Prince charming, your persona has collapsed!

Zheng Yanyan stayed with Zhou Yuwen for nine days, and during those nine days, Zhou Yuwen practically took Zheng Yanyan around the entire Xu Huai. Time passed bit by bit until February 20th. Colleges in Jinling were gradually starting their semesters, and those students who worked part-time during the winter break were starting to settle accounts. Jiang Xinyi, Tao Tian, and Qu Jing—all three girls—had returned to Jinling one after another.

The main reason for their return to Jinling was to see Zhou Yuwen as soon as possible. However, upon arrival, they discovered that Zhou Yuwen hadn't returned to Jinling yet. Based on the academic calendar, Zhou Yuwen wouldn't likely return until after the 25th.

Jiang Xinyi and the others were naturally unhappy.

Jiang Xinyi even felt that Zhou Yuwen was deliberately avoiding her.

When Zhou Yuwen heard this, he couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. He said, "Why would I be avoiding you?"

"You probably think I'm too old and are scared I might cling to you, don't think I don't know," Jiang Ting snorted.

Zhou Yuwen replied, "You're overthinking it."

"If you're not avoiding me, then why haven't you come back to Jinling yet?"

This question left Zhou Yuwen speechless. Aside from Jiang Ting, both Qu Jing and Tao Tian expressed their longing for Zhou Yuwen in gentler ways, sending him photos separately in text messages.

Zhou Yuwen figured there was no need to rush back before the semester began. The 20th sounded about right anyway. Besides, keeping Zheng Yanyan at his house indefinitely wasn't ideal either, so he decided to go back earlier.

Thus, on February 21st, Zhou Yuwen embarked on his journey back to Jinling.

This return trip consisted of just Zhou Yuwen, Zheng Yanyan, and Su Qing. Zhou Yuwen had contacted Li Shiqi earlier only to find that she had left for Jinling a week prior.

Zhou Yuwen initially wanted to ask, "Why didn't you let me know?"

But after thinking about it, he decided it wasn't necessary to press her on it, so he simply said, "Alright then."

As for Liu Shuo, he was now the proud owner of a Volkswagen Magotan—how could he possibly travel with Zhou Yuwen again? After confirming the return date, Liu Shuo took the lead, driving off in his Magotan.

To be honest, Zhou Yuwen kind of wished Liu Shuo could accompany him for part of the trip.

That way, Su Qing and Zheng Yanyan—those two rambunctious girls—might tone down their antics somewhat.

But it seemed that was definitely not going to happen.

The two girls nearly got into a hair-pulling scuffle over who got to sit in the front passenger seat.

At first, by Zhou Yuwen's house, under the watchful eyes of his parents, Zheng Yanyan quietly sat in the front passenger seat.

But barely a few minutes into the journey, Zheng Yanyan started complaining from the back, demanding Su Qing give up the spot so she could sit in the front.

Su Qing naturally pretended not to hear her.

Then, the two started bickering.

In the end, Zhou Yuwen had to assert his authority as the "head of the household" to put an end to the fight.

"Listen to me," he said firmly, "Su Qing sits first, and at the next rest stop, we'll switch."

Even though Zheng Yanyan was unhappy with this arrangement, she reluctantly agreed, giving Zhou Yuwen a pitiful look.

Zhou Yuwen couldn't handle her expression and said, "Sis, I've already spent nine days with you, haven't I? For those nine days, you weren't happy—at least let her have some joy."

"Exactly!" Su Qing quickly chimed in.

"Hmmph~" Zheng Yanyan, unwilling though she was, finally gave in.

The journey from Xu Huai to Jinling was only about three hours. Zhou Yuwen sped up slightly, but ultimately felt obligated to stop at a rest area for fairness's sake.

At the stop, Zheng Yanyan eagerly darted to the front seat, announcing, "My turn! My turn!"

Zhou Yuwen couldn't quite understand the allure of the front passenger seat.

On the way back to Jinling, Zhou Yuwen received a phone call from Zhu Hong. She said, "Mr. Zhou, Happy New Year!"

"Ah, Sister Zhu, isn't it a bit late for New Year's greetings now?"

"I messaged you on New Year's Eve! Don't tell me you forgot!" Zhu Hong teased with a sly smile. Even though the conversation was over the phone, Zhou Yuwen could almost picture her fox-like grin.

Zhou Yuwen replied, "Of course not; I definitely remembered."

"Sister Zhu, what can I help you with?"

In her office, spinning her pen, Zhu Hong said, "Here's the thing—when would Mr. Zhou be free? I'd like to meet in person to discuss matters concerning Xianlin Takeout."

Zhou Yuwen chuckled, "Sister Zhu, you really have a good sense of timing."

"I just got back to Jinling today; I'll be free all week going forward."

"That's wonderful!"

Zhu Hong let out a soft laugh and asked if Zhou Yuwen played golf.

The weather had been great recently, and the company had given out a couple of complimentary golf passes. If Mr. Zhou were interested, they could go together.

Zhou Yuwen said, "To be honest, I've never played golf. But since you're offering, Sister Zhu, go ahead and make the arrangements."

"Alright, sounds good."

After hanging up, Zhu Hong rang her assistant's bell.

Soon, a young woman in white high heels and a pale green office-lady outfit walked in. The skirt was knee-length but not too short, paired with a matching blazer on top. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, giving her a neat and capable look.

With light makeup and an unrecognizably professional demeanor compared to the festive season, Lu Wanting appeared composed. "Sis, you called me?"

"Take this to accounting and have them sign off," Zhu Hong said, handing the document over from her desk. Her lipstick, a bright shade of red, accentuated her confident and glamorous smile as she sat poised in her executive chair.

"Alright."

Zhu Hong hadn't planned to say more but hesitated for a moment before asking, "By the way, Wanting, are you free this week?"

Lu Wanting was curious. "Is it work-related?"

"Sort of," Zhu Hong replied.

"There's an engagement this week with a young entrepreneur. I figured it'd be easier to communicate if I bring along someone young. Oh, by the way, do you know how to play golf?" Zhu Hong remembered Lu Wanting was from Singapore, and her father ran a small business, so she might have had exposure to such activities.