The Zhao couple returned almost one after the other.

Mrs. Zhao arrived home first. When she returned, Shi Jing, Zhao Xunkan, and Old Master Zhao were on the veranda. Shi Jing and the old master were playing Connect Four, while Zhao Xunkan joined in the fun.

Zhao Xunkan's mother is a very beautiful woman who takes good care of herself. When she is with Zhao Xunkan, they don't look like mother and son, but rather like siblings.

Upon her return, she headed straight for the corridor where the three of them were. From a distance, she appeared very enthusiastic, suggesting that she already knew of Shi Jing's arrival.

"Dad, I'm home."

"Yes," the old man responded.

"Miss Shi, hello. I've heard the old man mention you before; you're such a beautiful young lady," Mrs. Zhao, Wang Meijuan, said with a very kind smile.

"Hello, Auntie." Shi Jing put down the chess piece, stood up and greeted her.

Just as they were greeting each other, they heard a commotion in the courtyard, and soon another person walked in. The newcomer was a middle-aged man in a sharp suit. Unlike the typical corporate CEO who was pot-bellied, this man, though not very thin, was in good shape and had a refined appearance, not at all like a ruthless business tycoon.

The visitor was none other than Zhao Baiquan, the head of the Zhao family.

Zhao Baiquan had a refined appearance, but he wasn't the approachable type. After entering the room, he simply nodded and greeted the group, but his face remained expressionless, leaving one wondering whether he was in a bad mood or something else entirely.

"Hello, Mr. Zhao." Shi Jing continued to greet him while still standing up.

Seeing this, Mrs. Zhao affectionately took Shi Jing's hand and glared at Zhao Baiquan, saying, "Your uncle is naturally expressionless and old-fashioned. Miss Shi, please don't take it to heart."

Hearing this, Zhao Baiquan was not annoyed, and his expression remained sparse.

It seems that Mrs. Zhao's words are indeed true.

"Have a good time and don't be shy, make yourself at home." After saying that, Mrs. Zhao looked at the old man and said, "Dad, let's go upstairs and change our clothes first."

"Okay, you two go ahead with your work." The old man waved his hand, dismissing the two.

After the couple went upstairs, the old man pulled Shi Jing aside to continue playing chess.

"Hey, I put it here, it's blocking the way now," the old man said chuckled.

Nearly an hour later, Zhao Xunkan's brother returned from outside, by which time it was already dark. The chessboard had been put away, and the group chatted in the living room while waiting for dinner.

Mrs. Zhao went upstairs to change her clothes and then went to the kitchen to check on the preparations for dinner. Mr. Zhao was still busy with official business.

Zhao Xunkan's older brother, Zhao Xunkun, is a young man who looks a lot like Mr. Zhao, not because of his appearance, but because of his serious and aloof demeanor.

After arriving home, he greeted his grandfather and Zhao Xunkan, then simply nodded to Shi Jing before turning and going upstairs. His grandfather couldn't help but lament to Shi Jing, "With this aloof and unapproachable personality, when will he ever find a partner?!"

Shi Jing had nothing to say, so he could only laugh and change the subject.

The Zhao family had all returned, and the kitchen was ready to serve dinner.

Mr. Zhao came downstairs, and Zhao Xunkun, having changed into his home clothes, also came downstairs.

The family members are all good-looking, and Zhao Xunkun, now dressed in his pajamas, looks much gentler.

"Miss Shi, please sit here." Mrs. Zhao gestured for Shi Jing to sit down, and the rest of the Zhao family members also took their seats one after another.

Contrary to Miss Shi's initial expectations, the Zhao family's dinner table was not formal at all; on the contrary, it was quite relaxed.

"It's rare to have the whole family here today, please take a seat."

After everyone was seated, they quickly started eating. The old man picked up his chopsticks first and cheerfully recommended, "Come on, try this fish. We worked hard to catch it this afternoon."

As he spoke, the old man first used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of fish belly for Shi Jing: "Here, Shi Jing, have a taste."

"Thank you, Grandpa Zhao." Shi Jing quickly accepted the gift politely and expressed his gratitude.

The Zhao family members may have different personalities, but they were all quite kind to Shi Jing, their guest. Zhao Xunkun, a man of few words, surprisingly spoke up at the dinner table: "Miss Shi, there's an industry cocktail party on the 18th of this month. I wonder if you have time to attend?"

Shi Jing looked at the other person in confusion, not understanding what he meant by saying that.

Not only Shi Jing, but everyone else was also somewhat shocked. Zhao Xunkun was a rather aloof person, rarely interacting with outsiders outside of work, let alone taking the initiative to invite them out.

"There are people from the entertainment industry attending the party, you can go and take a look." Zhao Xunkun still had no expression, but he was very patient. "If you don't have time, you can send someone from your company to look for collaborations."

"Okay, thank you." Shi Jing said.

She studied in Beijing, and her company was located in Dingdu, so she didn't really know much about Beijing. Zhao Xunkun's advice to her was out of kindness.

"Then in a few days, someone will send you an invitation. One invitation allows you to bring one person with you."

After dinner, Shi Jing took her leave. It was already dark outside, and it was getting late; she needed to go back to her dormitory.

"Miss Shi, please come visit us again when you have time," Mrs. Zhao said politely.

The Zhao family saw her off at the door, and then Zhao Xunkan took her to the parking garage to get her car.

The two walked side by side toward the garage, and as they walked, Zhao Xunkan repeatedly asked, "You really don't want me to take you?"

"Really, there's no need," Shi Jing refused again. "Driving back will be quick, don't worry."

Perhaps because they had met a few times before, Shi Jing was much more at ease with Zhao Xunkan than with the rest of the Zhao family.

"Alright. Remember to let me know when you arrive safely." Seeing this, Zhao Xunkan didn't ask any more questions. After seeing the person into the car, they said goodbye to each other.

After spending an afternoon at the Zhao family's house, Shi Jing became quite familiar with Zhao Xunkan and also received an invitation letter from Zhao Xunkun, making it a fruitful trip.

A few days later, the invitation to the industry cocktail party that Zhao Xunkun had mentioned arrived in Shi Jing's hands. Shi Jing glanced at the address; the venue was located in the heart of Beijing's bustling CBD. A business cocktail party was indeed a great place to relax and network.

She thought for a moment and then called Jin Ye'an.

Jin Ye'an originally worked in Beijing, so he should be quite familiar with the connections there. Although the company is now based in the capital, the entertainment industry involves work all over the country, so there might be opportunities for collaboration at any time.

However, Shi Jing still remembered Jin Ye'an's disheveled state when they first met, so he didn't insist on her participation and instead asked for her opinion.

Jin Ye'an, the person on the other end of the phone, pondered for a moment before quickly and decisively replying, "Okay, young boss, I will attend the party on time."

"If you have any concerns, you can find someone else to participate. Don't force yourself," Shi Jing said, circling the sign with concern.

Jin Ye'an knew her good intentions and didn't feel offended. Instead, she unusually brought up some personal matters: "I'm not the one who made the mistake, so why should I worry? Don't worry, little boss, I'm fine."

“Okay, then we’ll go together on the 18th. You can come to the capital earlier so you don’t have to go through too much trouble.”

After chatting for a few more minutes on the phone and confirming that the other party was in good condition, I hung up the phone.