Chapter 52 [52]
Gift
This year, New Year's Day coincides with the weekend, resulting in a three-day holiday.
It was only after Luo Qingyue came to Mingyue that she realized how luxurious this was.
Since that's the case, let's put work aside for now.
So, she and Lu Mingxiao went to Lanshan to continue their unfinished hot spring trip.
The trip lasted two days and one night, and unexpectedly, it snowed in the mountains.
Even without being in the hot spring, watching the snow-covered mountains and forests, Luo Qingyue experienced ultimate relaxation of body and mind.
Of course, he couldn't escape someone's forceful attack that night either.
She had to admit that she did eat better in this regard.
A man who is handsome, has a great physique, is physically fit, and knows how to have fun—who can resist him?
Even though she was having so much fun that she forgot about home, Luo Qingyue still boarded the car to return the next afternoon.
Because it was the last day of her holiday, she was going to accompany Lu Mingxiao to visit his mentor, Zong Ming, who was then the president of Longhua and a prominent figure in the automotive industry.
Luo Qingyue had heard this name on many occasions.
Some say he is a mark of an era, propelling my country's automotive industry to a new milestone.
It is also said that he led technological breakthroughs and changes, and possessed unmatched courage and vision.
After retiring from Longhua, Zongming and his wife lived a secluded life in a water town called Fengmanli.
"Fengmanli is relatively unknown because it's not included on any maps. The old master spent a lot of effort to find this place, and he visited no less than a hundred places."
At seven o'clock in the morning, Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao set off from Dongchuan.
It was too early; Luo Qingyue was still asleep. She let out a long yawn before heading back to Hui Mingxiao.
"Is he trying to make himself untraceable? If not, his door will be pounded on and on, it's so annoying."
Lu Mingxiao gripped the steering wheel and answered in the affirmative.
"He has a high status, and many people want to invite him back to the seclusion, but the old master only wants to grow vegetables, raise flowers and raise birds, and not care about worldly matters."
Luo Qingyue picked up the thermos cup from the central control storage compartment, unscrewed it and took two sips: "It's so mysterious, and President Zong let you know. It shows that you have a special place in his heart and are deeply valued by him."
After passing through the ETC lane onto the highway, Lu Mingxiao said with a smile, "Old Zong discovered and cultivated me, so he naturally values me. But the more important reason is that he likes my Dongpo pork. He dislikes other people's Dongpo pork because it doesn't taste right."
Although the temperature was below zero, the sun was shining brightly and there was no wind.
Two hours later, they arrived at Fengmanli. Since cars couldn't drive in, Zongming's residence could only be reached on foot.
Different from many commercialized ancient towns, Fengmanli retains its ancient and original style.
There are no restaurants and bars lining the streets, no hawkers shouting their wares. Walking on the cobblestone streets is pleasant and comfortable.
The stream is clear and flows gently.
Lu Mingxiao took Luo Qingyue's hand and walked towards the source. Amidst the trees, a Chinese-style garden came into view.
The courtyard gate is made of wood, with a plaque above it that reads "Qiyuanju".
Lu Mingxiao knocked on the door twice, and footsteps soon came from inside the courtyard.
"It's Mingxiao who's here."
She was not seen, but her voice was heard. The person who came was Qin Lijuan, Zongming's wife.
On the way here, Luo Qingyue heard Lu Mingxiao introduce her as a former professor of Chinese Language and Literature at University A.
The door opened, and Lu Mingxiao called out, "Teacher's wife."
Luo Qingyue sighed that she indeed had the temperament of a classical beauty, and followed Lu Mingxiao in calling her "Master's Wife".
Qin Lijuan warmly welcomed them in.
Luo Qingyue had intended to introduce herself first, but Qin Lijuan took her hand and led her across the stone bridge at the entrance, her expression gentle and kind.
"Old Zong and I have always treated Mingxiao like our own child. He has been single for so many years, and we are all sincerely happy for him when he finally meets a girl he likes."
Schools of koi carp swam in the lake, making light, cheerful sounds.
Luo Qingyue glanced at Lu Mingxiao, and a sweet feeling welled up in her heart.
"A Xiao said that you and President Zong are both very important to him. I'm very happy to meet you."
Who can not love a girl who is sweet-mouthed and graceful?
