Since we are both reborn, of course I would choose the rich woman!

Chapter 272 After the Gathering (6k views, please subscribe)

Wang Shu's makeup and outfit today were carefully styled, making her look exceptionally radiant.

Looking at Wang Shu's radiant and gentle appearance, Lü Yao sometimes couldn't help but sigh at Nuwa's favoritism. Among the myriad beings in this world, there are some who possess advanced models that money can't buy, and among these advanced models, some are so outstanding that even time itself doesn't have the heart to excessively erode them.

Wang Shu was undoubtedly that kind of darling.

It's no wonder that Jian Xiaojie would fall for Wang Shu, an ordinary but wealthy and beautiful woman.

And Lü Yao... was very lucky.

His good fortune lay not only in winning the favor of a woman of such caliber, but also in having the opportunity to choose again.

So Lü Yao grabbed Wang Shu's delicate hand that was gently stroking his cheek and laughed, "Don't you look even more handsome when you're thinner? Aren't you more refined and have a stronger aloof vibe?"

Wang Shu couldn't help but laugh, and the slightly reproachful smile immediately eased the heartache on her face.

Seeing this, Lü Yao chuckled and said, "That's right, you look better when you smile."

Wang Shu rolled her eyes at Lü Yao: "You're too talkative. Although you're more handsome now that you're thinner, I'd rather you were fatter."

Lü Yao smiled upon hearing this.

You can only listen to these kinds of things and not take them seriously. When a woman likes you, even if you're as fat as a pig, she'll still think you're cute and chubby. But once her enthusiasm fades and she's no longer so fond of you, when you're really as fat as a pig, even your breath will smell bad.

Lu Yao had seen far too many similar things.

Women can say whatever they want to express their concern, but guys, please don't get fat!

Lin Yongzhen, who was listening to Lü Yao and Wang Shu's conversation, rolled her eyes. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore and said with disgust, "Can't you two be lovey-dovey at home? I really can't stand it anymore."

Wang Shu's face immediately turned red with embarrassment.

Despite her extensive experience, Wang Shu still retains her original aspirations and innocence in some aspects. She always feels embarrassed when faced with such teasing and doesn't know how to respond.

Lü Yao was different; he could say whatever he wanted without hesitation: "Don't worry, you won't get cold."

Wang Shu glared at Lü Yao again, then walked right past him, hooked her arm around Lin Yongzhen's, tilted her head and smiled, "Let's go, ignore him."

Seeing the harmonious relationship between Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen, Lü Yao smiled.

Although he has many women around him, some are just playing around, while others are genuinely getting to know each other, but regardless of the type, their relationships are all quite good, both in this life and the past.

As for female-oriented novels, and various TV dramas featuring family dramas and women's squabbles...

Lu Yao was aware that these situations were common, but he had never encountered them himself because he was selective. Anyone who would cause such trouble in his circle would inevitably be removed from his circle.

As for those bastards who were ruthlessly suppressed and tamed by women like that... Lu Yao looked down on them from the bottom of his heart.

Unfortunately, ten years later, it was the era of the turtle man.

Fortunately, ten years later, it is the same version that provides the best experience for gamers like Lü Yao.

Carrying his luggage, Lü Yao followed behind Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen with a smile. Looking at the graceful figures of his two bedmates and enjoying the beautiful October weather in Shangnan, Lü Yao felt relaxed and content from the bottom of his heart.

It is these beautiful moments in life that have enabled Lü Yao to persevere amidst the turbulent currents of the world.

Then, Lü Yao, who was walking behind, took out his phone and took pictures of Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen's backs. He even took several close-up shots from different angles and sent the photos to Jian Xiaojie, who was already busy with other things.

Shortly after the message was sent, Jian Xiaojie sent a message bursting with exclamation marks: "[Frustrated][Frustrated][Frustrated]!! I've never seen this outfit before!! Wait for me!! I'll definitely be back tonight!!"

"No! You are not allowed to steal! Food!"

Lu Yao chuckled upon seeing the message Jian Xiaojie had sent.

Then he texted Jian Xiaojie: "I know you're in a hurry, but don't worry, I'll definitely save it for you."

