The car stopped in the underground parking lot. Xiang Wan pushed open the door, ready to get out, but Lu Mingzhe stopped her.
"Don't move, let me hold you for a while."
He said he wanted to hold her, but his hands and feet began to get restless.
Xiang Wan pushed him.
"Alright, go home now."
"The internet is so developed these days, who knows who might be filming with their phone."
"Don't you see all those videos online where people get caught? Aren't you afraid of being embarrassed?"
Fine, Lu Mingzhe went into the elevator with her.
"Is Xiang Yang home today?"
"Nonsense. Where else would he go if not home?"
"Can you give him some money and ask him to stay out for a night? I always feel like his presence at home affects my performance."
He chuckled.
"How about he move in with me? My other apartment is just sitting there, after all."
Xiang Wan hit him.
"Lu Mingzhe, I realize you're getting more and more outrageous!"
"I'm serious. He's all grown up now, it's not convenient for him to always live with his sister. We're just switching places."
"Nonsense, shut up."
The two entered the apartment. The living room lights were off. From his younger brother's room, voices could be heard, seemingly a phone call.
Xiang Wan bent down to change her shoes, Lu Mingzhe waiting beside her.
As soon as she slipped on her slippers, she was scooped up into his arms.
They had only taken a couple of steps when her younger brother, still on the phone, opened his door.
The three of them bumped heads. Seeing their pose, the younger brother immediately turned and retreated into his room.
The door slammed shut with a bang.
"See, I told you it wasn't convenient."
"Then you be good and don't do anything."
"Then what am I, a man? Besides, if I were really like that, would you like it?"
The two went to the bathroom.
Lu Mingzhe turned on the shower and adjusted the water temperature. His younger brother coughed outside.
"Sis. A classmate suddenly needs me to go out. I won't be back tonight."
Xiang Wan pulled the door open and walked out.
"Which classmate? What's the matter? It's so late, where are you going?"
"You wouldn't know even if I told you. Anyway, I'm staying at his place tonight, so I won't be back."
"A male classmate or a female classmate? Is it convenient for you to go to someone's house?"
"It's convenient, he asked me to go."
"Do you have money on you? It's not good for a boy to be stingy when he's out. Should I transfer some money to you?"
"No need, I have."
Xiang Wan was still about to get her phone when Lu Mingzhe came out, holding up his own.
"Five thousand yuan, here you go. Thanks, brother."
The younger brother smiled sweetly at him, said nothing, waved, and ran off.
Xiang Wan was extremely embarrassed.
"If you're transferring money, just transfer it. Why add that sentence? It's like trying to hide something that isn't there!"
"I don't know who you're talking about. I just said thank you, and I didn't mean anything else. You're overthinking it."
"Who's overthinking it?"
"Whoever's overthinking it knows. Some people expect a lot in their hearts but deny it with their mouths."
In short, absence made the heart grow fonder.
Lu Mingzhe and Xiang Wan had a sweet few days together.
During these days, he hadn't been home, unaware that his mother, who was eager for a grandchild, had become quite close with Chen Jiaojiao.
He heard that Chen Jiaojiao was decorating a beauty salon. When a girl's family had problems, it was not easy for her to start a business alone.
Since Lu Mingzhe wasn't home during the day, Lu's mother worried she wouldn't eat well, so she had the kitchen prepare delicious food and deliver it to her every day.
Over time, their relationship became as close as mother and daughter.
As Chen Jiaojiao was willing to spend money, the rented place had a good foundation. With a little renovation and some soft furnishings, it was enough. Thus, the progress was fast.
As it was nearing completion, Lu's mother suggested they create some coupons and start promoting in advance.
"Mom has many friends who like beauty treatments. If you offer attractive discounts and say it's opened by my daughter-in-law, it will not only help everyone foster private relationships but also increase your business. It's a win-win."
Chen Jiaojiao felt her advice was reasonable, so while decorating, she also rushed to recruit staff and created the discount coupons.
Jiang Nan Fang and Zhou Jin Bei helped her distribute a lot of the coupons.
Zhou Jin Bei, in particular, had many friends and acquaintances. While not active in other matters, she loved shopping and beauty treatments. Upon hearing that Zhou Jin Bei had opened a beauty salon, they all clamored to see it.
Jiang Nan Fang, who worked in the electrical industry, had more male colleagues. She appealed to their sentiment.
They could take the coupons as gifts for their girlfriends, wives, or clients.
Although no direct business was solicited, a wave of potential customers was attracted.
At the same time, Jiang Nan Fang thought of Min'er.
Her company had many female colleagues. She gave out the coupons, and if they were willing, they could go. If not, it would at least foster communication among colleagues.
Min'er also helped her distribute dozens of them.
Half a month later, the beauty salon began its trial operation.
Chen Jiaojiao had good taste and a broad vision.
The style of the salon she designed was exceptionally high-end.
It not only offered beauty services but also hydrotherapy, spa treatments, wellness services, foot baths, and ear cleaning.
In short, the nearly one thousand square meters of space, spread over two floors, was utilized to its fullest potential.
Early that day, Jiang Nan Fang, Zhou Jin Bei, and Shen Min'er went to show their support.
In front of the spacious storefront, flower baskets were arranged, colorful flags fluttered, and firecrackers blared.
Guests who had been drawn in arrived in waves.
Jiang Nan Fang, along with the other three, like Chen Jiaojiao, wore white shirts, blue A-line skirts, and blue striped scarves, with their hair down, exuding a capable, flight attendant-like aura as they welcomed their familiar guests at the entrance.
Everyone chatted and laughed, and the crowd surged, momentarily stealing the show.
Even passersby couldn't help but start recording videos and uploading them online.
It felt like a trending beauty salon was about to emerge.
As his wife was opening her business, Lu Mingzhe had to come and patronize it.
Stepping onto the red carpet to the entrance, he took a look.
"Wow, Mrs. Zhan and her sisters have come in person to support her. That's quite the prestige."
"Of course, who do you think she is? If her own prestige isn't enough, we have to come for yours."
Jiang Nan Fang teased him.
"Dr. Lu, it seems you'll have to work harder in the future. Jiaojiao's beauty salon is doing so well on its opening day, it might even surpass you soon."
"Don't end up being a kept man."
"Isn't that good? Many men wish they could be, but can't. Just for that comment, I'm even less inclined to work hard."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Chen Jiaojiao, in a very good mood, came out and linked her arm with his.
"Mom is here too, and she brought many friends. Mom deserves the credit for so many people showing up today. Let's go say hello."
While the few "supporting roles" greeted guests at the entrance, the two went inside.
In the clean, bright, and high-end rooms, his mother and several wealthy ladies were lying on their backs.
While being served, they chatted happily.
Lu Mingzhe walked in and called out, "Mom." She happily opened her eyes.
"You're here? Come quickly and see who's here to support you today. It's been a while, come and greet everyone."
Lu Mingzhe went around greeting each aunt and that aunt.
Everyone praised him.