During the National Day holiday, traffic on the expressway increased significantly. Fortunately, the congestion wasn't too severe. Normally, driving back to Lu City takes about four to five hours with a quicker speed, but today it took almost six hours.

Of course, this included Chen Feng taking a break at the service station for about half an hour to eat and use the bathroom.

By the time he reached Lu City's downtown, it was already past two in the afternoon, and he directly drove the car to a five-star hotel and parked.

Earlier, he had made arrangements to meet Yu Xiaohui here; she had already booked a room at this location.

When Chen Feng arrived at the door of the room, Yu Xiaohui was already waiting for him there, charmingly smiling.

Chen Feng quickened his steps to reach her, and they smiled at each other, saying everything without needing words.

More than two hours later, they had both showered, each wearing bathrobes, standing by the window on the 16th floor, sipping 60-yuan bottled water, and overlooking the city's street scenes.

At this time, the sun began to lean west, veiled with light clouds, casting a few streaks of fiery red sunlight. Below was a bustling street traffic, not far away was the playground of a primary school crowded with running children, and even farther was a prominent old towering chimney, standing several dozens of meters tall, serving as an iconic architectural relic of another era. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The two just stood by the window, watching the city scene outside, savoring the lingering feeling after the fact, the companionship in the tranquility of time, and it felt wonderful.

At least Yu Xiaohui was somewhat entranced, naturally leaning against Chen Feng, her head resting perfectly on his shoulder, filled with joy, her eyes comfortably closed.

Chen Feng, of course, enjoyed this atmosphere as well, though not entirely entranced, simply amazed by the wonders of fate and Heaven's favor.

Around this time last year, he certainly wouldn't have dreamed of being in such a five-star hotel, opening a room with someone who was an ambiguous friend in middle school.

Opening a room at such a hotel, staying one night would equal his monthly salary from last year.

Initially, neither of them spoke, maintaining their posture unchanged. After a while, Yu Xiaohui adjusted her posture, put down the partly drunk bottled water, turned around, and wrapped her arms around Chen Feng's neck.

Face to face, she gazed at him with clear bright eyes, her face radiant with what appeared to be youthful smiles, glimmering as she stared at him.

Chen Feng felt a bit uneasy with her continued gaze, unable to help but disrupt the mood, asking, "Why are you staring at me with that silly smile?"

Yu Xiaohui didn't get angry, still smiling, with a sweet voice saying, "I'm happy, that's why I'm smiling."

Her demeanor, tone, and smile seemed like those of a young girl who had just fallen in love.

But she was already thirty years old, a mother of two children.

To this, Chen Feng didn't ridicule, instead, he smiled back, affectionately stroked her head, and said, "As long as you're happy."

"Thank you." Yu Xiaohui spoke as she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek, then giggled silly, as if she'd found thousands of dollars.

Chen Feng again stroked her head and then pulled her over to sit on the sofa reclining chair nearby.

"Are your two children doing well?"

Chen Feng found her lovestruck manner a bit overwhelming and actively mentioned her two children, bringing her back to reality.

Sure enough, as soon as Chen Feng mentioned her two kids, her lovestruck expression finally faded, returning to a normal look.

"They're doing well. My daughter is six and understanding, and my son is four and very obedient. They were both cared for by my in-laws before, well taken care of."

Chen Feng nodded, not wanting to discuss her kids further, shifted the topic, and asked, "Hasn't Xiao Jiao been with you these days?"

Yu Xiaohui shook her head, saying, "She has a lot of things to take care of at home too. But she's more carefree than I am. After having those two kids, she hardly raised them, leaving them to her parents. This time, she's mainly busy with partnering to invest in a minerals company and has been in Mingdong for days."

Yu Xiaohui belongs to the type with actual mines in her household; her dad was part of the first batch of coal owners, truly an invisible wealthy civilian.

Given her decision to invest in a minerals company now, Chen Feng, of course, wasn't surprised.

"Will you two return to Xiu Zhou in the short term?" Chen Feng asked.

Yu Xiaohui nodded with a somewhat downcast expression, "We won't be returning soon. I need to take care of two kids, and Xiao Jiao has to focus on her career in Mingdong."

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng secretly sighed in relief.

Although he and Yu Xiaohui were what they were now, he still preferred not to have her and Lou Xiaojiao as neighbors. Sometimes relationships are too close to be beneficial.

Besides, it's never feasible for him to marry Yu Xiaohui, and keeping a slight distance is actually better.

"That's such a pity," Chen Feng feigned disappointment.

Yu Xiaohui laughed, saying, "Don't worry, within a year, my daughter will start primary school, and I plan to send her to Xiu Zhou for schooling. Of course, I'll accompany."

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng suddenly felt speechless.

At that time, she'd bring her daughter, perhaps her son too, living in Red Villa Bay, becoming his neighbor, and occasionally visiting him with the kids.

He could already foresee the future days of being harassed by her family, which certainly wouldn't be particularly pleasant or desirous.

"What brand should I choose if I decided to open a Gold Store? Preferably a top-tier brand."

Wisely, Chen Feng ceased discussing family matters and shifted to talking about work.

Yu Xiaohui considered and said, "There are just a few top-tier brands in China. If I had to choose one, personally, I think Zhao Shengsheng is the best. Their craftsmanship and design quality rank higher among top-tier brands. However, the prices tend to be slightly higher than other brands.

Due to this, Zhao Shengsheng's business in our Lu City wasn't easy. A few years ago, a store opened in our Lu City's Times Square but couldn't continue and closed two years ago. Now, Zhao Shengsheng doesn't have a franchise in Lu City anymore."

Chen Feng had also known a bit about Zhao Shengsheng Jewelry before and had a pleasant impression. Hearing her recognition as an industry insider, he immediately decided to choose this brand. As for the previous store's closure, it was no problem for Chen Feng.

Initially, his main purpose for opening a Gold Store was not to earn money, but to spend. As long as it doesn't incur too great a loss, he planned to run it long-term.

"Then that's perfect, reopening Zhao Shengsheng's franchise in Lu City here should be quite welcomed by Zhao Shengsheng."

Yu Xiaohui advised, "Zhao Shengsheng seems to struggle in our Lu City. You need to think carefully."

Chen Feng nodded, saying, "I've thought it through, let's go with it, don't want to choose anymore. I'll call Zhao Shengsheng's company later and ask about it."

"Since you've decided, I'll definitely support you. You asked me to watch out for a store manager candidate; I have a few in mind from my husband's successful store managers in previous branches."