Chapter 113 Live for Yourself

That's a factory, not a small workshop!

"What's the big deal? I think you deserve the best. This is nothing."

Yao Mingzhu spoke of it as casually as if she were eating or drinking.

Zhou Shufen felt a warmth in her heart, but she still insisted on her word.

"No matter what, opening a factory is too much of an overreach; don't even think about it!"

Yao Mingzhu didn't reply, but just looked at her silently.

She didn't say anything more, but just took her hand and continued walking forward.

Since we're out here, we're not going home for lunch.

The two casually found a small restaurant on the street and sat down.

After the meal, the two walked on the street for a while before parting ways and waving goodbye.

Back home, Zhou Shufen was finally able to catch her breath.

She leaned against the door, closed her eyes, and felt completely drained.

People who are too enthusiastic can be a bit overwhelming.

She stayed in the room for the entire afternoon, her mind still replaying the conversation, her heart churning with indescribable emotions.

That evening, Guo Zhenyi called and invited her out for dinner.

We haven't seen each other for the past few days.

The deep, gentle voice on the other end of the phone instantly put her at ease.

Guo Zhenyi drove to pick her up.

Qin Guifang urged him on with a smile from the side.

"Hurry up, hurry up, don't keep them waiting!"

Zhou Shufen's cheeks flushed slightly. She straightened her collar a couple of times before slowly going downstairs.

It wasn't until I went downstairs and saw Guo Zhenyi that my heart slowly calmed down.

He smiled as soon as he saw her come down.

Where should we eat tonight?

There's a Western restaurant I've always wanted to take you to try.

Guo Zhenyi's eyes were filled with anticipation.

"OK."

She then smiled.

She herself didn't realize that one day she would be so relaxed and expectant towards another man.

She used to always keep her heart tightly hidden.

Now, she can smile without any reservations when facing Guo Zhenyi.

Meeting the right person is like a silent healing process, quietly smoothing out past wounds and anxieties.

The car drove smoothly, with light and shadow flickering alternately inside.

The two chatted about the trivial things that had happened over the past few days.

He didn't say much, but every word he uttered was filled with warmth.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Guo Zhenyi parked the car and naturally took her hand.

The seats were booked long ago.

From the window seat, you can look up and see the river and the tall buildings in the distance.

The night view was breathtakingly beautiful, and the moment Zhou Shufen sat down, she felt completely relaxed.

But what happened next was what truly made her heart race.

The lights suddenly dimmed, as if the surrounding noise had been muted.

With a soft "snap," a candle on the table was lit.

A candlelight dinner has been set out, with a small bouquet of fresh white roses placed beside it.

The piano music floated gently in the air.

The whole scene was so warm and cozy it was almost unbelievable.

Zhou Shufen's cheeks flushed slightly, and the tips of her ears also blushed faintly.

My heart seemed to beat faster, like a little deer was pounding in my chest.

She lowered her head and muttered something awkwardly.

"At their age, they're still doing these kinds of things that young couples do."

Guo Zhenyi stared at her, his eyes full of tenderness.

He shook his head slightly, his voice low and firm.

“It has nothing to do with age. I just want to make you happy and try different things with you. In the past, you always lived for others. Now, I want you to live for yourself for once.”

Zhou Shufen's heart skipped a beat.

She hadn't heard such a tone, such concern, in such a long time.

It went on for so long that she almost thought that no one would ever treat her so patiently and gently again in her life.

"Alright."

Her eyes were slightly red, and she tried to force a smile.

"Look how beautiful the night view is."

Guo Zhenyi followed her gaze and looked out the window.

He smiled and raised his glass.

"Here, have a taste of this red wine?"

Zhou Shufen also raised her glass.

She gently touched his cup, the crisp sound like a silent promise.

The red wine slowly enters the mouth, revealing a distinct acidity and astringency.

She wasn't used to this smell.

Guo Zhenyi noticed Zhou Shufen's furrowed brows.

"Don't like it? Then let's change to juice."

A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice was brought over shortly afterward.

Zhou Shufen looked at the glass of orange juice and couldn't help but laugh.

"You really know me well, this is still my favorite."

She picked up the cup, took a sip, and the sweet and sour taste exploded in her mouth.

She closed her eyes, as if enjoying a long-lost sense of satisfaction.

The two chatted while enjoying the night view and eating Western food.

Although those steaks and salads were a bit unfamiliar to her.

But she didn't mind; on the contrary, she found it novel and interesting.

Every bite is like exploring a lifestyle you've never experienced before.

It's all about the novelty, and it's a unique experience.

For her, this was more than just a meal; it was a small adventure, a segment of life that was completely different from usual.

After we finished eating, it was completely dark.

They walked out of the restaurant side by side.

Guo Zhenyi looked at Zhou Shufen.

She was looking up at the Ferris wheel in the distance.

Her profile looked exceptionally soft in the night, and her eyes shone with light.

His heart skipped a beat; he felt a pang of reluctance.

Just before getting on the bus, he couldn't help but say something.

"I really don't want to break up so soon."

Zhou Shufen glared at him, pretending to be angry.

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's not like we'll never see each other again."

"I know I'll be able to see him, but right now, I just can't bear to."

Guo Zhenyi reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

He then walked around to the passenger side, gestured for her to get in, and added...

"You're much more eloquent now; you can shut me up with just a few words."

"No way."

Zhou Shufen denied it verbally, but she couldn't hide the smile on her lips.

We arrived near the residential area where Zhou Shufen lived.

They simply got out of the car and decided to walk back slowly.

We didn't talk much along the way, but the atmosphere was very warm.

No one was in a hurry to go home; they just wanted to stay a little longer and enjoy this moment of peace and companionship.

As Zhou Shufen passed by the house Zhou Hairong was currently renting, she glanced at it habitually.

She had only glanced at it casually when her gaze suddenly froze.

She noticed that there seemed to be someone standing at the door.

Her heart tightened, and she immediately became alert.

Who would be standing here so late?

They happened to be right at the entrance, so it was obvious they had a purpose.

She instinctively gripped her handbag tighter, and her pace slowed unconsciously.

Could it be that gambler has come knocking again?

If Hai Rong sees him and is tempted to lend him money, that would be a real problem.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

Hai Rong finally kicked his gambling addiction, and his life gradually got back on track.

He lives a peaceful life now, which is the result of countless days and nights of struggle.

She would never allow anyone to disrupt his life again.

Without saying a word, she walked firmly toward that direction.

Guo Zhenyi, who was beside her, noticed her emotional change and silently followed.

His presence gave her more confidence.

Upon closer inspection, however, the person standing at the door was a woman who was wrapped up very tightly.

But Zhou Shufen recognized her at a glance; it was Zhou Lijuan.

She was wearing a thick coat, her hat pulled low, and a face mask.

But Zhou Shufen knew perfectly well that it was Zhou Lijuan, her own daughter.