My buildings have attributes

Chapter 177 Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust.

After returning, their profits naturally increased, and more companies wanted to cooperate with Chen Ling. Chen Xiaoqi's influence was also significant, with many people seeking her endorsement deals, doubling her fees, and eventually earning her the title of brand ambassador.

Chen Xiaoqi's days followed with even busier activity, constantly taking on commercials, movies, and TV dramas, keeping her incredibly busy. She felt that every day was fulfilling, happy, and worthwhile. This trip with Chen Ling also made her realize the hardships of life, so she worked even harder. She received unanimous praise from the audience.

At this point, Chen Ling was already overwhelmed with requests. Many companies had previously wanted to collaborate with him, but he hadn't agreed due to his busy schedule with the Sichuan highway project. Later, his charity work further delayed things, and the company's funds were almost depleted. Therefore, in the time that followed, he could only focus on his work.

"Chen Mengyao, you're back!" Chen Mengyao, who had just returned to the company after a period of rest, was greeted with concern by her colleagues. "Ah, we've been back for a few days. We were exhausted from running around, so President Chen let me go back and rest for a few days to recharge." Her colleagues understood; they certainly knew what had happened. "Tell us what interesting things happened," they asked again. At this point, Chen Mengyao didn't know where to begin. There were so many interesting things; every single one was fascinating to her.

Just then, Liu Yuyang arrived. "What are you chatting about? Aren't you going to work?" he said sourly. Liu Yuyang had told Chen Ling he wanted to attend the event, but Chen Ling had refused. Chen Ling meant for him to keep an eye on the company, which he understood, but he still felt regretful for not being able to go. So, he was extremely jealous.

After hearing Liu Yuyang's words, they all returned to their work stations. At this moment, Chen Mengyao began to provoke, saying, "Someone can't have it, so he's saying the grapes are sour." Liu Yuyang, standing to the side, turned red in the face, rolled his eyes at Chen Mengyao, and left.

In the afternoon, Chen Ling returned to the company. The first thing he did upon arrival was to call an impromptu meeting with all employees. This meeting primarily focused on the company's situation over the past month. Chen Ling questioned the heads of each department about the events and problems that had arisen. Towards the end, Chen Ling inquired about Liu Yuyang's recent projects. Liu Yuyang explained that many companies had recently approached them for collaborations, and that he had spent the past month investigating these projects, awaiting Chen Ling's return to make the final decisions.

Chen Ling knew that many companies would seek cooperation with them, so he asked, "Of all these projects, which one is the most outstanding?" "Of course I know we only do the best," Liu Yuyang replied, walking over to the multimedia screen where a project plan was displayed. Liu Yuyang explained that it was a library renovation project. The city library had been in use for many years, and many of its facilities were outdated, so they needed to replace it. The project had been approached by government officials, so Liu Yuyang immediately took a liking to it. After hearing the project introduction, Chen Ling was ready to take it on. He said to Liu Yuyang, "The project is yours." Liu Yuyang confidently accepted the project, promising to do his best. After saying this, Liu Yuyang suddenly felt a little embarrassed, realizing that the success of the project ultimately depended on Chen Ling's system. He was both amused and exasperated.

Liu Yuyang quickly contacted the government officials, and the person in charge this time was the library director—Director Pan. After meeting with the director, Liu Yuyang inspected the library and found that many of the structures were unusable. He then said to the director, "Director Pan, all of this needs to be torn down." The director was surprised and disappointed. He quickly replied, "It's still usable? Just a fresh coat of paint will do." Liu Yuyang was speechless and said, "Why didn't you just hire a renovation company? Why did you come to us?" The director fell silent after hearing Liu Yuyang's words.

So Liu Yuyang continued, "You know our company's strength, so don't doubt our ideas anymore. As the saying goes, 'If you employ someone, don't doubt them; if you don't trust them, don't employ them.' You understand this principle." At this point, Director Du was a little embarrassed by Liu Yuyang's words! So he said to Liu Yuyang, "Okay, I'll talk to the Party Secretary first. After all, I can't make the decision to demolish everything. Let's see what the higher-ups think. If they agree, I naturally have no objections. Then, I'll leave the rest entirely to you." After saying this, the director started making phone calls. The Party Secretary on the other end of the line didn't give him any definite information, only telling him to wait for notification.