Jian Xiaojie retorted: "[Frustrated][Frustrated][Frustrated] What the hell are you waiting for?! Wait for me!!!"

Seeing that Jian Xiaojie was in such a hurry, Lü Yao felt he was really living life to the fullest.

Because he was texting Jian Xiaojie, Lü Yao fell behind. Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen, who were almost out of the high-speed rail station, turned around and called out, "Hurry up!"

Lu Yao put down his phone and ran over: "Coming!"

When he got to Wang Shu's side, Lü Yao waved his phone and said with a smile, "Sister Jian will come to find us later."

After getting into Wang Shu's car, they returned to Wang Shu's apartment.

Although their net worth is now vastly different from what it used to be, Lü Yao and Wang Shu both have special memories of this apartment, so they have never moved.

Lin Yongzhen had intended to give Lü Yao and Wang Shu some private space, but Wang Shu unexpectedly invited Lin Yongzhen to come over. That evening, she personally cooked a welcome dinner for him and Lü Yao.

Then the three of them went shopping at the supermarket downstairs, bought groceries, and started preparing dinner while chatting and laughing.

While I was busy, Rong Nianqing sent me a message: "You didn't even tell me you were coming back? Come out, I'll give you a welcome dinner."

Lu Yao replied: "No need, come to Sister Wang's house. We're having a big meal tonight, it'll be a good opportunity for everyone to get together."

Rong Nianqing: "Then I won't be polite."

While fancy meals served outside are delicious, food at upscale restaurants always feels like it lacks a personal touch and a warm, homey atmosphere.

Then Lü Yao sent a message to Zhu Junyan and the others, asking them to come over for dinner that evening.

Because there were quite a few people calling, Wang Shu had to go downstairs again to buy some vegetables, fruits, and other things, and then come back to continue preparing the dishes for dinner.

Around 8 p.m., Rong Nianqing arrived with Gan Xiaoxi and Liu Mulin, bringing desserts, red wine, and brandy.

Rong Nianqing still maintained her heroic and composed demeanor. Upon seeing Lü Yao return, she smiled with satisfaction and encouragement and nodded at him, saying, "You must have had a long journey."

After saying that, he gave Lü Yao a big hug.

Then Gan Xiaoxi squeezed over from the side and clung to Lü Yao. A faint, sweet scent unique to young girls wafted into Lü Yao's nostrils. When Gan Xiaoxi threw herself into Lü Yao's arms, Lü Yao felt as if he had become a few years younger.

Gan Xiaoxi exclaimed happily, "Welcome back! Let's drink until we drop tonight!"

Lu Yao pulled Gan Xiaoxi off him: "Don't drink yourself into oblivion, go find your sister Shu to play."

Gan Xiaoxi bared her teeth: "I hate you! You jerk!"

Finally, there's Liu Mulin.

Liu Mulin was initially introduced to Lü Yao by Rong Nianqing to work as his assistant. However, as Lü Yao's workload increased, he assigned Liu Mulin to manage financial and investment-related business.

Because of Lü Yao's trust and support, Liu Mulin gradually stood out from the circle cultivated by Rong Nianqing's family and is now a capable and independent woman.

Although Liu Mulin is very beautiful and has a fantastic figure, and her starting point is much higher than that of many ordinary people, she possesses a rare calmness, restraint, and a sense of knowing when to advance and retreat, which is why Lü Yao was willing to employ her.

Liu Mulin never looked down on Lü Yao, a "roughneck" with a complicated background, because of her high starting point.

She always held Lü Yao in high esteem.

Lu Yao could sense that this relationship wasn't something that was deliberately maintained, but rather that Liu Mulin genuinely respected him.

So, after a long time, when Liu Mulin saw Lü Yao again, she still greeted him with great respect: "Hello, Mr. Lü."

As she spoke, she handed the brandy she had brought to Lü Yao.

Seeing Liu Mulin's reaction, Lü Yao smiled and took the brandy: "Come in, don't be shy, we're all friends tonight."

Liu Mulin smiled, looking very happy.

