Chapter 378: Night Tour of the Qinhuai River

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

It’s such a coincidence. I didn’t expect to see you again after our last farewell at school!” Zhou Chao greeted with a smile.

“Zhou Chao, what are you doing here?”

“Hahaha, why can’t 1 be here? This is my studio. Why wouldn’t I be here, my dear Young Master Wang?” Indeed, the newcomer was Wang Hao, an old classmate from Modu University.

“Your studio? How is that possible? Zhou, the big boss, would never be interested in such a small studio. Don’t tell me you’re here because you find that Gu Yan is pretty and you want to go after her!”

“I’m not like you. 1 have a wife. 1 came to Jinling this time to inspect this studio. I didn’t expect to run into you. It’s really fate! After all, Jinling is so big, and meeting you is indeed a stroke of luck.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Hao looked disgusted as if he had just eaten a fly.

“I’d rather not have run into you. Meeting you is nothing but trouble!”

“Hahaha, it seems you’ve been up to no good. The heavens sent me to stop you!”

“You!” Wang Hao stared angrily at Zhou Chao.

“You’re right; 1 can’t afford to provoke you, and I can’t hide from you either. 1 don’t believe you’ll stay in Jinling forever!” With that, Wang Hao slammed the flowers he was holding onto the table and stormed off.

“Wang Hao, wait!”

“Speak up!” Wang Hao impatiently looked at Zhou Chao.

Zhou Chao smiled and walked towards Wang Hao. However, the smile slowly disappeared from his face, leaving only a cold expression.

“I don’t want my employees to be disturbed by you. If you cause trouble again, 1’11 go talk to your father at your company.”

Wang Hao looked at Zhou Chao’s deep and icy gaze, hesitated for a while, and finally said, “I understand. 1 won’t bother them again.” With that, he turned and walked away.

At this moment, Gu Yan walked over and looked at the flowers on the table. She turned to ask, “Should I use these flowers to take a bath or soak my feet?”

“Sister Yan, I want them. I’m planning to take a rose bath tonight!” Sasha quickly ran over, took the flowers from Gu Yan’s hand, and grabbed a bag from the drawer to put them in.

In Zhou Chao’s mind, two words floated by: “Simple and straightforward.”

“I’ll be staying in Jinling for a few days. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. I’ll be on my way now.”

“Boss, let me give you a ride!”

“No need. Someone is coming to pick me up!” Zhou Chao waved his hand and left without looking back.

Watching Zhou Chao leave, Gu Yan sighed with relief. However, she turned to see Sasha and the others gathered around, looking at their phones and occasionally bursting into wicked laughter.

“What are you all looking at?” Gu Yan walked over curiously.

“We’re looking at the boss’ appearance. He’s really handsome. Even Little Ling knows how to secretly take pictures of the boss!”

Gu Yan looked at the phone and indeed, Zhou Chao’s actions in the office had been captured.

“All, it’s a pity that the boss is already married. Otherwise, 1 would want to cling to his thigh!” Qusi sighed.

“Qusi, I think you don’t want to cling to the boss’s thigh; you want to cling to a different part of his thigh!” Sasha said with a mischievous grin.

Soon, everyone joined in the teasing.

Gu Yan looked at them and shook her head helplessly. Fortunately, the boss wasn’t here, or she would have to dig a hole to bury these girls.

After Zhou Chao left the studio and just exited the residential complex, he saw Lin Wu standing next to a blue Rolls Royce, smoking a cigarette.

“Boss!” Upon seeing Zhou Chao, Lin Wu quickly extinguished his cigarette.

“Hmm.”

As soon as he got in the car, Lin Wu returned the black card that Zhou Chao had given him earlier.

“Boss, all the expenses for this car are in the storage cabinet next to you. Take a look!”

“There’s nothing to look at.” Zhou Chao leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes as he spoke casually.

“Then, Boss, where should we go first?”

After a moment of contemplation, Zhou Chao finally spoke, “Let’s go back to the hotel. It’s getting late, and we can rest a bit. We can go out for a walk later in the evening.”

“Sure, Boss!” Lin Wu drove off.

By the time the two of them returned to the hotel, it was already three o’clock in the afternoon. As soon as they entered their room, Zhou Chao lay down on the bed, feeling much more relaxed.

The main reason was that during the high-speed train journey earlier today, he hadn’t rested well, and on top of that, the incident that had occurred had left him feeling drained. After a bit of tidying up, he drifted off to sleep.

“Buzz, buzz, buzz!” In his drowsiness, Zhou Chao heard his phone vibrating. It took him a while to find his phone.

“Hello,” Zhou Chao answered, squinting at his phone without looking at it.

“Brother Chao, where are you? I came back, but 1 didn’t see you at home!”

Hearing Jiang Li’s call, Zhou Chao became significantly more alert.

“I forgot to call and let you know. I’m in Jinling with Lin Wu for some business. 1’11 be back in a few days.”

“What kind of business are you dealing with?” After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Li asked.

“It’s nothing major, just that 1 acquired a Hanfu studio a while ago, and 1 came here to take a look. 1 also wanted to see what that little girl, Guo Yan, is up to.”

“Hanfu? 1 like it too, but 1 never have time to wear it.”

“When I’m done with things here, 1’11 have the studio make a few outfits for you.”

“I love you, darling!”

The two of them chatted affectionately for nearly half an hour before Zhou Chao hung up the phone.

