When Xia Nuannuan went to take a bath, Qin Tian received a call from Zhao Mingyuan.
Before the school break, the two of them had dinner together and discussed a matter.
It was to hold the "Tianming Cup" League of Legends game competition again, with all Tianming Internet Cafe branches in Jiangcheng as the venues.
This time, to completely establish Tianming Internet Cafe's brand and firmly secure its position as the leader in the high-end internet cafe industry, the prize money was doubled compared to last year.
Not only that, but at Qin Tian's suggestion, they had also heavily invested in inviting two popular professional teams from the LPL to Jiangcheng for exhibition matches.
During this period, although Qin Tian remained a hands-off manager, traveling and sight-seeing with Xia Nuannuan, he had been keeping in touch with Zhao Mingyuan and offering advice.
"Little Brother Qin, our Tianming Internet Cafe is really going to be famous this time!"
As soon as the call was connected, Zhao Mingyuan's excited voice came through.
"What's up?"
"Today I received contact from Jiangcheng Television. They're sending people to interview us in a couple of days. As for the YY Live streaming platform you mentioned, I've also finalized a cooperation with them. They'll set up an official live stream room for our competition on the platform."
Zhao Mingyuan explained the situation with great enthusiasm.
"Really? That's great! It looks like it won't be long before our Tianming Internet Cafe has no rivals in Jiangcheng!"
"Hahaha... That's for sure!"
"You've worked hard. When we get back, I'll bring you some local delicacies and specialty products."
"That would be great! Are you guys still in Xingcheng?"
"Yes, we'll rest tonight and set off for Shancheng tomorrow."
"I see. Then you two have fun. I'm here, so you don't need to worry."
"Okay!"
Qin Tian responded with a smile.
After the additional investment last time, he now held absolute controlling interest in Tianming Internet Cafe.
Therefore, while Zhao Mingyuan kept him updated on the internet cafe's development, he was also somewhat worried about Qin Tian taking over.
Even if it meant more work for himself, Zhao Mingyuan preferred him to remain a hands-off manager.
At this moment, Xia Nuannuan emerged from the washroom wrapped in a bath towel, her face flushed and adorable, with a charm that the towel couldn't quite conceal, making Qin Tian stare.
"Brother Zhao, I have to go shower and rest now, so I can't chat anymore."
"Okay, I'll hang up then."
"Mhm, mhm!"
After hearing the call disconnect, Qin Tian tossed his phone aside, a harmless smile appearing on his face, and beckoned to Xia Nuannuan.
"Come here, I'll help you dry your hair."
"No need, you go take your shower. I'll do it myself."
"Hurry, hurry, I'll go after drying your hair."
Qin Tian didn't give her a chance to refuse and went to grab the hairdryer and plug it in.
Xia Nuannuan rolled her eyes helplessly, holding her towel with one hand, and shyly walked over.
...
...
The next day, after sleeping in, the two of them got up and called the hotel front desk to order some dishes for room service.
After filling their stomachs, they packed their bags and went downstairs to check out.
The journey from Xingcheng to Shancheng was even longer, taking about ten hours by car.
The two of them stopped and visited some small cities along the way, only getting off the highway three days later as they reached the center of Shancheng city.
After spending a few days in Shancheng, they drove to Rongcheng, the provincial capital of Chuan-Yu.
While still on the road, Xia Nuannuan had called Shen Siqi and invited her to come to the city to hang out.
They first went to their booked hotel and completed the check-in process. After resting in the room for a while, Xia Nuannuan received a call from Shen Siqi.
"You've arrived? At the hotel entrance? Okay, wait a moment, we'll be right down."
After finishing the call, Xia Nuannuan sat up and looked at Qin Tian beside her.
"Siqi is downstairs, let's go!"
"Mm..."
Qin Tian responded listlessly, not moving.
"Oh, don't be lazy, hurry up! We'll eat something and then come back to rest."
Xia Nuannuan got up, grabbed his wrists, and pulled him up.
They went downstairs, walked out of the hotel lobby, and saw Shen Siqi standing there, waving with a bright smile.
"Siqi!"
"Nuannuan!"
The two girls happily and excitedly ran towards each other, opening their arms for a firm, strong hug.
"Oh my, Nuannuan, have you been eating too well lately? Are you overfed? You seem to have gotten bigger again. Let go, let go, I can't breathe."
Shen Siqi exclaimed dramatically.
Qin Tian couldn't help but laugh watching this uneven confrontation.
"What are you talking about!"
Xia Nuannuan pushed Shen Siqi away, her face blushing.
Shen Siqi glanced at the precious things she envied, her expression resentful. "Still saying no? They've clearly grown bigger by a whole size."
"No way, don't talk nonsense here."
Xia Nuannuan glared at her, embarrassed and annoyed, and nervously looked around.
Fortunately, no one else heard, which eased her mind slightly.
Shen Siqi knew when to stop and shifted her teasing from Xia Nuannuan to Qin Tian behind her.
"Qin Tian, why are you smiling so happily?"
"No, I'm not!"
Qin Tian immediately suppressed his smile.
When Xia Nuannuan turned to look at him, he had already returned to a serious demeanor.
Shen Siqi curled her lips with amusement and asked, "Have you guys had dinner yet? Should we go eat first, or what?"
"Not yet, we were waiting for you to lead the way!"
Xia Nuannuan replied with a smile.
"So what do you guys want to eat? Give me a direction, and I'll find a place."
Shen Siqi asked again.
Xia Nuannuan cast a questioning glance at Qin Tian.
"Since we're in Rongcheng, let's have some authentic Sichuan hot pot first!"
Qin Tian suggested.
"Mm-hmm, I agree."
Xia Nuannuan nodded like a pecking chicken.
"Hot pot, huh? Let me think."
Shen Siqi began to ponder, then took out her phone. The two of them put their heads together and discussed for a long time.
"Then how about this place?"
"Yeah, let's go with this one!"
"Shall we go? Drive or take a taxi?"
"Is it far?"
Qin Tian asked.
"Let me see... It's about ten kilometers, so about twenty minutes by car!"
Shen Siqi replied, looking up.
"Then I'll drive. You guys wait here, I'll go get the car."
Qin Tian said, then headed towards the parking area behind the hotel.
Driving, they quickly arrived at the shop Xia Nuannuan and Shen Siqi had chosen.
Upon entering the restaurant, the three of them were greeted by a somewhat pungent spicy aroma.
A smiling auntie waitress came to welcome them, speaking with a local accent that Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan found difficult to understand.
Fortunately, with Shen Siqi, a local, to help, after a few fluent exchanges, the auntie waitress led them to an empty table, handed them menus, and invited them to order.
"Siqi, you order! Today we just want to experience the local way of eating."
Xia Nuannuan handed the menu to Shen Siqi, saying with a smile.
"Then I'll order?"
Shen Siqi looked at Qin Tian.
"Go ahead and order, it's all up to you."
Qin Tian nodded with a smile.