After hearing the librarian say, "We still need to wait for further notice," Liu Yuyang added, "I know the general situation. You go ahead and get busy! I'll be going now." Once he left the library, Liu Yuyang knew the project would still succeed; otherwise, the higher-ups wouldn't have sent the librarian to their company. After all, what the librarian and the others saw was the property built by their company. So, Liu Yuyang left confidently.

Liu Yuyang returned to the company and went straight to Chen Ling's office, complaining to him about how tedious the government's procedures were. Chen Ling laughed heartily. "You're laughing! I find it tedious and troublesome too. Just start building it, and there are so many things to do. They can't even make decisions after a phone call." Looking at the annoyed Liu Yuyang, Chen Ling teased, "It's alright, good things come to those who wait! Besides, even if it doesn't work out, it's okay. We have many other projects waiting for us." Chen Ling wasn't lying; many companies wanted to collaborate with them.

"President Chen, don't worry about that. They definitely want to cooperate with us, otherwise they wouldn't have approached us. Since they've come to us, they must want a different kind of architecture, so I'm not worried about losing this order at all. I just think it's troublesome and a waste of time!" Liu Yuyang said, expressing his true feelings. What he cared about was the time wasted.

Chapter 178 Building a Library

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Chapter 179 Revisiting Old Places

Just then, Chen Ling nudged Liu Yuyang, signaling him to go back to dancing. Liu Yuyang turned and glared at Chen Ling before walking straight over. Seeing Liu Yuyang go back to dancing, Chen Ling decided to leave. He really didn't feel comfortable in this place. He'd much rather go home and rest quietly in bed. So Chen Ling got up and left.

After returning to his car, Chen Ling suddenly thought of Li Lili. He shook his head and continued driving. For a moment, Chen Ling felt a strong urge to go back to his university. So he changed his route and drove towards it.

Not long after, Chen Ling returned to his university, the place where he had lived for four years. Everything around him felt familiar. The events that had happened on campus were still vivid in his mind, as if it were yesterday. Chen Ling strolled alone through the campus, and before he knew it, he found himself in the cafeteria. Suddenly, Chen Ling missed the noodles he often ate during his university days, so he decided to try them again. But when Chen Ling entered the cafeteria, it had completely changed. He didn't know when it had been renovated, and the old serving windows were nowhere to be found. So Chen Ling grabbed something to eat on campus and then walked alone to the sports field, wanting to enjoy the campus one last time at night.

Just then, Chen Ling's phone rang. It was Liu Yuyang calling. Liu Yuyang said, "Boss, where did you go? I turned around and you disappeared." After hearing Liu Yuyang's words, Chen Ling said calmly, "I had something to do, so I left first." Seeing this, Liu Yuyang didn't say anything more and hung up the phone.

Returning to his old haunts, Chen Ling naturally recalled many past events. He thought of the excitement he felt when he first received his university acceptance letter, and the naivety he felt upon entering university. Recalling the events of his four years at university, he marveled at how quickly time had flown by. In the blink of an eye, he had already graduated for several years. Chen Ling considered his considerable achievements and even his considerable fame in the construction industry, and he was very satisfied with his career.

And so, Chen Ling lay on the playground for a long time. After lying there for so long, he felt a little sleepy and almost fell asleep on the playground. So Chen Ling got up and prepared to go home. As he left, he didn't forget to look at every scene and object on campus. He was very reluctant to leave his time at school. Perhaps that's how people are; after leaving a place, they miss the place they used to live. After all, what we lose is often what we consider the most beautiful.

