A day later, Chen An made an impromptu flight to the northwest. Guan Luning was going there to inspect a photovoltaic project and asked him to come along to help take a look. The people of the northwest were enthusiastic—a one-day itinerary was stretched into several days, with local leaders accompanying them and camera reporters taking endless photos. Fortunately, everyone wore masks during the pandemic. Chen An didn’t like appearing on television media. Previously, he worried that Cheng Lele would see it and be annoyed with him; now, with his persona in place, it wasn’t appropriate to show his face publicly.

Cheng Lele was busy as usual. Apart from her daily work reports mixed in with a pile of emails, she didn’t contact him on WeChat.

Because Tang Xin contacted him every day, he felt that Cheng Lele not contacting him constituted a certain suspicion of dereliction of duty.

In his boredom, he sent Cheng Lele a WeChat message: [What are you busy with?]

Several points in Cheng Lele’s work report weren’t detailed enough. As her superior, clarifying them was very responsible behavior.

After a long while, Cheng Lele replied: [Making money to support the family.]

Chen An: [Oh.]

Seeing the words “support the family,” Chen An’s tone instantly softened.

Chen An: [Then don’t tire yourself out.]

Completely lacking the awareness a boss should have, he added: [Just do it casually.]

Cheng Lele: [Older brother, you need to straighten out your thinking!!! Don’t treat life as a game like this!!! Wake up!!! We still have loans to repay!!! The cinema is about to fail!!!]

Chen An was startled by Instructor Cheng and immediately replied: [I’m not doing that, am I?]

Cheng Lele: [Better not be.]

Chen An: [I meant don’t work too hard.]

Cheng Lele: [Got it.]

Chen An: [Do you need me to transfer money to the cinema?]

Cheng Lele: [No need.]

Chen An: [If the cinema doesn’t have enough money, I’ll take care of it. Don’t run yourself ragged.]

Cheng Lele: [Heart emoji]

Chen An thought to himself, what kind of heart are you sending? After hesitating for a long time, he also sent a heart emoji.

Sending heart emojis was probably a friendly gesture among young people, Chen An thought.

The sky in the northwest was higher and bluer than in Taixi, making even the clouds appear exceptionally pure. Chen An looked up and took photos.

Guan Luning asked: “What are you doing?”

“Getting some local specialties. Someone at home likes this stuff.”

“That’s a pretty budget-friendly specialty.”

“A kept man has no right to spend money.”

“What?”

Chen An shook his head and raised his face with a good mood: “Just kidding.”

After taking the photos, Chen An made a nine-grid post and uploaded it to his Moments.

Chen An never posted original content to his Moments. As soon as it was published, he received countless likes and comments.

He refreshed many times, thinking Zhang Xiaolong should develop a special notification feature for comments from specific people.

That evening, just before bed, Cheng Lele left a comment: “Where is this? Did you go traveling?”

Chen An thought for quite a long time before replying: “Budget travel. I’m in Gansu.”

After a while, recalling Instructor Cheng’s teachings, he replied again: “Mainly here to meet a business partner. Maybe they can help invest in Star Cinema.”

Cheng Lele: “You worked hard! Older brother is the best!”

Quan Zirong, who had just been accepted as Cheng Lele’s friend and was a mutual friend, saw this conversation and left a speechless string of dots.