This is Li Peifeng’s first time receiving an invitation to the Endpoint Group’s annual meeting, and according to Xia Sheng, this year’s event is the largest ever.

The Endpoint Group not only wants to turn this annual meeting into an annual gathering for its writers and a grand event in the online literature industry, but also plans to invite actors and directors from the entertainment industry to participate, featuring singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, awards ceremonies, and a variety of other programs.

So, instead of calling it an annual meeting, it’s more like a gala, broadcasted live by Money Goose Network and recorded by Shanghai TV Station, with the aim of expanding the influence of online literature and promoting its adaptation into films and TV shows.

A couple of years ago, the Endpoint Group organized a similar event, inviting several popular celebrities, well-known singers, and award-winning screenwriters. It was also held in Shanghai, at the Mercedes-Benz Cultural Center, and the tickets were quite expensive. Those who weren’t invited could only buy tickets to get in, and those who were willing to pay were mostly fans of certain celebrities, spending money just for a chance to see their idols.

The annual meeting was also recorded and broadcasted by the TV station. Li Peifeng watched a bit of it and found it uninteresting because the focus was diverted from the authors. The cameras followed the celebrities, turning it into something resembling a domestic film and TV awards ceremony.

When the celebrities made their appearances, the atmosphere was almost overwhelming but also ringing in people’s ears.

When a top online literary figure came on stage to speak, the applause was sparse, almost as if it wasn’t there.

"This time, it won’t happen like that. Endpoint has adjusted the gala, ensuring the direction doesn’t go off track. Additionally, the celebrities invited this time are even more high-profile, unlike last time where most were just popular stars. You won’t regret coming, just treat it as a family trip..."

To be honest, Li Peifeng really wanted to go, so after hanging up the phone, he started discussing it with the two girls.

"The timing is tight, but manageable. We’ll be home on the afternoon of the 5th, spend a day on the 6th, and book a flight to Shanghai on the 7th. We’ll stay there for a week and come back for New Year’s, we won’t miss much."

Xu Manning added, somewhat implying, "Shanghai is a big city. A week of tourism should be quite interesting."

Wu Wenyue glanced at him, "Are you planning to go so far just for the annual meeting by yourself?"

Li Peifeng smiled frankly, "What are you thinking? How could I leave you all in Ningyuan City? We’re all going, let’s have fun in Shanghai together!"

Wu Wenyue then nodded with satisfaction, and Xu Manning immediately beamed, "We don’t actually have to go to Ningyuan City on the 5th. We can leave school a few days earlier, right? Some of my classmates went home a couple of days ago; we just need to inform our advisor."

Wu Wenyue agreed, "Yes, leaving earlier is the best option. We can cancel the train tickets and buy new ones, or just drive back if we can’t get any."

After a brief discussion, the three decided to set off the next morning. Since they couldn’t get tickets, they’d drive directly on the expressway. It’s four hundred kilometers, they could reach there by noon.

The two girls quickly picked up their phones to notify their advisor, then hurriedly put down their chopsticks, and went into the bedroom to pack their luggage.

Li Peifeng also picked up his phone to inform Zhao Qingge. He was a bit worried that Old Zhao might still be mad and wouldn’t let him go, but after a moment of silence, the other side agreed.

"Alright, you can leave early."

Such a straightforward agreement made Li Peifeng somewhat uneasy. Using [Heart to Heart], he tried to sense Zhao Qingge’s emotions. Apart from annoyance and irritation, he didn’t detect any other feelings. Yet, something told him that going home this time wouldn’t be that simple, as if he’d overlooked something important...

"Oh right, I haven’t told Dad yet!"

It suddenly dawned on Li Peifeng that they’d be going home tomorrow, but he hadn’t informed Li Qiyuan of the delightful news that he’d be bringing two girlfriends to meet the family!

This definitely needed to be mentioned in advance, so his dad could mentally prepare and let his mom do the same. Otherwise, if he brought the two girls home without a word, he feared his parents might be hospitalized from the shock of this pleasant surprise.

"It’s still not too late to call now."

Li Peifeng hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered the courage to dial his father’s number on his mobile.

"What’s up?"

"Dad... how’s the home renovation going?"

Li Qiyuan calmly replied, "The hard renovation is finished, the soft furnishing just started. The lights and wardrobes aren’t installed yet. When are you coming home? Help out during winter break."

"Oh, okay," Li Peifeng responded obediently, then hesitantly asked, "I saw the photos you posted on your social media. Weren’t you planning to buy a Prado? Why did you end up getting an Audi Q5l?"

"Your grandpa said when I drive a Prado, I look like a construction site foreman, so I switched to a Q5."

Li Qiyuan seemed puzzled, "When are you coming home? Aren’t you coming back for New Year?"

"You don’t look like a foreman, not at all like a foreman. Dad, you’re wise, elegant, and handsome. What car you drive doesn’t affect your style..."

"Just get to the point!" Li Qiyuan interrupted, raising his tone, "Stop beating around the bush!" 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

"Well," Li Peifeng gritted, "we’re planning to arrive home around noon tomorrow, and you don’t have to pick us up because we’re driving back too."

"We?" Li Qiyuan immediately caught the key point, raising the pitch, "Who else besides you? Wenyue? Whose car is it?"

"The car is bought for Manning and me."

Li Peifeng took a deep breath, speaking calmly, "This time, the three of us are coming home together, and we’re also bringing New Year’s greetings to you and mom."

After a moment of silence, Li Qiyuan slowly responded, "I don’t think that’s necessary, is it? Wu Wenyue is fine, but what New Year’s greetings does Xu Manning have to bring to us?"