A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1328: A Confrontation with Andy: You Have No Upbringing! (Please Subscribe!)

Joyful Song Community.

Qu Xiaoxiao moved to a new house and originally planned to invite friends over to 2203 for a party to celebrate. However, she got so angry at Hua Shier in the elevator that day that she lost her mood for celebration and moved the celebration to the next day.

As things unfolded just like in the original story, the next day, because they stayed up too late, disturbing the rest of their neighbors on the same floor, they were protested by the three girls from 2202, and then Andy, who lived in 2201, also called the police.

The first encounter between the five female protagonists of Ode to Joy, which was destined by fate, turned out to be quite unpleasant.

This also led to Fan Shengmei, who hadn't had enough rest, looking at herself with dark circles under her eyes in the mirror when Hua Shier invited her to dinner. Although she was tempted, she still chose to refuse.
"Baichuan, we haven't seen each other for so long, so I shouldn't refuse your invitation to dinner. But I've been working a lot lately and don't get off work until very late. I also need to catch up on sleep when I have time. Let's make it up another time. I'll definitely do it next time!"

Hua Shier was surprised to be rejected on his first invitation to dinner, but he didn't mind and said with a smile:
"No rush, let's make it another time!"

Time flies, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

Through T1000 operations, Hua12's investments in domestic and international financial markets have multiplied several times over.

That day, he received a call from Manager Zhao of the property management company, who told him that the 21st floor of Joyful Song had been renovated according to his requirements and that he could inspect it at any time.

Hua Shier went to the Joyful Song residential area that day, but since it wasn't a holiday, she didn't run into any of the female leads from the original storyline.

After inspecting the renovation, Hua Shier expressed his satisfaction, saying that the other party had almost completely met his requirements and expectations.

Manager Zhao also told Hua Shier with a smile that all the materials they used for the renovation were imported environmentally friendly materials with very low formaldehyde content, which would not affect human health and that it was safe to move in directly. He added that if Hua Shier didn't believe him, they could have a testing agency conduct a test at any time, and if it wasn't as he said, the property management company was willing to take legal responsibility for it!
Other homeowners would probably hire a professional agency to test the air quality, but Hua Shier only needed to sense the air quality in the room to know that the other party was telling the truth.

He laughed and said, "Don't I trust you, Manager Zhao? Um, you guys can reimburse me for the testing later. Haha, just kidding!"

Hua Shier was very satisfied with the renovation and went to the property office with Manager Zhao to settle the final payment.

Upon receiving the final payment, Manager Zhao was in high spirits and insisted that Hua Shier try the civet coffee he had purchased at a high price. In reality, he felt that although Hua Shier was a tenant, renting an entire floor made him a valuable client worth cultivating, and he wanted to build a closer relationship to see if there would be any opportunities for future cooperation.

When Hua Shier heard about civet coffee, he immediately said that the flavor was too strong and he couldn't accept it; a cup of tea would be fine with him.

Manager Zhao suddenly felt that his cat poop coffee didn't taste so good anymore.

Hua Shier really did have something to discuss with Manager Zhao. He said while sipping his tea:
"Manager Zhao, I remember you said your property management company is a listed company. I wonder if you have any office buildings available for rent? I'm planning to open a financial investment company!"

Manager Zhao pondered for a moment:
"Yes, there are some, but it would be time-consuming and troublesome for Mr. Wang to go through the company procedures. It would be easier to just acquire an investment company directly. I happen to know an investment company owner who is going to settle abroad. He is also renting our office space. If you need anything, Mr. Wang, I can help you contact him and get back to you as soon as possible!"

Hua Shier thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll have to trouble Manager Zhao!"

After leaving the property management office, Hua Shier planned to move into her new home that very evening, but since it was a housewarming, she had to celebrate.

He immediately called Fan Shengmei again and asked her to have dinner that evening.

This time, Fan Shengmei did not refuse:

"Okay, I get off work at five, so let's set it for six. Send me the address later, and I'll go there myself. You don't need to pick me up. See you tonight, bye-bye!"

