bosses of the major entertainment companies in China don’t have private planes.”
Assistant Xiao Yang instantly understood.
“Brother Shan, I’ve learned a lot!”
“Remember to observe, listen more, and talk less!”
“I understand!”
Qiao Shan opened WeChat and found that the messages were from people in the entertainment circle, including a few close friends. He replied to several important ones and then put his phone away.
Let’s go, we’ve spent over an hour touring!”
Soon, the two of them returned to the lounge area, where Zhou Chao was lying on the couch playing games.
“Thank you, Young Master Zhou!” Upon entering the lounge area, Qiao Shan expressed his gratitude.
“Ah, we’re all friends, no need for formalities!” Zhou Chao sat up and waved his hand, signaling them not to be polite.
It’s the least we can do!” Qiao Shan also understood that some respect should be shown when necessary; giving face is a two-way street.
“Having taken a look around, what do you think of my plane?”
“Luxurious, extravagant, dazzling—it’s a globally recognized luxury private jet!” Qiao Shan replied with a smile.
“Hahaha!” Zhou Chao burst into laughter upon hearing this.
“Let’s sit and chat; no need to stand!”
Both of them quickly took their seats.
They engaged in casual conversation. Zhou Chao and Qiao Shan did most of the talking, while Lin Wu occasionally chimed in with a few words. Assistant Xiao Yang sat quietly, not daring to interrupt.
Time passed slowly as they chatted, and the plane soon approached Shanghai Pudong Airport.
The aircraft landed smoothly at Pudong Airport.
“Qiao Shan, where are you heading? Do you need me to give you a ride?”
“No need, Young Master Zhou. Someone is coming to pick us up; we don’t want to trouble you.”
“Alright, then I’ll take my leave. If you need anything in Modu, give me a call!”
“Sure, Young Master Zhou, take care!”
Qiao Shan watched as Zhou Chao and his companion walked away before he let out a sigh of relief.
“What’s wrong, Brother Shan?” Xiao Yang asked curiously.
“It’s nothing,” Qiao Shan replied, “Let’s go!”
With that, the two of them left the airport and got into the car waiting to pick them up.
“Boss, should we head back now, or do you want to grab a meal somewhere?” Lin Wu turned his head to look at Zhou Chao, who was seated in the back.
“Let’s find a simple place, like a local eatery, and have a quick meal.”
Lin Wu reduced the speed and drove for about 20 minutes before stopping near a seemingly decent local eatery.
“Boss, how about this place?”
“They’re all about the same. Let’s go in!” After a quick glance, Zhou Chao opened the door and walked inside.
The local eatery was located on the ground floor of a two-story building that resembled a courtyard. The entrance had a large courtyard-like area, which appeared to be a modification of an old house.
The two of them entered the eatery and found a corner to sit down. Soon, a middle-aged woman approached them.
“Here’s the menu. Take a look and decide what you’d like to eat.”
After taking the menu, Zhou Chao looked it over. He was pleasantly surprised to see a variety of options, including hotpot, dry pot dishes, and stir-fried dishes.
“Let’s have some spicy chicken wings in a dry pot and two of their signature dishes.”
The woman took the menu and left without saying a word, bringing them a pot of tea in the process.
“This waitress has quite the personality,” Lin Wu couldn’t help but remark.
“Maybe they’re well-off at home,” Zhou Chao suggested.
Lin Wu nodded in agreement.
While they were waiting, Zhou Chao spotted an unexpected person entering the eatery, accompanied by a group of beautiful women and bodyguards.
The newcomer was Si Cong. Leading the way with his bodyguards, he was followed by four or five beautiful women, all of whom seemed to be having a great time chatting.
Perhaps they were too engrossed in their conversation and didn’t notice Zhou Chao and his companion sitting in the corner. Si Cong and his group also found a spot in the corner, conveniently placing themselves on opposite ends of the room.
“Look at that handsome guy over there! He’s so handsome!” one of the beautiful women exclaimed, casting a casual glance in Zhou Chao’s direction.
“Where’s the handsome guy? Let me see!” Si Cong, with a mischievous smile, turned his head to follow the gaze of the beautiful woman.
“Wow!” Si Cong couldn’t help but exclaim when he saw Zhou Chao and his companion.
“Si Cong, is he really handsome?” another beautiful woman noticed Zhou Chao as well.
“He’s definitely handsome. Who wouldn’t think so?” Si Cong replied as he stood up and walked over towards Zhou Chao.
The women at their table looked at Si Cong’s departure with curiosity but didn’t inquire further.
“Zhou Chao, what a coincidence!” Si Cong casually took a seat next to Zhou Chao.
“I was about to say the same. I didn’t expect to see you out with a few beautiful women. Where are you planning to go later?”
“We’re just out shopping with some friends and might hit the bars later.
Interested in joining us?” Si Cong smiled, feeling a bit caught.
I’ll pass this time. I’m not really into these kinds of gatherings, plus, I have some things to take care of this afternoon. Let’s catch up when we have more time.”
“Alright then, see you later!”
“You should head back soon. Can’t you see those ladies over there are getting impatient? If you stay any longer, they might start writing bad things about me in their little books!” Zhou Chao teased.
“Hahaha, then I won’t keep them waiting!” With that, Si Cong stood up and walked over to the group of beautiful women.
“Si Cong, do you know that handsome guy? You seemed to be having such a pleasant chat!”
One of the women approached Si Cong, keeping her hand on his arm.
“Of course, we know each other. We’re old friends. But ladies, you shouldn’t get your hopes up. He’s way out of reach, and besides, he’s already married!”
“Really? Is he even more impressive than you, Si Cong?” The women looked at him with skepticism.
Si Cong chuckled and glanced back at Zhou Chao, who was enjoying his chicken wings. Then he turned to the women and said, “Definitely!”
At once, all the women turned their attention towards Zhou Chao.
“That’s enough. If you want to take a closer look, go over there yourselves!” Si Cong glanced at their expressions and couldn’t help but feel a bit displeased.
The ladies quickly averted their gaze upon hearing Si Cong’s words and began chatting with him. Laughter and cheerful conversations filled the air at the local eatery.
“The dry pot here is quite good. No wonder you seemed so confident!” Lin Wu licked his lips, savoring the flavors they had just experienced.
“It’s indeed not bad!” Zhou Chao wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked at the nearly empty dry pot that had only some remaining ingredients.
“Alright, let’s go to the company.” Zhou Chao stood up, and Lin Wu quickly went to settle the bill, also paying for Si Cong’s table.
Zhou Chao greeted Si Cong before leaving the eatery, and they headed out together.
After paying the bill, Lin Wu hurriedly caught up with Zhou Chao as they exited the eatery.
The place they had their meal wasn’t far from Lujiazui, and in less than twenty minutes, they arrived at the underground parking lot of Jinmao Tower.
They took the elevator and went straight to the company. In the elevator, they encountered several employees who had finished their meals and were returning to the office. Upon seeing Zhou Chao, they became nervous and a few even hesitated to enter the elevator with him.
Upon reaching the company, they headed directly to Ling Chen’s office.
Ling Chen had just returned to the office after having lunch and was planning to take a nap. Just as he lay down, he heard the office door being pushed open.
“Who is it?