Chapter 2767 - 1718: Confidante

Chapter 2767: Chapter 1718: Confidante

What is happiness?

Cats eat fish.

Dogs eat meat.

Ultraman fights little monsters.

It can also be — life is just like the first meeting, hot pot ends with noodles.

The slogans posted on the unpainted concrete walls are witty and amusing, paired with retro nostalgia decor, instantly transporting one to the 80s and 90s of the last century.

Today’s dining scene competes not only in taste but also in cultural atmosphere.

"You don’t eat staples?"

There are seven or eight empty bottles on the floor, the chopstick holder is almost full, and the two men aren’t burly but are indeed strong. Although skewers aren’t expensive, the way they eat will definitely lead to a hefty bill later.

But it doesn’t matter, it’s not his turn to pay, anyway.

"I never eat staples with hotpot."

"I can’t do that. I need to eat some rice, otherwise I’ll be hungry." Zhao Fan adds a bowl of fried rice. Delivering express is a labor-intensive job, relying primarily on physical strength, his appetite is sure larger than average.

"Still drinking?"

Zhao Fan asks.

The last bottle of alcohol is nearly empty.

"Whatever."

Boss Jiang’s alcohol tolerance isn’t formidable; he’s even outdone by some female colleagues, but a few bottles of beer are no problem.

"Two more bottles."

Zhao Fan swiftly calls out.

Just like under the moon and flowers, it’s not only about love; the way men chat and boast can also make time fly by quickly. Before you know it, over an hour has quietly evaporated amidst the boiling hotpot.

The storefront faces the street where streetlights are lit, the grey night with cars coming and going, and the parking spaces are completely full. Inside, the business is booming, lively and bustling.

Jiang Chen reaches out to light up the phone screen on the table; not that he’s checking for missed calls or unread messages since his phone isn’t muted, he’d know if there’s any message. He’s only checking the time.

7:24.

"You’re not going back today, are you?"

Zhao Fan asks, "Sending goods out of town, shouldn’t travel expenses be reimbursed?"

Of course.

Taking the train isn’t far, while flying is even quicker. If he’d boarded a plane earlier, he’d probably already be in East Sea by now.

But flying is luxurious and unlikely to be reimbursed.

"We’ll see."

Boss Jiang says, finishing the last sip of alcohol in his glass, and placing the empty bottle at his feet.

"Open it." Zhao Fan says, as the waiter brings over two bottles.

"Last bottle, huh."

Boss Jiang says, "It’ll be too late and there’ll be no train."

"I think you better stay over tonight then, come to my place, you’ll save a night’s accommodation cost; isn’t that a win?"

"But you don’t even have a house yet."

"Nor do you; then where do you live?"

Zhao Fan chuckles in response, undoubtedly referring to a rented apartment, only to hear the reply: "I have a girlfriend."

A line repeated.

Its impact and offense dramatically decrease.

Zhao Fan remains unfazed, "What’s the big deal about having a girlfriend? I also had a girlfriend before..."

Hang on.

Zhao Fan suddenly frowns, "What do you mean?"

"I live with my girlfriend."

"..."

Zhao Fan is speechless, then tentatively asks, "Co-renting?"

"It’s her own house."

"Her own house?"

Zhao Fan is incredulous, excitedly asking, "Your girlfriend has a house in East Sea?!"

"That’s right."

Boss Jiang nods lightly.

Zhao Fan’s mouth twitches. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ

It’s not the spicy food.

— Damn it!

He thought the other was a fellow traveler, but turns out the guy is taking shortcuts, no wonder he didn’t care when they chatted upon East Sea’s hardship this afternoon.

Zhao Fan intensely bites a cumin mutton cube off a skewer, feigning demeanor, his gaze becomes disdainful.

"How old’s your girlfriend?"

"25."

Zhao Fan is certain.

25?

Isn’t it 55?

"Your girlfriend is native to East Sea?"

