Zhang Jingdong got into Shu Ran’s white Land Rover Range Rover once again, taking the driver’s seat as usual.
He took a deep sniff of Shu Ran’s hair fragrance, then asked, "What would you like to eat? Japanese? Hot pot? Or Western food?"
"You have to meet with a client tonight, so let’s go with Western food."
Zhang Jingdong said and deftly started the car, soon disappearing into the traffic.
At this moment, Shu Ran couldn’t help but exclaim, "Now I really understand why rich second-generation guys like Wang Tao are so respectful to you. Your move of offering a 10% stake is just so generous!"
Zhang Jingdong curled his lip, "You saying Wang Tao respects me because I gave him a share in the bar is not a problem. For one thing, I indeed gave him a significant share, and secondly, he genuinely enjoys managing the bar."
"But for Liu Zongheng, I don’t think it’s the same. Even though I don’t know his family background, the fact that he can stand firm without being arrogant or humble in front of Wang Tao means his background can’t be simple. Do you think he would really be so respectful towards me just for a few million a year?"
Shu Ran was instantly surprised, "That’s true. But why do you think he is so humble towards you? And why would you choose to work with these rich second-generation kids?"
"The former is probably because of the strength I’ve shown so far. He feels that if he can deeply connect with me through this bar, in the future he can make real big money from me."
"The latter, the reason I choose to use these rich second-generations is because I can meet more of them through them, and they almost have control over the top resources in Jiangdu."
At this point, Zhang Jingdong put on a serious face, "Right now I may have money, but it doesn’t mean I’ll always have money. I must convert the money I have now into resources to the greatest extent possible. That way, my money is safe, and I can continue to have money."
"Besides, I also want to leverage these resources to break into some brand-new fields, like the internet or real estate. And these areas require significant resources to grow quickly and become strong."
Shu Ran suddenly had an epiphany and couldn’t help but commend, "So that’s how it is. Your vision really is far-reaching, and you have such a broad perspective on things. Jingdong, I’ve really gained a whole new level of respect for you!"
Zhang Jingdong chuckled, "Did you used to think I was just a little rascal who knew nothing but eating, drinking, and amusing women—someone who was only good at petty tricks and always thought about taking advantage of women?"
Shu Ran pursed her lips, "Not entirely, because your talents are of a very high level. Even if you didn’t do business, you could still live well with those talents and be favored by many women."
Although Shu Ran didn’t want to admit it, to avoid making him too smug, she eventually nodded.
"So what about now? Do you like me more? Or do you think I’m too worldly and money-driven, not as pure as you thought, and therefore like me a little less?"
This time Shu Ran didn’t hesitate, "It should be the former. I think it’s : your hobbies and talents reflect your taste and attitude towards life, while your business showcases your life’s height and breadth."
"I don’t think there’s anything wrong with chasing fame and wealth. At least it keeps people hopeful all the time, because life itself is meaningless. It’s just a period of time. We can only make our lives meaningful by doing meaningful things during this time."
Zhang Jingdong nodded in deep agreement, "You really are a teacher, your words are indeed philosophical!"
He said, pulling Shu Ran’s delicate hand and kissing it, "Then I will definitely work hard in business, to make you like me even more!"
Afterwards, the two had a Western meal at Crane Western Restaurant on Yuezhi Road, and later Zhang Jingdong took Shu Ran home.
Zhang Jingdong parked the car near the entrance of her residential complex.
Then he said, "I just remembered there’s something I need to discuss with you. Shall we talk in the back?"
Shu Ran was startled at first, then suddenly realized what he was intending to do. She bit her lip, and then shyly nodded, "...Okay."
The two of them got out of their seats and made their way to the back seat.
Hardly had Shu Ran closed the car door when Zhang Jingdong couldn’t wait to wrap his arms around her and kiss her.
Though Shu Ran was a bit overwhelmed, considering it was a parting moment, she let him have his way.
Twenty full minutes later, Zhang Jingdong finally let go of Shu Ran, contentedly.
Shu Ran’s top was nearly completely ripped!
While straightening her clothes, Shu Ran said with a mix of shyness and annoyance, "Don’t do it here next time; if someone familiar sees us, I’ll be ruined!"
Zhang Jingdong grinned mischievously, "Okay, then next time we’ll go directly to your place!"
"I wanted to go up with you today, but since we’re pressed for time, let’s leave it for next time."
Seeing Shu Ran’s troubled expression, Zhang Jingdong continued to tease her, "What, you don’t welcome me? Or are you not mentally prepared yet? Or do you live with your parents?"
At this point, Shu Ran suddenly said, "None of those. It’s just that... Jingdong, aren’t we moving too fast? I... it still feels like a dream, that we’re actually... together now!?"
Considering himself an expert in matters of the heart by now, Zhang Jingdong didn’t hesitate and directly said, "Teacher Shu, the reason why most people take a long time dating is because most of them are ordinary people. They don’t have sufficient margin for error, and dating or marrying is almost the most important thing in their lives."