"Please take your items. Here's your change!"
"Auntie, the data cable and Bluetooth earphones are free—they're in the storage bag!"
"Chen Yansen, we're almost out of MP4s! Bring another box, quick!"
Meng Jie had completely entered work mode. Her voice rang out clearly as she noticed the nearly empty carton, calling out without hesitation.
With her short hair and tomboyish demeanor, most people instinctively treated her like a buddy rather than a girl.
"Big Sister Meng is amazing!"Wang Zihao praised her enthusiastically.
"Last box! First come, first served!"Chen Yansen placed the carton of MP4s on the table and called out smoothly.
The Anfeng market was far busier than Chongqiao—nearly twice as crowded.Despite filling their suitcases before leaving, they still sold 400 MP3s and 200 MP4s in just over three hours.
"How about Coach Huang and I make another run?"Wang Zihao lifted his empty suitcase, clearly tempted.
"No need."Chen Yansen checked the time and shook his head."It's almost midnight. A round trip takes two hours. By the time you're back, the market will be empty."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted to Meng Jie.
Her short-sleeved shirt was soaked through with sweat, faintly revealing the light green tank top underneath. Fine beads of perspiration dotted her forehead, catching the sunlight.
"There's air conditioning in the car," Chen Yansen said casually."You should go rest. Haozi and I can finish up."
"No need," Meng Jie replied, waving him off."We'll do it together."
Chen Yansen lowered his voice."You're about to expose yourself. There's one of my shirts on the back seat. Put it on."
He stood half a head taller than her. From this angle, the view was unavoidable.
"Damn it! Why didn't you say so earlier?"Meng Jie glanced down and stiffened. Sweat had trickled down her neck, soaking a noticeable patch of fabric.
"Because I hadn't seen enough yet," Chen Yansen replied honestly, a grin tugging at his lips.
"You—!"Meng Jie pointed at his nose, furious, her chest rising sharply.
With a dull thump, she climbed obediently into the back of the Bluebird.
Chen Yansen turned toward Huang Boxiang and waved."Coach Huang, recommend a good place to eat. Lunch is on me."
"There's a place called Four Seas Kitchen in the middle of the street," Huang Boxiang said after a moment."It's been open for over twenty years. Small shop, but the food is solid."
Chen Yansen smiled. Renting out his car for half a day, getting fuel reimbursed, and free lunch—this deal wasn't bad at all. The only pity was that the rental period was just ten days.
"Alright. Four Seas Kitchen it is."
Ten minutes later, the group entered the modest eatery. The space inside was small, barely enough for six tables. It was the typical husband-and-wife operation.
"Sit anywhere you like!" the plump proprietress greeted them warmly."Stir-fries and rice bowls!"
Chen Yansen glanced at the menu and ordered lightly—cold beef salad, three-delicacy soup, salted goose. In this heat, heavy dishes were unappealing.
"No wonder you two never had time to hang out," Meng Jie said after gulping down a glass of water."So you were busy making money."
"Of course, I earn at least—"Wang Zihao stopped midway, glancing at Huang Boxiang.
"Not much," Chen Yansen said smoothly, saving him.Then he added, "That shirt looks good on you."
The oversized white shirt hung loosely on Meng Jie, tucked casually into her jeans. Effortless. Eye-catching.
"Tch.""It smells like your sweat," she replied stiffly, tugging at the collar.
She didn't mention that she had secretly smelled it earlier—and that it carried only a faint, clean scent of soap.
At the same time, inside the Anfeng Town Agricultural and Livestock Bank.
"President Meng, I saw your daughter today," a colleague said carefully.
Meng Zhenguo smiled faintly."She insisted on accompanying me on duty. Isn't she thoughtful?"
"But it's already past noon. Why hasn't Hehua returned yet?"He reached for his phone. "I'll call her."
"She seems to be selling things at the market entrance," the colleague hesitated, then continued."With two tall young men. And a middle-aged man."
Meng Zhenguo froze.
"You're sure?"
"I watched your daughter grow up. I'm certain."
Two tall young men.
His chest tightened.
Hadn't she said she was going out with classmates?
A terrible thought formed.
He rushed out.
At the center of the street, he saw her—wearing a man's shirt, laughing with two boys.
One was dark-skinned and burly.The other was tall and handsome, white shirt, roguish smile. Far too eye-catching.
"Dad!"
Meng Jie stiffened the moment she saw him.
"Calling me Dad won't work," Chen Yansen said casually, lowering his head."You can't dodge responsibility that way."
Meng Zhenguo's face darkened.
"Xiao Jie," he asked slowly,"are these your classmates?"
"Yes," Meng Jie replied quickly."They're from my high school. Same class."
"This is Wang Zihao. This is Chen Yansen."
"Hello, Uncle Meng!" Wang Zihao greeted cheerfully.
Chen Yansen smiled politely."Uncle Meng. Have you eaten?"
Meng Zhenguo studied him closely. Calm. Confident. Too composed.
He knew men like this.
For someone like Meng Zhenguo, status and legacy mattered above all else. Meng Jie was his only child—the future of the Meng family.
Dating was fine.
But only if it passed him first.
"Chen," Meng Zhenguo said after a pause, his tone gentle but firm."Is it convenient for us to talk?"
Chen Yansen met his gaze, a faint smile on his lips.
"Of course."