Although shocked by Shen Hechuan’s response, Qiao Le couldn’t discuss the meaning of “next time” or what exactly to “pay attention to” in a public setting.
He mentally reassured himself that Shen Hechuan had just casually mentioned it and hadn’t specified that the “next time” would be with him.
What if he was referring to someone else?
So, Qiao Le pretended not to hear clearly and asked a question he was more concerned about: “By the way, did you go for your health check- up yesterday as you mentioned?”
Shen Hechuan handed him a document from the side: “Don’t worry, I’m very healthy.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Qiao Le took the health report, “I just think it’s safer this way.”
Shen Hechuan fully understood and agreed with his approach: “That’s reasonable.”
He had gone for the check-up in the morning and had the hospital expedite the report so he could give it to Qiao Le when they met at noon, ensuring Qiao Le knew he was in excellent health.
This would make discussing the commission with Qiao Le more credible.
Qiao Le first noticed the name “Yunjing City Lihua Private Hospital” on the cover.
He knew of this hospital; it was the most renowned comprehensive private hospital in Yunjing City, highly authoritative in fields like cardiovascular, oncology, and maternal and child health.
The health report was detailed.
Qiao Le first checked the most critical items related to infectious diseases and, after confirming there were no issues, felt relieved.
Finally, he glanced at the height, weight, and body measurements.
Height: 1.89 meters, nine centimeters taller than himself.
Qiao Le glanced at Shen Hechuan from the corner of his eye.
No wonder his figure was so good, with such impressive abs.
He must have been secretly working out.
Shen Hechuan noticed his gaze: “What’s wrong? Is there something off?”
“Nothing,” Qiao Le closed the health report and handed it back to Shen Hechuan, “Everything’s fine, super healthy.”
Shen Hechuan took the report: “It’s getting late, let’s have lunch together.”
The coffee was finished, the dessert was eaten, and it was almost noon-time for lunch.
This was why he had arranged to meet Qiao Le at eleven.
He could also ask Qiao Le what he liked to eat, so he could have his home prepare dinner for the evening.
Unexpectedly, Qiao Le declined: “No, I have a part-time job later.”
Another part-time job?
Shen Hechuan frowned slightly: “Didn’t you say you weren’t feeling well and took the day off?”
“I got a commission this morning,” Qiao Le explained, “I need to feed a cat for a regular client who had to leave on a sudden business trip.”
Qiao Le loved cats and dogs, but he didn’t have the means to keep one himself.
However, he often took commissions to feed cats or walk dogs for clients.
It was perfect-he could enjoy playing with pets and earn money at the same time.
“How much do you get for such a commission?” Shen Hechuan asked.
Qiao Le: “One hundred twenty.”
Usually, home pet feeding wasn’t this expensive, but the location was somewhat far, and there were several cats.
Qiao Le also needed to do some basic cleaning.
To Shen Hechuan, one hundred twenty was incredibly cheap.
“Having lunch won’t take much time,” Shen Hechuan said, “Or I can drive you to feed the cat first?”
Qiao Le looked hesitant: “But after feeding the cat, I have another part-time job.”
Shen Hechuan: “…How many part-time jobs do you have? What’s this one about?”
Qiao Le answered honestly: “A real estate company needs extras for the opening of a new building.”
Shen Hechuan: “…”
Seeing Shen Hechuan hesitate, Qiao Le quickly said, “Just these two tasks, don’t worry, I definitely won’t miss the dinner tonight.”
“It’s not that I’m worried about,” Shen Hechuan wanted to say something, but seeing Qiao Le’s puzzled expression, he finally sighed, “Aren’t you tired?”
Aren’t you tired?
Qiao Le shook his head, “I’m fine.”
He wasn’t lying.
Feeding cats and being an extra at a real estate site were much easier than his usual job of delivering takeout, especially since the sales office had air conditioning.
His response made it clear he had made up his mind.
Shen Hechuan felt somewhat helpless and decided to change the subject, “For dinner tonight, do you have any dietary restrictions? Do you prefer Western or Chinese cuisine?”
Qiao Le replied, “No, I eat everything. But for dinner, I prefer Chinese food.”
“Can you handle spicy food?” Shen Hechuan asked, “What kind of cuisine do you like?”
“Yes, I like Cantonese and Hunan cuisine,” Qiao Le said, “Is it too much trouble? I really eat anything, you don’t have to worry about me.”
Usually, when work got busy, he would just have a simple bowl of noodles or a rice dish.
He rarely had the chance to be so particular about different cuisines.
Shen Hechuan said, “It’s no trouble. Let me know when you’re done this afternoon, and I’ll come pick you up.”
“I can “
“I’ll come pick you up,” Shen Hechuan interrupted gently but firmly, “Since the agreement is in place, technically you’re now my boyfriend. I should be the one taking you to your part-time job.”
“That’s not necessary,” Qiao Le waved his hand, “The place is too small, your car won’t fit.”
