Chapter 70 Renovation
The afternoon sun shines through the bookstore's glass windows, casting mottled light and shadows on the yellowed pages of the books, and the air is filled with the unique aroma of ink and coffee.
However, the peaceful atmosphere was broken by the constant sounds of footsteps and conversations. Thanks to Li Li's meticulous management, the bookstore is now packed with customers looking for books and reading every day, and business is surprisingly good.
But the bookstore’s shortcomings became increasingly apparent amidst the hustle and bustle—the space was too small.
The aisles between the bookshelves were packed with people. Many customers could only stand against the wall to read with books in their hands. It was even more difficult to find a place to sit down and read quietly.
Su Nian stood at the entrance of the bookstore, her eyes fixed on the busy Li Li. Two hours had passed since noon, and Li Li had barely paused, helping customers find books, tidying up the messy shelves, and dealing with the long queue at the cashier. She hadn't even had time to drink water or sit down for a rest.
Looking at the queue at the checkout counter that had already stretched to the door, the anxiety and anticipation on the customers' faces made Su Nian's thoughts more determined.
Su Nian took a deep breath, walked to Li Li, and said softly, "Li Li, let's temporarily close the business and expand the bookstore."
Li Li was stunned for a moment, then a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and she nodded repeatedly: "That's great! I've felt that the space was insufficient for a long time, but I didn't tell you because I was afraid of affecting business."
When Ling Shen heard Su Nian's decision, he expressed his support as always without hesitation. In his heart, this bookstore has a special meaning. It carries the story of how he and Su Nian met and got to know each other. The quiet time they spent together in the bookstore is his most precious memory.
After some discussion, they decided to expand the store directly and close off the second floor of the original store to create a small private space, which may be used as a place for them to rest or gather with friends in the future.
As for the newly expanded store, it will be fully renovated so that it can retain the warm atmosphere of the original bookstore while accommodating more customers. Comfortable reading and leisure areas will also be added so that everyone can enjoy a more pleasant reading time here.
While Su Nian and Ling Shen were still working out the details of the renovation, Li Li volunteered to take on the task of overseeing the renovation. "You guys can go do other things without worry. Leave the renovation to me. I guarantee it'll be problem-free! I'll monitor it every day and keep you updated on any developments."
Su Nian and Ling Shen smiled at each other. With Li Li around, they really had less to worry about. Taking this opportunity, the two decided to take a vacation and complete their belated honeymoon.
Before leaving, Ling Shen handed over the company's affairs to Ling's father, but for the sake of Song Ze's brain cells, Ling Shen told Ling's father not to exploit Song Ze in an unrealistic way.
Father Ling turned around slowly. His navy blue suit made him look even more energetic, and the enamel cufflinks on his cuffs shone with a cold light.
Although he wanted to refute, but thinking of Ling Shen's promise to bring him a chess set when they returned, Ling's father smiled and urged Ling Shen and the others to leave quickly, "Hurry up and leave, can I still eat that special assistant?"
After explaining the work, Ling Shen and Su Nian went directly to the airport. Before leaving, Ling Shen looked back at his father who was humming "The Empty City Scheme" and mourned for Song Ze for a moment.
But soon, all of Ling Shen's attention was diverted to the upcoming vacation. He saw Su Nian beside him chattering about going back to the manor to see the housekeeper first, and also to meet Lucas.
The autumn wind was already a little chilly. Song Ze, who was sleeping, only felt a chill on his back. In a daze, he reached out and covered the quilt tighter.
"Mr. Ling..." When the carved wooden door of the president's office was pushed open, the mixed scent of sandalwood and agarwood hit me in the face.
As the tip of Song Ze's leather shoes touched the edge of the Persian carpet, he froze in place. Ling's father, who was sitting behind his desk, smiled at him kindly, "Mr.... Mr. Ling? You? Where is Mr. Ling?" Song Ze, who was always eloquent, began to stutter rarely.
Father Ling looked at his special assistant who was still in the dark with some sympathy, walked to Song Ze and patted him on the shoulder, "Assistant Song, I'm sorry to trouble you for the next month." The warmth of his palm was transmitted to his body through the well-cut fabric, but it made Song Ze feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.
Song Ze's carefully maintained professional smile instantly cracked. The collar of his shirt, which he had ironed before leaving this morning, suddenly felt tight. He stared at the Patek Philippe watch peeked out from Ling's father's sleeve. The intricate mechanical gears on the dial seemed to gnaw at his nerves.
The refreshing air, scented with morning dew, was now soaked with cold sweat, and every pore exuded a sticky unease. All those memories of the past came flooding back: the late night office, the strong coffee, the dark circles under his eyes. Everything made Song Ze want to cry, but he couldn't.
The conference room at the end of the corridor had its door ajar, and the projection screen cast a cold, bluish light. Song Ze mechanically moved his feet, the tips of his leather shoes making a subtle scraping sound as they scraped against the floor.
In a trance, the bone-chilling chill in his dream suddenly came back to him - he remembered that in his dream he was trapped in an office piled with documents, and the cold wind from the air-conditioning vents blew the reports all over the sky. At this moment, the flying tie behind Ling's father strangely overlapped with the scene in his dream.
But whether Song Ze is willing or not, he will have to handle the company's affairs together with Ling's father for the next period of time.
When Song Ze thought his life as a special assistant was about to end, Ling Shen sent a message that brought him back in time, "Double year-end bonus!!!"
Song Ze looked at the three exclamation marks at the end and suddenly laughed out loud. He turned the phone upside down on the table, and the metal shell collided with the solid wood table with a crisp sound.
The sunlight outside the window pierced through the clouds, casting dancing spots of light on the document that Ling's father opened. Song Ze tugged at his tie, grabbed a pen and wrote down the first to-do item of the day on his notebook. The traces of ink spreading on the paper looked like a burning flame.
Ling Shen's fingertips slid rapidly across the phone screen, and the moment he pressed the send button, he breathed a sigh of relief.
The brows that were originally furrowed into a "川" shape suddenly relaxed, and the haze in the eyes disappeared, replaced by cunning interest. The arc at the corners of the lips hid the pleasure of having a prank succeeded.
Su Nian keenly caught the sudden change in her lover's expression, and her heart was alarmed. She narrowed her eyes vigilantly: "What did you do?"
Before he finished speaking, Ling Shen pressed the power button neatly and casually stuffed the phone into his suit pocket. His bony fingers hooked around his wrist and pulled him closer with irresistible force.
Warm breath brushed past my ears, mixed with the scent of cedar perfume: "I set a trap for the two people who stayed behind."
Su Nian's head shot up at this remark, her hair brushing against Ling Shen's shirt collar. She stared at the handsome face so close to her. His eyes curved into a crimson hue, a smirk threatening to spill out, like a fox who had successfully stolen something.
Ling Shen patted his shoulder soothingly. "Don't worry, Dad's a bit too jumpy. If no one's watching him, he'll definitely get into trouble. Don't be fooled by Song Ze's serious appearance, he's a very shrewd person at heart. He'll never allow anyone to deduct his bonus."
Su Nian was stunned for a second, then shook her head helplessly and chuckled. She reached out and poked Ling Shen in the chest, chiding him, "You're using Dad as a carrot to trick Special Assistant Song." Her clear voice was filled with a mixture of sarcasm and ridicule.
Ling Shen doubled over in laughter at this vivid metaphor. His laughter was hearty, the vibrations of his chest clearly audible through the thin fabric. He put his arm around Su Nian's waist, pulling her into his embrace, his forehead resting against hers. "Mr. Su is right. This 'carrot tactic' will definitely last until we return."
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