"But you really made Grandpa proud this time. Old Wang from next door keeps asking about you every day. He even wants to introduce his granddaughter to you. Now, I strut around the park like I own the place; they even let me have one extra piece when we play chess. That Old Li who practices Tai Chi every day kept pestering me, wanting me to give him some pointers on his Kung Fu. But what does Grandpa know about that!"

Clearly, the whole family basked in the great honor brought about by Zhang Beixing's heroic deed. However, they also felt the recognition had come with too much risk, leaving them with mixed emotions. While they were proud of Zhang Beixing, they also blamed him for being too reckless.

After repeatedly assuring them that he was fine, really fine, the call finally ended.

Rubbing his throat, which had become somewhat hoarse from the long conversation, Zhang Beixing took a drink of water and checked the time. He realized it was already nine in the morning. The phone call had taken up two whole hours.

It was also thanks to his phone being fully charged. Additionally, he had personally replaced its battery with the latest one a few days ago. Otherwise, his old phone model had been phased out a year or two ago. While it might not have shut down from this call, it would likely have become too hot to touch.

Wait, what? It's nine o'clock? My eight o'clock class, my perfect attendance!

Looking at his phone, Zhang Beixing suddenly realized something was off and remembered he had an early class that day. He quickly stood up and dashed to the classroom.

Luckily, today's class was taught by Liu Yi. Seeing that Zhang Beixing hadn't shown up, Liu Yi figured he must have had some matters to attend to and didn't call attendance. Otherwise, Zhang Beixing's three-year record of perfect attendance would have ended today!

「After class, he set up his stall.」

Perhaps because the holidays were nearing, people were busy cramming, which caused the number of people on the sports ground to dwindle. Even many of Zhang Beixing's regular customers weren't showing up as much.

He had a rare sparring session. Afterwards, as usual, Zhang Beixing went to Lin Siqi's cart for a sports drink and, with a series of GULPS, GULPS, drained it, clearly showing off.

Feeling his throat was no longer so dry, Zhang Beixing turned to Lin Siqi, recalling the question Sophia Zhou had asked him yesterday. So he asked Lin Siqi the same question, "Speaking of which, Sister Qi, we'll be on holiday in a little over a week. Have you planned out your summer vacation yet?"

"What else can I plan? Work, of course!"

Taking out a bottle of mineral water and taking a couple of sips, Lin Siqi wiped the fine sweat from her brow, a result of the sun, and said to Zhang Beixing.

"Work? Where are you going to work?" Zhang Beixing pressed.

"Of course, in Shishi! I've already arranged it. I'll be a sales manager, with a monthly salary of twenty thousand, plus commission!" Lin Siqi announced.

Hearing this, Zhang Beixing's eyebrows shot up. "Sales manager? Monthly salary of twenty thousand plus commission... Sister Qi, don't tell me you're going to Xin Man Lou?"

Xin Man Lou was a large shopping mall in their city, Shishi. It was famous for its good quality and low prices, strict quality control, and thoughtful service. Of course, these were not the most important points. The most critical part was that Xin Man Lou's owner was surnamed Lin and named Lin Gang! The one with the black mole above his butt crack!

"You're so smart, you guessed it!" Lin Siqi said with a laugh.

Hearing her words, Zhang Beixing's mouth twitched slightly. He had known for some time that Lin Siqi and her father, Lin Gang, would eventually acknowledge each other and that she would inherit the Lin family's assets. However, seeing her today effortlessly become the sales manager of Xin Man Lou, with an immediate monthly salary of twenty thousand plus commission, Zhang Beixing felt a sharp pang of jealousy.

Damn, I'm so jealous!

He had worked his butt off, practically selling his body, to earn just over a hundred thousand. Meanwhile, Lin Siqi could earn that much with just five months of seemingly effortless work at Xin Man Lou. If Lin Siqi put in a bit more effort, perhaps doing some live sales, she could probably earn that hundred thousand in just one or two months.

"Sister Qi, I want to take care of you in your old age!"

Without hesitation, Zhang Beixing chose to latch onto the wealthy lady's slender, fair legs.

This world is too complicated, with too many twists and turns. I want to take a twenty-year shortcut!

Hearing his words, Lin Siqi immediately retorted, annoyed, "Get out of here! I'm only one year older than you. How can you already be talking about taking care of me in my old age? Do I look that old?"

"You're not old. But right now, in my heart, you're like an elder, inspiring my deepest respect!"

"That's not too bad... Hey, wait, something's not right!" Lin Siqi exclaimed. "Lao Zhang, you sly kid! Aren't you just finding another way to call me old? What do you mean, I'm like an elder in your heart? Hmph! I'm not old, not at all!"

Realizing the hidden meaning in Zhang Beixing's words, Lin Siqi's cute cheeks instantly puffed up like a little steamed bun, and she began to pummel Zhang Beixing with her small, clenched fists.

Feeling a force that was almost like a massage, Zhang Beixing was considerate enough to spare her feelings. Otherwise, he would have definitely retorted, Haven't you eaten, sis? With such a light touch, are you trying to give me a skin scraping?

After they joked around for a while, it was three in the afternoon, and the two headed to class together.

"I heard you went out to eat with Sophia Zhou recently?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"She posted about it on her social media, saying it was her birthday."

"Oh, I just helped her celebrate it simply."

"So what birthday gift did you give her?"

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