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

Chapter 412 An Invitation from Abroad (6k views, please subscribe)

Motorcycles are indeed a popular mode of transportation for many people. Many people who have a passion for motorcycles don't like driving cars because the thrill of riding a motorcycle, with the wind rushing past your ears and the feeling of being almost one with the machine, is something that cars simply can't provide.

Lu Yao isn't into the "Fast and Furious" genre; he simply loves the coolness of motorcycles.

Therefore, in his understanding, the so-called passion that many people like should be the tension brought about by teetering on the edge of losing control. This tension makes adrenaline surge, thus bringing a unique experience.

Although it took Lü Yao a long time to modify this motorcycle, he didn't hesitate at all. He took out the key from his pocket and put it directly into Zeta's hand, and said with a smile, "Use it as you like. When we get back, take a look and see if there's any motorcycle you like. If you pick one, I'll give it to you."

Hou Yulou laughed exaggeratedly, "Really? Why did you steal my lines?"

Taking the car keys from Hou Yulou, Lü Yao smiled and said, "Be careful, I'll go back and get ready."

After getting in the car, Lü Yao drove back. On the way back, he kept calling for passengers while driving. Seeing how busy Lü Yao was, Lin Yongzhen switched seats with him and drove herself. Lü Yao then chatted with everyone in their group chat.

When Lü Yao posted the news of Lin Yongzhen's return in the group chat, the group immediately became lively.

Rong Nianqing was the first to send a message: "Wait, why didn't I receive any news that Lin Yongzhen was back? This isn't right."

Jian Xiaojie: "Oh ho? Someone seems very happy? That's not a good sign."

Gan Xiaoxi: "What are you babbling about! When are you coming back?"

Among this group of people, Wang Shu stood out for her understanding nature: "It's good that you're back safe and sound. When are you all coming back?"

Seeing the comments in the group, Lü Yao wondered why everyone thought he was staying in Mianyang to wait for Lin Yongzhen. How strange! Lü Yao replied in the group, "Why is everyone being so sarcastic? I'm not here to wait for Sister Yongzhen to come back. I really have something to do here."

Jian Xiaojie continued sarcastically, "Oh, right, right, right."

Lu Yao chuckled, annoyed, "Seriously, I invited you all over for a get-together. Are you free, bosses?"

Rong Nianqing was very accommodating: "Since President Lü has personally spoken, of course we should give him face. I'll cancel all my other commitments later and then head to Mianyang."

Lü Yao: "You don't need to come too early. Just come after nine o'clock. That way you can go back around one o'clock in the morning, which won't cause any problems."

Based on Lü Yao's understanding of Rong Nianqing, she would stop working after 9 o'clock and start resting to recuperate.

People in Rong Nianqing's circle are truly skilled at "maintenance." The kind of maintenance they refer to isn't about getting cosmetic injections or undergoing medical aesthetic procedures, but rather those trendy maintenance techniques.

True health maintenance involves ensuring sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, maintaining a cheerful mood, and having regular physical checkups. This seemingly dogmatic lifestyle actually began when Rong Nianqing was young, and has long since become a habit.

Therefore, Rong Nianqing's rest time is basically between 10 and 11 o'clock, which is very consistent with Su Daqiang's daily routine. Unless there are special events, she will stay up until 1 or 2 o'clock.

Occasionally indulging in staying up late like this won't have a significant impact on your health. In other words, eating, drinking, and having fun until late isn't really staying up late; it's just staying up late with a pleasant mood. The real way to stay up late is when you're clearly tired and want to sleep but can't.

For example, working overtime until the early hours of the morning.

So Rong Nianqing readily agreed: "OK! I'll follow Mr. Lü's arrangements."

Lu Yao was quite grateful for Rong Nianqing's support and courtesy, because this matter seemed to be just Lu Yao inviting them out to have fun, which didn't cost anything and was a very small thing in the eyes of ordinary people.

The reason for this difference in thinking is mainly because different circles have different definitions of "scarce resources".

For people in the basegroup, the scarce resources are all things that are difficult for them to obtain on their own: women, food, and even space.