“It’s already dark, and I’ve slept for several hours!” Looking at the street lights outside and the bustling streets, Zhou Chao stretched.

At this moment, someone knocked on his hotel room door. He opened it to find Lin Wu standing there.

“Boss!”

“Alright, let’s go and experience the beauty of the Qinhuai River!” The two of them drove towards the Confucius Temple from the hotel.

The Confucius Temple was one of the major scenic attractions in Jinling and a must-visit place for anyone coming to Jinling. The Qinhuai River was conveniently located near the Confucius Temple, making it a perfect opportunity to explore both.

To their surprise, the hotel was a bit far from their destination, and the nighttime traffic was heavy. It took them approximately half an hour to reach the Confucius Temple.

As soon as they entered the Confucius Temple area, they were engulfed by a sea of people.

Seeing the various street food stalls on both sides of the square, the two of them, who were already quite hungry, couldn’t resist indulging in a gastronomic adventure.

As one of the distinctive attractions in Jinling, the Confucius Temple area offered a wide range of mouthwatering street food. After exploring only a third of the area, they both felt satisfied.

“Boss, you know, the scenery along the Qinhuai River is really beautiful!” Lin Wu said as he enjoyed a bowl of steamed plum blossom cakes.

“Of course, that’s why in the past, scholars, officials, and nobles were all enamored and lingered by the Qinhuai River,” Zhou Chao replied, gazing at the bustling surroundings.

It felt like he had returned to an era of literary and artistic pursuits, where talented individuals paired with beautiful women, creating many legendary stories.

“Too bad we don’t have the chance to experience the Qinhuai River as it was back then,” Lin Wu sighed while looking at the river.

“Oh? Do you want to find a courtesan to accompany you for a night of romance?” Zhou Chao teased Lin Wu.

“No… no, Boss, you mustn’t misunderstand. I’m a decent person. I meant the atmosphere of floating along the Qinhuai River in a boat, enjoying the music and scenery!”

“All, don’t explain. I understand!” Zhou Chao chuckled and walked ahead.

“No, Boss, you got it wrong. It’s not what you think!” Lin Wu quickly clarified.

“Hahaha!”

The two of them strolled along the Qinhuai River, savoring snacks and admiring the beautiful scenery, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Jinling’s night.

“Boss, those are sightseeing boats. Should we take a ride and experience the night view of the Qinhuai River while exploring both sides?” Lin Wu pointed to a row of tour boats docked by the river.

After some contemplation, Zhou Chao thought it was a good idea. Since they were in Jinling, it wouldn’t be right to miss the opportunity to enjoy the night view of the Qinhuai River.

“Alright, let’s go and see the night view of the Qinhuai River.” They made their way to the riverbank, and Lin Wu arranged for a tour boat. After boarding, the boat slowly departed from the dock. Zhou Chao sat at the bow of the boat, enjoying the night view of the Qinhuai River.

“Boss, you know, it’s really nice!” Lin Wu sat behind Zhou Chao and spoke in a hushed voice.

“Yes, indeed. It’s no wonder the Qinhuai River has captivated countless people throughout history.”

“Sir, nowadays, both sides of the Qinhuai River are filled with various restaurants and bars. If you have a chance, you should go for a visit. It’s as lively as it used to be!” The boatman, a middle-aged man, shared his memories with a hint of nostalgia, as if he was recalling the past along the banks of the Qinhuai River.

“If you have the chance, you should go and check it out!” Zhou Chao wasn’t particularly fond of the lively dance clubs, but a quiet bar he could tolerate.

“Boss, look, isn’t that Miss Guo?” Lin Wu suddenly pointed not far ahead to another boat.

Zhou Chao followed Lin Wu’s direction and indeed saw Guo Yan. She was on a boat with one woman and two men, all of them appearing to be in high spirits.

Zhou Chao furrowed his brow as he watched.

“Boatman, please follow the boat in front!”

The boatman had overheard their conversation earlier and had a hunch.

“Sir, would you like me to ask the boat in front to stop for you?”

“No need, just follow them.”

“Alright!”

Zhou Chao quietly watched the boat in front, even forgetting to appreciate the scenery along the banks of the Qinhuai River.

As for Lin Wu, he couldn’t help but worry for Guo Yan, hoping that she and her companions were merely here to enjoy the river and the view.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go as hoped. The boat soon stopped at a docking point, and a woman was seen holding Guo Yan’s arm. They were accompanied by two men, all of them appearing quite lively. Zhou Chao’s expression turned serious.

“Boatman, pull closer. We’re disembarking as well,” Zhou Chao said calmly, devoid of his previous smile.

Lin Wu understood that Zhou Chao was a bit agitated at the moment, so he didn’t dare to speak lightly, fearing that he might say something inappropriate.

The boat quickly pulled up to the shore, and the two of them jumped onto the embankment, following the footsteps of Guo Yan and her companions.

“Boss, are we just going to follow them like this?”

“Yeah, let’s see where they’re going.”

Soon, Guo Yan and her group arrived in front of a space-themed bar. They stood at the entrance, engaging in conversation. It seemed that Guo Yan wasn’t very eager to go inside. However, the woman by her side continued to persuade her. Finally, after some words were exchanged, Guo Yan reluctantly entered the bar.

Zhou Chao watched the woman’s back, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

“Let’s go inside!”