wledge he had accumulated in an era of information explosion far surpassed their understanding.Many people were impressed by his words. Xue Yiyang and Liu Rui felt for the first time that they had bee...Chapter 118: Invitation

Weiwei answered the call and heard an excited tone from the other end. "Big Brother Wang Weiwei, oh, it's not easy for you to come to Rongcheng. I'm Lu Peng here as well, also in Rongcheng. When shall we have a meal together Oh right, is your friend Su Zhan there with you Could you please contact him and invite him to the meal"

"Lu Peng, isn't that the son of Lu Jianchao Why has he come all the way to Rongcheng" Lin Zhonwu asked when Wang Weiwei hung up. His father worked in the provincial public security department, which made him quite a figure among their social circle. But why was he here in Rongcheng instead of Chongqing and immediately suggesting a dinner with Su Zhan It was clear that Lu Peng wanted to build connections.

Lu Peng wasn't really aiming for Su Zhan's company; his main goal was to have dinner with Wang Weiwei and the rest. However, he couldn't just plainly say so without any context or reason. Inviting someone over for a meal would seem awkward if there were no pretext. By introducing Su Zhan, it made sense to include him as well.

What surprised Wang Weiwei was that Lu Peng, the son of a provincial public security department official, knew about Su Zhan and wanted to invite him for dinner. It took Wang Weiwei by surprise momentarily before he understood: with how far Su Zhan's reputation had spread, it wasn't surprising that Lu Peng heard about him too. Back then when they hosted a banquet at Kong Family, Su Zhan and Wang Weiwei publicly embarrassed them. That must have made Su Zhan stand out from the crowd. Additionally, Zhang Feifei, Zhang Xian, Zhuang Zhijun and others who initially didn't think much of Su Zhan now held him in high regard and admired his abilities after witnessing how he handled situations.

He was no longer an unknown figure.

"Lu Peng mentioned that he's here for a car enthusiasts club to support the host city's auto show," Wang Weiwei said, feeling glad that Su Zhan had become someone worth noting. Having experienced the lows of life when his family moved back to Xiahai and learned how cold people could be, Su Zhan appeared as a savior figure who was anything but mediocre wherever he went. Subconsciously, Wang Weiwei hoped for Su Zhan to have a larger platform where he could freely shine.

This was also a kind of self-aware value system—like having something great, but keeping it hidden won't bring recognition or achievement. Only by letting everyone see its greatness and acknowledging it can one feel accomplished. Wang Weiwei wanted Su Zhan to succeed and shine brightly, without question, because he could achieve what others couldn't, making every day with him enjoyable.

Wang Weiwei later realized that perhaps he saw in Su Zhan the ideal life he aspired to live.

, Wang Fa

"But in the end, I decided to let it go, and Lu Peng didn't seem happy about it."

"Why did you refuse" Lin Zhouwu asked. Lu Peng had enough reason to show his displeasure towards Wang Weiwei, but he could also appropriately express his "displeasure" just right.

Wang Weiwei cast a glance at the sofa and said with a bitter smile, "Do you think I have any other choice"

Lin Luoran was looking intently at Wang Weiwei and gave him a flirtatious smile. "Be good."

"Sis," Lin Zhouwu protested, "this is completely unreasonable. We are bound to eat with him eventually. Leaving aside these invitations, even the small gatherings in Rongcheng, can we really avoid them Why go through all this trouble Or should I get Su Can to stand up for you and let you vent your frustration"

"Who told you that I'm mad at him I don't want to attend such an invitation. If I won’t be going, do you still plan on attending And leave me all alone at home I’ve heard there have been recent cases of burglary. Are you really willing to leave me behind and abandon me"

Lin Zhouwu looked at Lin Luoran, his mouth twitching for a moment before he said, "I thought you were going to say ‘home invasion rape’. It made me worry a little."

Lin Luoran had already jumped from the sofa and threw a pillow at him.

"It’s not fair! Since you don’t want to attend an invitation extended to us, none of us should go. And if someone invites you alone, shouldn't we also stay away"

Wang Weiwei and Lin Luoran faced the issue as they returned to Rongcheng with various invitations pouring in, especially for Lin Luoran who had a wide circle of friends beforehand. She received countless phone calls every day, most of which were from intimate friends rather than just former classmates. It was natural that Lin Luoran would be popular.

However, Wang Weiwei wasn’t happy about this and voiced his opinion against it.

Picking up her bag and already dressed and ready to leave, Lin Luoran didn't think much of it. "That's different. I've invited you guys too, but you chose not to go and instead stayed home playing games. You have ways to pass the time. Even if someone breaks in while you're at home, two grown men shouldn't be unable to handle a petty thief"

"Was it that Tao Chuhong who invited us out" Lin Zhouwu asked with a frown. "I don’t particularly like him. I advise you to stay away from him."