But Shen Hechuan had a point.
The agreement was already in place, and him picking Qiao Le up for dinner would make it more convincing in front of the elders.
So he said, “The real estate gig should end around 4:30. I’ll send you the address.”
Shen Hechuan nodded, “Alright.”
“Then I’ll head off now,” Qiao Le pointed to his phone, indicating he was in a hurry.
“Be safe.”
“Sure.”
After Qiao Le left, Shen Hechuan sent a message to Judy: “Cancel the lunch reservation at Shiwei Pavilion.”
After sending the message, he called Wu Huilan to tell her about Qiao Le’s food preferences and reminded her not to make it too extravagant, so as not to make Qiao Le feel pressured.
Wu Huilan assured him, “Don’t worry, I’ve been through this before. I won’t mess it up. Just bring him home early for dinner.”
“Alright.”
Meanwhile, after feeding the cats, Qiao Le sent a message to Fang Jiaxu, asking him to pick up Qiao Man in the evening.
Fang Jiaxu called him, “Where are you working now? Didn’t I tell you to take a paid day off? Were you a workhorse in your past life?”
“I’m making big money.”
Qiao Le told him about his deal with Shen Hechuan.
When Fang Jiaxu heard about the 100,000 yuan, he immediately got excited, “Is one day enough? If not, I’ll give you another day off. Make him go bankrupt!”
Qiao Le laughed, leaning on his scooter with one foot, holding the phone, “It should just be a dinner. It’s not like there’s that much good fortune.”
“That’s true,” Fang Jiaxu said, “People who drive Maybachs really are something. A dinner is worth 100,000 yuan.”
Maybach?
Qiao Le thought about it.
Was Shen Hechuan’s car a Maybach?
He had ridden in Shen Hechuan’s car once when they left the hotel, but his mind was in such a mess at the time that he hadn’t paid attention to the details.
Suddenly, he remembered the black car parked outside Brilliant Tower earlier.
“Hey, listen,” Fang Jiaxu continued casually, seeing that he wasn’t responding, “Are you sure he’s not into you? Maybe you should consider taking things further. After all, you’ve already slept together.”
Such a private matter, yet Fang Jiaxu spoke about it as naturally as discussing a meal.
Qiao Le was speechless: “Can you stop reminding me? It’s so awkward.”
“Awkward? Why awkward?” Fang Jiaxu was puzzled.
“Is he not good in bed? No way! He looks like he’d be capable. And your voice is still hoarse.”
Shen Hechuan not good in bed?
Of course not!
Even though Qiao Le wasn’t entirely sober that night, he vaguely remembered how Shen Hechuan had tossed him around all night.
But discussing this in broad daylight, on a busy street, was just embarrassing.
“He was alright. I was drunk, so I don’t remember much,” Qiao Le brushed it off.
“Let’s talk later. I’m busy now. Remember to pick up Xiao Man for me.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it done.”
After hanging up, Qiao Le hopped back on his electric scooter and headed to his next part-time job.
The real estate gig ended earlier than expected, wrapping up at four.
He decided to go home and freshen up, not wanting to make a bad first impression on Shen Hechuan’s family.
When Shen Hechuan arrived, Qiao Le changed into a new pair of shoes and headed out.
Families like Shen Hechuan’s were bound to be particular, and he didn’t want to dirty their floors like last time.
The streets in the old town were narrow, lined with parked cars and small stalls, making it impossible for Shen Hechuan’s car to get through.
He waited by the roadside for Qiao Le, looking up when he heard footsteps and seeing Qiao Le jogging over.
Qiao Le stopped in front of him: “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
As he approached, Shen Hechuan caught a faint whiff of orange scent, his gaze naturally falling on Qiao Le’s slightly damp hair, realizing he had just showered.
Compared to the shirt and slacks he wore in the morning, Qiao Le in a T-shirt and jeans looked even younger.
“I just got here too,” Shen Hechuan said, opening the passenger door.
“Let’s go.”
“Alright.”
Once in the car, Qiao Le noticed they weren’t heading toward Liwan New District: “Aren’t we going to Linjiang Villa?”
“Linjiang Villa is where I live,” Shen Hechuan explained. “My parents and grandfather are at Pengshan No. 1 Mansion.”
Pengshan No. 1 Mansion, nestled against the mountains and by the water, was a prestigious villa district in Yunjing City, a place money couldn’t buy these days.
Qiao Le hadn’t expected to be dining there tonight.
As the car entered Pengshan Avenue, Qiao Le noticed red carpets laid out from the first security checkpoint, making it all very conspicuous.
He was wondering if someone was hosting a celebration when Shen Hechuan said, “We’re here.”
The car pulled into a villa estate, and before Qiao Le could say anything, colorful confetti suddenly burst into the air on both sides.
In the distance, several large red lanterns added to the festive atmosphere.
Qiao Le: “…”
Oh, so this is my celebration.
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