For people in the middlegroup, the scarce and core resources are the inheritance of assets and knowledge.

For people in the highgroup circle, the truly scarce resources are often those that are non-renewable to them—such as time, health, and trust, which are relatively abstract or vague things.

It was only after spending a lot of time with Rong Nianqing and the others that Lü Yao understood why Qin Shi Huang wanted the elixir of immortality.

Even in an era like the Qin and Han dynasties, a great man like Qin Shi Huang should have understood that there was no such thing as an elixir of immortality. But faced with the passage of time like a flowing river and the fleeting nature of all things, even a great man like Qin Shi Huang couldn't help but want to live a little longer, and a little longer still.

Just like the song says—he really wants to live another five hundred years.

Even someone like the First Emperor would do this. People in Rong Nianqing's circle would really use any means to prolong their lives. Research on life extension will become a huge trend in ten years. Countless institutions, gene companies, and wealthy individuals will invest in it, not for profit, but so that when mature new technologies emerge, they can be the first to use them on themselves.

Liu Cixin, a science fiction writer who foresaw this phenomenon early on, even wrote a science fiction short story specifically about it.

After expressing his gratitude to Rong Nianqing, Lü Yao immediately arranged for Cheng Xinyu, Li Qiuwen, Gao Chuning, and Zhou Bella to come over. To thank Hou Yulou for his help, Lü Yao also invited the chefs who Rong Nianqing had learned to cook to come over as well.

Lü Yao started recruiting people around 4 PM.

Li Qiuwen and her mentors, along with Cheng Xinyu and Zhou Bella, arrived around 6:00 AM. After a brief discussion, they immediately got to work.

Some people are buying groceries, some are preparing the food, and some are tidying up the area.

Anyone who didn't know better would think that Lü Yao was preparing for the annual meeting ahead of schedule after all this hustle and bustle.

A proper banquet requires a long preparation time, and dishes often involve various cooking techniques such as frying, stir-frying, boiling, stewing, and braising. Even if the dishes are not cooked, they still need to go through several cooking processes.

Lu Yao put a lot of effort into this lavish meal, while Hou Yulou was like a monkey who had mistakenly wandered into a peach orchard, finding it all incredibly novel.

Hou Yulou was amazed by the different cooking methods used for various ingredients. Li Qiuwen's chefs were very skilled; whether cutting vegetables or cooking, their techniques were extremely proficient, and their smooth and flowing movements were reminiscent of the chef father in the movie "Eat Drink Man Woman".

After Hou Yulou had wandered around the various tables for a while, he finally exclaimed from the bottom of his heart, "Today I finally know what it means to be a frog in a well! My eyes have been opened! Completely opened!"

After saying that, he turned to Lü Yao and Zeta and said, "Now I know what my true passion is! It's cooking! It's being a chef! Isn't that much better than wielding knives and guns?"

Zeta, the Latina beauty, burst into laughter and said in fluent Mandarin that sounded like she wasn't a local, "Honey, are you serious? I think there's a big difference between a kitchen knife and a military knife."

Hou Yulou thumped his chest loudly: "I think I have a talent for this!"

Instead of discouraging Hou Yulou, Lü Yao offered a generous offer: "Then I'll ask a few master chefs to take you as their apprentice. If you don't mind, you can come to my MCN. I'll give you an account and make you a big internet celebrity."

Hou Yulou rubbed his hands together excitedly, like a fly buzzing around: "Is it really true?"

Lu Yao laughed and said, "Taking people's money to solve their problems is your profession, while marketing and account management are my professional fields. For someone with your battlefield background to switch careers and become a chef, creating an account shouldn't be too difficult."

Hou Yulou clapped his hands suddenly: "Then it's settled!"

The reason he ended up making a living by risking his life was entirely due to fate and a series of coincidences. Hou Yulou was, at heart, a person who preferred comfort and enjoyment; otherwise, he wouldn't have gone to a place like Chengdu as soon as he returned to China, where he could live a peaceful and quiet life. Of course, he didn't want to continue making a living by risking his life.

