Can following the rules be called rebirth?

Chapter 252, page 250: She was like a cloud.

"Sister Yun has had too much to drink."

Zhou Mingyuan noticed Dai Ying's concerned gaze and explained, "She has a low alcohol tolerance and almost never drinks."

"It seems I was too happy today and didn't control the amount."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Dai Ying held her forehead and giggled.

She and Shen Yunrong were only a few years apart in age, and she found the other person to be exceptionally genuine and adorable.

"Looks like I've really relaxed today, completely let loose, that's a good thing!"

"That shows our cooperation went smoothly, and we enjoyed the drinks too!"

"."

Shen Yunrong's starry eyes were half-closed. She seemed to hear them talking about her, and she tried hard to sit up straight to prove that she was okay.

The sudden movement made her sway, and she instinctively braced herself with her hand on the edge of the table.

"I'm not drunk. I'm not drunk."

As she spoke, she reached for her glass of champagne, which was still half full, but her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own and she almost knocked over the lemonade next to her.

"OK OK."

Zhou Mingyuan quickly steadied the water glass, took it back from her hand, and softened his voice.

"It's not like it's a superior-subordinate social event. Let's keep it brief. Sister Yun, that's enough."

"I know you're happy, so you really don't need to drink anymore. How about we slowly drink some tea to sober up?"

He turned to signal to the waiter waiting nearby.

"Could you please bring me a pot of Pu'er or Tieguanyin tea?"

"Ok."

Shen Yunrong nodded slightly, her expression somewhat blank, her voice wavering.

The guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely, and the banquet was drawing to a close.

Dai Ying glanced at the exquisite watch on her wrist, then at Shen Yunrong, whose chin was drooping, and considerately took the initiative to ask a question.

"Mr. Zhou, how about a second round?"

"Sister Ying, I won't be going to the second show."

On the contrary, Du Jianuo, who was laughing and joking, raised her arm and said frankly, "There is an online interview with Douyu tonight, I have to go back and prepare."

"Then that's it for today."

"We've had a good meal and a good chat, so let's stop here. Everyone's had quite a bit to drink, so someone needs to take them home safely. Safety first."

Dai Ying, being very shrewd and diplomatic, immediately changed her approach.

"Okay, let's stop here."

Zhou Mingyuan nodded in agreement.

As the boss and the only relatively sober man present, he naturally had a responsibility to his employees.

"Which hotel is Mr. Dai staying at? I can call a car or arrange a chauffeur for you."

"No need to trouble yourself, my assistant is nearby waiting. I can have her come pick me up; it's very convenient."

Dai Ying took out her phone and quickly sent a message to her assistant.

Soon, Dai Ying's assistant arrived downstairs at the restaurant.

"We'll discuss the specific contract procedures online later, Mr. Zhou."

Dai Ying stood up, picked up the cashmere coat from the back of the chair, and shook hands with Zhou Mingyuan again to say goodbye.

"Ok."

Zhou Mingyuan nodded, escorted Dai Ying to the restaurant entrance, and watched her and the others leave.

In the blink of an eye, the once cheerful restaurant entrance was now empty except for Zhou Mingyuan and a few of his own people.

The evening breeze was a bit cooler than before.

He Min did not drink alcohol at all and once again acted as the driver, driving the van to the vicinity.

Zhou Mingyuan picked up the thin blanket that He Min had asked the restaurant for earlier, gently unfolded it, and draped it over Shen Yunrong's shoulders, patiently tucking in the edges to prevent her from catching a cold.

"Thank you~"

Shen Yunrong seemed to stir slightly in the warmth, her brows relaxed a little, and she mumbled something unconsciously, her small voice melting into the air.

"Why are you so polite?"

Zhou Mingyuan bowed slightly and responded with a smile.

He stood by the table, took one last look at the dazzling night view of Jiangcheng outside the window, and then looked back at the older sister beside him, whose cheeks were flushed and who seemed unusually quiet.

For a moment, the scene felt strangely unreal.

Once a high-ranking reserve cadre within the system, he now finds himself in a business entertainment bureau, drinking and laughing, and even getting drunk next to his colleagues. The stark contrast evokes a mix of emotions.

The man waved to the waiter to settle the bill, and after swiping his card, he bent down and called out softly.

"Sister Yun? Shen Yunrong? Can you hear me? We should go back."

He spoke in a very low voice.

Shen Yunrong showed no reaction and her breathing remained even.

He raised his voice slightly and gently touched her arm: "Sister Yun? Wake up, it's cold here, don't fall asleep."

Shen Yunrong finally slowly opened her eyes a crack, her gaze seemingly unfocused, lingering on his face for a long while before she seemed to gradually understand what he meant.

"Um"

She nodded very slightly, gurgling indistinct syllables in her throat, trying to stand up on her own.

However, as soon as he exerted force, his body swayed and he fell forward.

"Be careful!"

