Chapter 68: Girlfriend? [Part Three]

Amidst the surprised gazes all around him, Zhang Ye’s phone rang. He casually pulled the device from his pocket and pressed the answer button. “Where are you?” The electronic voice was harsh, but Zhang Ye recognized who it was.

“South Gate Street, clothing market,” Zhang Ye replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He touched his nose, a bit embarrassed.

Thankfully, his parents weren’t around. If they were, just the phone in his hand would trigger countless troublesome questions. Strangely, the bigger his business grew, the more he felt anxious.

At first, he hadn’t told his parents about the twenty thousand yuan prize money because he didn’t want them to worry. Now, holding a fortune, he feared their concern even more. Though the money was legitimate and everything was above board, he always felt uneasy facing them.

In this regard, his second life hadn’t granted him much advantage. Whether in his past or present, he remained his parents’ child—this fact could not be changed.

“I’ll be there soon. Wait for me,” the voice said, and the call abruptly ended.

Zhang Ye smiled wryly and touched his nose again. Only a handful knew about his phone. Zhao Haidong was recently forced into study sessions by his father, while Liu Wentao and Wu Dongjun were busy arranging the handover of several store locations. They had no time to call him now.

The only others who knew his number were Yuan Yuqing and her niece, Guo Xiangqing. After the previous incident, their relationship had grown closer; they called each other from time to time. For convenience, Zhang Ye had told them about his phone.

After all, he believed a phone was meant to be used—there was no reason to hide it from others.

Yuan Yuqing was too busy to come to him, so the one arriving soon would be the little witch, Guo Xiangqing. Through their interactions, Zhang Ye had discovered her mischievous nature, a departure from his memories of her.

“Little boss, is that your girlfriend?” The question came, but the tone and expression betrayed certainty.

Phones nowadays didn’t block much sound. In fact, they seemed designed so the whole room could hear, unless it was very noisy.

So, the renovation worker guessed as much. The girl’s voice on the call was low, but her commanding tone suggested she and Zhang Ye were anything but ordinary acquaintances.

“No,” Zhang Ye denied reflexively, then smiled bitterly. The more one explains, the deeper the misunderstanding. The worker’s expression proved the point.

Helpless, Zhang Ye busied himself by helping out. Though he’d hired the man to work, Zhang Ye never shirked; whenever he could assist, he did. Whether he learned much or not, his young strength and willingness to observe and participate always yielded something.

Half an hour later, Guo Xiangqing arrived, carrying a fragrant breeze that seemed to dispel the lime scent from the store’s walls.

“You’re here,” Zhang Ye said, setting down his brush with a smile.

Guo Xiangqing looked like a princess fresh from a fairy tale: a pink suit, white stockings, two little braids tied on either side, radiating vitality.

“What are you busy with?” She placed her hands behind her back and approached Zhang Ye, her face full of curiosity.

Suddenly, she paused, reached out a delicate hand, and—under the renovation worker’s knowing gaze—wiped Zhang Ye’s face.

“What are you doing?” Zhang Ye blushed. He had never enjoyed such treatment in either of his lives.

One can imagine the excitement of a bachelor receiving such care from a beautiful girl. Zhang Ye wasn’t quite overwhelmed, but he was genuinely moved.

“There’s lime on your face.” Guo Xiangqing realized her gesture was a bit intimate, blushed, tilted her head, and said, “Guess what I brought you?” She hid her hand behind her back, looking mysterious.

“What is it?” Zhang Ye asked, scooping water from a bucket to wash his hands, then dried them with a towel.

“Guess!” Guo Xiangqing insisted.

Zhang Ye looked at her curiously, as if meeting her for the first time. He smiled wryly, “I can’t guess.” There were too many possibilities—who could fathom a girl’s mind?

“Here you go, thanks for what you did before.” Guo Xiangqing appeared nonchalant as she handed him a pink pouch.

Zhang Ye understood the meaning behind her thanks. Seeing the pouch, he smiled wryly. It looked like a girl’s purse—was she giving it to him? What did it mean?

“I made it myself. The embroidery isn’t great, but I wanted you to have it.” Guo Xiangqing, embarrassed, forced it into his palm and turned away, pretending to examine the shop.

They had spoken on the phone almost daily, chatting about ordinary things, but their bond had grown warmer. She knew about Zhang Ye’s family opening a store here.

As she looked around, she noticed something special. The meticulous arrangement and bright, spacious feel—even though renovation blurred the effect—gave her a sense of freshness.

The pouch was embroidered with an exaggerated pig head shielding a little lamb. It wasn’t ugly, just rather cute. The all-pink design made Zhang Ye hesitate; if others saw it, they’d surely misunderstand.

“Brother Ye, big trouble!” At that moment, Liu Guangxiang rushed in, shouting loudly.

Zhang Ye frowned, “What’s the matter?” He quickly stuffed the pink pouch into his pocket and strode forward.

“The management won’t let us transfer the store,” Liu Guangxiang said, glancing around nervously. “My brother and Wu tried everything—sweet words, tough words—but the manager refuses. Claims it’s policy, but others are allowed. Why not us? We’re out of options. Wu sent me to find you.” Clearly, Liu Guangxiang had been given a hard time, his face sour.

Zhang Ye frowned, immediately thinking of Li Yulong’s gang.

That minor conflict back then had now blossomed into real trouble. Those few were all children of officials, so it was no surprise they had connections here. Now that they were blocked, anxiety set in.

Today’s three chapters are done… Give it a title, consider it making up for yesterday’s missed update. Tomorrow continues—votes and clicks are welcome. Though asking for tips isn’t very honorable, I still want to see everyone’s support. It’s been quiet for so long. One yuan is enough to show your support…