Chen Ling felt a little nostalgic today. He didn't know what was wrong with him lately; ever since he took on that charity project, his personality had changed slightly. Chen Ling shook his head and walked straight to the gate. After leaving the school, Chen Ling glanced at the school one last time before reluctantly getting back into his car. The drive home always goes by quickly; Chen Ling felt like he hadn't driven long at all before arriving home. Once home, the first thing Chen Ling did was lie down on his bed. He thought he should go to sleep while he was still a little sleepy, so he wouldn't lose his sleepiness later!

Soon after, Chen Ling drifted off to sleep, while Liu Yuyang was still bouncing around in the bar. It seemed he wasn't planning on going home tonight.

The next morning, before Chen Ling was even fully awake, he heard a knock at the door. He got up to open it, and the moment he opened it, he was stunned. The person he had been missing for so long had returned.

"When did you get back?" Chen Ling asked in surprise when he saw Li Lili.

"I just got back and came right away." Li Lili's voice was sweet as she spoke, so Chen Ling grabbed her arm and pulled her into the room. At that moment, Chen Ling couldn't control himself any longer. He whispered in Li Lili's ear, "I missed you."

Just those four simple words melted Li Lili's heart. She felt the same way. A few days ago, the relevant department suddenly sent her to the United States to do something else, and it was a secret mission. They had been apart for so long and hadn't been in contact. She missed Chen Ling very much.

So, as soon as she returned to Lai, she went straight to Chen Ling's house without resting for a moment.

The moment Li Lili saw Chen Ling, she was overjoyed. And Chen Ling felt the same way.

"I can't get enough of kissing you." Chen Ling suddenly said to Li Lili in a coquettish tone. At this moment, Li Lili nestled in Chen Ling's arms like a little bird. The two of them remained silent until Chen Ling's stomach growled a few times. Chen Ling then said, "I'm hungry."

Li Lili had already thought of this, so she took out the bread and milk from her bag and said happily to Chen Ling, "I knew you would be hungry, so I prepared everything for you. I know you don't like to eat breakfast, so I prepared bread for you." When Chen Ling saw Li Lili take out the bread and drink the milk from her bag, he felt a warmth in his heart and said to Li Lili, "You really understand me."

Chen Ling carried his things and headed towards the living room. He turned on the TV to watch some programs, and at that moment, Li Lili sat down as well. Chen Ling looked at Li Lili beside him and said, "Xiaoqi bought some snacks earlier, and they've been in the fridge for a while now. I keep forgetting to eat them. Go check and see if there's anything you want to eat."

So Li Lili walked towards the refrigerator and saw that it was full of food. She knew that Chen Ling hadn't eaten anything. So she said, "There's so much food. Why aren't you eating any? Even if you don't eat breakfast, you should at least eat something. Xiaoqi bought you some delicious food. Remember to eat it next time."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ling quickly agreed, "Okay, okay."

Just then, Li Lili said, "Let's go to the company together later. I haven't been back in a long time, and I miss it."

After hearing Li Lili's words, Chen Ling said to her with a sour tone, "You miss me, don't you?"

Seeing Chen Ling's expression, Li Lili couldn't help but laugh and cry. She shook her head helplessly and said, "Yes, yes, I missed you." Chen Ling had actually wanted to hear those words from Li Lili, and he was naturally satisfied. So he said to Li Lili, "Okay, okay, let's go."

Chapter 180 Returning to the Big Family

Chen Ling brought Li Lili with him, and the two appeared together at the company. Their colleagues looked on in surprise.

"Oh, you're back!" Chen Mengyao said happily upon seeing Li Lili. Just a few days ago, Chen Mengyao had told Chen Ling that she missed Li Lili.

"Yes, I'm back," Li Lili said excitedly. The big family in front of her made her feel warm. Chen Ling's company has always prioritized unity, so the camaraderie among colleagues is particularly strong. Li Lili felt even more at ease after returning, because this was a feeling she couldn't experience while she was away.

Just then, Liu Yuyang, always eager for excitement, appeared. Unfazed by the chaos, he exclaimed, "Hey, the goddess's back!" Sure enough, Chen Ling felt uncomfortable upon hearing this. He then said to Liu Yuyang, "Go back to your work." Liu Yuyang laughed heartily and said, "Boss, come on, let's talk in your office." Liu Yuyang had something to discuss with him.

