Chapter 620 - 618: A Unique Date

Chapter 620: Chapter 618: A Unique Date

Not long after he hung up, Wang Doudou called. Su Jianqiang didn’t dare to hesitate for a second, almost reflexively pressing the answer button as an inexplicable mix of anticipation and tension surged in his heart.

"Su Jianqiang, great news! The location for the new supermarket has been settled. It’s right on Yancheng South Road, in that bustling area." There was a hint of pride and determination in Wang Doudou’s voice.

Su Jianqiang’s eyebrows furrowed slightly upon hearing this. His mind raced, and after a moment, he responded in a tone that was both surprised and full of dawning realization, "Yancheng South Road... doesn’t that mean we’ll be competing head-to-head with Yonghui Supermarket? It’s a brilliant move."

"Exactly," Wang Doudou’s words carried a deeper meaning. "I want Xue Yang to witness firsthand how the fruits of his labor will become the key to our fortune. I want him to watch as those products, in our hands, find new life, are used by others, and bring us victory."

Madness glinted in Wang Doudou’s eyes, as if he could already picture the look on Xue Yang’s face upon learning that all his hard work had merely paved the way for others.

"Young Master Wang, may I ask when I can officially take up my post?" Su Jianqiang asked eagerly, unable to hide his excitement.

Wang Doudou smiled faintly, his voice carrying an unquestionable authority. "Tomorrow. Everything has been arranged. When you arrive, find a man named Zhao Wei. He will explain all the details to you."

"I will never forget your immense kindness, Young Master Wang. I will give it my all and not disappoint your high expectations and trust," Su Jianqiang said, filled with gratitude.

"Good. I look forward to your good news," Wang Doudou’s response was brief and forceful. Yet, within that brevity, Su Jianqiang faintly perceived a subtle change—a coldness and detachment he hadn’t noticed before. However, immersed in his joy, he didn’t dwell on it, simply looking forward to the new Chapter about to begin.

The warmth and merriment of Christmas gradually faded, followed by the chiming of New Year’s bells that ushered in a new year. However, once the holiday festivities passed, a familiar threshold of student life silently approached—one both anticipated and dreaded: the final exams.

The finals, a critical moment that distilled an entire semester’s worth of learning, served as a touchstone for every student’s effort and achievement. It was more than just a summary of the semester; it was an important test of personal growth. Crucially, after the finals came a much-needed vacation.

Xue Yang, who had inevitably neglected his studies while preoccupied with his daily affairs, now felt a sense of urgency as the tests loomed. So, he cleverly used the New Year’s holiday to hole up with Lin Xi in the quiet office of Yonghui Supermarket, shutting out the world’s noise and throwing himself into an intense and orderly battle of revision.

Indeed, on the eve of New Year’s Day, while others were soaking in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the rare time with their significant others to ring in the new year, Xue Yang was engrossed in his revision, deaf to the commotion outside.

His gaze was locked on the stack of review materials before him, all painstakingly organized by Lin Xi. She was truly a talented woman, a perfect combination of beauty and brains, and her abilities were on full display. Even the sophomore-level material that was still unfamiliar to Xue Yang became clear and logically structured in her hands, making it easy to grasp the main points at a single glance.

While reviewing the notes, Xue Yang sent a copy to Cui Hao. Given that he’d been caught studying in the bubble tea shop by Si Wen and Sun Yufei, Cui Hao had since resorted to studying under the blankets in his dorm room. When his roommates called out to him and he didn’t answer, they simply assumed he was asleep. He planned to give them a real shock when the final grades came out.

A muffled laugh escaped from under Cui Hao’s blankets at the thought. Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it and saw a WeChat message from Xue Yang.

Isn’t it New Year’s Day tomorrow? Why is this kid messaging me instead of spending it with his fiancée?

He opened the message, and its contents made his eyes light up, causing him to shoot bolt upright in bed. As fresh air filled his lungs, his mood brightened instantly.

That’s my godfather, alright! Getting his hands on such precious review materials and sharing them with me right away.

After quickly sending a grateful reply to Xue Yang, Cui Hao dove back into his intense revision, making every second count. Yonghui Supermarket was about to have its grand reopening. For him, this was both good news and a source of unspoken pressure, as it meant he had even less time to focus on his studies.

Time passed stealthily. When the brilliant sound and light of fireworks illuminated the world outside, Lin Xi’s attention was involuntarily drawn from the pages of her book. Her gaze drifted toward the dazzling night sky.

"The New Year is here."

After briefly admiring the splendid fireworks, Lin Xi’s face beamed with festive joy. She trotted lightly over to Xue Yang, clutching a carefully prepared gift, her eyes twinkling with tenderness and anticipation. She smiled and said, "Happy New Year, Mr. Xue!" This was their first New Year’s Day since their engagement, making it extraordinarily significant.

Xue Yang’s thoughts were adrift in a deep, focused ocean of knowledge when a gentle voice brushed past his ear like a spring breeze, causing him to look up. In that instant, his gaze was captivated by a pair of eyes as brilliant as stars, shimmering with joy and anticipation. Lin Xi stood there, gently holding a gift, as if all the world’s beauty was condensed in that single moment.

A ripple of emotion spread through his heart. He slowly stood and walked toward her, feeling as if he were treading on clouds. As he took the gift from her hands, he could feel its warmth and weight, as though it carried all their shared memories and their future.

"Lin Xi, thank you." Xue Yang’s voice was low and full of gratitude. He gently caressed the gift box, his eyes sparkling with emotion. "This is the most special New Year’s gift I’ve ever received."

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s face blossomed into an even more radiant smile. She gently nestled against Xue Yang’s shoulder, and a profound, unspoken happiness and understanding blossomed between them.