C102 Hug Again!?

Despite Zhang Chen's mental preparation, he was still taken aback by the extent of Old Master Lin's trust in him.

Why, though?

With a smile and a shake of his head, Zhang Chen declined, "No need. The Lin family's affairs are too vast for me to handle. I need to start with something smaller to practice."

Old Master Lin's eyebrows lifted in surprise at his response.

He wasn't tempted by the Lin family's power?

After a moment of contemplation, Old Master Lin inquired, "What will you practice with?"

"I own a hotel," Zhang Chen replied cheerfully. "It's the perfect opportunity to focus on developing it once I'm back."

A sense of resignation washed over Old Master Lin.

How much could he really achieve with a hotel?

Yet he didn't want to dampen Zhang Chen's spirit and simply nodded in agreement, "Time is of the essence. You'll need to make swift progress."

It was a subtle nudge for Zhang Chen to act quickly.

Zhang Chen nodded in acknowledgment, "Rest assured. Fulfilling my master's dying wish is my priority. I'll spare no effort to see it through."

Old Master Lin regarded him with a look of admiration and offered, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. The Lin family may be struggling, but I still have my connections."

Doubt flickered in Zhang Chen's mind.

With Old Master Lin's capabilities and network, how had the Lin family fallen on such hard times?

After a lengthy pause, Zhang Chen stood up and said with a smile, "If there's nothing else, I should head back. I'm willing to hold off on the divorce for now, but the Lin family's matters will need your attention."

"Understood," Old Master Lin responded with a nod.

Having laid out his plans, Zhang Chen turned and made his exit.

Old Master Lin watched his departing figure in silence.

"You remind me of him, but you're oversimplifying things," Old Master Lin whispered to himself, sighing as if the weight of years had suddenly descended upon him.

Once outside the villa, Zhang Chen made his way toward the main gate.

He hadn't gone far when he noticed the Lin family members still standing there, stunned.

His presence immediately drew all eyes to him.

Lost in their bewilderment, they watched him.

Without a sideways glance, Zhang Chen strode confidently through the crowd and out the courtyard gate.

Lin Zhiqing's gaze was glued to Zhang Chen's retreating form, yet even as he vanished from sight, he never once returned her stare.

You cheat on me and have the nerve to act so self-righteous?

Lin Zhiqing clenched her jaw tight.

She might not have understood the full extent of the current situation, but one thing was clear: the news about Zhang Chen was true.

Yet, it seemed as if she was the one being accused of infidelity!

Finally, Lin Zhiqing, unable to contain her frustration, stomped her foot and stormed off, oblivious to her own gesture.

After Zhang Chen stepped outside, a Mercedes-Benz awaited him. He slid into the back seat without hesitation.

Loong San fired up the engine and they pulled away.

Zhang Chen sorted through his thoughts, his emotions a tangled web. He knew he had to build up his influence—and fast.

The Lin family wasn't a concern, but Lin Zhiqing's safety was another matter entirely.

In a troubled tone, Zhang Chen asked, "Do you think Lin Zhiqing could be in danger again?"

Loong San nodded, "Yes, but she's safe for now. Shenyin's people won't return so quickly."

"At least, nothing should happen for a week."

With those words, Zhang Chen felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

But what could he accomplish in one week?

His immediate task was to devise a strategy for the hotel's rapid development.

Moreover, he needed to transition to being the man behind the curtain.

The question was: how?

Zhang Chen wrestled with his thoughts.

Upon reaching the hotel, he dove into a sea of paperwork and decisions.

By the time he finished, it was already midday.

Despite racking his brain, Zhang Chen couldn't come up with a solid plan to meld luxury with the hotel's theme.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted as the door swung open.

Startled, Zhang Chen spun around to see an alluring figure in the doorway.

His brow furrowed as he scrutinized the visitor, and recognition dawned—it was Han Qiqi!

"You..."

He gasped in surprise.

Han Qiqi's transformation was complete; she looked nothing like she had the day before. Her hair color remained, her makeup as bold as ever.

But the dress—Zhang Chen's eyes narrowed—it was eerily familiar.

Lau Qingyue?

It clicked. Lau Qingyue had worn that very dress.

With a smug grin, Han Qiqi teased, "Well? Do I resemble your sister?"

Gazing at the shock of green hair before him, Zhang Chen was rendered speechless. "Why have you shown up again?"

With an eye roll, Han Qiqi retorted, "I'm starving. You run a hotel, right? Naturally, I'm here for a meal."

Zhang Chen was inwardly exasperated. "Haven't you seen the news? And why come to me? Shouldn't you be asking a waiter for help?"

Han Qiqi's grin widened. "But I wanted to see you. What are you going to do about it?" She then perched herself on a chair with a haughty air, crossing her legs with a flourish.

Shaking his head in resignation, Zhang Chen decided to ignore her, bowing his head to focus on the documents instead.

Han Qiqi, on the other hand, stood up and sidled up to the desk, scrutinizing him closely.

Zhang Chen just rolled his eyes again, not bothering to look up.

"A luxury theme hotel? That's pretty intriguing," Han Qiqi mused aloud.

"You wouldn't understand," Zhang Chen replied curtly.

Han Qiqi wasn't pleased, rolling her eyes again. "I've been exposed to this stuff since childhood. Trust me, I know way more than you do."

That caught Zhang Chen off guard. He suddenly recalled that Han Qiqi was no ordinary person and his interest was piqued. "So what's your take on my idea? Think it's solid?"

Smirking with self-satisfaction, Han Qiqi teased, "Who do you take me for? You expect me to just spill my thoughts? My insights don't come cheap, you know."

Zhang Chen scoffed, "I don't even want to hear them. Don't waste my time."

"Step outside now, or I might just have to carry you out!"

Leaning against the desk with her arms crossed, Han Qiqi challenged him with a smug look, "Go ahead, if you're not worried about making the news headlines again!"

"Fine by me!" Zhang Chen retorted with a smile, rising to his feet and heading for the door.

Taken aback, Han Qiqi stumbled backward, "What are you doing? You're married, remember? Aren't you worried about your wife?"

But before she could finish her protest, Zhang Chen feigned a move to scoop her up.

In a flurry of panic, Han Qiqi blurted out, "I'll tell you!"

Zhang Chen halted, a triumphant grin on his face. "Go ahead. If it's something worthwhile, I might just treat you to a meal."

"If it's of no use, then I'll have no choice but to send you away."

He was quite intrigued to see whether Han Qiqi could offer any valuable advice.