"Bin, come out and get the stuff." Just as he hung up the phone, still pondering what to say to Director Kong tomorrow, Xu Ye’s voice called from outside the door.

"It’s in the trunk. You can get it yourself. I’m totally wiped out from the last few days." Tossing the car keys to Shen Yibin, Xu Ye walked straight into the shop and collapsed onto the sofa.

"It’s not like you’re punching a clock. You can just sleep in tomorrow and you’ll be fine." Shen Yibin handed the lighter bags of fruit to Sun Qian and picked up the lamb himself. "By the way, did any reporters come looking for you today?"

"It wasn’t just reporters looking for me these past few days. Several big brands and major projects want my ad agency to handle their promotions. I’ve really hit the jackpot this time." Xu Ye’s face was beaming. "Once I land these contracts, I’ll call Qiao Wenqi and the others, and I’ll take you all up to the mountains to party for a few days."

The guy had bought some land in the mountains and built a resort villa. Shen Yibin had only ever heard about it and never had the chance to see it for himself. ’But since it’s in the mountains, Hah’Er and Egg are sure to love it, right?’ "That sounds great! I’ll bring Hah’Er and Egg with me."

"Don’t just bring those two! Bring your shop’s employees, too. Consider it a company perk you’re giving them!" Xu Ye liked a lively crowd; it would be a bit too quiet with just their old friends.

And so, the matter was settled. Shen Yibin hurried upstairs to start cooking. Before long, fragrant aromas began to waft from the kitchen, tempting Egg to pace restlessly back and forth at the doorway.

A little over an hour later, the meal was finally ready. Sakai Kaori helped Sun Qian set the dining table, while Sylvie and Shen Yibin brought the dishes out together. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

With such a great success to celebrate, Shen Yibin and Xu Ye were naturally in high spirits. And how could one celebrate good news without some drinks? The two of them happily drank one glass after another.

Hah’Er was grinning from ear to ear, holding his wine bowl and taking small sips. Egg also accepted the sake that Sakai Kaori passed to him. This bottle wasn’t one she had originally brought—Hah’Er had long since finished those. She had urgently contacted an elder at the Shrine to have this one sent by express delivery. The shipping fee alone was no small sum, but to her, as long as Lord Raccoon Cat was happy, no expense was too great.

Sylvie and Sun Qian also held glasses, taking an occasional sip, but their attention was mostly focused on Egg. They couldn’t bear the thought of that little guy getting drunk. They were exhausted from a long day and wanted a good night’s sleep—they had learned to fear Hah’Er’s earth-shattering snores when he drank too much.

As it turned out, Hah’Er and Egg didn’t get drunk, but Xu Ye did. Shen Yibin had to put him in a taxi and send him home, where he even got an earful from Xu Ye’s parents.

The next day, Shen Yibin slept until noon before finally crawling out of bed. He then bathed himself and Hah’Er, changed into a set of clean, formal clothes, and after lunch, headed to the city government building, arriving just before the scheduled meeting time.

Qin Qing led him and Hah’Er into a conference room. A moment later, Mayor Wang and Director Kong entered one after the other. Mayor Wang made the introductions, and then they got right down to business, starting their discussion on how to shoot the promotional film.

"This is the preliminary proposal we’ve drafted, and here is the one Mr. Shen submitted." Mayor Wang briefly introduced both proposals before asking, "Director Kong, which one are you leaning toward? Or perhaps you have a better idea?"

"I don’t have any specific ideas yet. I’d like to spend some time with Hah’Er first, and then visit the famous landmarks around Yunzhong City. I want to see the beautiful scenery and experience the local customs and culture to find some inspiration. Then I’ll make a decision," Director Kong said modestly, without the airs one might expect from a famous director.

"Ah, you don’t find many people as dedicated as Director Kong these days! Yunzhong City will give you its full support. Qin, you can set aside your other duties for a few days and just accompany Director Kong. Show him the sights along the Yunshui River, take a look at the orchards on the mountainside... Oh, and Mr. Shen, if you’re free, please bring Hah’Er along as well?" Mayor Wang was extremely supportive and began making arrangements right away.

The Yunshui River and the sprawling mountain orchards were Yunzhong City’s main tourist attractions. Shen Yibin had actually been there a few times before, but back in his college days, he never had much money or a car, so he couldn’t enjoy himself to the fullest. And for more than two years after graduating, he had cut his personal spending to the bare minimum to save up for the pet shop. He had no idea what new developments the scenic spots might have seen over the years.

Besides, with Sun Qian, Sylvie, and Sakai Kaori as employees, Shen Yibin wasn’t nearly as busy at the shop anymore. ’And Hah’Er will definitely love being out in nature, right?’ So, without much hesitation, Shen Yibin readily agreed. "No problem. I was just wondering, when are you planning to leave?"

Mayor Wang and Qin Qing both looked toward Director Kong. He was their guest who had traveled a long way, after all; the schedule for this scouting trip had to be arranged to his convenience.

"I’m fine to go tomorrow," Director Kong said, glancing at his beautiful assistant.

After Shen Yibin confirmed he also had no plans for the next day, Mayor Wang immediately instructed Qin Qing to arrange for vehicles and book hotels. He then pulled out some brochures for Yunzhong City’s tourist attractions and began discussing a potential itinerary with Director Kong.

"Don’t worry about me. I’ll just follow Mr. Qin wherever he takes us," Director Kong said, a little defensively. He’d noticed his assistant occasionally glancing over at Qin Qing. It was understandable, he supposed. He was a man of several decades, while Qin Qing was young and exceptionally handsome; it was only natural for her to steal a few extra glances.

With the time set, the travel-weary Director Kong took his assistant to their hotel to rest. Shen Yibin and Hah’Er returned to the shop to pack for the next day’s trip and to give Sun Qian and the others a few last-minute instructions.

’This is official business, so I can’t really bring Sun Qian and the others,’ he thought. ’I’ll have to make it up to them on the trip to Xu Ye’s villa. As for the other two, Cheeky is glued to Sun Qian’s side all day and probably wouldn’t want to leave anyway. And Egg and Sakai Kaori have been getting along so well lately; I wouldn’t dare break that up.’

So, when he left the next day, Shen Yibin brought only Hah’Er. Qin Qing picked him up in a large tour bus parked outside the shop. From there, they went to the hotel to get Director Kong and his entourage, then stopped at a time-honored Yunzhong City restaurant for a local-specialty breakfast. Afterward, the bus left the city limits, heading for the Yunshui River.

They hadn’t gone far when Director Kong turned around from his seat in the front, looked at Shen Yibin, and asked, "Mr. Shen, I was wondering... would you have any interest in having Hah’Er star in a movie?"