Turning around, Lin Luoran frowned at her brother and said, “Why Because everyone else is talking about him That doesn't seem like Xiaowu’s style. When did he start following others’ gossip”

After a brief pause, she continued, “His father Tao Qian had some goods detained overseas before, and he reached out for help in the country. Eventually it was my dad who helped him get those goods released. After that, his father became acquainted with mine. I’ve met them before. He seemed like an honest person, not what people say about him. They’re pretty sincere about inviting me to come over, so why can’t we go”

Lin Zhouwu knew that his sister had her own way of thinking and wouldn't be swayed easily. When they were kids, she would follow them around everywhere, but now she has her own social circle and ideas. That’s why when it came to Su Can, he didn’t dare push too hard against Xiaowu, only calling Su Can privately to say that their gang couldn’t meet up because of Luoran's tiger-like mother.

Lin Zhouwu nodded. "He keeps inviting you so much probably just wants us to come along next time. What do you think If we don't go this time, he might not leave us alone."

Holding the controller in his hand, Wang Weiwei hesitated and said, “We’re not that close with him anyway, but after so many invitations from Luoran, it would be inappropriate to decline. Let's wait until next time, we'll go then. Today let’s stay home and play some games instead of going out. Tell Luoran to come back early."

"Sure thing." With a smile, Lin Luoran waved her hand goodbye.

Tao Chuhong invited many people, including the offspring of officials in Chengdu for a trip around scenic spots near Chengdu in their own vehicles. Such an adventure with beautiful girls usually attracts quite a few followers.

In Chengdu, Tao Chuhong didn’t forget to display his power by gathering friends and forming car convoys heading to places like Dengya Ancient Town, Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area, Bao Gongyan Reservoir and so on. Wherever the convoy went, they became a focus of attention with their neat rows of Land Rovers or Hummers naturally drawing curious crowds.

Lin Lingran often carries her own camera with her, stopping at each scenic spot to take photos and capture the most beautiful moments. Having lived in Rongcheng for many years, she had never thoroughly explored it until now. Walking around like this made her feel much better.

Tao Chuhong gave an impression of being somewhat shy when speaking with others but becoming highly focused when talking about exciting topics—this attitude attracted many girls who found him interesting. Recently, Tao Chuhong has gained a lot of popularity and recognition in Rongcheng; people often discuss the Nanning Group's young master privately. However, Lin Luoran doesn’t have any interest in打聽 (investigating) this, and she maintains an appropriate distance from Tao Chuhong when he tries to get closer.

Wang Weiwei and Lin Zhouwu don't want much contact with him; although his father is a friend of their fathers', Lin Ge Ran doesn’t plan on getting any closer to him.

She isn’t interested in knowing if Tao Chuhong's current friendly demeanor is genuine or just a facade. If the rumors about him aren’t unfounded, they might tarnish his image in her mind. She chooses to keep her impression of him as an ambitious young man, at least for now.

As Lin Luo Ran travels around scenic spots near Rongcheng with a convoy, she may have guessed where her brother and Wang Weiwei are and what they’re doing. Upon seeing a clear lake surrounded by green hills—an excellent photo spot—Lin Luoran raises her camera and takes the picture, a faint smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

This was Wang Weiwei and Lin Zhouwu's first time visiting Su Cen’s home. Looking around Su Cen’s place, Wang Weiwei whistles in approval. Though it is smaller compared to their homes without lavish decorations, everything feels reassuringly homely and comforting. In Su Cen’s house, they feel at ease and a sense of warmth.

Su Cen brews two cups of tea and says with a smile, "You guys suddenly decided to come over; I didn’t have time to prepare anything else. Just drink some tea."

"Alright," Lin Zhouwu replies with a laugh, "I’ve recently developed a love for tea."

Wang Weiwei warms his hands on the teacup and feels concerned. He remembers when he got into Ye Huishang’s car years ago and saw Ling Luo Ran left behind looking plain and sad; that moment has always filled him with guilt, feeling like there was something unfinished between them. Now, he doesn’t know how to resolve the misunderstanding between Su Cen and Lin Luo Ran because they don't understand the entire situation.

“Lin Luoran has been avoiding you for a while now. If you have things that need discussing, it’s not good to keep it bottled up inside. How about this There’s going to be a gathering on the 5th before Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). You should come then; I’ve specially invited you. It's all friends from our circle. Zhang Feifei has returned from China Academy of Art, along with Zhang Xian and Zhu Zhiyu. They keep saying you've been hiding at home recently, not knowing what you’re up to. Please go for their sake.”

Second update (to be continued).ffocating with anger."I am the owner of that third-rate shop," Su Can smiled. "Wang Yue has the right to choose her own path, and no one else can interfere. Let’s go."Su Can pulled Wang Yue as they tu...