Of course, you should accept the hospitality you receive, but don't let yourself become dissolute and start treating this place as your own home.

After entering the house, Liu Mulin glanced around and took off her coat, revealing the curves outlined by the fitted, stretchy undershirt beneath. Then, she swayed her hips as she walked into the kitchen to help Wang Shu prepare.

Hearing the sounds of polite refusals and conversation coming from the kitchen, Lü Yao went to the living room and poured a cup of tea for Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi.

Gan Xiaoxi turned her face away, raised her chin, and said arrogantly, "No! I want to save room for delicious food! And I want to drink a lot of alcohol!"

Lü Yao laughed: "Fine, don't drink then."

Gan Xiaoxi turned around and stared at Lü Yao with a resentful look: "Lü Yao, you've changed."

Lü Yao laughed in exasperation: "How have I changed?"

And don't you think what you said was a bit too ambiguous? We're completely innocent, okay? Of course, if Lü Yao were to actually make this public, very few people would believe him.

He went to live in a nunnery, and if any scandals spread there, the first thing people would think of would be, "Hmm~ I knew that Lu Ze was after the nuns."

This is word of mouth!
A reputation as strong as that of Prince Duan.

Lu Yao sat down in a chair and asked, "Are you planning to give Liu Mulin more responsibilities?"

Rong Nianqing lay on the sofa and laughed, "What do you mean by that?"

Lü Yao laughed and said, "I've rarely seen you bring Liu Mulin to occasions like this before."

Rong Nianqing took a sip of tea and smiled, "Mu Lin did a great job while you were away. I brought her here mainly to have her report to you on her recent work."

Lu Yao nodded: "What about the one you wanted next time? You want to take Liu Mulin back, right?"

Rong Nianqing raised her eyebrows and turned to look at Lü Yao: "Do we need to use this kind of terminology between us?"

Lu Yao immediately replied with high emotional intelligence, "That's right, mine is yours, President Rong." Rong Nianqing grabbed a cushion from the sofa and threw it over, "Be serious. Mu Lin is very talented in investment management. It seems to be his talent to understand the changes in people's hearts from the changes in data. This kind of talent can take on greater responsibilities."

Lu Yao smiled and said, "I definitely have no objection. I would be happy to see her have a better future."

Rong Nianqing asked in surprise, "You released them so easily? I thought you were going to argue with me."

Lü Yao laughed and said, "What kind of talk is that? What's mine is yours, that's my honest opinion."

Rong Nianqing rolled her eyes at Lü Yao again, but she was actually happy inside. Even the wise and powerful Emperor Taizong of Tang liked it when people praised his civil and military achievements, let alone a relatively young woman like Rong Nianqing.

It's in a woman's nature to like being praised and supported.

Unfortunately, too many men don't know how to take advantage of this.

Rong Nianqing then lowered her voice and said, "When I asked Mu Lin to work for you, we all wondered how long it would take you to make a move on her. We never expected that you still haven't done so. Mu Lin has even complained to me occasionally, asking if she's not charming enough."

Lü Yao opened his mouth, speechless with emotion.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally asked, "Excuse me, which ones... are you referring to?"

Gan Xiaoxi immediately stood up guiltily and stretched: "Oh, it smells so good! I'll go to the kitchen and see what delicious food we have."

After Gan Xiaoxi left, Lü Yao shook his head and smiled, "So, that's how I'm perceived in your private little circle?"

Rong Nianqing immediately raised her finger to the sky and swore, "We don't have any cliques. Xiaoxi and I are definitely in the same group as you. But you know, Xiaoxi and I work together, so we spend more time together. It's normal for us to chat and gossip about you sometimes."

I never expected Rong Nianqing to be so gossipy in private.

But yes.

Even the most dashing and elite-looking person will have moments of relaxation in their private life, especially since Rong Nianqing lives with Gan Xiaoxi.

People who desperately want to pretend to be elites all the time are either those greasy, fatherly middle-aged men in niche circles who are pretending to be something they're not, or the group of guys from Tokyo University's SAP group—oh, and guys from men's colleges, especially those who love basketball, love that too.

