Chapter 5: We Set Off

t could help locate Tang Wu's family in Jie Cheng.At No. 27 Middle School’s main entrance stood two rows of male and female students wearing red arm bands and school uniforms along with duty teachers...Chapter 5: We Set Off

"Wu, Wu Shirui." Gu Xiaozhong had indeed considered the possibility of encountering Wu Shirui here. Everyone knew that within the entire company, the most qualified person to pursue Wu Shirui was Yang Zhao or Zhao Xin—both were sons of high-ranking officials in the company. Yet, their relationships among the three were rather ambiguous and unclear; they could often be seen coming and going from this café as if it were their own backyard. However, for children living in the old courtyard, such a place was out of reach.

Therefore, when Gu Xiaozhong and Su Cen entered cautiously, imagining how to remain calm if they met someone familiar, things did not go according to plan as they unexpectedly ran into Wu Shirui and Yang Zhao. Gu Xiaozhong became so nervous that he could hardly speak smoothly.

Wu Shirui's surprised exclamation when she saw Gu Xiaozhong echoed in the quiet environment, drawing attention from everyone around them. In fact, this girl was quite remarkable; her makeup was also elegant and beautiful. However, her loud cry made it perfectly reasonable for people to take a closer look at her.

But in Wu Shirui’s mind, she only felt that her exclamation was too rash, causing others' dissatisfaction, and thus subconsciously blamed Gu Xiaozhong. Seeing Su Cen beside him, who had not even spared her a glance after the first sight, made her feel somewhat defeated in confidence. She snorted to herself, "What’s there to be so proud about"

Yang Zhao smiled and said, "Oh, Gu Xiaozhong What are you doing here" Although his tone was not particularly condescending, the underlying arrogance was evident. His gaze swept over Su Cen; in his opinion, Gu Xiaozhong seemed rather rustic, while this boy's simple attire gave him a different impression.

"My friend and I would like to sit together," Gu Xiaozhong pointed at Su Cen, originally intending to say that his friend was treating them. However, seeing the expressions in Yang Zhao’s and Wu Shirui’s eyes, he changed his mind at the last moment.

Wu Shirui and Yang Zhao exchanged a knowing smile, understanding that there was no way Gu Xiaozhong could afford to treat new companions here, and this boy's background remained unknown.

Wu Shirui said casually, "You have a new friend Why didn't you introduce him before After all, we used to grow up in the same courtyard!"

Gu Xiaozhong seemed intimidated by Wu Shirui and quickly introduced both sides.

Yang Zhao then asked, "Oh, your surname is Su Are you from the new family that moved into the company"

Seemingly isolated, he was actually quite well-informed.

Su Can nodded. Yang Zhao and Wu Shirui exchanged a glance and couldn't help but laugh, as everyone in the company was spreading information about their family.

The power structure found Tong Jianjun's idea to be overly optimistic; he brought someone up from Xi Hai City and intended to promote them directly to Deputy Director of Enterprise Management. Promotions within Dayong Construction were based on performance evaluations. Although the completion of Star Sea Square had earned official commendation and gratitude from the municipal government in Xi Hai City, attributing all the credit to an unknown deputy director of a sub-department was unrealistic. Tong Jianjun's plan might work out well for him, but it wasn't practical.

Some senior employees heard that the vice-director who oversaw the construction of Star Sea Square had moved into the City Stories neighborhood and secretly cursed Tong Jianjun and Su Licheng for reaping hidden benefits from their efforts at Star Sea Square.

In any case, Su Can's family had been a hot topic recently.

Yang Zhao and Wu Shirui naturally knew about these discussions within the family and had formed rough impressions of Su Can.

Wu Shirui smiled. "That's great; since we're in the same compound, let’s hang out more often." However, she tugged at Yang Zhao’s sleeve to indicate a window-side seat that overlooked the street. It was quite romantic and already occupied by someone else, so she grew impatient but didn't even consider sitting with Su Can and Gu Xiaozhong.

Yang Zhao nodded and pointed out on Gu Xiaozhong's menu: "You can order their famous Siphon Ice Mocha or signature Coffee Shards, both are great for first-timers."

The color drained from Gu Xiaozhong’s face when Wu Shirui made it clear that he was a newcomer; he felt somewhat embarrassed. However, Wu Shirui wasn't bothered by this and claimed the window-side seat before others who were driving down after work could arrive.

Wu Shirui gave Yang Zhao a playful glare: "Everyone knows those are the most expensive items. Why suggest them" In contrast, her favorite 38 yuan Cappuccino was quite affordable.

Yang Zhao chuckled, "Let them pretend to be rich! If they can't afford it, why order it"

Wu Shirui poked his arm: "You're such a mean person!"

Gu Xiaozhong stared at the menu in disbelief. The two pricey coffee options Yang Zhao recommended were 98 yuan each—astronomical prices!