After entering the office, Chen Ling first asked, "What time did you go home yesterday?" Liu Yuyang replied casually, "I didn't come home all night." Before Chen Ling could speak, Liu Yuyang added, "All alone." Chen Ling knew that Liu Yuyang was starting to lament again.

Then, Liu Yuyang added, "Now that Goddess Shen is back, you don't need to be so heartbroken anymore! You look great today. I'm so envious! But speaking of which, boss, your personality has changed a bit because of her. At first, you were so calm around her." Liu Yuyang was initially teasing, but his tone suddenly became more serious. He was worried that Chen might be too focused on the relationship because of her.

Just then, after hearing Liu Yuyang's words, Chen Ling said, "Didn't you say you had something to tell me? What are you talking about?" Chen Ling wanted to quickly end the conversation, so he immediately changed the subject. Upon hearing this, Liu Yuyang suddenly remembered something and said, "Right, right, let's talk about business! The library is starting construction today. When would be a convenient time for you to come and take a look?" Liu Yuyang, remembering the library's opening, quickly said to Chen Ling.

"When are you coming? I'll go with you! I don't have anything to do today." Chen Ling said calmly after hearing this. At this moment, Chen Ling was only thinking about getting Liu Yuyang to work as soon as possible and not bringing up any more emotional matters with him.

Just then, Liu Yuyang said, "Then you can go now. You go ahead and do your work for a bit, I'll tidy up and head out in a bit!" After saying this, Liu Yuyang left, and Chen Ling, who was in the office, naturally felt much relieved after seeing Liu Yuyang leave. Chen Ling let out a long sigh and turned on his computer…

Chen Ling turned on his computer and immediately started researching library information. He had always had ideas about library construction; during his university years, he frequently studied in the library, and the memory of diligently memorizing vocabulary there still evoked strong feelings. Therefore, he wanted to utilize the system's features to enhance the memory of those studying in the library. Not long after, Liu Yuyang finished his work and knocked on Chen Ling's door, saying, "Boss, I'm done. Can we go now?" Chen Ling immediately came out. His secretary, Li Lili, was supposed to go with him, but Chen Ling, remembering she had just returned, wanted her to rest at the company. So he said to Li Lili, "The two of us will go; you don't need to come today." Li Lili nodded, and Chen Ling and Liu Yuyang left.

In the car, Chen Ling's worries resurfaced: "Boss, let me tell you, you're being way too good to Goddess Shen! You won't even let her come out with us. What? Worried she'll get tired? Boss, let me tell you, you can't go on like this. You'll let your emotions control you. Remember how carefree you were before!" Liu Yuyang started talking as soon as they got in the car. After hearing Liu Yuyang's words, Chen Ling closed his eyes to rest. He pretended not to hear, but that didn't stop Liu Yuyang from talking incessantly.

“Boss, don’t take it lightly. Let me tell you, Goddess Shen’s past and family affairs are too complicated. It’s fine for you to be with her, and I’m happy to see you happy, but you have to be careful not to get too deeply involved,” Liu Yuyang rambled on. Chen Ling pretended to be asleep, but he actually heard everything Liu Yuyang said. Liu Yuyang was right; he was worried about him, and he knew that too. But when it comes to feelings, once you fall in love, it’s a deep and lasting commitment. He couldn’t make the decision himself. Chen Ling thought to himself, he was definitely doomed by her. “Boss, you can find any woman you want, there are plenty of women prettier than her,” Liu Yuyang continued his advice. Chen Ling’s feelings were extremely complicated, but fortunately, he knew what he should do and what was more important. So Chen Ling opened his eyes and said to Liu Yuyang, “Don’t worry, I always know what’s more important and when to do what.” Chen Ling wasn’t lying; he really was that kind of person. Hearing this, Liu Yuyang felt reassured.