Lu Yao waved his hand and changed the subject, asking, "What are the plans for Liu Mulin next?"

Rong Nianqing smiled and said, "Actually, the arrangement for her will not make her abandon your business. I just plan to expand the business of her current company and let her move into stock trading. She has a talent in this area."

"Of course, the stock market can also help us build another pool of funds."

Lu Yao asked astutely, "Are you under financial pressure?"

Rong Nianqing paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "A little."

Lu Yao said with a hint of self-reproach, "It's my fault, President Rong. Don't worry, I'll be working hard to make money from now on. Don't worry, the businesses I have are still in a period of rapid growth, and the number of projects coming in will only increase in the future."

Ever since Lü Yao suggested that Rong Nianqing focus more on developing real industries and invest her funds in mobile phone business, car manufacturing business, and even chip business, the funds in Rong Nianqing's hands have been flowing out like a floodgate every day.

Compared to Rong Nianqing, Lü Yao's current financial pressure is negligible.

The most critical issue is that, due to the saturation and fierce competition in the domestic market, the products manufactured by the factories that Rong Nianqing invested in and acquired are not competitive at all in China. Therefore, they can only be sold to non-mainland regions, such as the southern United States. Those places are already very poor, and the profit margins for products sold there are pitifully low.

The profits generated are barely enough to cover costs; the company basically earns its profits from tax refunds and policy subsidies.

Not to mention that Lü Yao also brought Mr. Liang Bosong back, and the subsequent research and development of chip manufacturing processes, as well as the investment in the upstream and downstream industries of chip manufacturing... each project required a huge amount of funds.

In particular, the chip-related industries have been forced to rely solely on contract manufacturing due to Lu Yao's "ghost strategy," with no more advanced production lines being available.

Until more advanced technologies are developed, the chip-related industry is like a bottomless black hole, constantly swallowing up massive amounts of money.

Although Jian Xiaojie generously provided a very generous fund account and could indeed freely dispose of the funds, both Jian Xiaojie and Rong Nianqing had people they needed to take care of, so the investment of these funds was not without cost.

Lu Yao understood Rong Nianqing's financial pressure, and it's no wonder she wanted to send Liu Mulin out to make money.

Rong Nianqing looked at Lü Yao and smiled, "You don't need to feel so much pressure. I let Mu Lin enter the stock market just as a precaution. I still have enough cash flow to keep things running smoothly."

After saying that, Rong Nianqing cut off the conversation, saying, "Alright, you just got back, I won't talk to you about these things. I'm going to go see what good food there is."

Because of the sudden influx of visitors, and because the main dishes in the kitchen were almost ready, the fragrant aroma wafted out, filling the entire house with the scent of food and the sounds of relaxed and pleasant conversation.

Amidst the background noise of the conversation, which was neither too loud nor too quiet, Lü Yao suddenly thought that if the intro to "Fleet of Time" were played right now... it would definitely make everyone in the room feel emo.

Lu Yao smiled just thinking about it.

A while later, Zhu Junyan arrived with Zhou Xiangyang, Huang Tianbo, and the others.

The atmosphere in the room became even more lively as soon as the group of men arrived.

Jian Xiaojie arrived last, and she didn't come over until all the dishes were on the table. She brought a gift and didn't even have time to change out of the striped suit and shirt she was wearing when she went out to talk business. She looked more capable and refreshing than usual.

As soon as she arrived, she saw Wang Shu, who had already changed into his pajamas, and then she said apologetically, "Oh dear, I'm not late, am I?"

Wang Shu was always gentle and understanding, so she smiled faintly and said, "No, I arrived just in time."

Gan Xiaoxi pointed to her stomach and exclaimed, "What do you mean 'just right'? I'm starving! Sister Shu deliberately dawdled over the last few dishes while waiting for you."

Hearing Gan Xiaoxi's dog bark, Jian Xiaojie's eyes almost melted, and she immediately hugged Wang Shu tightly, saying, "I knew you were the best to me~"

"Ouch~~"

Wang Shu lowered his voice: "So many people are watching!"