My female colleague at the next desk asked with a gossipy look, "Xiao Fan, you're going out tonight? Is it your boyfriend?"

Fan Shengmei smiled, as if reminiscing about the past:

"An old classmate came to Shanghai and asked me out for dinner to catch up. He used to pursue me, but I didn't agree to date him!"

"Oh, this must mean he still has feelings for you. What are you thinking?"

Fan Shengmei's immediate feigned posture:
"Well, that depends on how things go for him. If he does well, I'll consider it. But if he doesn't, I can't go back to an ex for a relationship that doesn't guarantee financial security."

Just then, a message arrived on her phone. When she opened it, she saw that the dinner was arranged at a Western restaurant in a five-star hotel.

Fan Shengmei's lips curled up. It seemed that her old classmate was doing quite well. She just didn't know if he was really doing well or if he was just putting on a show.

Despite Fan Shengmei's nonchalant attitude when talking to her female colleagues, she still asked her boss for leave early in the afternoon, returned to her rented apartment in Ode to Joy, carefully selected an outfit, and dressed herself up beautifully in preparation for the banquet that evening.

After she finished dressing up, she struck various poses in front of the mirror. Looking at her radiant reflection, she revealed a smile that was both shy and proud.
"I'm still as beautiful as ever!"

Suddenly, she thought of something and quickly called her new best friend, Andy, a successful businesswoman who had returned from overseas and lived in apartment 2201.

"Hey Andy, I have a favor to ask you!"

"Well, a college classmate I haven't seen in ages is inviting me to dinner tonight. He used to have a crush on me, so he'll definitely take me home after dinner, and he might even come over to my place for a quick look."

"I've always been arrogant and a little vain in front of him. I don't want him to know that I share an apartment with someone, so could you come with me? I can ride back in your car so he won't have to take me home."

Andy readily agreed, and said she could bring Qiu Yingying and Guan Juer along. The three of them would sit at another table so as not to disturb Fan Shengmei and her old classmate's time together.

Fan Shengmei was of course willing and immediately called her two roommates. Unfortunately, Qiu Yingying and Guan Juer both had to work overtime today, so it was just her and Andy who went.

At 6:15 PM, in front of a star-rated hotel.

Hua Shier glanced at his watch with some impatience, thinking to himself that Fan Shengmei was really something else, even being late for a meal with an old classmate. If it weren't for the system mission, he wouldn't have bothered with this woman.

Just as he was contemplating whether to leave now, leave now, or leave now, a red Porsche 911 pulled up in front of him. Fan Shengmei opened the door, got out, and gave him a reserved smile, waving at him.

Hua Shier smiled and stepped forward:
"Old classmate, long time no see! You've become more and more beautiful!"

"No way!"

Fan Shengmei smiled and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, looking a little shy, then a little surprised, and said:

"But you're much more handsome than when you first graduated. If you hadn't spoken up just now, I wouldn't have recognized you!"

Hua Twelve chuckled:
"Let's not stand on ceremony, we're just old classmates. If other people hear us, they'll think we're just flattering each other!"

Fan Shengmei covered her mouth and giggled:
"I've noticed that you've not only become more handsome, but you're also much more articulate than when you were in school!"

By this time, Andy had already handed the car to the waiter to park it. She got out of the car and stood next to Yan Shengmei, who quickly introduced her to Hua Shier:

"Bai Chuan, let me introduce you. This is Andy, my good friend and best friend!"

"Andy, this is Wang Baichuan, my college classmate!"

Hua Shier smiled and extended his hand: "Hello Andy, it's a pleasure to meet you!"

Andy didn't reach out, but instead smiled and apologized:
"I'm sorry, I'm not used to physical contact with people, so I never shake hands. This isn't directed at anyone in particular, it's just my own issue, and I hope you can understand!"

Hua Shier smiled understandingly:

"That's normal. I know people with OCD who are like that too. I understand. Please come in!"

When the group arrived at the restaurant and sat at the pre-booked table, they were surrounded by elegant and romantic music and a variety of exquisitely prepared dishes.