And so, the two of them remained silent until they arrived at the library. Liu Yuyang, having just gotten out of the car, saw the librarian standing nearby and began to greet him. As Liu Yuyang and Chen Ling entered, Liu Yuyang introduced them, saying, "Librarian Pan, this is our General Manager Chen. General Manager Chen, this is the head of the library, Librarian Pan." Chen Ling then exchanged a few pleasantries with Librarian Pan, using polite, official language. "General Manager Chen, I've long admired your name!" Librarian Pan's tone was sincere. "Librarian Pan is indeed a veteran of the library. Your writing is quite excellent!" Chen Ling had looked up Librarian Pan's information before coming and quickly browsed through his articles. "Hey, boss, if you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known Librarian Pan wrote articles! It's my fault for not thinking of that! How could these literary figures not have published works?" Liu Yuyang said, initially puzzled but then frankly.

Chapter 181 Rejuvenated

Upon hearing their words, Director Pan humbly replied, "Everyone has their own expertise. As for your architecture, I can't compare to you!" Director Pan's words were indeed reasonable; everyone has their own ambitions.

After speaking with Director Pan, Chen Ling headed towards the construction site. The library had been completely demolished, and construction could begin. Chen Ling went inside to carefully examine the site. Instantly, a sketch of the library appeared in his mind. He then said to the director, "Let's start construction tomorrow. I'll go back and prepare the sketch." Just then, Liu Yuyang chimed in, "I can't wait to get started!"

After visiting the construction site, Chen Ling returned to the company with Liu Yuyang. Compared to when they went there, this time Liu Yuyang didn't talk about personal matters but focused on work-related issues. Liu Yuyang asked, "Boss, did you have this idea before?" He knew Chen Ling well; judging from Chen Ling's reaction, he knew that Chen Ling must have already planned to build the library.

"Yes, I fantasized about it back in college, but I never thought this day would actually come," Chen Ling said, recalling how he often struggled to remember vocabulary words while studying in the library. Back then, he dreamed of a library with superpowers, never imagining that one day he would be the one to change the library.

Just then, Chen Ling's thoughts drifted back to his student days, and a slight smile appeared on his lips. Liu Yuyang took all of this in. Not long after, they returned to the company.

Back at the company, Chen Ling went straight to his office and began thinking about the library's structure. He quickly sketched out the rough ideas that came to mind. Before long, Chen Ling had completed the library's structural diagram. He then thought that if construction started tomorrow, the library would be completed quickly. However, regarding the library's attributes, he thought that improving memory would be ideal, followed by enhancing the learning experience. He wanted to ensure a positive emotional environment for the students.

After all the preparations were complete, Chen Ling started thinking about what to eat with Li Lili that evening. Chen Ling checked the time; it was still early. Before even arriving at the restaurant, Chen Ling and Chen Ling began busying themselves with other things. Time always seems to fly when you're busy. Suddenly, Shen Lingxue texted Chen Ling, asking what they were planning to eat that night. Chen Ling glanced at the time again; it was already a while after get off work. Only then did Chen Ling get up and head out to take Li Lili out for dinner.

Chen Ling took Shen Lingxue to a hot pot restaurant. He knew Shen Lingxue loved hot pot. So he brought Li Lili along. After dinner, Chen Ling took Shen Lingxue home and told Li Lili to get a good rest that night. As they got out of the car, Li Lili kissed Chen Ling on the cheek, and Chen Ling, of course, wasn't about to let her go! They kissed passionately for a long time before separating. Even as Li Lili got out of the car, they seemed reluctant to part. As the saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and they had been apart for quite some time. If it weren't for the fact that Li Lili had just returned and gone straight to the company, having had a long day, he wouldn't have let her go!

After dropping Li Lili off, Chen Ling prepared to go home. Recalling the scene of seeing Li Lili as soon as he opened his eyes that morning, a smile involuntarily appeared on his face again. Chen Ling thought to himself, "I must have truly found love!" Just then, without noticing the red light ahead, he drove straight through. Fortunately, there weren't many cars on the road, and no accident occurred.

