A group of people spent the afternoon browsing and ultimately selected 15 shops.
There were many backup plans, but some had poor locations, while others had storefronts that were difficult to brand and make noticeable.
In short, all the suitable shops around the Big Willow Tree had been reserved by Chen Cheng.
"Let’s call it a day!" Chen Cheng looked at the time and said to Feng Biao, "You go pick up Yingzi first, we’ll meet up later tonight."
Feng Biao nodded, "Okay."
"What about you guys?" he asked.
Chen Cheng glanced at Xiao Meier, "Why don’t you go with Shu Biao? I’ll come find you later."
"Are you going to the bank?"
Chen Cheng nodded, "Going to see what signatures are needed."
"Then come over as soon as you’re done," Xiao Meier pulled at Chen Cheng’s hand.
Feng Biao saw this scene, "Come on, do you two need to be that mushy? It’s not like you’re newlyweds!"
Chen Cheng reached out with both hands, touched Xiao Meier’s face, and gave her a firm kiss.
"Our relationship is solid, is that a problem?"
Feng Biao pretended to be disgusted and waved his hand, "Fine, I’m off to start the car. You two keep being lovey-dovey!"
Xiao Meier chided, "You! In front of Shu Biao, can’t you be a little more reserved?"
"Isn’t this the usual?"
Chen Cheng chuckled and held Xiao Meier’s hand tighter, "Besides, we’re openly showing our love! It’s legal!"
Xiao Meier’s smile was constant, "Then remember to come early."
After Feng Biao got the car, he drove up to the two of them.
Xiao Meier said a few more words to Chen Cheng before sitting in the back seat.
Just before leaving, she rolled down the window and waved at Chen Cheng.
Chen Cheng waved back, and once the car had completely disappeared from view, he hailed a taxi and headed straight to the Jingfa Bank.
Chen Cheng was thinking all the way about whether Tong Jialu’s "signature" act was real or not.
At least in his memory, there was nothing recent that he needed to sign.
When he entered the familiar hall, the bank was about to close.
He came to the office door and knocked.
Chen Cheng opened the door and saw Tong Jialu behind the desk, doing her makeup.
She had already changed out of her uniform into a dress and let her hair down casually, giving off an intricate sense of refinement.
Her fair skin looked extra delicate under the light, and her lips, in rose-pink lipstick, looked juicy.
Chen Cheng looked at his watch, "It’s not even closing time yet, and you’re already putting on makeup?"
Tong Jialu put down the compact, "I knew Brother Cheng would definitely come."
She smiled radiantly, stepped out in her new dress, and twirled in front of Chen Cheng.
Seeing the bright and beautiful Tong Jialu in front of him, Chen Cheng felt a slight stir in his heart.
It couldn’t be denied that Tong Jialu knew how to show off her charm. Once out of her stiff uniform, the youthful energy made it hard for anyone to look away.
Hearing Chen Cheng’s compliment, Tong Jialu’s smile brightened, and she wrapped her arms around Chen Cheng’s neck, "Then tonight, I’ll wear this set, okay?"
Chen Cheng purposely asked, "Didn’t you say at Wanbao Hall this morning that I had to come to sign something? Let’s get the serious stuff done first!"
"There’s no signature needed," Tong Jialu said playfully, "If you have to sign, sign on me."
As expected, she had prepared another stunt.
Chen Cheng laughed, "You ah! Sigh!"
"I’ve booked a restaurant, and I’ve also told my cousin I won’t be home for dinner."
Tong Jialu turned and walked to the cabinet, taking out an LV bag, "Brother Cheng, tonight we..."
Before she could finish, Chen Cheng interrupted her, "I’m busy tonight."
Tong Jialu, who was dressed up, suddenly had her smile freeze, "Do you have plans?"
Chen Cheng did not deny it and spoke indifferently, "I have something to discuss with Xiao Er and the others."
Tong Jialu lowered her head, "Fine then. You..."
Chen Cheng was also puzzled; this wasn’t the first time he had turned down Tong Jialu.
But after his rejection, Tong Jialu had never seemed this dejected.
Tong Jialu looked up, her eyes slightly reddened, but she quickly covered it up, "Nothing, just a bit tired from work."
She pretended to be relaxed, "Brother Cheng, go ahead with your tasks."
Chen Cheng could tell she was forcing a smile, knowing she was hiding her troubles.
He stopped leaving, sat on the sofa, and asked, "Tell me, what’s wrong."
Hearing Chen Cheng’s question, Tong Jialu’s eyes redden again. She bit her lip and whispered:
"Today... today is my birthday."
"I was planning to surprise you, but since you’re busy, then..."
Chen Cheng suddenly realized.
That’s why Tong Jialu was dressed up so nicely today, that’s why she asked him to come here, and that’s why she looked so downhearted after his refusal.
He remembered the information he had looked at; although he didn’t recall the exact date, it was roughly correct.
Moreover, Chen Cheng knew that Tong Jialu was not the type to joke about such a matter.
He got up and went over to Tong Jialu, gently taking her into his arms, "I didn’t know today was your birthday."
Tong Jialu rested against Chen Cheng’s shoulder.
She had waited for Chen Cheng all day, put on her best dress, mustered up the courage, but only received the answer that he could not meet her.
All the grievance and disappointment surged up at that moment.
Tong Jialu was also surprised that she felt this way; she should not have such expectations from her relationship with Chen Cheng.
Yet she still got jealous, acted out, and looked forward to spending her birthday with him.
Even a simple dinner together would have sufficed.
But she knew very well that Chen Cheng’s feelings for her were not the same as for Xiao Meier, Wen Shulin—let alone Hoshino Mika in Japan.
"It’s okay! I never told you before." Tong Jialu tried to smile, "We can celebrate next year!"