Today was just right—not too early, not too late. The moonlight was beautiful, and I was fully charged...

AHEM!

Han Lie changed into a handsome outfit: a light brown, genuine leather, stand-up collar jacket on the outside. It featured a small stand-up collar, a smooth and supple light brown leather surface, and a clean design without external pockets, looking sharp and neat.

Underneath was a light green stand-up collar shirt, with the top two buttons undone.

Neither piece was expensive; the leather jacket from HUGO BOSS was 12,000+, and the shirt from Noble Bird was 1,400+. They were casual daily outfits picked by the junior assistant for the boss.

When Liang Wu picked out clothes for Han Lie, she didn't just focus on the most expensive brands but paid particular attention to how they looked when worn and their cost-effectiveness.

It wasn't about saving money for Han Lie but rather a deeply ingrained personal habit.

As a result, the outfit looked better than many top luxury brands: youthful, fashionable, vibrant, yet still dignified.

"The effect is really nice!"

Han Lie admired himself in the mirror, generously complimenting Little Five.

Liang Little Five was so pleased her eyes crinkled up, and she proactively picked up the watch box for Han Lie to choose from.

Han Lie casually asked, "Which watch goes better with today's style?"

The assistant had clearly thought this through and responded without hesitation, "Both the DIOR VIII and the Royal Oak 26228 are nice. The white one is more eye-catching, but it might be better not to wear one at all."

Indeed, if Han Lie really wore a watch, he would have added a third color tone to his upper body, which would seem a bit messy and lack a focal point.

But without a watch, Han Lie's upper body was light brown paired with light green—a bit fancy at first glance, perhaps. Yet, because both garments were super straight-cut and plain, with no patterns, pockets, or unnecessary design elements, the effect was actually exceptionally good.

"Alright, then I won't wear one."

Han Lie readily agreed and grabbed his bag, ready to head out.

Liang Wu was just about to follow him but was stopped by Han Lie.

"Don't follow me. Go pack up instead. Starting tomorrow morning, you can take your annual leave. Hmm, come back to work on the seventh day; enjoy a few good days at home."

Liang Wu was moved but also a bit uneasy. "Boss, that's really not necessary for me..."

"For the entire next year, until the Spring Festival, you won't have any holidays. So cherish this!"

Han Lie's method of solving problems was simple and blunt, but exceedingly effective.

The assistant no longer hesitated. She cheerfully agreed, then turned to ask the hotel for a car to return to her campus to pack her belongings.

Han Lie got into the S63 and ordered Cheng Shi to head to the Pan Residence.

Cheng Shi's eyes brimmed with tears. It's been over two whole months! I, Little Cheng, finally have a chance to be alone with the Boss! Assistant Liang, do you have any idea how painstakingly I've waited for this opportunity?!

However, with Assistant Liang gone, Cheng Shi found himself too intimidated to say a single word to Han Lie.

No matter how much he tried to motivate himself internally, the words would simply not come out when they reached his lips.

It was very strange.

It wasn't until Han Lie got out of the car at the Pan Family's gate that Cheng Shi finally managed to squeeze out a timid phrase, "Boss, I'll wait for you in the nearby parking lot..."

Only after Han Lie gave a slight nod, said, "Alright," and calmly exited the car did Cheng Shi let out a huge sigh of relief, then slapped his own face in exasperation with himself.

It was only at this moment that he had a sudden realization—So, without him even noticing, his reverence for this young boss had already seeped deep into his very bones...

...

Han Lie entered as smoothly as if it were his own home, only to find himself exchanging blank stares with the housekeeper, Auntie Liu.

"Where's Uncle Pan?"

"The master is out drinking. He probably won't be back until late tonight."

"What about Auntie Zhao?"

"The madam went with the young miss to an exhibition. Didn't you call before coming?"

"I..."

Han Lie had no fucks to give, just feeling like a complete idiot.

A surprise, of course, is most interesting and effective when it's a sudden attack.

He had just chatted with Pan Ge at noon; Yangyang was lazily sprawling at home, playing dead. Who would have thought she'd suddenly run off to see some exhibition?

Hey? Wait a minute!

Han Lie suddenly noticed a blind spot. "What exhibition are they looking at?" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"I think it's Cartier's small salon? Young Master Han, I didn't listen closely. Maybe you should ask again?"

"No need."

Han Lie chuckled to himself, his interest suddenly piqued. Heh, I came to find you, and you're not here. Turns out you delivered yourselves right to my doorstep, to my home turf? Then what are we waiting for? Time for a 'chance encounter'!

Humming a tune, Han Lie stepped out, called back Cheng Shi, who was still nearby, and headed straight for the Mandarin Oriental.

Thanks to Han Lie's sponsorship, Cartier extended their exhibition venue rental by one day. They slightly remodeled it, setting up the space to include an exhibition area, a buffet reception, a single lounge, and three VVIP negotiation rooms, thereby launching the salon.

The primary goal was to boost sales and deepen relations with high-end clients. The hidden agenda, however, was to notify those affluent clients: apologies, but the market is bullish, and the prices of our top jewels have gone up again!

Two elegant ladies emerged from a VVIP room, their expressions clearly upset.

One showed restrained disappointment; the other displayed outspoken indignation.

Returning to their circle of friends, one immediately burst out, "Are they crazy for money? The prices of various gems have gone up by more than 10% compared to half a year ago. It's absolutely outrageous!"

Someone quickly echoed her sentiments, "Yes! I can understand a price hike, but that Heart of the Ocean is just ridiculous—1.3 million dollars a carat! Hah, talk about sharpening their knives! Do they really take us for fat sheep to be slaughtered?!"

The disgruntled ladies, having had an unpleasant experience, suddenly found a common topic and began airing their grievances.

"Is there something wrong with that nouveau riche? They ask for 1.3 million, and he doesn't even think to bargain? He actually dares to buy!"