In an attempt to hide his embarrassment, Zhang Chao hurriedly took the takeout bag, grabbed the hot food inside, and started eating.

Liu Cheng seemed to notice the strange expression on Zhang Chao’s face, and the corners of his mouth slightly curled up as he sighed inwardly. Indeed, no matter how mature and composed he appeared, this kid was still just a child.

"Let’s have a chat." After Zhang Chao finished eating, Liu Cheng suddenly spoke.

Zhang Chao was startled, unsure what Liu Cheng wanted to talk about, but he nodded his head and quietly sat next to Liu Cheng.

"Let’s talk about me."

Liu Cheng smiled, but his gaze fell on the wall in front of him.

"Two years ago, I was a good-for-nothing kid, freshly graduated, dabbling in many jobs but achieving nothing."

"I was a fan of Huo Sining, secretly following her on Weibo. At that time, she had just become popular online because of a magic video, earning her the nickname ’Miss Magic.’

"I greatly admired her, seeing her as my goddess. That magic video, I watched countless times, even enrolled in several courses to learn small magic tricks."

"Just like you now, back then, I never thought I’d ever have any connection with her. I thought I would just sit quietly behind my computer, following her silently."

"But until one day..."

The corners of Liu Cheng’s mouth held a smile, his gaze seeming to penetrate the wall, looking far back to the self two years prior. Outside that warehouse, he saw Huo Sining calmly directing soldiers at an armored vehicle, her innate bravery evident, unforgettable after just one glance.

"Mister Liu..."

Seemingly sensing the peculiar look in Liu Cheng’s expression, Zhang Chao felt quite surprised and subconsciously called out.

Liu Cheng turned to look at Zhang Chao, the admiration in his eyes gradually fading, yet the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, "Do you know how I became Miss Huo’s manager?"

Zhang Chao shook his head, "I don’t know."

Liu Cheng chuckled, "I volunteered. I have a warehouse in the suburbs of the Imperial Capital, and it just so happened that Miss Huo needed to rent a warehouse and found me. When we met, I realized it was her renting my warehouse, the first time I met her in person. It was unforgettable. Later, when I returned home and thought it over, I decided to be impulsive once. I sent a private message to Miss Huo on Weibo, saying I wanted to team up with her."

Zhang Chao was stunned, mouth agape, not expecting that the man before him, who appeared so polished, became Huo Sining’s manager through such a method.

Given Huo Sining’s status and influence, countless people were eager to become her manager, as this position was considered highly attractive and tempting.

Zhang Chao thought that becoming her manager would at least require a suitable family background, status, knowledge, and ability, but now it seemed not as he imagined.

Liu Cheng seemingly understood Zhang Chao’s thoughts, "Miss Huo, contrary to public perception, might be different. In truth, she’s no different from any regular person. You’ll understand once you get to know her better."

Zhang Chao felt a bit awkward hearing this. As an insignificant young boy, how could he possibly have the chance to interact with someone like Huo Sining? This was just a coincidental encounter, and once this is over, he probably wouldn’t have any further connections with these people.

Yet, thinking about not crossing paths with these two again strangely left Zhang Chao feeling an inevitable sense of loss.

He wasn’t driven by wealth or connections, nor did he desire to latch onto someone like Huo Sining. He simply succumbed to the warmth of reality. From his father’s accident to entering the operating room, he felt very little warmth; Liu Cheng provided the most.

Historically, there have been many who embellish the glory of success, but few who lend a helping hand in times of need. Zhang Chao could tell that Liu Cheng didn’t look down on him for being a poor kid; instead, Liu Cheng showed much respect. Zhang Chao clearly saw Liu Cheng’s sincerity and goodwill.

"Mister Liu..."

Zhang Chao hesitated for a moment but spoke up, unable to figure out how best to thank the man in front of him, as well as Miss Huo whom he never met. He understood that without Huo Sining and Liu Cheng today, his father’s life would be on the brink, leaving him uncertain about his next steps.

So, after pondering in his mind, he said, "I... Once my father’s condition stabilizes, I’ll find a chance to go to the Imperial Capital to invite you and Miss Huo for a meal to express my gratitude."

After gathering the courage to say this, Zhang Chao’s face turned red. He subconsciously glanced at Liu Cheng, fearing that Liu Cheng might misunderstand his words as fake gratitude and real social climbing.

Upon checking, Zhang Chao indeed noticed Liu Cheng’s eyes flash with deep disappointment.

Immediately feeling that something was amiss, Zhang Chao grew anxious and tried to explain, "Mister Liu, I’m not..." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

But before he could finish, Liu Cheng interrupted him, "Just like that?"

Zhang Chao was taken aback, "Huh?"

Liu Cheng seemed amused yet annoyed, "I just talked about how I met Miss Huo and became her manager; told you so much—how much did you actually absorb? Do you think all those words were pointless? Earlier, I thought you were a sharp and clever kid, how come now you’re so dense, unable to understand anything?"

Seeing Zhang Chao still with a bewildered expression, Liu Cheng felt quite helpless, "Do you think I came all the way to Fucheng just to hand you a check? If I wanted to pay you, why not just ask for your bank account and transfer the money directly, instead of going through all this trouble to see you?"

"Who’s asking you to go to the Imperial Capital to treat anyone, not to mention Miss Huo, even myself—do you think I’m short of meals? I’m constantly invited for meals, attending countless dinners. Who cares if you host a dinner? Do you think Miss Huo would care?"

Being reprimanded by Liu Cheng so directly, Zhang Chao was left bewildered, unable to respond immediately.

"Calling you dense, you really are dense. I said so much to tell you that Miss Huo doesn’t judge others by their background but values talent." Liu Cheng disappointingly tapped Zhang Chao’s head.