Qin Lijuan looked at Luo Qingyue with joy: "Have you ever acted in a drama? You look like a big star."
"Thank you for your compliment. I wish it were true, but the truth is always so stark."
Luo Qingyue pouted and pointed at Lu Mingxiao, "I'm their company's top-tier laborer; all my labor is to generate profits for him."
Qin Lijuan didn't take it seriously: "When Mingxiao marries you, he'll definitely hand over his money. Think of it this way, he's working for you."
Lu Mingxiao smiled faintly: "It seems to be correct."
That's how it is with Lao Zong; he's someone Lao Zong trained, and he's perfectly capable of inheriting his mantle.
"But I won't take it."
Luo Qingyue said, "Managing money is exhausting. I spend as much money as I have now. If you give me all the money, it will put too much pressure on me. I'd better give up."
Lu Mingxiao said "hmm" and told Qin Lijuan: "Xiaoyue and I get along with each other. We choose the way that makes each other most comfortable in everything. We don't need to be restricted by rules and regulations."
Luo Qingyue smiled shyly: "Actually, he usually indulges me the most."
"Isn't that what we should do?"
Qin Lijuan said decisively, "Girls should be pampered. Mingxiao is also very reliable and knows how to take care of people."
Qin Lijuan brought Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao into the house.
Lu Mingxiao placed the food and nutritional supplements on the coffee table. Not seeing Zong Ming, he asked, "Is Lao Zong busy in the fields again?"
"Where?"
Qin Lijuan picked up the thermos and poured two cups of hot water. "His niece is here today too, chatting in the study."
Zongming has no children, but Lu Mingxiao once heard him mention that he has a niece who lives abroad.
"The mayor asked me to go to his house and get two cans of rice wine."
Qin Lijuan glanced at her phone and said, "You two can sit down and rest for a while, or Mingxiao, you can take Xiaoyue to wander around the house."
Lu Mingxiao was going to make Dongpo pork later, so he took the ingredients to the kitchen to process them.
The pork belly needs to be soaked in water first. While it is standing, Lu Mingxiao takes Luo Qingyue to tour from the front yard to the back yard.
This residence is quiet and secluded, with a stream flowing through the courtyard and artificial hills and waterfalls adding to its natural charm.
The building layout is also very compact, and the entire space is fully utilized. There is a new view at every step, which is dazzling.
"The major at Lao Zong University is architectural design."
Lu Mingxiao told Luo Qingyue, "All the design drawings here were drawn by him personally."
Zong Ming is sixty years old this year. In their era, college students were extremely rare.
Luo Qingyue asked curiously, "Then how did he switch careers to car manufacturing?"
"I was forced to study architecture by my family, but I started building cars out of interest."
Lu Mingxiao replied, "In the earliest days, car blueprints were also hand-drawn, which is similar to architecture, so it's not completely unrelated."
Luo Qingyue: "When you founded Mingyue, had President Zong already retired?"
Lu Mingxiao affirmed, "It was because he retired that I had the idea of starting my own business, and he also encouraged me to do so."
"Then you are luckier than me."
Luo Qingyue expressed her envy, saying, "When I founded Moonfall, my brother, besides giving me money, only said to me, 'Don't lose too much money.'"
"Ten million isn't a lot."
Lu Mingxiao smiled and comforted him, "Just consider yourself our older brother, and he's already given us a gift in advance."
"You're so mean."
On the cobblestone path, Luo Qingyue tiptoed and put her arms around Lu Mingxiao's neck, "But I like it."
After the tour, I returned to the front yard living room, and the noise came from upstairs.
Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao looked at the same time. Zong Ming came down the stairs first, followed closely by another figure.
It's familiar.
Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao were both slightly taken aback.
Wen Ning did the same, pausing for two seconds before continuing down the stairs.
Wen Ning is Zong Ming's niece.
After realizing this and being stunned, Luo Qingyue and Lu Mingxiao quickly accepted the reality.
Zongming has a very refined appearance, wears glasses, and has the air of a scholar.
Lu Mingxiao introduced Luo Qingyue to him, and after thinking for a moment, added, "Her father is Luo Yuanliang, you should have met him, right?"
He said this because Luo Yuanliang and Zong Ming are both well-known entrepreneurs in Dongchuan.
"You are Ah Liang's daughter."
