"Are we going back now?"
Murong Yanran checked her phone. "It's still early. I'll go back to the dorm to grab some things. Let's meet at the entrance later."
"That sounds good. I'll go back to my dorm and gather them. We'll celebrate tonight."
...
"Creak~"
"Yanran? We haven't seen you back at the dorm lately."
Murong Yanran's return caught Ruan Shanshan by surprise, while Mai Jiaqi beside her grinned maliciously.
"Mhm, I've moved out. I'm just back to pack some things."
"Got a boyfriend?"
Murong Yanran blushed slightly and didn't refute, lowering her head as she packed clothes from her closet.
"Let me help you."
"Thanks!"
Mai Jiaqi clenched her fist, glaring at Murong Yanran with hatred. "Without the Murong family's status, what will you pretend to be? Young Master Mu will definitely be mine."
Taking out her phone, she quickly found Mu Shaoyang's WeChat, typed a message, and sent it: "She's back at the dorm."
"Keep an eye on her. I'm coming over now."
...
"Where are you going?"
"Dad, I'm going back to school."
"Come back."
"Dad..."
Mu Zhengtong was annoyed. He grabbed Mu Shaoyang and pushed him onto the sofa. "The top official has been transferred to the provincial level, and your Uncle Yongqi is highly favored. This is a crucial moment. Don't stir up any unnecessary trouble. If you mess things up, I'll break your legs."
"Uncle Yongqi is moving up? That's great! This means our family will be the sole dominant force in Binhai." Mu Shaoyang was also surprised by the news and immediately punched the air in excitement.
"It's good that you know. Don't spread it. Also, you're not young anymore. You need to learn how to manage the company instead of always thinking about playing around," Liao Zhengtong said meaningfully.
"I know, Dad. Where's Mom?"
"Your mother is playing mahjong with Mrs. Liu and the others to maintain connections. Our marine area contract expires in half a year. Although it's not a big problem, maintaining relationships is always beneficial."
"Remember, don't cause any trouble during this time. I'm heading back to the company." Mu Zhengtong picked up his briefcase and left the Mu family villa after giving instructions.
Mu Shaoyang's face darkened. He glanced at his phone. "You slut, daring to break off the engagement. I'll let you off for now. After Uncle Yongqi gets promoted, I'll see how I deal with you. Mai Jiaqi, though her face is a bit lacking, her figure and that enchanting voice are... hehe!"
"Come to the presidential suite at the Lanka Grand Hotel..."
Upon receiving Mu Shaoyang's message, Mai Jiaqi was overjoyed. She dressed up dazzlingly, looked at herself in the mirror, and smiled with satisfaction. "With my skills, I'll definitely capture your heart."
As Mai Jiaqi left the dorm, she didn't forget to give Murong Yanran a provocative and sneering look.
"Hmph, an outdated rich girl." She shook her hair and strutted out with a sway of her hips.
"Shanshan, thank you. I'll be going now. Come visit my place next time; the environment is quite good."
"Mhm, okay."
...
"Creak~"
"Brothers, I'm back!" Li Haochen pushed open the iron gate, deliberately raising his voice.
"Damn..."
Liang Minfeng stopped playing his game, Chen He and Liu Dehui paused their videos, and rushed to the door. Without a word, Liang Minfeng lunged forward and gave Li Haochen a firm hug.
"It's good to have you back..."
"Damn it, you didn't even call us when you were discharged from the hospital!" Liang Minfeng lightly punched Li Haochen's chest.
"Let's go, we'll have a welcome feast tonight to ward off bad luck." Chen He grabbed his phone and wallet and pulled Li Haochen out.
"Boss, we're not going out tonight. Let's go to my place. I've already bought groceries. Let's call Huilan and the others too."
Li Haochen saw the bitter and dejected expressions on Chen He and Liu Dehui's faces. "Boss, what's wrong with you guys?"
Chen He scratched his head awkwardly and gave a wry smile.
Liu Dehui sighed. "Boss and I broke up with them."
Li Haochen was stunned for a moment, his face filled with apology. "Is it because of that incident?"
Chen He chuckled bitterly. "It's not their fault. Offending the powers that be in Binhai, anyone would do that. On the other hand, our fourth brother has found a good girl!"
"Boss, I..."
"Haochen, it's not your fault. Don't blame yourself."
"Right, let's do it again. Bro will definitely not back down." Liu Dehui pulled up his sleeve, revealing his muscular bicep.
After being beaten last time, Chen He and the other two had been running and training their strength every day since their discharge from the hospital. Even the chubby Liang Minfeng had lost quite a bit of weight.
"Let's go, let's not talk about this anymore. We're going to my place today, and we won't stop until we're drunk. Fourth brother, go pick up Gui Fang. Meet at the entrance." Li Haochen didn't say too many words of thanks; all his gratitude was kept in his heart, cherishing it for a lifetime.
...
"They're here, time to eat!"
Murong Yanran, wearing an apron, wasn't skilled at cooking, but she had learned to serve dishes, wash bowls, and wipe tables, acting like the lady of the house as she called everyone to eat.
Zhang Guifang, also from a humble background, was capable in the kitchen. However, today wasn't about her, so she didn't try to steal the spotlight. She stayed with Murong Yanran, washing vegetables, fruits, bowls, and chopsticks. The two girls quickly became familiar with each other, their laughter filling the kitchen...
A large table laden with chicken, fish, shrimp, and crabs, along with large conch and whelks taken from the spatial artifact, filled the air with a tantalizing aroma.
"Wow, this is so lavish..."
"Third brother, it could have been simpler. Why make it so abundant? These sea snails alone cost hundreds."
"It just took a little effort, not actual money. I'm happy today, happy, hehe!" Li Haochen smiled and opened the wine caps, pouring a few small cups.
"Since that's the case, let's have a lavish meal tonight, hehe." With Li Haochen saying this, no one stood on ceremony and dug in heartily.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
They clinked glasses and toasted, and soon, two bottles of 53-degree Prince Liquor were finished. The four of them were flushed and slightly tipsy. Throughout the joyful feast, Murong Yanran and Zhang Guifang acted as servers, pouring drinks and serving food, giving the four men immense face. Despite having drunk about 4 liang of alcohol, they shouted with hoarse voices.
Being young, even after drinking 4 to 5 liang of white wine, they weren't completely drunk, only slightly tipsy with their consciousness still relatively clear. The four of them sat around a small table in the courtyard, enjoying the gentle sea breeze, the starry sky, the chirping of insects, and the rustling of the longan trees, a tranquility that could not be found in the bustling city.
Murong Yanran brewed a pot of tender tea buds, while Zhang Guifang brought out a plate of watermelon and a dish of peanuts. The two women then retreated indoors to chat about topics unique to women.
"This rare moment of peace, this feeling is actually very good." Li Haochen took a small sip of the fragrant green tea, and his mood also became cheerful.
"Yes, casting aside all worries, emptying oneself, and just enjoying this moment of tranquility."
...