His face had already turned pale, and he was staring at Su Cen with bulging eyes. He didn't know how much budget Su Cen had today; he was looking forward to being treated to dinner by him. Since lunchtime, he hadn't eaten much, and as someone with a big appetite, he felt slightly hungry now. Looking at the menu pictures, the steaks were about the same size as pancakes but cost 38 yuan each; he would probably finish one in just a few bites. If he wanted to eat his fill here today, it might cost him five or six hundred yuan—equivalent to a month's salary!

Even though Guo Xiaozhong was young and confident, he couldn't help but wonder how people could have such big differences.

The two of them were looking at the menu when they noticed an argument breaking out. Yang Zhao and Wu Shirui, who were seated by the window, were told that their table had already been reserved for someone else. The white-collar workers standing next to them looked down on them from above.

"We've never heard of a reservation system at Crushed Plate Cafe; we come here often!" Wu Shirui was very indignant, especially since the look in the woman's eyes made her feel uncomfortable.

The white-collar lady had already had an argument with Wu Shirui earlier and wasn't about to back down now. "Everyone knows that only VIPs can make reservations at Crushed Plate Cafe; of course you don't know!" In other words, little kids shouldn't be involved in this.

The waiter hurriedly explained the situation, but Wu Shirui and Yang Zhao could do nothing but get up silently as they watched the white-collar workers sit down haughtily. Their faces turned pale with anger.

At that moment, Guo Xiaozhong waved them over. "Why don't you just come over here"

Wu Shirui went past him coldly and sat at a table beside them, leaving Guo Xiaozhong feeling angry on her behalf.

Yang Zhao grumbled as he sat down opposite Wu Shirui. "Damn it! My classmate Zhao Chengyan has a VIP card for this cafe; if I had known, I would have asked him for one. His family is big shots; they've seen everything there is to see. He even knows the owner of Crushed Plate! One day, I'll drag them here and give these guys a taste of their own medicine."

Su Cen wasn't paying attention to what they were saying but thought that Guo Xiaozhong was quite magnanimous in his forgiveness. He then looked up at the waiter and said, "How do I go about getting one of those VIP cards"

"Sir, we have a card system here where you can make purchases with it across all our chain stores nationwide. If you top up 1888 yuan on your card, then you will be considered a valued VIP and enjoy free reservations."

The female waiter obviously didn't think that Su Cen had the means to do this but answered politely.

"Alright, let's go with that. Just get me a VIP card.

The waiter was still in a state of confusion, but Guo Xiaozhong blinked his eyes. At this moment, Wu Shirui and Yang Zhao's heads finally landed on their table. They saw Su Chan take out his wallet and pull out a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills; both were momentarily stunned.

"Is there any problem" When Su Chan handed the money to the waiter, she clearly had her eyes fixed on Su Chan and Guo Xiaozhong's attire and age. Her brain seemed to have short-circuited for a moment.

However, she was professionally trained, so after that brief moment of stupor, she quickly accepted it with an even sweeter smile than before, preparing to leave when Su Chan said, "Wait."

He also ordered the dishes. Su Chan consecutively ordered items like "Italian meat sauce noodles," "German flower sausages," "Sicilian tomato soup," "French lobster soup," "Green beans braised beef," "Seven-tenths cooked pepper steak," "Caesar salad," and "Braised pork ribs." He even ordered the two cups of coffee that Yang Zhao mentioned earlier.

He then closed the menu, smiling at the waiter who was hastily jotting down the orders with a pencil. "That's all for now. Bring out our food quickly, we're hungry."

His words came out swiftly but seemed casual; however, Su Chan’s nonchalant yet composed demeanor drew curious glances from those around him, all of whom stared in amazement at the two youngsters—Su Chan and Guo Xiaozhong—who had been virtually ignored earlier.

Evidently, Wu Shirui was agitated by this turn of events. She kept stealing glances at Su Chan's face but said nothing. Yang Zhao wore a pale expression; he could tell that his new companion, the person named Su Chan, outshone him today in every way.

Soon enough, the waiter returned with an eye-catching VIP card and the bill, which she handed to Su Chan this time with considerable respect.

The next scene was even more astonishing for Wu Shirui and Yang Zhao. Su Chan casually handed over the VIP card, something that many white-collar workers considered a mark of honor and enhanced vanity in today's era, to Guo Xiaozhong: "There’s still around 1300 yuan left inside. You heard what I said; it can be used at all coffee shops in Fuzhou city. Come anytime you like—no need to wait for winter break."

Guo Xiaozhong took the card with a look of disbelief, his hands trembling.

The dishes soon arrived one by one, filling their table entirely; they turned what was supposed to be an upscale casual coffee shop into a self-service restaurant.

Su Chan then rather undignifiedly shattered the mysterious image he had left on everyone there. With knife in one hand and fork in another, he smiled at Guo Xiaozhong who had rolled up his sleeves.inct presence.From this point on, one can only reminisce.The phrase remains true: It will get better and better.Thanks to everyone’s trust and support in Little Fish. I’ve gotten used to expressing my...