This evening, Qin Chuan and Liu Dongqiang talked at great length.
As both were engaged in the electronics industry, they had plenty of topics to discuss.
Liu Dongqiang's professional knowledge greatly benefited Qin Chuan, while Qin Chuan's sharp insights and judgments about the future of China's electronics market also earned Liu Dongqiang's deep respect.
By the time they finished, they were only roused from their conversation by the staff of the buffet restaurant announcing it was closing time.
Unbeknownst to them, they had been chatting for several hours; time truly flew by.
Apologizing, they all rose from their seats to pack up and leave.
When Qin Chuan went to settle the bill, Liu Dongqiang insisted on paying, snatching the opportunity to foot the meal expenses.
"Boss Liu, I have great confidence in the direction of the online shopping platform you and Honglian are currently researching. Keep up the good work!"
Qin Chuan said, patting Liu Dongqiang on the shoulder.
"Mr. Qin, we will definitely work hard! Thank you for your recognition!"
Liu Dongqiang was deeply moved. Although he had only known Qin Chuan for a short time, mere hours, he felt as though he had found a kindred spirit.
Qin Chuan's ideas and perspectives on many matters were remarkably in sync with his own, a rare occurrence in Liu Dongqiang's many years.
Moreover, Qin Chuan was younger than him and possessed assets tens of times greater. To befriend such a young and outstanding entrepreneur would be more than he could ever wish for.
"Alright, I'm heading off then!"
Qin Chuan said to the group.
"As for the electronic locker matter, if you have time tomorrow, feel free to call me at the hotel where I'm staying. I shouldn't be too busy tomorrow."
"Okay! Okay! We'll definitely come tomorrow!"
Liu Dongqiang was thrilled.
"Honglian, goodbye!"
Qin Chuan pressed the car key, and the headlights of the Tiger Head Benz parked not far away immediately illuminated.
"Brother Qin Chuan, goodbye!"
"Drive safely!"
Shang Honglian waved, and only lowered her small hand after the Tiger Head Benz had completely disappeared down the street.
"It's getting late, let's go too!"
Liu Dongqiang said.
"Let's go! Let's go! Back to sleep!"
"Tonight has truly been a night to remember. Not only did we eat lobster, but we also got to meet a big boss like Brother Qin Chuan. We're so fortunate!"
In the car, Xiao Xia and A Li chattered excitedly, their voices full of joy.
"Brother Qin Chuan is truly amazing. He looks about our age, yet he's already a millionaire!"
"If only I were his girlfriend, sob, how I envy the woman who gets to be Brother Qin Chuan's girlfriend!"
A Li said dreamily.
"Wake up, girl. With our looks, even if we offered ourselves to Brother Qin Chuan, he wouldn't spare us a second glance!"
Xiao Xia said self-deprecatingly, then suddenly turned to Shang Honglian, who was sitting in the passenger seat. "If any of us had a chance of becoming Brother Qin Chuan's woman, it would probably only be Honglian!"
"Only her looks and figure can match a big boss like Brother Qin Chuan."
"You... what are you talking about?"
Shang Honglian, who had been listening to the fun from the passenger seat, suddenly blushed and quickly explained, "Brother Qin Chuan already has a girlfriend!"
"I've told you before, his girlfriend is very beautiful and capable, running a clothing factory herself."
"Only a woman like that can be Brother Qin Chuan's perfect match!"
Everyone in Yongnan County knew that Li Ya was Qin Chuan's girlfriend, and Shang Honglian was no exception. She had even seen Li Ya before.
The mature, elegant aura of a commanding woman was truly envied by many women. Only someone with Li Ya's high颜值, great figure, and similar business acumen could be worthy of Qin Chuan.
Their union had long been a topic of hushed admiration among the people of Yongnan County, who often referred to them as Yongnan County's "Golden Couple," "Heaven-Sent Match," and "Most Compatible Pair."
"Sigh, what a pity!"
Hearing Shang Honglian's words, A Li cried out dramatically, beating her chest.
"Such a man, who is both rich and capable, and also so handsome, how could you just let him go?"
"Honglian, Honglian, you're too disappointing!"
"If I had your looks and figure, I would definitely take the initiative!"
Shang Honglian immediately retorted, "A Li, what are you talking about?"
"What's wrong? Did I say anything incorrect?"
A Li countered, "You just said that the owner of that clothing factory is only Brother Qin Chuan's girlfriend, not his wife! They're not married, nor have they registered their marriage!"
"Why can't you take the initiative to pursue him!"
"In today's society, isn't it all about free love? You wouldn't be considered a homewrecker or anything like that. Pursue your own happiness, and who can say anything about you!"
Shang Honglian was rendered speechless by A Li's glib tongue. She wanted to retort but couldn't find suitable words.
Unexpectedly, A Li then added, "And I've noticed that the way you look at Brother Qin Chuan is very different from how you look at other men."
"That's right, that's right, A Li, you've hit the nail on the head. I've noticed it too!"
Xiao Xia joined in the fun.
"Especially when Brother Qin Chuan was driving away earlier, Honglian's dejected expression was just like that of a neglected wife..."
"I... I didn't... what are you guys talking about?"
Shang Honglian's face turned genuinely red this time, and she stamped her foot in agitation.
"Still playing hard to get!"
A Li scoffed. "Honglian, dare you say you have not the slightest bit of interest in Brother Qin Chuan?"
"I..."
Shang Honglian was truly flustered, her heart pounding.
Just then, A Li dropped another bombshell: "Brother Qin Chuan came all the way to the capital on business. Why didn't he visit anyone else but you?"
Shang Honglian: "..."
"Ahem, you two girls, stop trying to play matchmaker!"
Liu Dongqiang, who had been quietly driving, suddenly coughed loudly and spoke.
"Since Qin Chuan already has a girlfriend, it wouldn't look right for Honglian to pursue him."
"Isn't it better to let things happen naturally?"
Upon hearing their boss speak, the usually sharp-tongued Xiao Xia and A Li immediately quieted down.
Shang Honglian also let out a sigh of relief, but her heart was truly in turmoil. Her mind was filled with Qin Chuan's every move and that moment they had shared hardship together...
The night gradually passed.
The next morning, a Xiali car departed from Zhongguancun, heading directly for the hotel where Qin Chuan was staying.
Liu Dongqiang and Shang Honglian were in the car. Xiao Xia and A Li had gone to mind the shop.
They met Qin Chuan at the hotel entrance.
"Boss Liu, you're quite prompt, arriving so early!"
Qin Chuan said with a smile as he came downstairs, addressing Liu Dongqiang.
Liu Dongqiang awkwardly rubbed the back of his head.
"Mr. Qin, I'm just a hasty person in my work. Once I've set my sights on a product or a matter, if I don't act on it immediately, I can't even sleep soundly."
"I understand, I understand your feelings!"
"Then I'll take you to see the electronic lockers right now!"
Qin Chuan waved his hand decisively.