The next day, Chen Wei went with Zheng Junpeng and a few others to look at several office spaces.
In the morning, they saw two places: one was about 200 square meters, slightly off the beaten path, and the other was around 150 square meters, conveniently located near the Meitai Company, just across the street, in the heart of the northern city center.
Both places were similarly priced, with the rent being 50,000 yuan per year.
Chen Wei thought the price was reasonable, but Zheng Junpeng felt it was too high.
The economy hadn't been doing well these past few years, and many companies had gone under, leaving office buildings empty and driving rental prices down.
At noon, they grabbed a quick meal of pork ribs and rice.
During lunch, Lian Yingying called Chen Wei to ask what he was up to.
Chen Wei told her he was looking at office spaces and planning to rent one.
Lian Yingying got excited upon hearing this and asked where he was, saying she'd be there soon.
After lunch, Chen Wei and his friends sat in the restaurant chatting. Not long after, a Ferrari pulled up at the entrance.
Zhou Yi and the others stared wide-eyed in amazement at the Ferrari outside.
When Lian Yingying stepped out of the car, Zhou Yi and Pan Zhiyao exclaimed in surprise.
A beautiful woman and a luxury car—men can hardly resist such a sight.
Even Zheng Junpeng couldn't help but steal a few glances, while his girlfriend Ma Hongrui looked on enviously.
When Lian Yingying walked straight towards them, smiling and calling out to Chen Wei, Zhou Yi and the others were dumbfounded.
They stared blankly.
"If you need to rent a place, just let me know. Did you forget what my family does? Come on, I'll take you!"
Without further ado, Lian Yingying grabbed Chen Wei and headed out.
Chen Wei got up helplessly, called out to Zheng Junpeng and the others, and they all left the restaurant together.
"Where do you want to set up the office?" Lian Yingying asked as they walked out.
"Somewhere around the north side of the city," Chen Wei replied.
"What's so good about the north side? How about the south or east side instead? I'll take you to see the east side first," Lian Yingying said assertively.
Chen Wei looked back at Zheng Junpeng and the others.
"The east side sounds good. Let's go check it out!" Zhou Yi said eagerly.
The east side, being a new district, was certainly more bustling than the north side.
Pan Zhiyao was also excited; the east side was much more upscale. Compared to the east side, the north felt like the countryside.
However, Zheng Junpeng frowned and said, "Isn't the east side expensive?"
Since they were just starting out, they didn't need a fancy office, just a place to get started.
"Oh, you don't need to worry about the rent. The entire building is ours, and a few floors are currently vacant. You can move in directly. Blue Sea Sky Mansion, high-end office buildings by the sea, with an environment that will surely satisfy you! I'll even cover the utilities and property fees!" Lian Yingying said generously.
"That's fantastic! You're awesome, sis-in-law!" Zhou Yi immediately exclaimed with a grin.
This term "sis-in-law" made Lian Yingying pause, then she blushed slightly and glanced at Chen Wei without objecting.
Chen Wei frowned, glared at Zhou Yi, and scolded, "Don't call her that! Yingying and I are just friends!"
Then he turned to Lian Yingying and said, "Yingying, I appreciate your kindness, but we should still handle the rent properly. Otherwise, I'll feel uncomfortable."
Lian Yingying pouted and stayed silent, looking somewhat displeased.
Seeing this, Zhou Yi quickly winked at Chen Wei and said, "Come on, boss, don't be so stubborn. Sis-in-law is being kind. What's the big deal? It's not like she's a stranger, right, sis-in-law?"
Zhou Yi's words left Chen Wei at a loss for words, feeling both embarrassed and a bit touched.
Lian Yingying's expression brightened, and she glared at Chen Wei, saying, "Exactly, stop being so stubborn!"
With that, she opened the car door and got in.
Chen Wei was still standing there.
"Get in the car, what are you waiting for!" Lian Yingying urged impatiently.
Chen Wei looked at Zheng Junpeng and the others. Zheng Junpeng quickly said, "You go ahead, we'll catch a taxi. I know where Blue Sea Sky Mansion is."
Only then did Chen Wei get into Lian Yingying's car.
Lian Yingying started the Ferrari and drove off quickly.
Zheng Junpeng and the others also hailed two taxis and followed them.
In the car, the atmosphere between Chen Wei and Lian Yingying was a bit awkward.
Lian Yingying drove without speaking, her mind in turmoil.
Chen Wei, not knowing what to say, decided to remain silent as well.
Zhou Yi's casual "sis-in-law" had indeed created some tension between them.
Chen Wei did have feelings for Lian Yingying.
It was hard not to be attracted to a girl like her.
However, Chen Wei had never dared to hope that Lian Yingying would be his girlfriend.
The gap between them was too vast.
Even with his system, Chen Wei couldn't confidently say he could reach the Lian family's level in a short time.
Until he reached that level, being with Lian Yingying made him feel like he was freeloading.
He didn't like that feeling.
He did have a bit of a macho streak.
Lian Yingying herself was unsure of her feelings.
She hadn't known Chen Wei for long, but he was different from the other guys she knew.
Most of the single guys she knew had ulterior motives.
Dealing with them was exhausting, always putting on a facade.
But being with Chen Wei felt easy.
She could tell Chen Wei was sincere, without any hidden agendas.
She enjoyed spending time with him, which is why she messaged and called him every day.
However, she hadn't realized what her feelings for Chen Wei were.
Until Zhou Yi's "sis-in-law" broke that barrier in her heart!
So this is what it's like to like someone!
Lian Yingying felt both shy and annoyed.
Annoyed that Chen Wei had said they were just friends!
How infuriating!
She pouted, looking displeased.
But then she remembered Chen Wei had just broken up with his girlfriend, and she felt more understanding, even liking him more.
If Chen Wei had immediately pursued her after his breakup, she would have reconsidered.
Thinking this, she felt a bit happy.
Chen Wei watched Lian Yingying's changing expressions, thoroughly confused about what she was thinking.
They drove in silence.
At an intersection, suddenly, an electric bike appeared out of nowhere!
Lian Yingying, already distracted, couldn't react in time with the fast-moving Ferrari and hit it directly.