While Lü Yao and the others were chatting happily, Rong Nianqing and Jian Xiaojie finally arrived.

As soon as she pushed open the door, seeing the lively scene in Lü Yao's courtyard, even Rong Nianqing couldn't help but beam with joy and exclaimed, "Wow! It's so lively here! Master Yao, you're here too!"

The person Rong Nianqing greeted was a grandmaster in the inheritance of Shandong cuisine. Li Qiuwen was able to become his apprentice thanks to Rong Nianqing's introduction.

Master Yao laughed and said, "Since Mr. Lü has extended such a kind invitation, I certainly cannot refuse."

As for the travel expenses given by Lü Yao, there's no need to mention them.

In their circle, they don't talk about money; they only talk about connections.

Jian Xiaojie went to the half-finished dish, picked up a slice of pork belly that had been fried and then soaked in ice water, popped it into her mouth, and then exclaimed, "Mmm~~" in admiration, "Delicious~"

Even though this semi-finished meat hasn't undergone further processing, it's already slightly flavorful, tender, and delicious without being greasy.

Lu Yao went to Wang Shu's side first. Seeing that Wang Shu came alone, Lu Yao asked curiously, "Didn't you bring Xiao Ping'an with you?"

Wang Shu laughed and said, "She's still so young, she should be getting ready to sleep by now."

Lin Yongzhen arrived right behind Wang Shu and greeted her, "Sister Shu, it's been a long time."

Wang Shu looked at Lin Yongzhen, who had a medical goggle over one eye and an arm draped around her neck, and asked with concern, "How are you? Are you alright?"

Lin Yongzhen seemed relieved to be free of a heavy burden when she returned. She said with a warm smile, "It's nothing, just minor injuries."

Wang Shu held Lin Yongzhen's hand and said with a sigh, "You've worked so hard, but the fact that you're back means that all the problems have been solved, and everything will be fine from now on."

Lin Yongzhen immediately stepped forward and affectionately wrapped her arms around Wang Shu's well-recovered waist, saying, "Yes, everything is fine now. We can live a peaceful life from now on."

These days are ordinary, even mundane, but such ordinary and peaceful days come at a great cost.

Ordinary people need to spend their entire lives to achieve this peaceful and ordinary life, while people like Lin Yongzhen need to go through sword fights and bloodshed.

Wang Shu blushed at Lin Yongzhen's sudden ambiguous behavior.

So many people are watching!
"So many people" naturally included Jian Xiaojie, so she carried a piece of meat in one hand and a fried tofu ball in the other, and as if she had a spirit, she floated almost horizontally to the side of Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen. Jian Xiaojie looked at Lin Yongzhen, then at Wang Shu, and finally asked in a cold voice, "What are you two doing?"

Doing this kind of thing right in front of me?
Do you not consider me human?
Am I even human?!

Wang Shu immediately looked as if he'd been caught red-handed, his face flushed with embarrassment.
But Lin Yongzhen still said naturally, "Sister Jian, why are you so angry? I'm not here to sow discord or fight over anyone. I'm here to join you!" Jian Xiaojie was immediately filled with questions!

No!

Why are you only using my words?

Not to be outdone, Jian Xiaojie suddenly grinned mischievously and moved closer to Wang Shu and Lin Yongzhen, forming a pincer movement with them, saying in an ambiguous tone, "Since you're here to join us, you'd better be ready tonight, okay?"

Wang Shu was immediately filled with questions as well!

No!

Doesn't anyone ask for my opinion?
Feeling Jian Xiaojie suddenly hug him so tightly, Wang Shu realized that she was probably "doomed" tonight.

From the moment Lin Yongzhen began to develop feelings for Wang Shu, Lü Yao consciously withdrew and then introduced Hou Yulou and Zeta to Rong Nianqing.

Lu Yao introduced to Rong Nianqing: "This is Hou Yulou, a very capable person. When Sister Yongzhen went out to work, I asked President Hou to take care of her for me."

Rong Nianqing extended her hand and smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you, President Hou. When I came here, I read the report my people gave me. They praised you highly, saying you were like a divine warrior descending from the heavens, incredibly brave."

