When Li Chonglou rushed back to Hu Han's warehouse, most of the goods had already been stored, and Hu Han's side was also expediting the stamping and delivery.
"Senior Li, I'll have someone transfer the remaining payment to your account immediately. Second Master asked me to say that he's pleased with the cooperation!"
Hu Han's face was beaming with joy. With the matter resolved successfully, he no longer had to worry about his position in the Hu family and wouldn't be kicked out every day.
Li Chonglou was equally happy. The arrival of the remaining payment meant that his first substantial earnings were finally secured.
"Brother Li, let's head back then. I still need to visit the talent market. The company is established now, but it's still an empty shell."
Zhou Tong reminded him.
Strictly speaking, apart from the old employees left by his friend, the company only had him and Li Chonglou. A company couldn't operate with so few people. Positions like finance, administration, and reception needed to be filled for appearances and operational processes.
Mentioning this, Li Chonglou also thought of Hai Yan and Yu Ke. He figured it was time to discuss signing contracts with them, so he nodded.
Yue Hai naturally left with Li Chonglou. However, the company had just been established and there was a lot of work to be done. Thus, Li Chonglou told Yue Hai that after this busy period, he would accompany him back to the mountains to meet his master.
Of course, he also promised to teach him some cultivation techniques related to Mai Qian, so Yue Hai agreed without hesitation.
With a bodyguard by his side, Li Chonglou felt a little more at ease. At least he didn't have to be constantly vigilant or worry about the consequences of forcibly fusing his soul.
After leaving Hu Han's warehouse, Li Chonglou didn't rush back to find Hai Yan at Yi'an's place. Instead, he took Yue Hai into a department store.
As soon as they entered, they attracted countless gazes. It couldn't be helped; Yue Hai's attire made him look like someone who had traveled back from ancient times. According to their previous conversation, he dressed like this because he had read martial arts novels.
Wearing a flowing robe, leather boots, his long hair tied up and a sash around his waist, anyone who didn't know better would think he was filming a historical drama.
His face also looked like it hadn't been washed in a long time, appearing dishevelled and unkempt.
When he went to the warehouse with Hu Han, Hu Han had wanted him to clean himself up, but Yue Hai simply didn't listen to anyone else. Only Li Chonglou could manage him.
"Senior Li, why are they looking at me so strangely?"
Yue Hai's sudden question caused Li Chonglou to freeze.
"What kind of address is that? You should just call me Brother Li."
Li Chonglou glanced at him with some awkwardness. "Senior Li," if others heard that, he would feel rather embarrassed himself.
Although Yue Hai looked confused, he nodded. Seeing this, Li Chonglou finally answered his question.
"It's nothing. I'll take you to get cleaned up later, and then they won't look at you like that."
Li Chonglou led him to a hair salon. While the stylist washed his hair, he also had Yue Hai wash his face. After a relatively neat haircut, Li Chonglou suddenly realized that the guy was actually quite handsome.
Although he had been practicing in the deep mountains year-round without intentionally avoiding the sun or taking care of his skin, which made his complexion look a bit rough and tanned, Yue Hai had well-defined features: thick eyebrows, large eyes, a hooked nose, and thin lips. If he were to put on makeup like those entertainment stars, he could probably debut on the spot.
However, Yue Hai, now without his beard and long hair, felt a bit unaccustomed, his brows furrowed even more.
"Brother Li, why do I have to be styled like them? I thought I looked handsome before."
Li Chonglou smiled and said, "It can't be helped. If you're going to stay by my side, you need to pay attention to your appearance. If you really like it, you can grow it out later. For now, you still need to pay attention to your image to fit in with society."
"Alright."
Yue Hai reluctantly agreed and fell silent. His compliance was within Li Chonglou's expectations.
For someone who could stay in the deep mountains for over twenty years for Mai Qian, and now had the opportunity to learn more about it, cutting his hair and changing his appearance was nothing. Even if he were asked to go through fire and water, he probably wouldn't hesitate.
After finishing his haircut, it was time to change clothes. However, just as Li Chonglou was about to lead Yue Hai into a clothing store, a man suddenly blocked their way.
"Sir, excuse me, all our clothing here are international brands."
The man was dressed in trendy fashion, looking refined and stylish, and his tone was very gentle. However, the look in his eyes as he glanced at Yue Hai betrayed his true thoughts.
Displeasure mixed with a hint of contempt.
Li Chonglou's brow immediately furrowed.
"As far as I know, no shop can refuse customers without reason."
"Sir, I apologize, but this is for your own good. After all, every item here is quite expensive. It wouldn't be good if your friend accidentally stained something, would it?"
The man maintained a standard smile, but his words made Yue Hai understand what was happening. His expression instantly turned grim, and he stared intently at the man.
The atmosphere at the scene suddenly turned cold.
The man felt his body uncontrollably shiver, as if he had suddenly been targeted by a wild beast, and a sense of panic welled up within him.
"You... what do you want?"
The man looked at Yue Hai in terror. Although Yue Hai hadn't spoken a word from beginning to end, his gaze made the man instinctively feel fear and rejection.
This was not the look of a human; it was clearly the look of a beast!
"Forget it, let's go to the next store."
Li Chonglou was afraid that Yue Hai might lose control and act. Someone like Yue Hai, who had just entered society, was very sensitive to such attitudes. Coupled with his lack of exposure to legal constraints, he might easily do things on impulse at times.
It was just a snobbish person. Li Chonglou didn't want Yue Hai to get into trouble because of someone like him.
However, to his surprise, Yue Hai stood there motionlessly.
"What's wrong?"
"I want to buy here!"
Li Chonglou looked at Yue Hai in astonishment. It was only then that he realized Yue Hai was acting out of childlike stubbornness.
Although he hadn't been to school, his observation and comprehension skills were top-notch. He understood the meaning behind the man's gaze and the implication of Li Chonglou patting his shoulder.
Therefore, he didn't resort to violence, but he also had no intention of leaving.
"You look down on me? Then I'll buy from you!"
The man chuckled and said, "It's better to listen to your friend and leave. People like you cannot afford to shop here."