Under the repeated invitations from the production team of Vocal Vanguard, Zhou Yi asked Jiang Ruolan to confirm his participation.
Director Wu Qi clapped his hands in excitement: "Fantastic! Chen, get the poster done immediately and release the guest list for this season."
This season promised to be star-studded, featuring both legendary singers and rising talents. It struck a natural balance between generations, appealing to audiences of all ages while sparking intriguing cross-generational dynamics.
After accepting the show's invitation, Zhou Yi turned his attention to another matter.
During a dinner with the Kong family, Zhang Ming—a prominent figure in the pharmaceutical industry—had mentioned needing Zhou Yi's help to treat someone.
Zhou Yi received a message from Zhang Ming inviting him to Province A, with all expenses covered and a personal escort arranged. Zhou Yi assumed it would likely involve someone of importance.
Since he was already planning to travel abroad for an international math modeling competition, which would also depart from Province A, the timing worked perfectly. He could head there now, complete the treatment, and then proceed directly to the competition. This arrangement also gave him extra time to spend with Xie Tingwan.
Zhou Yi requested leave from his academic advisor, who quickly approved it. Explaining that he needed to prepare in advance, Zhou Yi earned nothing but encouragement from his advisor, who urged him to strive for victory.
After all, winning such an international award would secure his admission to University A without question.
Before leaving for Province A, Zhou Yi decided to visit Jing Wen.
Ever since accidentally spotting the faint mark on his lips during her last visit to his apartment, Jing Wen hadn't returned to his place again.
So this time, Zhou Yi took the initiative to find her.
She was busy at her restaurant, overseeing small tasks despite having staff to assist. Old Hai remained as taciturn as ever.
Though it wasn't mealtime, the restaurant was bustling—an undeniable testament to Jing Wen's hard work and dedication.
The kitchen of Wen Yi Restaurant featured transparent glass walls, allowing customers to see how immaculately clean it was and watch the chefs prepare dishes using fresh ingredients. No wonder the restaurant enjoyed such popularity.
When Zhou Yi entered, Lao Hai smiled and nodded from behind the glass. Zhou Yi smiled back. Jing Wen sat with her back to the door, engrossed in tallying accounts.
Approaching her quietly, Zhou Yi covered her eyes. Instantly, a smile spread across her face.
No one else would do this except Zhou Yi. She grabbed his hand playfully and teased, "Who's skipping work instead of earning big money at the company, coming to my little shop?"
Leaning close to her ear, Zhou Yi whispered, "Sister Wen, I missed you."
Her eyes softened as she turned around and hugged him. "It's only been a few days, but I missed you too, Xiao Yi. Sit down."
Kissing her forehead, Zhou Yi settled beside her.
"Have you eaten? Are you hungry?"
Jing Wen still delivered meals to the company daily, but since Zhou Yi had classes that day, she hadn't seen him at noon. She hadn't expected him to drop by the restaurant in the afternoon.
"I ate at school. I'm leaving for Province A tomorrow, and the thought of not seeing you for several days makes me feel a bit sad."
"Is it to treat that friend of Mr. Zhang's?"
"Yes, he's already booked my flight."
Zhou Yi shared most things with Jing Wen, so she wasn't surprised. Smiling softly, she said,
"I'm going for training in a few days too. I was planning to visit you tonight, but here you are. Guess we're on the same wavelength."
"Of course we are. By the way, will anyone accompany you? I can assign an assistant if you'd like."
"No need for trouble; I can manage on my own."
"No, I'm worried about you traveling so far alone. I'll arrange for a female employee to accompany you. It's good to have someone to help with luggage, go shopping, or just keep you company. Take some time to relax and enjoy yourself while you're there."
Jing Wen felt warmth bloom inside. Leaning on his shoulder, she murmured, "Alright, I understand. But I'm curious—what's going on with that female CEO? I saw it on the trending list."
Jing Wen poked his arm, still feeling a twinge of jealousy, though she managed to ask openly now. Zhou Yi appreciated this change.
Rather than bottling up her feelings, he preferred her to voice them outright. Indifference would mean she no longer cared, but asking showed she still did.
Smiling, he explained, "An actress wanted my autograph. Her best friend kept inviting me to dinner for her sake. Out of respect for the Kong family, I accepted. Are you upset, Sister Wen?"
Relief washed over Jing Wen. How could she not care? Such accomplished women always made her uneasy.
Even Jiang Ruolan unsettled her, let alone someone like Kong Huaijin.
But she wasn't angry. She had long accepted that Zhou Yi couldn't belong solely to her.
"Not upset. Just handle it properly. Do you want to come to my place tonight?"
Shyly lowering her gaze, Jing Wen blushed as Zhou Yi leaned closer. "Does Sister Wen miss me?"
The word "miss" carried multiple meanings.
Biting her lip, Jing Wen replied, "Just tell me if you're coming or not. Why ask so directly?"
Chuckling, Zhou Yi coaxed her, "Of course I'm coming. It misses you too."
Giving him a playful glare, Jing Wen murmured, "You've grown cheekier."
Innocently blinking, Zhou Yi replied, "Not at all. I'm simply the product of Sister Wen's 'guidance.'"
Jing Wen's ears flushed red, and warmth spread through her body. Touching her heated cheeks, she shifted slightly away.
"You... move over a bit. I'm feeling warm."
"Where's the heat? It's October, Sister Wen. People are wearing jackets now."
"Stop teasing, or we'll leave right this instant."
"Pfft, in such a hurry, Sister Wen?"
At thirty, Jing Wen's desires ran high. Though she once avoided these thoughts, Zhou Yi's skillful touch had awakened something within her. She adored the way he gazed at her—intense, passionate, and filled with longing.
She loved how his hands explored every inch of her, creating a connection that transcended the physical. It was unforgettable.
Raising an eyebrow, Jing Wen teased, "I bought new clothes. Don't you want to see them?"
Standing up, Zhou Yi grinned. "Of course I do. Let's go, Sister Wen. Show me what you've got this time."
Jing Wen closed her account book, grabbed her bag and keys, gave a few instructions to the staff, and left with Zhou Yi.
Instead of driving his sports car, Zhou Yi opted for his Rolls-Royce this time.
Returning to the fast-food restaurant brought a wave of nostalgia.
Once upstairs, he pinned her against the door and kissed her deeply. Between kisses, he murmured, "Sister Wen, let me buy you a house."