Late at night, by the Fen River, its waters flowed calmly, carrying a hint of coolness.
On the bank, two figures sat together, leaning against each other on a large rock, in quiet repose.
"These are the businesses I'm currently involved in. In another month or two, once the production of electronic lockers reaches a certain level, I'll take some people to the capital. We'll advertise directly on CCTV to promote them," Qin Chuan said calmly.
He recounted the entire process of his business ventures to Yang Zimo.
"Advertising directly on CCTV, that ad cost must be immense!" Yang Zimo exclaimed in surprise.
"It's expensive for a reason. You get what you pay for. There's no advertising platform in the entire country that can compare to CCTV!"
"I have confidence in my product," Qin Chuan smiled, his gaze fixed on Teacher Yang. He found her face endlessly captivating, the more he looked, the more his heart stirred.
"You... stop looking at me like that, as if you want to devour me. I'm a bit scared!" Yang Zimo lowered her head and murmured softly.
"Haha!" To her surprise, Qin Chuan couldn't help but laugh. "I never thought that the Yang family's young lady, who can easily suppress a bunch of top-tier rich second-generation heirs, the renowned Fairy Yang, would be afraid of a country bumpkin like me. Should I be proud, or should I be proud?"
"Hey, what are you talking about?"
"What Yang family young lady, Fairy Yang, those are just the ramblings of bored people!" Yang Zimo, who had been calm moments before, suddenly jolted as if pricked, sitting up straight with a flustered expression. The thing she feared most was Qin Chuan bringing up what happened at the birthday banquet. She had been anxious all night, thinking he had forgotten, only to find out he hadn't at all.
"Qin Chuan, please don't listen to their nonsense, I... I didn't..."
"Shhh..." As Yang Zimo anxiously tried to defend herself, Qin Chuan gently placed two fingers on her sexy, rosy lips, signaling her to be quiet. Yang Zimo's eyes widened, her expression timid, unsure of what Qin Chuan intended to do next.
"Xiao Mo, you really don't need to be so nervous."
"Compared to those purely sweet and naive girls, I actually prefer girls who are intelligent and smart. Only then can we have common ground and compatible life values."
"Because, I am also one of those people!" Qin Chuan said slowly. Yang Zimo looked astonished, clearly not expecting Qin Chuan to say such a thing.
At this moment, Qin Chuan continued, "In the adult world, there's no such thing as 'simple.' No matter what line of work you're in, you can't avoid scheming and backstabbing. People without brains can only be trampled underfoot, becoming stepping stones for others!"
"Most of the time, we just need to act according to our conscience, without breaking the law. That's all that matters."
"Those nonsensical judgments from others can be completely ignored!"
"Whether they call you scheming, devious, or calculating, it's just a synonym for jealousy."
"I don't believe that being calculating or employing tactics is a negative trait. On the contrary, it's a high compliment in my eyes. It proves that those who judge you can't do it themselves."
Yang Zimo blinked her beautiful big eyes, twinkling like stars in the sky.
"Xiao Chuan, do you really think so?"
"Of course!" Qin Chuan smiled and embraced Teacher Yang. "In the business world, I always give a greater blow to anyone who shows me extreme malice."
"Of course, it's best not to use these methods and tactics on our own friends, family, or loved ones."
"That would be going too far!" For the first time, Yang Zimo actively wrapped her arms around Qin Chuan, pressing herself tightly against his chest. "Xiao Chuan, with your words, I'm completely relieved!"
"You have no idea how nervous I was tonight at the birthday banquet, afraid you'd form a bad impression of me."
"Heh, how could that be?"
"Actually, being a bit scheming is quite good. I really like resourceful women!" Qin Chuan rubbed his chin against the smooth forehead of the woman in his arms.
"There's a saying, 'Heroines are no less than men, and beauties can surpass warriors!' Our great leader also said, 'Women can hold up half the sky.' Women aren't necessarily inferior to men; in many aspects, men are far from as capable as women."
Yang Zimo looked up, her eyes shining brightly. "Then do you think someone like me is more suited for business or for a career in public service?"
Qin Chuan, who had been filled with tenderness moments before, stiffened slightly. His mind immediately recalled what his brother-in-law had said during the day. Yang Zimo's grandfather had described her as a rare woman possessing both 'stratagem and straightforwardness,' making her exceptionally suited for a career in public service. However, her father and Yang Conglong were somewhat opposed, believing the path of public service was too perilous.
"Hmm... I've been idle for quite some time. I need to find something to do, otherwise, life would be too boring!" Yang Zimo explained.
Qin Chuan thought carefully and said, "I think... it's better to do business!"
"Since ancient times, commerce and politics have been closely intertwined. When a businessman achieves enough success, the nation will naturally grant you certain rights. If you still wish to pursue a career in public service then, you can try then."
Yang Zimo nodded gently, then stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on Qin Chuan's lips.
"Hehe, I'm very satisfied with tonight's date!"
"Now we should head back, or something might really happen..." With that, she gracefully ran off, her ponytail swinging as she dashed into the hazy night, becoming a dazzling spectacle against the dark backdrop, like a fairy.
Qin Chuan smiled and followed her.
When the two returned to the nightclub's private room, they were inevitably met with questions. After all, they had been gone for quite some time, disappearing and reappearing together.
"My apologies, everyone! It's all my fault. I had a bit too much to drink earlier and went outside for some fresh air. Zimo happened to see me, and we sat together for a bit!" Qin Chuan apologized with clasped hands.
Everyone, except An Nuo, didn't think much of it. An Nuo, however, carefully observed her best friend. Yang Zimo's expression was calm, but An Nuo, with her sharp eyes, noticed that the lipstick on her friend's lips was gone. An Nuo then quickly leaned in to get a closer look at Qin Chuan and indeed found a trace of something amiss. Her heart immediately understood, and a bad premonition arose. Could it be that her best friend had truly been "taken down" by Qin Chuan? If that were the case, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the entire provincial social circle, and Qin Chuan would be in serious trouble if the news leaked. As far as An Nuo knew, there were several incredibly powerful individuals among Yang Zimo's suitors, some of whom were overseas or abroad, but each was a formidable character and no pushover.
At this moment, someone in the room suggested ending the party! It was already past two in the morning, and everyone was tired. Several people had already passed out on the sofas, muttering incoherently. Seeing Yang Zimo and Qin Chuan return, they all nodded in agreement.