C125 Impulse!!

Yet, the air was tinged with an awkwardness.

Han Qiqi leaned in, her voice laced with intrigue, "Sis, what were you thinking? Why on earth would you marry such a dunce?"

Dunce?

A flicker of resignation crossed Lin Zhiqing's eyes.

Yet, the frustration that had been gnawing at her heart seemed to vanish without a trace.

Zhang Chen retorted, visibly irked, "Who are you calling a dunce? Being unattractive isn't your fault, but why must your heart be so bleak?"

Han Qiqi bristled with indignation, firing back, "Who are you calling unattractive? Could I possibly be worse looking than you?"

With that, she spun around and demanded with a haughty air, "Sis, you be the judge. Between us, who's the less fortunate-looking?"

Zhang Chen offered her an approving glance.

After all, he genuinely wished for Lin Zhiqing's happiness.

Now that their misunderstanding was cleared up, there was no reason to maintain a frosty demeanor.

Lin Zhiqing's features softened considerably as she murmured, "Clearly, you're the beautiful one."

Triumphantly, Han Qiqi wrapped her arms around herself, boasting with a defiant pride, "Hear that? You're the odd one out!"

Zhang Chen entered into another round of bickering.

Meanwhile, Han Qiqi had grown quite close to Lin Zhiqing, their interactions warm and affectionate.

Lin Zhiqing's spirits, too, seemed to have fully lifted.

The storm of news had finally settled.

Thanks to Han Qiqi's efforts, a smile graced Lin Zhiqing's face, a rare occurrence.

Soon after, Han Qiqi beamed, "Sis Zhiqing, have you had dinner yet? I'm starving."

With a gentle laugh, Lin Zhiqing replied, "Let's go grab a bite. I haven't eaten either."

"Awesome!" Han Qiqi exclaimed with glee.

Zhang Chen could only shake his head, resigned.

Women truly were an enigmatic breed.

Shortly thereafter, Lin Zhiqing flagged down a cab by the roadside.

From behind, Zhang Chen whispered his gratitude, "Thanks a lot. You've been a huge help."

Han Qiqi, ever the bold one, waved dismissively yet with an air of arrogance, "It's the least I can do. You've been there for me, so of course, I'll have your back. Besides, I'm counting on your help in the future."

Zhang Chen couldn't help but feel moved by the gesture.

But as she uttered her final words, Zhang Chen was instantly at a loss.

"Oh, and she doesn't know that I own the Hongtai Hotel. Make sure not to give it away," Zhang Chen hastily added.

Han Qiqi gave him a surprised look before flashing an OK sign.

Before long, the trio found themselves in a taxi.

Ten minutes later, the car came to a halt.

Zhang Chen looked up, only to realize they were back at that same restaurant.

Was this place always so busy?

He glanced at the sign; the restaurant was named Yijia.

Quickly, they were ushered to the second floor by a waiter.

Night had fallen.

Despite the hour being past prime dining time, the restaurant was still bustling.

Once they had ordered, Han Qiqi's gift of gab became apparent.

She talked non-stop.

The food arrived, and both Zhang Chen and Han Qiqi were ravenous.

Lin Zhiqing's tipsiness had mostly faded.

Their meal was thoroughly enjoyable.

Shortly after they finished eating, they left without any interruptions.

Stepping out of the restaurant, Han Qiqi flashed a wide grin and said, "Alright, I'll leave you two to your little world. I'm heading back first."

Zhang Chen, puzzled, asked, "Where are you going back to?"

Without missing a beat, Han Qiqi replied, "To the hotel you recommended, of course. I can't exactly go home, can I?"

Zhang Chen nodded, advising, "Alright, just be safe."

Lin Zhiqing chuckled, adding, "Take care on your way."

With a wave, Han Qiqi hopped into a taxi.

That left just Zhang Chen and Lin Zhiqing at the entrance.

The air between them shifted, charged with a subtle tension.

After a while, Zhang Chen offered cheerfully, "How about I escort you home?"

Lin Zhiqing gave a nod of agreement.

They flagged down a taxi and headed straight for Lin Zhiqing's villa.

Upon arrival, they both stepped out.

The night had deepened to pitch black as they stood at the doorstep.

Neither Zhang Chen nor Lin Zhiqing seemed eager to part ways.

Finally, Zhang Chen, with a smile, said, "If there's anything you want to ask, go ahead. If I know the answer, I'll definitely share it with you."

Lin Zhiqing spoke slowly, "Was it all just an act between you two?"

Zhang Chen paused, taken aback.

Truth be told, Lin Zhiqing had always seemed indifferent to him. He hadn't expected her to be concerned about this.

Quickly regaining his composure, Zhang Chen replied with a smile, "Absolutely. She's just a kid, I couldn't possibly have feelings for a child."

Lin Zhiqing felt a wave of relief.

"You're not going back?"

She asked tentatively.

Glancing at the villa, Zhang Chen chuckled, "No. If I did, I doubt I'd get any sleep at all."

Lee Fengqin was at home.

After spending a few days away, Zhang Chen had grown to appreciate the tranquility.

Lin Zhiqing nodded in understanding.

Zhang Chen inquired, "What brought you to the bar? Are you facing some trouble?"

His question struck a chord with Lin Zhiqing.

With a reassuring smile, Zhang Chen offered, "If there's anything on your mind, feel free to share. I might be able to help."

Something stirred within Lin Zhiqing.

Previously, she would never have discussed work matters with Zhang Chen.

It would have been a waste of time.

But now, she felt an unexpected urge to confide in him.

After a pause, Lin Zhiqing began, "Even though I've taken over the responsibilities from Lin Junkai, the Second Uncle remains my boss."

"He's assigned me tasks that are simply unachievable."

Zhang Chen's brow furrowed.

Lin Guolong was clearly settling personal scores under the guise of business!

After all, Lin Junkai's dismissal was a result of Lin Zhiqing's actions.

He was surprised to see Lin Guolong, who usually prided himself on his integrity, acting so spitefully.

With a frown, Zhang Chen asked, "Haven't you spoken to grandpa about this?"

With a self-deprecating laugh, Lin Zhiqing replied helplessly, "It's no use. Second Uncle will just claim he's acting in the family's best interest."

"And what difference would it make if grandpa did know?"

Zhang Chen let out a resigned sigh before probing further, "What task has he set for you?"

The Lin family's enterprises were diverse, yet now, only the renovation and construction sectors were holding steady.

Lin Zhiqing looked down and said, "He expects me to secure a three million order within a week."

Zhang Chen's eyes went wide in shock!

What kind of massive project would she need to land a three-million-dollar order?

Lin Guolong was clearly taking advantage of her!

Just as Zhang Chen was about to speak, a sudden realization hit him.

He was on the verge of opening a new branch.

With this thought, a spark of excitement flickered in Zhang Chen's eyes!

Yet, as he parted his lips to speak, he found himself at a loss for words. He had committed to being the brains behind the scenes, which meant the hotel's affairs had to remain confidential.

Zhang Chen found himself wrestling with his thoughts.

Lin Zhiqing, feigning nonchalance, smiled and said, "Don't overthink it. I just needed to vent. You can't help me."

"Getting it off my chest has made me feel a lot better."

A surge of emotion stirred within Zhang Chen.

Was Lin Zhiqing considering his feelings?

A wave of impulsiveness washed over him!