Hou Yulou laughed and said, "No way, Miss Rong, the people you sent out were the real professionals. We are just amateurs and not worth mentioning."

After the two finished exchanging compliments, Rong Nianqing asked, "So, Mr. Hou, what are your plans for this trip back to China?"

Now that Rong Nianqing has started working, she needs all sorts of talented people to help her.

We need not only strategists like Lü Yao who possess "superb strategic vision and foresight," but also various personnel to carry out field operations, especially capable people for field missions, which Rong Nianqing has always been lacking.

Although Rong Nianqing's family has a lot of resources, she doesn't have many people who are truly her own. Even though she has always relied on her uncle's people, there are always times when it's inconvenient.

Therefore, Rong Nianqing has always hoped to build her own field service team.

Hou Yulou's performance this time earned Rong Nianqing's approval.

But Hou Yulou's ambitions lay elsewhere. He told Rong Nianqing directly about Lü Yao's arrangements for him. After listening, Rong Nianqing looked at Lü Yao helplessly and smiled, "You acted so quickly? You've already snatched it away?"

Lu Yao was completely innocent: "I didn't steal it. President Rong, you can go back on your word at any time."

Hou Yulou then looked at Lü Yao with a surprised expression and a look that said, "I never thought you were this kind of person. I really misjudged you."

Rong Nianqing quickly waved her hand: "Don't! It makes it sound like I'm trying to steal someone else's love. I don't want to be like Pigsy looking in the mirror, neither inside nor outside looking like a human."

It's only natural to be tired of this life of constant danger; if Rong Nianqing were to actually do that, it would backfire.

Hou Yulou, both amused and annoyed, pointed at Lü Yao repeatedly, saying, "Na na na na na!"

This can be considered an expression of his anger and helplessness.

Lu Yao then said in a serious but nonsensical tone, "I know President Rong is definitely not the kind of person who would say something like that."

Rong Nianqing mimicked Hou Yulou's expression and gestures, pointing at Lü Yao: "Na na na na na!"

Lü Yao was amused; this kind of humorous atmosphere is something you only find among friends.

After joking around for a while, Hou Yulou said, "However, although I don't want to make a living in this industry anymore, if you need any help, Mr. Rong, just let me know. Old Hou won't hesitate to help you!"

Rong Nianqing also readily agreed, "Okay!"

After chatting for a while, the dinner prepared by the chefs was finally ready. More than twenty dishes of all sizes were placed on the huge round table. Everyone gathered around the round table, raised their glasses, and drank a toast.

Then, as the host, Lü Yao said, "There's nothing else tonight, so let's eat and drink well! Eat and drink well!"

Gao Chuning, who is short, stood on tiptoe and shouted excitedly, "Cheers!!"

The sounds of everyone raising their glasses in celebration drifted out from the courtyard of the villa. If the camera were to zoom out further, one would see that the villa in question, belonging to Lü Yao, was the brightest, shining like a lighthouse in a dark sea.

A long-awaited reunion is the most touching moment.

So Lü Yao was very happy tonight and drank quite a lot of alcohol.

Zhou Bella and Li Qiuwen, who had the lowest alcohol tolerance, left the game early and went back to their rooms to rest.

Then came the master chefs, who were all quite old and had been working for Lü Yao for a while. After a few rounds of drinks, they were all a bit too tired to continue, so Lü Yao arranged for them to be taken to the best hotel in Mianyang to rest.

Gradually, only a few people that Lü Yao was most familiar with remained at the dining table.

Lin Yongzhen, Jian Xiaojie, and Wang Shu huddled together, and the dog was whispering about something. Hou Yulou and Zeta, having finished their meal, had retreated to a corner to be all lovey-dovey.

Lu Yao sat down with Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi. Taking advantage of the quiet moment, Lu Yao picked up the wine bottle and wine glass from the table, which was littered with cups and plates and clinking glasses. He thanked Rong Nianqing in person and said, "It's so late and I'm disturbing your rest time. I'm grateful for your presence. I won't say anything else, it's all in the wine."