After returning home, Chen Ling received a message from Li Lili: "Let me know when you get home." Seeing the message warmed his heart, so he replied to Li Lili, "I'm home." Then he told Shen Ningxue, "Get some rest." After hanging up, Chen Ling went to the bathroom, took a shower, and then went straight to bed. He had many things to do tomorrow.

The next morning, Chen Ling went to the company after getting up. "Good morning, boss," Liu Yuyang greeted him. Liu Yuyang was unusually early today; he usually arrived a little late. Chen Ling then asked him, "What's wrong with you today? Didn't you go home yesterday?" Chen Ling said this intentionally, wanting to tease Liu Yuyang. Sure enough, Liu Yuyang rolled his eyes at Chen Ling and left. Chen Ling also arrived early today, for a reason: he wanted to see Li Lili as soon as possible. Shen Lingxue had already arrived at the company by then. After teasing Liu Yuyang, Chen Ling looked at Shen Lingxue beside him, smiled at her, and went into his office. For Shen Lingxue, Chen Ling's smile told her that he, like her, wanted to see her as soon as possible. These two had fallen in love.

Chen Ling had barely returned to his office when he was about to head to the library, where someone was waiting for him to finish their work. A little while later, Liu Yuyang came to find Chen Ling to go to the library together, and the two began walking towards it. Upon arriving at the library, Chen Ling noticed that a fence had already been erected around it. At this moment, Chen Ling glanced at Liu Yuyang beside him, who said, "He hired over 50 workers yesterday to finish it overnight." Chen Ling trusted Liu Yuyang because he was generally reliable.

Construction began these past few days, and Director Pan stopped overseeing things every day, perhaps to avoid upsetting Liu Yuyang. Just then, Chen Ling said to Liu Yuyang, "The library contract is signed, and the initial payment has been made. We can start construction now. Activate the system!" After saying this, Chen Ling activated the system. "System, generate three construction teams." "Generation complete, deduct 150 million yuan." Upon hearing Chen Ling's command, the system immediately completed the task.

These construction teams started working as soon as they appeared. They were all very skilled at these construction projects.

Chapter 182 An Excellent Construction Team

Seeing that they had already gotten started, Chen Ling prepared to turn and leave. He didn't need to keep an eye on things here. Just as Chen Ling was about to leave, a passerby asked, "Why is everything here being torn down? Are you rebuilding this library?" Chen Ling looked at the elderly woman in front of him and said, "Yes, a new library is being built here. There was a notice about it, didn't you see it?" The woman shook her head after hearing Chen Ling's words and said, "I didn't receive it. I haven't been to the library in a long time. I had nothing to do at home today and wanted to come and read some books, but I didn't expect it to be torn down. Well then, when will it be finished? I'll come and see what the new library looks like then." Chen Ling thought for a moment and said, "About one or two months." Chen Ling didn't give a specific time because he wasn't sure if the library would meet his expectations, and therefore couldn't give a precise timeframe.

Watching the woman leave, Chen Ling turned and left as well. He'd leave the rest to the construction team; he'd come back later to have the system generate the attributes once the construction was complete. However, Liu Yuyang said, "Boss, you go ahead! I'll keep an eye on things a bit longer." Chen Ling didn't say anything and left.

And so, the construction team continued building the new library. Liu Yuyang would often go to check on it. After about a month, Liu Yuyang told Chen Ling, "Boss, the library is finished, and the graduation caps are ready." Upon hearing this, Chen Ling immediately said, "You want me to go see it with you? It's almost time to get off work, let's go!" Liu Yuyang had simply come to let him know, so Chen Ling agreed. At this moment, Liu Yuyang began to say, "Boss, you'll be amazed when you see it!" Liu Yuyang imagined the library in progress and then spoke mysteriously. Chen Ling thought to himself, what could be surprising? It's just that it's very well-built. He's seen many impressive buildings; he's used to it.

Before long, they arrived at the construction site. Looking at the building before him, Chen Ling couldn't help but admire the construction team's skills. It was much more complete than his design drawings, no wonder Liu Yuyang was surprised. So Chen Ling began to say, "The building is indeed very good, even more perfect than my design drawings. Compared with the previous ones, this has completely crushed them."

