Chapter Eight: This Isn’t a Blind Date, Is It?

After finishing a breakfast that was neither particularly early nor late, the two finally headed to the vehicle registration office.

The car transfer went smoothly.

Once everything was settled, they stepped out of the office, and just below the steps sat a brand-new black Jaguar.

It was exactly the same model as Gu Yao’s own car.

Beside the vehicle stood a man in a gray suit, appearing to be in his thirties, slightly overweight.

Upon seeing the two, he straightened up, took a few steps forward, and handed the keys and purchase contract to Lu Zheng.

“President Lu, this is Miss Gu’s car.”

Lu Zheng reached out to take them, then passed them to Gu Yao.

She didn’t immediately take them.

Her eyes lingered on the new car below—it was identical to her own, no issues there.

Since the morning, from the moment she saw Lu Zheng, Gu Yao had found the situation somewhat surreal. In her perspective, such a minor task didn’t require the personal attention of someone like Lu Zheng; it could easily have been handled by any junior staff member in his company, or even a servant from the old mansion.

Yet here was a top executive personally overseeing a simple car transfer—no matter how she thought about it, it felt out of place.

Having received the car, Gu Yao no longer wished to linger with Lu Zheng.

Even without revealing his identity, the aura he exuded was too conspicuous.

Just standing amidst the crowd, he inevitably attracted covetous gazes from the women around.

Gu Yao, standing beside him, was inevitably scrutinized as well, seemingly just a mere accessory.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going now. Goodbye.”

She gave Lu Zheng a polite nod, her movements expressing distance.

Her tone, however, betrayed a hint of impatience.

Lu Zheng said nothing.

He stood by the roadside, watching the black car merge into traffic and disappear into the distance.

His aide, Xu Linze, waited a moment, then, seeing Lu Zheng still lost in thought, cautiously stepped forward and asked, “President Lu, shall we return to Bolun?”

Lu Zheng snapped back to reality, taking a few breaths and withdrawing his gaze.

He then turned and walked toward his car, casually tossing the keys to Xu Linze, his relaxed gesture nevertheless carrying an undeniable weight.

“Go to Anyuan. Have the team there prepare the project materials. We’re heading for a meeting.”

Anyuan Technology was a newly established company under the Bolun Group, specializing in low-altitude operation services.

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Xu Linze glanced at the lone, proud figure ahead, then nodded.

“Understood, President Lu.”

He took out his phone to contact the person in charge at Anyuan.

Before he could send the message, Lu Zheng’s cold, firm voice rang out again.

“Is the car fully modified according to specifications?”

Xu Linze was momentarily taken aback, then quickly responded.

“Yes, President Lu. We used the same materials as in your car. Even if a large truck were to collide with it, personal safety would be assured.”

After speaking, he watched Lu Zheng’s retreating figure, awaiting his response.

When Lu Zheng simply uttered “Hmm,” Xu Linze exhaled in relief.

Just then, they reached the car, and Xu Linze hurriedly moved to open the door.

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After receiving the car, Gu Yao didn’t head straight home.

She had received a call from Chen Ping’an. The store renovation plan had been finalized, and they were scheduled to sign the contract with the renovation company that afternoon.

She went directly to Chen Ping’an’s place, intending to discuss some additional matters.

Once the renovation began, preparations for hiring staff, stocking inventory, and expanding sales channels would ensue.

Gu Yao intended not to limit the business model to wholesale alone.

Retail operations were also on the agenda.

She also wanted to try live-stream sales, though she wouldn’t be the host; someone else would be hired for that.

Additionally, she planned to open a bakery on the first floor, selling raw materials alongside finished desserts made from the store’s ingredients.

If things went well, she even considered adding a dessert-making experience studio.

But for now, the experience studio was beyond reach—there were simply too many tasks to handle.

At two in the afternoon, the two arrived at the renovation company.

After confirming that the contract was in order, they signed and paid.

Since Gu Yao and Chen Ping’an wanted to expedite matters, materials began arriving at the store that very afternoon, with construction set to start early the next morning.

Back home, Gu Yao posted the recruitment notices online and informed Chen Ping’an.

He agreed without issue.

He planned to visit factories of several suppliers they had already contacted to conduct inspections. If all went well, he would depart the day after tomorrow.

Gu Yao was supposed to accompany him, but with the store renovation requiring her attention, she was stretched too thin and had to let Chen Ping’an go alone.

They could conduct video calls during the factory visits, and with Chen Ping’an on site, problems should be minimal.

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Having reviewed all the tasks and ensured nothing was overlooked, Gu Yao stood up from her desk and stretched.

She stepped out of her study, took a glass of water, and walked to the balcony to gaze at the view below.

It was dusk.

The golden sunset bathed the entire city, turning the streets below into shimmering golden avenues.

Her phone suddenly vibrated twice.

She took it out and saw a message from Han Yuncai asking if she had eaten.

Gu Yao replied that she was about to.

After a while, another message arrived.

“Yao Yao, do you remember Qian Mu, Uncle Qian’s son downstairs from our childhood?”

Qian Mu?

Gu Yao thought for a moment, and the image of a handsome mixed-race boy instantly appeared in her mind.

Such a beautiful boy—of course she remembered.

When they were young, since there were few children her age in that building, Qian Mu often followed her around like a shadow.

They were good friends.

But later, when Gu Yao moved to the Lu family with Han Yuncai, they lost touch.

She replied, “I remember. Why do you mention him?”

Han Yuncai responded swiftly.

“It’s your aunt’s daughter, Mengmeng—your cousin’s—her boyfriend is from Qian Mu’s uncle’s family.

“A few days ago, at a family dinner, your Uncle Qian was there. They mentioned that Qian Mu is now working in Ning City alone. Your Uncle Qian thought it might be good for you two to get in touch, just in case something happens; you’d have someone looking out for you.”

“I wanted to ask your opinion. If you agree, I’ll send over your contact information.”

Gu Yao considered it. Having someone to look out for her was naturally agreeable.

But just to be safe, she sent a message to confirm.

“It’s just to look out for each other, not a blind date, right?”

After a while, Han Yuncai replied with a voice message.

Gu Yao opened it and heard Han Yuncai’s amused tone.

“Not a blind date, but I heard Qian Mu is single too. He’s only two years younger than you. If you two can get along, I wouldn’t object!

“I remember that kid was quite handsome as a child, almost like a doll. He really liked you, always trailing behind you, calling ‘Sister! Sister!’”