Gan Xiaoxi lay slumped in the chair, casually and comfortably saying, "What kind of talk is that? It doesn't sound like you consider us one of your own."

Rong Nianqing also laughed and said, "Yes, that sounds too formal."

After saying that, Rong Nianqing said very solemnly, "Lu Yao, we really consider you one of our own. We've known each other for many years. We're not only partners, but also comrades who trust each other and like-minded companions."

Lü Yao had long been a particularly important person in her life and career.

In matters of great importance, she had almost gotten used to listening to Lü Yao's advice.

It was a very strange feeling, as if Lü Yao was helping them devise strategies and pointing out directions, so that they could be invincible and have no chance of winning. It was as if the heavens and earth were working together with them. The feeling of doing whatever they wanted and succeeding in doing it was just as satisfying as having a full-map cheat in a game.

The future unfolded before their eyes with almost perfect clarity.

Lu Yao raised his glass again: "I know that you are all the most important people in my life! It's no exaggeration to say that, so let me have another one!"

After saying this, Lü Yao drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

This amused Gan Xiaoxi: "You're drinking too much! Even 20-year-old aged wine doesn't give you a headache, and you shouldn't drink it like this."

Rong Nianqing smiled and waved her hand, then began to share with Lü Yao many plans for the coming period and for next year.

Many people are now full of confidence in China's future development. Whether it is the transformation of high-tech industries or the secondary revenue generation of traditional industries, they are full of bright prospects for a promising future.

Given this bright prospect, everyone's plans for the future are quite aggressive and bold at this stage, and the direction and goals of business plans are full of grand ambition.

Lu Yao had already learned of this situation during his conversations with Rong Nianqing and the others. He had been trying to warn them to slow down and expand their business development, and to adopt a conservative strategy in the face of this trend.

Rong Nianqing took Lü Yao's words to heart. After Lü Yao leaned over and looked at the relevant plans and reports on Rong Nianqing's phone, he found that these plans were indeed much more conservative than before.

But Lü Yao frowned and shook his head, saying, "Not enough, not enough at all."

Rong Nianqing and Gan Xiaoxi were both surprised: "Isn't this enough? The projected scale, expansion speed, and budget for next year's business development have all been cut by almost a third. Isn't this enough?"

Rong Nianqing keenly sensed something.

The business development approach that Lü Yao has shown in the second half of this year is almost a complete contrast to that of the first half.

In the first half of the year, Lü Yao made very large investments. Guang'an Network Games launched the in-depth development of five games at the same time, and also invested in several game companies. Lü Yao was almost going all out in his online business.

However, in the real economy sector, Lü Yao's contraction strategy was so swift that even Rong Nianqing couldn't understand it.

In particular, Lu Yao has cut almost all of Huasheng Life's supermarket expansion plans for next year and even the next three years. Lu Yao firmly insists on retaining only a few relatively large Huasheng Life offline entities and further promoting Huasheng Life's online software. Even the construction of Huasheng Life's fresh food supply base should be located in a relatively remote place to save on land costs.

Such a clear contraction in physical space and expansion on the online side made Rong Nianqing sense something different.

The problem was, no matter how much Rong Nianqing thought about it, she couldn't figure out what Lü Yao had foreseen. This time, she finally couldn't help but ask curiously, "Lü Yao, did you deduce what will happen in the future?"

Lu Yao chuckled and said, "I'm not a god. I just think that the current high-turnover, high-expansion post-apocalyptic world is very risky, especially at this critical juncture. We might as well play it safe for now."

As intelligent as Rong Nianqing was, she could tell at a glance that Lü Yao was not telling the truth.

But since Lü Yao didn't say anything, Rong Nianqing didn't press him further, so after thinking for a moment, she continued to share recent events.

Lu Yao switched from a wine glass to a beverage glass, drinking the beverage to sober up while silently listening to the information shared by Rong Nianqing.

As they were talking, Rong Nianqing suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, in the first half of next year, an overseas global economic development seminar has extended an invitation to us to attend and participate in the global economic cooperation and development conference."

Lü Yao immediately became alert: "Oh?"

(End of this chapter)