Zong Ming felt like he had discovered a new continent. "I used to drink tea and fish with your father all the time. We were like brothers."
Calling him "General Manager Zong" felt too formal, so Luo Qingyue changed her address: "Then I'll call you Uncle Zong."
Zong Ming responded and invited them to sit on the sofa.
Wen Ning walked straight towards the door, but Zong Ming called her back: "What's wrong? Did I say a few words to you and you're so angry that you don't even want to eat?"
Wen Ning didn't turn her head, her voice drifting over: "You have guests to attend to, I'm going out for a walk to get some fresh air."
Zongming watched her retreating figure and instructed her, "Don't go too far, come back quickly if you get tired."
With a worried expression, Zong Ming only looked away after Wen Ning had completely disappeared from sight.
“I just found out that you and Ningning were classmates in college.” He looked at Lu Mingxiao.
"It must be in the study," Wen Ning said.
Lu Mingxiao replied to Zong Ming: "Wen Ning went abroad after graduating from university, and we have never met her. However, she took over Jiyuyu and caused quite a stir in the circle."
Zong Ming: "She came from R&D and suddenly became a manager. She's still inexperienced, so she came to me for advice."
Luo Qingyue: "Then why did you mention Axiao?"
Zong Ming poured himself a glass of water: "Because Mingxiao is a particularly successful example of someone transitioning from R&D to management."
Luo Qingyue suddenly realized: "Mingxiao is also engaged in research and development in Longhua. His path is similar to that of Sister Wen Ning in some ways. You are very proud of him."
"That's for sure."
Zong Ming made no secret of his admiration for Lu Mingxiao, saying, "This kid was handpicked by me from among tens of thousands of people. He's excellent in every way. Whether in Longhua or in founding Mingyue, he has never disappointed me."
"Praise me as much as you can in front of Xiaoyue."
Lu Mingxiao glanced at the time on his watch, then stood up. "I'll go make you some Dongpo pork."
"I tried to replicate it, but the taste is still not as good as yours."
Zong Ming also stood up with him, "I want to go and see what went wrong."
Luo Qingyue's feet felt a little sore, so she gave up and said, "You guys go ahead. I'll just wait and eat the ready-made food."
Less than two minutes after Lu Mingxiao and Zong Ming left, Wen Ning came back.
She was wearing a khaki plaid shawl today, and her lips and hands were shaking from the cold.
The heater was on in the room, and I pushed the door open. I finally felt a little more comfortable, took off my shawl, and revealed a white sweater underneath.
Luo Qingyue was scrolling through her Little Red Book account when she looked up at her.
It was cold outside, and Wen Ning's lips were pale. She wasn't wearing makeup today, and she looked nothing like the powerful businesswoman she was at the auto show; she appeared rather frail.
Luo Qingyue wondered whether to pour a cup of hot water and hand it over, but the next second, she decided not to.
Because of Luo Hanzhou, she was indeed somewhat resistant to Wen Ning and did not want to greet her or get involved, but Wen Ning sat down next to her.
Luo Qingyue moved to the side, keeping a distance of about fifty centimeters from Wen Ning.
She continued playing on her phone, and Wen Ning didn't come over to talk to her. Soon, the sound of fierce fighting came from beside her. Luo Qingyue looked to her side and saw Wen Ning holding a horizontal screen phone, playing a game.
A moment later, the system notification "GAME OVER" appeared mercilessly.
Wen Ning stared at her phone screen, a surge of anger rising within her: "It really is a holiday! Even elementary school kids dare to lecture an old lady like me. I may be slow and bad at the game, but I'm rich! Once I spend enough to become the number one player in the entire server, you bunch of brats will be waiting to carry my shoes!"
Wen Ning was so angry that she threw her cell phone away, and it just happened to fall beside Luo Qingyue's legs.
She felt a slight pain, frowned, and lowered her head, whereupon the exquisite game graphics on the screen came into view.
"Meteorfall", a popular open world RPG mobile game.
It remained at the top of the game download charts on major app stores for half a year.
Luo Qingyue is extremely familiar with this game.
Not only because many colleagues and friends are playing it, but more importantly, it's Luo Hanzhou's favorite product. Every time his brother goes live, he does it so hard to promote it.
[Author's Note]
In the blink of an eye, I have written 200,000 words, yeah [猫头][猫头][猫头]
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