Chapter 119: Childhood Friend’s Arrival in Modu

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

The next day, Zhou Chao slept in until the sun was well up before waking. He stretched lazily and slowly got out of bed, planning to rest for another day and head to Jingdu tomorrow.

Zhou Chao changed into sportswear and entered the gym. It had been a long time since he had exercised, and today was a rare opportunity for some physical activity.

Heavy breathing filled the gym as Zhou Chao panted. It had been a while since he last worked out, and his body felt a bit stiff. He started with half an hour on the treadmill, followed by strength training. In total, he engaged in about an hour of intense exercise. Afterwards, he sat on the couch, wearing an exhausted expression, and continuously drank energy drinks to replenish the fluids he had lost.

“Ding, ding, ding.”

Zhou Chao glanced at his phone as it rang on the table. After the rigorous workout, he flexed his somewhat achy leg muscles and then stood up to answer the call.

“Childhood friend!” Looking at the name on his phone, Zhou Chao answered the call.

“Hey, Leizhi.”

“Brother Chao, what are you up to? You sound quite breathless. I hope I’m not interrupting anything good!” Hearing the playful words from his childhood friend Lei Mingtang, Zhou Chao felt a hint of exasperation.

“1 just finished exercising and was about to take a shower. You called at the perfect time.”

“Well, isn’t that a coincidence? Hehe, guess where 1 am now?” Hearing his friend’s words, Zhou Chao furrowed his brow slightly. It was rare for Lei Mingtang to visit Modu.

“Are you in Modu?”

“Close enough, I’m currently at Jiangbei Airport. My flight is at 11 o’clock.”

“You probably aren’t alone, right? Come on, who’s with you!”

“You’re sharp, you already figured that out. I’m with my girlfriend. We’re planning to come over for a few days, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, stroll along the Bund, and see the Huangpu River!”

“No problem, I’ll come to the airport to pick you up shortly. I’ve got everything arranged for your visit to Modu!”

“Well, I won’t be polite then!”

“We don’t need to be polite, I’ll take a shower first and then head to the airport to meet you!” After hanging up the phone, Zhou Chao remembered that he had noticed a decline in the video quality of Lei Mingtang’s recent content. Now he probably understood the reason behind it—a new girlfriend, most likely!

Without dwelling on it, he got up and headed to the bathroom for a relaxing half-hour soak to ease the soreness in his muscles.

“Oh, now I understand why those wealthy second-generation individuals on TV enjoy soaking in baths. This sensation is truly soothing!” Zhou Chao had always taken standing showers before and had never experienced a bath. If it weren’t for the workout he had just finished, he might not have appreciated how comforting it could feel.

After spending around thirty minutes in the bath and sensing the relief in his muscles, Zhou Chao emerged from the bathtub, dried himself off, and put on clean clothes. He then proceeded downstairs.

Glancing at the clock, he noted that it was approximately 1130 AM. He had a bit of time left before his childhood friend would show up. Zhou Chao sank into the couch, allowing himself a moment of relaxation. Despite the relief in his muscle soreness, he lacked the inclination to get up and move around.

As time drifted by, it gradually approached 1230 PM. Zhou Chao made a rough estimation of the time and fetched the keys to his Bentley Azure. He hadn’t taken this car out for a spin in a couple of months since acquiring it. Fortunately, the car was protected by a cover, preventing it from getting too dirty.

If it weren’t for Lei Mingtang and his girlfriend’s visit, Zhou Chao would have taken his Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta to show off. The rest of his cars were two-seater sports cars, so he could only use the Bentley to pick up Lei Mingtang.

As Zhou Chao drove to Hongqiao Airport, it was already past one o’clock. Glancing at the time, it seemed like the plane was about to land. He promptly sent a message to Lei Mingtang, letting him know he’d be waiting in the parking lot and to call when they arrived.

“Ding, ding, ding.” After waiting for about twenty minutes, Lei Mingtang called. Zhou Chao got out of the car and spotted two figures not far away—one tall and one short.

“Leizhi, over here!” Zhou Chao waved and shouted towards the two figures. Perhaps due to Zhou Chao’s striking appearance, Lei Mingtang noticed him right away.

“Brother Chao, you’ve been waiting a long time!” Zhou Chao hurriedly went over, and the two embraced.

“I haven’t been here for too long either. By the way, shouldn’t you introduce us? It’s your job.” Zhou Chao looked at the girl standing beside Lei Mingtang and teased.

“Hehe.” Lei Mingtang scratched his head unconsciously.

“This is my girlfriend, Zhou Qian. She shares the same surname as you!” Lei Mingtang held Zhou Qian’s hand, his face beaming with happiness.

“Hello, Brother Chao.”

“Hello.” Zhou Chao lightly touched hands with Zhou Qian before letting go.

Zhou Chao’s initial impression of Zhou Qian was that she seemed quiet and courteous, exuding an air of someone with a refined demeanor.

“Let’s go. 1’11 take you to eat first, and after that, we can go shopping. I’ve arranged a hotel for you—it’s right by the Bund. You’ll have a great view of the Huangpu River at night.” Saying this, Zhou Chao picked up their suitcases and placed them in the trunk.

“Brother Chao, you seem to be doing well. You’re driving this car now.” Lei Mingtang sat in the passenger seat, admiring the car with a look of reverence.

“If you like it, you can drive it these few days. It’ll be convenient for you and Zhou Qian to go out and have fun.” Zhou Chao’s words greatly excited Lei Mingtang.

“Brother Chao, what about you?”

“I’m heading to Jingdu tomorrow. It’ll take some time. 1 might return to Fog City around the Lunar New Year.” Hearing Zhou Chao’s words, Lei Mingtang nodded in agreement without making a fuss. After all, having a car would save him a lot of time.

“We’re here, let’s go!” Zhou Chao parked the car at No. 18 on the Bund. Today, he planned to take Lei Mingtang and Zhou Qian to the Cantonese restaurant they had visited before. As the three got out of the car, Zhou Chao led them upstairs.

As soon as they entered, enthusiastic waitstaff welcomed them. This reminded him of the two-star Michelin restaurant they had been to before—the service attitude was worlds apart.

Zhou Chao casually ordered a few signature dishes, and the conversation flowed between the three. Zhou Chao learned that Lei Mingtang and Zhou Qian had known each other for a while. Later, due to video shooting, Lei Mingtang met Zhou Qian again, and the rest was history. Their relationship developed, and now they were on the verge of marriage. This made Zhou Chao feel a twinge of envy.

Soon, the dishes Zhou Chao ordered arrived. The three started eating, and perhaps due to time constraints, they were all focused on their food, not engaging in much conversation. When the dishes on the table were mostly finished, they began chatting again.

“So delicious!” Lei Mingtang wiped his mouth with a tissue and couldn’t help but exclaim. Zhou Qian nodded in agreement.

“All right, should I take you to the hotel first, or should we stroll along the Bund?” Lei Mingtang looked at Zhou Qian beside him after hearing Zhou Chao’s suggestion.

“Brother Chao, let’s head to the hotel first and settle our luggage before going out!” Zhou Chao heard Zhou Qian’s words and understood the situation.

“Sure, let’s go. I’ll show you the hotel first.” After settling the bill, Zhou Chao led the two of them out of No. 18 on the Bund..