Sitting next to her, Zhou Mingyuan instinctively reached out and firmly supported her arm and shoulder.

My arm was covered by a soft knitted fabric that felt delicate and warm to the touch, and I could even feel an unusual warmth.

Her name contains the character for "cloud," and her touch is like that of soft, gentle clouds.

She felt limp and listless, as if she couldn't muster any strength. "Nono~"

He gestured with his lip to remind Du Jianuo, and then used some force to support her full weight.

"..."

With his help, Shen Yunrong finally managed to stand up, albeit unsteadily.

The man bent down slightly, put one hand behind her back, and firmly supported her under her shoulder blade with his palm. With his other hand, he carefully grasped her upper arm, forming a stable support.

Du Jianuo on the other side made the same move.

The two men half-supported and half-carried her as they slowly walked step by step towards the restaurant exit.

Shen Yunrong closed her starry eyes halfway and followed along with the steps.

Her forehead rested gently on Zhou Mingyuan's shoulder, and the faint scent of her perfume lingered around his nose.

He Min's car had arrived long ago.

Upon seeing this, she immediately got out of the car and helped open the back door.

Zhou Mingyuan carefully helped Shen Yunrong into the back seat of the car, allowing her to sit in a relatively comfortable position, and then helped her fasten her seatbelt.

Throughout the process, she remained silent, only occasionally uttering a faint nasal sound.

Her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and her usually tightly pursed cherry lips parted a little, her breath carrying a sweet scent.

"Let's take Nuonuo home first; she has an interview to attend."

Zhou Mingyuan closed the car door and went around to the other side with Du Jianuo to get in the car.

"It's alright, it's alright. I can help take Sister Yun back in time."

Du Jianuo blinked, turned her head several times to check on Shen Yunrong's condition, and asked with concern.

"."

Zhou Mingyuan didn't say anything immediately.

A few seconds later, He Min, who was sitting in the driver's seat, took over the conversation: "Okay."

"Nono, you can focus on preparing for the interview."

"Don't worry about this. I'll take Sister Yun home."

"Don't worry, I didn't drink any alcohol."

"Right."

Du Jianuo crossed her arms and bit her lip almost imperceptibly.

The car smoothly drove into the dazzling night view of Jiangcheng.

Outside the window, a river of lights outlines the bustling cityscape.

Inside the window, all was quiet, with only the soft sound of warm air mingling with Shen Yunrong's light, rhythmic breathing.

Perhaps because they didn't want to disturb people's rest, the car remained silent most of the time.

Zhou Mingyuan turned his head to look at the street scene rushing by, the light illuminating the man's well-defined profile.

So much happened today.

The multi-dimensional data analysis during the debriefing, Dai Ying's unexpected visit and the interplay between the parties, the finalization of the exceptionally high 25% revenue share, the initial establishment of a strategic cooperation framework, the complete approval from the brand representatives, and the team's overflowing joy, morale, and anticipation.
Everyone is affected to some extent.

Even Shen Yunrong, who came to help temporarily, was no exception.

He raised his hand and rubbed his temples, his thoughts wandering.

"You really don't need my help? I'll be going now?"

The moment the car stopped, Du Jianuo slowly unbuckled her seatbelt, turned around again, and repeatedly examined Zhou Mingyuan's facial expression. She then looked at Shen Yunrong, hesitant to speak.

"No need, no need, go back to your business."

An excellent, self-taught, and sophisticated assistant should possess such self-cultivation.

For the rest of the time, He Min and Zhou Mingyuan did not exchange a single word.

Yet, in the silence of the air, an astonishing understanding was achieved.

Destination: Jiangnan Jiayuan residential community.

"I am leaving?"

"Ah."

The only dialogue remains uninterrupted.

There was no help, no one to hold my hand and help me upstairs, and no assistant running around for me.

He Min appeared at the most opportune moment and disappeared at the most ingenious instant.

"Sister Yun~"

"We've arrived at the residential area. Which building do you live in?"

In the evening breeze, Zhou Mingyuan tried calling Shen Yunrong softly once again.

He patted her arm.

She just frowned and mumbled something, as if she hadn't heard Zhou Mingyuan's question clearly.

It seems we won't be able to get any specific information from them.

He had no choice but to hold Shen Yunrong tightly around the waist, letting her lean against him, and then rummaged through her chain bag to find her keys and access card.

Fortunately, it was easy to find.

Also strung together are travel pendants full of everyday life, which seem to be souvenirs from some sea area.

Just then, his phone vibrated. Zhou Mingyuan took it out of his pocket and saw a new message.

[Unit 1, Building 6, the one on the left on the third floor.]

—From my dedicated assistant.

He suddenly laughed.

With his arm around her shoulder, he carried the older sister's entire weight and slowly walked towards Building 6, following the address on WeChat.

The Jiangnan Garden is very quiet at night.

Only the streetlights cast dim, yellowish glows along the path.

(End of this chapter)