NOVEL WEB Chapter 27 - There Was the Sound of Water in the Bathroom
Chen Yaru wanted to ensure that Zhang Xiaoloong didn't feel uncomfortable. When she heard her father offer to settle the bill, she discreetly tugged at her clothing from behind, but unfortunately, it didn't succeed this time.
“What does President Chen have in mind?” Zhang Xiaoloong was also somewhat uncertain.
Chen Zhaomin smiled warmly and explained, “Are you planning to cultivate vegetables in a greenhouse? There's a scarcity of good-quality vegetables in the city. When the time comes, provide me with some organic produce. The requirements are not too demanding. Once your vegetables are ready, bring me some fresh produce every week. We'll have Xiaoru come pick it up for you, or you can visit the office.”
“No problem, I promise President Chen will be satisfied with my produce,” Zhang Xiaoloong promptly agreed.
Using corn as an example, the quality of his produce was quite evident. Repaying the favor with such high-quality food was undoubtedly the best approach.
“Don't always refer to Miss President Chen in such formal terms. Let's bridge the gap. Call me Uncle Chen from now on,” Chen Zhaomin kindly suggested, gesturing towards his daughter. “You two are roughly the same age. Address her as Yaru. Otherwise, we might have difficulty proceeding with this arrangement.”
Zhang Xiaoloong smiled wryly. President Chen's words had an element of coercion, but it was delivered in a friendly manner that made it difficult to be upset. “I understand, Uncle Chen.”
“What about me?” Chen Yaru grasped his intention and promptly joined the chorus. “Just remember, you must visit once a week until you clear your debts!”
This wasn't merely about delivering food; it was about orchestrating an opportunity for Zhang Xiaoloong to cross paths with her.
Upon realizing this, Chen Yaru held her father in even higher esteem. Without missing a beat, she found an ingenious solution to the puzzle that had been plaguing her mind.
Now, she wished she could hurry back to the office and draft an astronomical bill, ensuring that Zhang Xiaoloong would be her food provider for life.
“I understand, Chen… Yaru.” Zhang Xiaoloong felt like he was aboard a pirate ship, but if this vessel didn't sail, he feared he might not find another to accept his 5000 yuan.
“Hehe, Xiaoloong, do you recall the number I provided you?” Lee Donghua inquired, sensing that their arrangement was nearly settled.
“I've got it.” Zhang Xiaoloong retrieved the business card from his pocket, signifying that he had kept it safe.
“Yes,” Lee Donghua responded with a cheerful nod. “If you decide to pursue anything else, Uncle Lee might not be of much assistance. However, if you plan on cultivating vegetables, feel free to supply them to me in the future. Uncle Lee will charge a fair price, one that you set.”
“Uncle Lee, you're not simply making empty promises, are you? If you purchase his vegetables for 100 RMB per kilogram, will you genuinely adhere to that price?” Chen Yaru inquired immediately.
“Oh, come on, young lady, aren't you being a bit too skeptical? Are you acting as his price watchdog?” Lee Donghua teased her, then turned serious. “But I have confidence in Xiaoloong. If he offers a price of 100 RMB, then his produce must be worth every penny, and I'll gladly pay for it.”
“Thank you, Uncle Lee. If the need arises, I'll get in touch with you,” Zhang Xiaoloong replied casually, aware that mingling with these individuals was inevitable for his business.
Whether he would ultimately seek their assistance remained uncertain. For the time being, he hadn't made any such plans.
It wasn't because he doubted their sincerity, but rather because he noticed Xu Shaoning's demeanor. It was evident that this person was involved in substantial business ventures, far beyond purchasing his plot of land for vegetables. Even if it extended to ten or a hundred acres, it would merely require a discussion.
However, Zhang Xiaoloong wasn't keen on accumulating favors from the outset. He had every confidence in the quality of his produce. Why should he owe favors to middlemen in the food industry? Besides, his acquaintance with Lee Donghua was still in its early stages, and they didn't share such a deep bond.
In his mind, distinctions were clear: business remained business, and friendship, well, that was a separate matter. Even if the other party had intentions to look out for him, he should express his gratitude. Nevertheless, he knew all too well that forming a deeper relationship with this person could prove exceedingly perilous.
Any shift in the dynamic between Lee Donghua and himself could spell disaster for all the hard work Zhang Xiaoloong had put into building his life. This was the very scenario he wanted to avoid at all costs.
The party concluded swiftly, a predictable outcome for many.
The Wang family, the supposed focal point of the event, failed to attract much attention, and their efforts to entice Xu Shaoning went largely unnoticed. Ironically, it was Zhang Xiaoloong, the unassuming farmer, who reaped the benefits. This disheartening outcome left them with little inclination to host guests again.
Chen Yaru, who had initially been reluctant to attend the party, found herself yearning to escape the presence of Xu Shaoning and Wang Changyu, both of whom she found bothersome. At that moment, she hoped she wouldn't have to stay any longer.
As Zhang Xiaoloong prepared to depart, he initially intended to hail a taxi for the journey back. However, after repeated insistence from Chen Zhaomin, he reluctantly allowed Chen Yaru to personally drop him off at the hotel's entrance.
“You can head back now. I'll come to the company to see you tomorrow morning.” After alighting from the car, Zhang Xiaoloong leaned through the window and waved at Chen Yaru.
“Alright, I'll wait for you at the company,” Chen Yaru smiled and then glanced at the hotel. “Is staying here convenient for you? How about you come to my place…?”
Recalling how she had made a similar suggestion when they first met, it seemed somewhat inappropriate. She blushed slightly and continued, “Maybe you can stay at the company. We have an employee lounge that's cleaner than most hotels.”
Although it was referred to as a lounge, it was essentially her private haven. The bed and bedding inside were solely for her use.
With anyone else, Chen Yaru would never have considered such an offer. But when she was with Zhang Xiaoloong, her heart raced. She wished for him to seamlessly become a part of her life.
In the past, when Xu Shaoning pursued her, she had been tempted as well. After all, he was young, promising, and handsome. Such qualities often left a positive impression on most girls. But even then… she had never experienced this kind of heart-pounding sensation.
She could only attribute it all to fate. Without it, she couldn't fathom falling in love at first sight with a man.
“There's no need for that. It's only been one night, and I've already reserved a room,” Zhang Xiaoloong swiftly declined the offer.
He always felt an unexplained tension from the young lady's enthusiasm.
It wasn't that he had any aversion to her; quite the contrary, Chen Yaru was undeniably beautiful. Being liked by such a girl was something that pleased any man.
Yet, perhaps her assertiveness and desire to hasten things caught him off guard. Zhang Xiaoloong had never encountered someone as forward as her. He had led a rather sheltered life and had hardly ventured outside. Her proactive approach made him somewhat uncomfortable.
As he watched the car disappear ahead, Zhang Xiaoloong let out a small sigh of relief and headed towards the hotel.
He inquired at the front desk about Yang Jingjing's room. After verifying his identity, the receptionist promptly handed him a room key card and said, “This is the room Miss Yang has reserved for you. It's on the third floor, Room 306. Miss Yang's room is next door, Room 308.”
“Alright, thank you,” Zhang Xiaoloong replied without further questions. He picked up the room key card and ascended to his room.
Upon entering the room, he collapsed onto the bed. Suddenly, the sound of running water emanated from the bathroom.
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