"No. She’s my university junior."

University junior?

She must be a rich second generation.

"Why go on delivering express then; just chill and relax."

Zhao Fan quickly adjusts his mindset, finding a rich woman may be shameful, but finding a worthy rich second generation is skill.

Who wouldn’t want such a shortcut; it’s just most people aren’t that lucky.

"Isn’t it what you said? A man should spend his own earned money to feel secure."

Zhao Fan smiles, manipulating the skewer, hesitantly says, "But with this income, won’t your girlfriend look down on you?"

Boss Jiang looks straightforward, "She’s proud of me."

Zhao Fan’s expression slightly contorts, showing common emotions of envy, jealousy, then ultimately sigh.

He’s finally starting to understand that although both are in express delivery, where does that composure and confidence in the other come from?

It’s said love is like nurturing flowers.

In fact, it’s the same for both genders.

This guy exudes such calm and collectedness, all thanks to the support from his girlfriend.

"You’re a paragon for us."

Zhao Fan willingly toasts.

Boss Jiang remains humble, raising his glass, "A man must strive for strength."

Zhao Fan laughs, increasingly finding this guy’s soul enriched.

There are so many waiting-to-be-fed creatures, why can he eat swan meat?

There’s a reason.

"What about Pei Yunxi you mentioned earlier..."

Zhao Fan lifts his glass to his lips, teasing, as the drink enters his throat but hasn’t been swallowed yet, he hears, "She’s a confidante."

"Cough cough cough cough—"

The justified coughing sounds suddenly burst forth.

It’s really not about psychological preparation.

Who can withstand such humor skills?

Zhao Fan raises his hand, palm toward Jiang Chen, head facing down, decisively spits all the drink out.

"My mistake."

Why continue provocations even after admitting defeat?

Zhao Fan wipes his mouth, deeply introspective, while a bowl of fried rice is presented.

"I’ve gotta start eating. Really not having some?"

Boss Jiang shakes his head.

Zhao Fan doesn’t hold back anymore, pulls out a napkin to wipe his hands, and places the rice in front of him.

Half a day’s time.

The phone hasn’t rung.

Obviously.

The likelihood is that it won’t ring anymore.

The person expressing their attitude through actions isn’t disappointed either.

Pei Yunxi isn’t unreasonable, believes the misunderstanding should be resolved, because some communication doesn’t necessarily require language.

"Going to the restroom."

Boss Jiang gets up.

Zhao Fan nods, unclear if kidney function is too good or poor, but after drinking so much beer, it surprisingly doesn’t need to be excreted, he keeps focusing entirely on eating.

"Ring ring ring—"

All of a sudden.

The phone starts ringing.

Zhao Fan lifts his eyes, looking across the table, the phone left behind is lighting up, forgotten, on the table.

Zhao Fan doesn’t mind, certainly won’t presumptuously answer, focused solely on his own little territory without noticing that a very peculiar woman has entered the skewer shop—a woman dressed in a long down jacket, and it’s high-collared, almost covering her chin, wearing a mask and a fisherman’s hat.

That’s already noteworthy, for keeping warm, it’s not exaggerated, but she even wears sunglasses.

Meaning almost the entire body is covered, not a patch of skin is exposed, even her ears are hidden by cloud-like long hair.

She places one hand in her pocket, holding a phone in the other, surveys the surroundings, then finds Zhao Fan’s table, or rather the phone on the table that’s ringing.

Both phone and hand placed into the down jacket pocket, she inserts both hands into her pockets, slowly yet steadily walking towards Zhao Fan’s table. Strangely, as this woman puts away her phone, the phone left behind by Boss Jiang also stops ringing.

Zhao Fan subconsciously twitches his nose, sensing a strong fragrance that even the hotpot aroma can’t overshadow, he instinctively looks up.

He’s stunned.

Stares dumbfounded at the extraterrestrial-like woman sitting opposite, then glances around.

"...Anything?"