Andy spoke first, asking:
"Mr. Wang is young and promising. May I ask what profession you work in?"

Hua Shier truthfully replied, "Financial investment mainly involves stocks and futures, but I only dabble in it on a small scale!"

Fan Shengmei was somewhat surprised: "I heard from other classmates that you used to sell medical equipment back in your hometown, how come you're getting into finance?" Hua Shier smiled and sighed:

"Medical equipment requires a large investment and slow returns, and maintaining relationships also takes time and money. I didn't think it was worth it. This year, everyone is investing in stocks, so I closed my business and used the withdrawn funds to test the waters in the stock market. Unexpectedly, I actually made a little money!"

These words made both Andy and Fan Shengmei frown. However, Andy felt it was too intimate to speak so frankly, so she remained silent. Fan Shengmei, on the other hand, couldn't hide her feelings.

"Old classmate, I have to give you some advice. The stock market is risky. Why would you give up your good physical business to speculate in stocks? Isn't that a bit too risky?"

Hua Twelve smiled faintly:
"Don't worry, Xiaomei. I believe I have some insight and talent in stock investment. To be honest, although I only entered the stock market this year, I have already achieved some small success and made some money!"

When Andy heard Hua Shier say this, he felt that Hua Shier was not mature enough, and his face showed displeasure.

Fan Shengmei reminded her again:

"Wang Baichuan, don't be fooled by this year's bull market. Too many retail investors lose money in a bull market. I've seen several myself. Making money in the stock market isn't so easy!"

She stopped calling him "old classmate" when she spoke, clearly thinking that Hua Shier was ignoring her advice and didn't know what was good for him, and that she had some issues with him.

Hua Shier understood what Fan Shengmei was trying to say: that he was able to make money not because of any insight or talent, but because of the bull market and the prevailing trend.

Although Fan Shengmei's words were somewhat impolite, they were ultimately well-intentioned, so Hua Shier didn't explain further, simply smiling and shaking his head.

"Let's not talk about me, old classmate. It's been ten years since we last saw each other. How are you doing these days?"

"me?"

A hint of unease flashed in Fan Shengmei's eyes. She glanced at Andy first, then spoke to Hua Shier:
"I'm doing alright. I'm currently working in HR at a company, and my job is fairly stable. I've also bought my own apartment in Shanghai, so overall I'm living a pretty fulfilling life!"

Hua Shier found it amusing when she heard her say she bought a house in Shanghai, but she didn't expose her. Instead, she picked up the juice in front of her.
"I remember your dream when you were in school was to settle down in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. Congratulations on achieving your wish! Here, let me toast you with juice instead of wine!"

Fan Shengmei happily accepted the congratulations from her old classmate and cheerfully clinked glasses with him. Hua Shier found it amusing; she clearly only rented a tiny place, yet insisted on claiming to be the owner. Her vanity was truly something else. It must have been embarrassing for anyone in the know, since he knew this woman was just bragging.

Fan Shengmei took a sip, put down her drink, and said with a smile:
"Stop talking about me, let's talk about you. You've stopped doing business, are you just passing through Shanghai this time, or are you planning to stay and develop your career here?"

Hua Shier didn't hide anything and directly stated his plans:
"I've made some money in the stock market, so I'm thinking of opening an investment company in Shanghai. I'm not going back this time; I plan to stay and develop my business here. We old classmates can see each other more often in the future!"

Fan Shengmei laughed and said, "That's great! The opportunities in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are incomparable to those back home!"

Hua Shier felt that talking about these things was pointless, so he changed the subject and reminisced about his youthful days and good times when he was in school.

Of course, these are all things from Wang Baichuan's memory.

Fan Shengmei's face was full of nostalgia and emotion as she thought of the past. In short, with Hua Shier's cooperation and guidance, the three of them had a very pleasant conversation during the rest of the meal!
After dinner, Hua Shier offered to take the two of them home, but Fan Shengmei refused outright.
"No need, Baichuan. Andy drove here; she can take me home!"