Hearing Chen Ling's praise, Liu Yuyang was in high spirits. "Of course! I often come to supervise!" Liu Yuyang said proudly. Liu Yuyang had indeed been working hard lately, running back and forth between the company's construction site, afraid that he wouldn't be able to find out about any problems in time. Chen Ling knew this, so he said to him, "After this project is completed, I'll give you a break so you can rest and relax." As Chen Ling spoke, he started walking towards the library. It looked very nice from a distance, and he naturally wanted to go inside and see what it was like. So Chen Ling and Liu Yuyang walked into the library.

Upon arriving at the library, Chen Ling was quite satisfied with the neat and orderly arrangement of every brick and tile. His trust in the construction team increased even further. He then remarked, "This is quite nice too, look." As he spoke, he pointed to a wall, gesturing for Liu Yuyang to look. Liu Yuyang, receiving the signal, turned to look at the spot Chen Ling was pointing to and casually remarked, "Boss, which wall is lacking?" Liu Yuyang meant that every single brick here was practically perfect.

And so, Chen Ling toured the entire library, praising everything he saw. Looking at the smug Liu Yuyang, Chen Ling said, "I know you're awesome, but your boss is even more awesome." Chen Ling was being narcissistic again. Liu Yuyang rolled his eyes at him, then snorted and said, "You're the boss, you call the shots."

To be fair, Chen Ling was naturally satisfied, but seeing Liu Yuyang so smug, he just wanted to tease him a little. So Chen Ling said, "The rest needs to be done very carefully." Upon hearing this, Liu Yuyang formally replied, "Understood." Liu Yuyang's sudden change in tone made Chen Ling feel uncomfortable. Just then, Chen Ling nudged Liu Yuyang and said, "Look at these construction teams. I wish the workers could be like them." At this moment, Liu Yuyang also looked at the construction teams and suddenly said, "It's a good thing we have construction teams, otherwise, with such high construction intensity, I was worried that ordinary workers wouldn't be able to handle it."

Liu Yuyang was telling the truth. The construction team was a robot; they didn't feel fatigue, and their work efficiency could be adjusted. However, ordinary humans are very sensitive to fatigue. Naturally, they couldn't match the speed of these construction teams. This is why they always wanted to use construction teams to complete their projects.

After Liu Yuyang finished speaking, Chen Ling said, "Let's go! Let's leave it at that for today and go back!" So Chen Ling and Liu Yuyang prepared to go back. At that moment, Chen Ling thought about hurrying back to see Li Lili; he hadn't been intimate with Li Lili for a long time.

After the two returned to the company, Liu Yuyang went into Chen Ling's office. Just as they were about to say something, Li Ran suddenly called, inquiring about Chen Xiaoqi. Li Ran asked, "Chen Ling, what's your sister been up to lately? Does she have a boyfriend?" Chen Ling was quite surprised to hear Li Ran's question. He never expected Li Ran to have a crush on his sister. No wonder, though; his sister was naturally beautiful and talented—what boy wouldn't like her?

"When did you start having designs on my sister?" Chen Ling asked from the side.

At this moment, Li Ran seemed embarrassed and hesitant to speak. After a while, Chen Ling, seeing Li Ran's silence, said, "It couldn't have started from the very first time you met, could it? My goodness, you're really something, hiding it for so long!" Upon hearing this, Li Ran began to say, "Yes, I liked her the first time I saw her. At the time, I wasn't sure of my feelings. Later, during the time I was doing charity work, I was also attracted by her kindness, but at that time, I still couldn't clearly know if that feeling was love. In the days since I came back, I still think about her, and I've finally figured out my feelings for her." Chen Ling couldn't help but laugh after hearing Li Ran's words. He never expected Li Ran to be so innocent.

Chapter 183 Keeping in the Dark

Chen Ling had no objections to his brother-in-law, Li Ran, as he trusted Li Ran's character. So he heard Chen Ling say, "You're so innocent! I really didn't expect that. Come over tonight, let's have dinner together." Li Ran readily agreed, and after hanging up, Chen Ling called Chen Xiaoqi.