Seeing Wang Shu's face and body radiating resistance, Jian Xiaojie perked up instead: "I'm back~~"

Wang Shu broke free and felt a terrible headache. "You might as well not have come back."

Lu Yao chimed in, "Those who are late have to punish themselves with three cups. Come on, let me pour you some wine."

Jian Xiaojie replied without hesitation, "I'll drink it!"

With Jian Xiaojie's bold self-punishment, the family dinner officially began tonight.

In preparation for Jian Xiaojie's return, Wang Shu even specially prepared braised pork hock, a dish that requires a lot of skill. As for the other dishes, they were mostly common dishes found at home, such as braised beef brisket with tomatoes, braised pork hock, braised pork belly, braised pork ribs, steamed fish, garlic vermicelli oysters, cold-served chicken, and other dishes that are good with alcohol and appetizers.

Although the dishes were a mix of various cuisines, both home-style and street food, the different location made the meal very enjoyable.

Everyone chatted and joked, raised their glasses to each other, and then started looking for people to drink and play games.

In the latter half, everyone turned on the stereo at home, and regardless of whether the singing was good or bad, they started singing and dancing along.

Lively atmosphere is the main theme tonight.

When the drinking was in full swing and the table was a mess, Gan Xiaoxi stood on her chair, holding a glass of wine mixed with juice, and said with great enthusiasm, "I'm so happy tonight! Welcome back to our Lu thief! Welcome back to Sister Jian and Sister Lin! Cheers!!"

"cheers!!"

Everyone responded enthusiastically.

After finishing her drink, Gan Xiaoxi wobbled and skipped around, shouting, "We have to take a picture tonight! Sister Shu, do you have a camera at home?"

Wang Shu laughed and said, "Of course there are."

"Take it out, take it out!"

Then Gan Xiaoxi led everyone to sit down at the table, while she set up all the cameras, set the time, and quickly returned to the group with a bright, cheerful smile: "Yay (＾ω＾)V"

"Crack!"

The camera shutter clicked, and the image of Lü Yao and his group was captured in the camera.

The moment this scene was captured, Lü Yao felt a momentary daze, as if he had seen it before... A feeling of fleeting beauty and lingering worry lingered in his heart.

This reminds Lü Yao of that saying again: "Time-stopping is a divine skill, and photography allows us to glimpse the power of God."

However, when he went abroad to study, Lü Yao mostly used this amazing skill to record the beauty of girls, thus contributing to the growth of the power of Slut.

He doesn't really hold onto many situations and moments like these.

After Gan Xiaoxi's antics, everyone continued eating and drinking.

By 1 a.m., Gan Xiaoxi had drunk herself into a stupor and was fast asleep on the sofa.

Lu Yao was puzzled: "How could someone get themselves this drunk? Is she that thirsty? Isn't there any water for her at home?"

Jian Xiaojie retaliated by saying, "Next time we have a get-together, put up a sign on the table that Xiaoxi and the kids are not allowed to drink alcohol."

Everyone burst into laughter, and the air was instantly filled with a joyful atmosphere.

After they finished talking, Lü Yao and Wang Shu saw Rong Nianqing and Zhu Junyan off. After they were picked up by their respective drivers, Jian Xiaojie was already getting impatient while they were still in the underground parking garage.

Her arm was draped over Wang Shu's shoulder. The buttons on her cool, business-like striped shirt were askew, and her once neatly styled hair was now disheveled from playing rock-paper-scissors and drinking. The scent of alcohol, Jian Xiaojie's perfume, and her own natural fragrance blended together, gradually creating a unique aroma that was intoxicating.

Jian Xiaojie picked up a strand of Wang Shu's hair and twirled it between her fingers: "You haven't seen me for so long, you can't even tell if you miss me."

Wang Shu's face was flushed, whether from drinking or some other reason was unknown.

In short.

In front of Lü Yao and Lin Yongzhen, Wang Shu appeared particularly shy: "How much more do you want me to feel?"

Jian Xiaojie rested her chin on Wang Shu's shoulder, her eyes seemingly filled with the light of a star-studded lake: "Of course I have my own ways of feeling it~"

(End of this chapter)