Liu Chang’an went home to tidy up the waste vegetables and ate gaozhong (a type of dish) for lunch.
Gaozhong, a vegetable dish from the Tang Dynasty, was one of the “six grains” and a unique aquatic vegetable in Chinese cuisine. It was delicious when stir-fried with meat or chicken. Liu Chang’an didn’t eat much meat because he believed in living frugally, even though he could afford a luxurious lifestyle with fish, meat, and poultry. He thought that a simple and light diet was more satisfying and fulfilling.
In the courtyard, some leaves had fallen from the Chinese parasol tree. The old man who usually took a nap under the tree was missing today. Liu Chang’an received an unexpected call from Fan Jian, who told him that there was a job available at the construction site, paying 200 yuan for one day. with Liu Chang’an’s efficiency, he could finish the job in half a day.
The job was probably related to Zhong Qing, but Zhong Qing didn’t want Liu Chang’an to have any contact with Zhu Juntang, so Liu Chang’an felt at ease when he went to the site. Fan Jian was wearing a relatively clean and tidy Western-style suit, with visible wrinkles on his back, as if he hadn’t worn it for a long time. “Little Liu, today’s job is to move these bricks to the other side.”
“I’ll do it well,” Liu Chang’an replied, very happy that Fan Jian had given him a job. He was full of energy and spirit.
Although it was just a task assigned by Zhong Qing, Fan Jian still paid attention to Liu Chang’an’s reaction. Everyone had their own moral requirements, and Fan Jian felt that he had helped a young man and given him a sense of warmth and care from a stranger.
The construction site was bustling with machinery and a sense of order, accompanied by the smell of mud from the earth. This was a reminder that humans were still exploring the universe, and there was still much to be discovered on the earth beneath their feet. Although the research on the earth’s crust was more practical and meaningful, it was also more difficult…
Fan Jian seemed quite leisurely, checking on Liu Chang’an from time to time. After finishing the job, Fan Jian gave Liu Chang’an 200 yuan, and Liu Chang’an didn’t leave immediately. He joined Fan Jian’s subordinates who were playing cards in the office.
Liu Chang’an won over 1,000 yuan at first, but eventually lost it all. He played for the entire afternoon without winning or losing.
Fan Jian reported Liu Chang’an’s performance to Zhong Qing, who confirmed that Liu Chang’an was indeed a problematic person. Zhong Qing remembered that Liu Chang’an was a bit of a ladies’ man, a gambler, and someone who didn’t know when to stop.
Zhong Qing thought that such a person shouldn’t be allowed to meet Zhu Juntang, and Zhong Qing had to take responsibility for Zhu Juntang’s safety.
Why was Zhu Juntang interested in Liu Chang’an? This puzzled Zhong Qing. Although it didn’t seem related to romance, a girl’s curiosity about a boy was a warning signal. Zhong Qing had to eliminate this danger, but unfortunately, Zhu Juntang refused to give a reason and insisted that Zhong Qing arrange a meeting between her and Liu Chang’an.
Zhong Qing sent Fan Jian away, who had asked if he could call Liu Chang’an again tomorrow. Then, Zhong Qing received a message that Zhu Juntang and Qin Yanan had returned to the Bao Long Center after visiting the Mijin Temple in Jingyang County.
“Miss Ge and Madam Su have prepared everything. There’s a one-hour SPA scheduled, followed by a meeting with Manager Si, and dinner is set at the Lanxi Hall. The menu has been updated to include black garlic beef, and Mr. Zhang will be responsible for the wine and food pairing.” Zhong Qing followed Zhu Juntang’s footsteps, noticing her light and cheerful pace.
“Is Mr. Zhang a friend of your uncle’s? Aren’t you afraid he might poison you?” Qin Yanan asked, referring to Zhang Jiawei, a man who loved fine food and wine, and was a food critic.
“Ha! Zhang Jiawei is trying to get into my good books… He’s afraid of my uncle…,” Zhu Juntang laughed, recalling a models’ event where Zhang Jiawei had brought a green hat for her uncle.
Qin Yanan frowned, trying to remember, but there were too many girls like that, with their makeup, hairstyles, and names all so similar.
Zhu Juntang seemed to enjoy Qin Yanan’s reaction. “Tonight, I won’t eat dinner. I’ll go back to my room to rest after the SPA, and then I’ll go pick up my dad, who’s coming by high-speed rail.”
Qin Yanan stretched lazily, as a local official, Qin Huai’s schedule was tight. This time, it was because of Qin Peng’s birthday celebration, which was a grand event, and many officials and friends would be attending.
In the SPA room, Qin Yanan felt uncomfortable being naked in front of the floor-to-ceiling glass window. Zhong Qing opened the curtain, and the two experienced SPA therapists chose the music. Zhong Qing was about to leave when Zhu Juntang stopped her.
“If it weren’t for the possibility of meeting you, I would only prepare one bed,” Zhu Juntang said, gazing at Qin Yanan’s large chest.
“I’m not afraid of you,” Qin Yanan replied, covering her chest with her hand.
“You shouldn’t touch her chest; it’s very sensitive,” Zhu Juntang instructed, “Only I can touch it; it’s like an unconquered sacred snow mountain.”
Qin Yanan looked at the two therapists with ambiguous smiles on their faces, feeling like she was facing a gentle morning mist.
“Did you find the person?” Zhu Juntang asked, seemingly without much hope.
“No.”
Zhu Juntang didn’t seem surprised and said, “Then I’ll find them myself.”
Zhong Qing hesitated for a moment before saying, “Actually, I met him this afternoon.”
Zhu Juntang immediately grasped Zhong Qing’s hands, which were moving around her waist. “Tell me everything – where, what was the scene, and what did you say?”
Qin Yanan also turned around, curious about who Zhu Juntang was looking for.
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