"What are you busy with?" Chen Ling asked as soon as the call connected. "Nothing much, I'm not filming today, just out shopping." Chen Xiaoqi was quite surprised to receive Chen Ling's call. They had both been very busy lately and rarely contacted each other, so this sudden call meant something was wrong.

Then Chen Ling said, "What a coincidence! Let's have dinner together tonight!" Chen Xiaoqi checked the time and thought about her best friend, so she said to Chen Ling, "Brother, my best friend and I are still shopping. If we don't have anything else to do, let's do it another day!" Chen Xiaoqi thought that if it was just about having a meal, then shopping was more important to her right now.

Upon hearing this, Chen Ling objected, saying, "Didn't you ask about your sister-in-law just a couple of days ago? Now that you're back, let's have dinner together tonight." Chen Xiaoqi readily agreed upon hearing that Li Lili was back. So Li Lili dragged her best friend shopping again, even asking her friend to help her choose a gift.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Ling sent a text message to Li Lili, briefly explaining what had happened that evening. Li Lili hadn't been at the company before, so she didn't know what kind of man Li Ran was, or whether he was a good match for Chen Xiaoqi. But she figured that if Chen Ling was interested in someone, he must be good.

So Li Lili asked Chen Ling where they should eat that night. Chen Ling was thinking that he had only told them they would eat together that night, and hadn't yet decided where or what to eat. He was tired of eating out and couldn't think of any decent place to go. So Chen Ling decided it didn't matter where they ate. He'd just find a relatively upscale place to eat!

Upon hearing this, Li Lili thought that since they didn't know what to eat, they might as well go home and cook! They were tired of eating out all the time, and it wasn't very hygienic. However, Chen Ling was worried about the hassle, but in the end, he couldn't persuade Li Lili, so they decided to cook at home. At this point, Chen Ling started busying himself with informing the two of them of the location, and thinking of Li Ran, he began to feel full of anticipation.

As soon as Chen Ling got off work, he took Li Lili straight home. They went to the supermarket downstairs and bought a lot of groceries that Chen Xiaoqi liked. Chen Xiaoqi was the star of the show tonight. Then, the two of them busied themselves in the kitchen. Li Lili cooked, and Chen Ling helped her wash and chop the vegetables. Just as they were enjoying their time together, they heard a knock at the door.

Chen Ling went to open the door, and it was Li Ran. So Chen Ling and Li Ran went to the study to chat until Chen Xiaoqi arrived. The two of them were still inside. Li Lili heard someone knocking and knew it was Chen Xiaoqi, so she went to open the door for her. "Sister-in-law, where have you been all this time? I've missed you so much!" Chen Xiaoqi said as soon as she entered the house. After saying this, she quickly handed her the gift she was carrying. Li Lili accepted the gift, thanked her, and said, "You go find them first! I just need to finish one more dish in the kitchen; we can eat soon."

Hearing that there were still vegetables in the kitchen, Chen Xiaoqi insisted on going to help. So, the two women, like a little drama, busied themselves together in the kitchen. While Chen Xiaoqi was washing dishes, she suddenly remembered Li Lili's words: "Them? Besides her brother, who else is there?" Li Lili then asked, "Is there anyone else in the house?" After hearing this, Li Lili began to tease her, saying, "You'll find out soon enough."

Just then, the last dish was ready. Li Lili then called Chen Ling to come out for dinner. A little while later, Chen Ling and Li Ran came out together. Chen Ling had already introduced Li Lili to Li Ran. Li Lili greeted Li Ran, saying, "Hello." Just as Li Ran finished greeting Li Lili, Chen Xiaoqi exclaimed in surprise, "Li Ran! What are you doing here?" Chen Xiaoqi was genuinely surprised to see Li Ran. She never imagined her brother's friend was Li Ran, even though she knew they got along well and had many conversations. She never expected them to be so close that they would invite each other to dinner at her home. Chen Xiaoqi thought to herself, "Male friendships are truly terrifying."