Chapter 577: Chapter 575: Each Has Their Own Schemes

"President Xue, the results of the bidding are in. We’ve decided to partner with the ’Decor World’ renovation company. Please come and sign the contract with President Zhang."

After Ming Yue finished her report, Xue Yang closed his book, stood up, and responded calmly, "Alright."

Then, the two of them went to the bidding room together.

Zhang Lei was sitting there, waiting nervously to meet his new business partner. When Ming Yue led a young man who looked to be in his early twenties into the bidding room, Zhang Lei was utterly shocked.

"You... You’re the owner of Yonghui Supermarket?"

A boss this young... Could he be the scion of some wealthy family just out to gain experience? If so, our collaboration might not be so smooth. A flicker of worry sparked in his heart. Sigh, making money is tough, and you have to swallow a lot of crap.

However, Xue Yang seemed perfectly calm. He walked toward Zhang Lei with a smile and extended his right hand. "President Zhang, I’ve heard great things about you. I look forward to a pleasant and smooth partnership."

Seeing Xue Yang’s confident yet polite demeanor, Zhang Lei felt a little ashamed of his own apprehension. He quickly extended his own hand and grasped Xue Yang’s firmly. "President Xue, hello. I’m also very much looking forward to a smooth collaboration."

At that moment, Zhang Lei’s doubts began to dissipate. He realized this young owner wasn’t the person he had imagined, but a partner worthy of trust and respect.

With all three parties as witnesses, Xue Yang and Zhang Lei quickly signed the renovation contract. They then agreed on the payment for the first installment and a start date for the work. With the contract in hand, a satisfied Zhang Lei departed.

Zhang Lei had intended to invite Xue Yang to dinner to express his gratitude, but Xue Yang politely declined, citing his upcoming final exams. He explained that he needed to use the time to study.

Zhang Lei was stunned. He’d never expected the promising young owner to still be a student. He couldn’t help but wonder, Is this contract really legitimate? Then again, for a college student to have the guts to sign such a massive contract... What was I doing when I was in college? Oh, right, I never went to college. At that thought, a sense of relief washed over him.

After Zhang Lei’s team had left, Cui Hao couldn’t help but give Xue Yang a resentful look. "I’m out here busting my butt with the bidding for you, and you’re secretly studying behind my back?"

Xue Yang smiled and asked in return, "If I didn’t say that, was I supposed to really go out and drink with him?" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

Cui Hao pressed stubbornly, "Just tell me the truth. Were you secretly studying or not?"

Xue Yang shook his head firmly. "No."

Cui Hao was still not convinced. "Really?"

Xue Yang teased, "Should I call President Zhang back and tell him you want to go drinking with him?"

Cui Hao quickly waved his hands. "No, no, no, I believe you, I believe you!" He absolutely did not want to go out for drinks. After a business dinner like that, there was no way he’d be leaving the restaurant on his own two feet.

Afterward, Cui Hao, still not convinced, conducted several surprise inspections on Xue Yang. Only after finding that he truly wasn’t studying did Cui Hao relax and focus on preparing for the renovation. What Cui Hao didn’t know, however, was that as soon as the last surprise inspection was over, Xue Yang brazenly pulled out his books and began to study. He had anticipated that Cui Hao would check on him exactly three times before giving up.

Heh, trying to outsmart me? Still a little too green for that.

Once Cui Hao had mostly handled the renovation matters, he snuck out with his economics textbook and headed to the Creek Tea milk tea shop.

With winter break approaching, foot traffic in the milk tea shop had noticeably decreased, leaving the atmosphere inside particularly serene. However, Song Fan had cleverly introduced several new hot milk teas. Their unique flavors and comforting warmth earned rave reviews from customers, ensuring business didn’t slump.

Song Fan was surprised to see Cui Hao walk in. "Cui Hao, what are you doing here?"

Cui Hao put a finger to his lips in a "shush" gesture. "I’m here to study," he said mysteriously. "You can’t tell the boss."

Song Fan smiled teasingly. "Why? Afraid he’ll dock your pay?"

"Exactly," Cui Hao replied seriously. "So you have to keep it a secret for me." I was just wondering what excuse I could use to get her to keep my secret, and she handed me one on a silver platter! His mood instantly brightened.

He waved his hand magnanimously. "Two of your most expensive milk teas! It’s on me."

Song Fan looked at him, puzzled. "Two cups for just yourself? Isn’t that a bit of a waste?"

Cui Hao laughed. "One is for you."

Song Fan’s cheeks flushed slightly. Ever since she started working in the milk tea shop, she must have handled thousands of orders, but no one had ever bought a drink specifically for her. Hearing his words, a strange feeling surged through her, as if something inside her was quietly melting.

"You really don’t have to. I can make one anytime I want," she refused shyly.

But Cui Hao insisted, "It’s not the same. Two cups. I insist." He held up two fingers, his expression firm.

Song Fan didn’t argue further. She turned back to the counter, washed her hands, and began preparing the drinks. A few moments later, two generously filled milk teas were placed in front of Cui Hao.

Cui Hao picked up one of the cups while still looking at his book, stuck a straw in it, and said, "You sit down and have one with me."

The milk tea shop was exceptionally quiet, with few customers to disturb them, so Song Fan didn’t refuse again and obediently sat down across from him.

"The snow this year seems to have come later than usual," Song Fan remarked softly, gazing out the window.

Her words made Cui Hao realize it too. "Yeah, winter break is almost here, but Yancheng hasn’t had any snow yet. I remember it was snowing heavily around this time last year." He then added, "But there’s an upside to no snow. The Yonghui Supermarket renovation is about to start. Snow could affect the construction schedule, so it’s better if it holds off for a bit."

Song Fan was deeply impressed. "I can’t believe the boss is actually doing it, starting the renovations just like he said. That kind of decisiveness and boldness is something special."

A look of pride spread across Cui Hao’s face. "Of course," he boasted. "Don’t you know who that is? That’s my godfather! He’s always swift and resolute when it comes to getting things done."

That evening, the first heavy snow of winter 2015 began to fall over Yancheng, blanketing the city in a pristine white gown.