Hua Shier didn't force them. He stood at the hotel entrance and watched the two women leave in their car before driving his R8 towards the Joyful Song residential area.

On her way back, Fan Shengmei asked Andy, "Andy, what do you think of my classmate?"

Andy smiled. "Should I tell you the truth?"

"Of course we should hear the truth!"

Andy laughed and said, "I think your old classmate is a bit blindly confident. I heard you say that he didn't study finance in college and has never worked in a related field even after graduating for many years. He made a little money in the bull market and then, in Chinese terms, how do we say that?"

"They're getting too cocky!" Fan Shengmei warned.

Andy chuckled: "That's the word. This Wang Baichuan is getting a bit arrogant."

Suddenly, Andy's expression changed slightly, and he asked:
"Xiao Fan, does your classmate drive an R8?"

Fan Shengmei asked in confusion, "I'm not quite sure either, what's wrong, Andy?"

Andy said coldly, "Because he's been following us for several blocks!"

As she spoke, she stepped on the brake, opened the door, got out of the car, and walked to the back, gesturing for Hua Shier to stop.

Hua Shier parked the car on the side of the road, rolled down the window, and asked in confusion:

"What's wrong Andy?"

Andy walked to the car window and said seriously:
"You know that's very tasteless of you."

Hua Shier pointed to Andy's 911:

"I don't know what you mean, but parking your car in the middle of the road is not only tasteless, it's also illegal, you know that!"

While he was talking, he took out his phone and took a few pictures of the 911 parked in the middle of the road. I wonder if there are any rewards for reporting traffic violations these days.

At this moment, Fan Shengmei also walked over and overheard Hua Shier's words to Andy. She said somewhat angrily:

"Wang Baichuan, what are you trying to do? I didn't expect you to change like this after ten years. Why are you following me?"

Hua Shier made a stop gesture:
"Whether you believe it or not, I take this road home too. I think you've misunderstood me."

"It better be this way!"

Before he could finish speaking, Fan Shengmei angrily grabbed Andy and left.

The Porsche 911 was on the road again, this time speeding up and driving straight back to the Joyful Song residential area.

After parking the car, Andy and Fan Shengmei entered the elevator on the basement level. As the elevator doors closed, Andy suddenly spoke:
"Miss Fan, your classmate doesn't seem very reliable. If you want to develop a relationship with him, I suggest you think carefully!"

Fan Shengmei felt that Wang Baichuan's performance today made her lose face in front of her friends, and said angrily:

"I never imagined he would turn out like this!"

Suddenly the elevator doors opened, and Hua Shier strode in, startling the two women who were gossiping about him behind his back.

They now clearly see Hua Shier as one of those perverts who stalks them, Fan Shengmei shouted:

"Wang Baichuan, what exactly are you trying to do by following us?"

Hua Shier glanced at them indifferently, his face full of disdain. He casually pressed the button for the 21st floor, and then, under the astonished gazes of the two women, said calmly:
"Don't talk about others behind their backs, and don't easily judge people. It will make you self-proclaimed elites look particularly ill-mannered!"

When the elevator opened on the 21st floor, Hua Shier stepped out without even glancing at the two women, heading straight for room 2101. He wanted to take a nice hot bath to relax.

On the other side, Andy and Fan Shengmei looked at each other, and after getting off the elevator on the 22nd floor, Andy took out her phone and dialed the property management's duty phone number:

"Hello, this is Andy from apartment 2201. I'd like to ask if there's a Mr. Wang living on the 21st floor?"

The other side quickly provided the answer: all the residents on the 21st floor were surnamed Wang, and it was all the same person.

Andy put down her phone and said to Fan Shengmei with a wry smile:
"Wang Baichuan rented the entire 21st floor a month ago. It seems it was all a misunderstanding, and we wronged him!"

Thanks to 08a, Little Tiger of the Demon Realm, and Dreamy Demon Brothers for their donations, and thanks to the brothers who voted for monthly tickets and recommendations. Thank you very much.