This was a family dinner for Zhang Yang’s household, and the two of them didn't want to tag along, nor would they. They felt this time would be better spent cultivating. Long Feng was practicing with exceptional diligence, and Qu Meilan was the same.

Previously, Qu Meilan’s greatest aspiration was simply to advance, hoping in this lifetime to reach the second layer just to experience that immense power.

Now, that dream was no longer distant. Since resuming her practice, her speed had become dramatically faster than before, giving her a real chance to advance to the second layer without waiting until old age.

With hope came motivation, and Qu Meilan’s current efforts nearly rivaled Long Feng’s.

Yang Guang drove, with the entire family seated in the back.

They chatted and laughed along the way, soon arriving near Wangfujing.

This was one of the most prosperous districts in the capital; whether in modern times or later generations, what this area never lacked was people, and people were what they saw most often.

After finally finding a place to park, the group got out and proceeded on foot.

“Cousin, should we go queue up first?”

Yang Guang called out, and without waiting for Zhang Yang’s reply, he pulled him along. Peking Roast Duck from Quanjude was the most famous, and that was where they were headed for dinner.

The more famous the establishment, the better the business. Both now and in the future, getting a good roast duck at Quanjude required waiting in line.

With Zhang Keqin’s status, arranging a reservation in advance would have been no issue; they certainly would have secured a private room. However, Zhang Keqin hadn't done so. This was a family gathering; there was no need for special treatment.

It was truly joyful for the whole family to go out together for a meal.

Indeed, there were many people outside Quanjude. Zhang Yang and his group had arrived somewhat early; even before lunchtime, the place was already packed.

At the entrance, the alluring aroma wafting from inside made one yearn to rush in and feast immediately.

“Cousin, we got lucky. Number seven. It probably won't take too long before we get our table!”

Yang Guang ran over, and shortly after, ran back. He had gone to get the queue tag. Even outside of peak lunch hours, all the rooms were already taken, meaning they would have to wait a while.

By the time true noon arrived, anyone wanting a meal with a private room would have to wait until the afternoon.

“Good, then we’ll wait a bit!”

Zhang Yang smiled faintly. Zhang Keqin and the others hadn't arrived yet; the parking was a bit far, so he and Yang Guang had jogged over.

As they stood waiting, Zhang Yang suddenly spotted a familiar figure emerging from Quanjude and walking quickly toward the exit.

“Xiao He?”

As the person walked past him, Zhang Yang called out softly. The person walking immediately paused and turned back.

“Zhang Yang, what are you doing here?” Seeing Zhang Yang, the person exclaimed in surprise, sounding quite animated.

“I came to eat with my family, and I thought I saw you, so I called out!”

Zhang Yang said with a smile. He had indeed recognized Xiao He; with his eyesight, there was no way he could mistake someone at such close range, especially since he had seen Xiao He once last year.

“Coming for a meal? Wait a moment!”

Xiao He seemed slightly excited and pulled out his mobile phone, speaking a few quick sentences.

After hanging up, he continued, “I’ve graduated and I work right here now. Lijuan and a few classmates are coming for a gathering today, and I stepped out to meet them. I didn't expect to run into you. I’ve already told them to come over themselves!”

“You work here?”

This time, it was Zhang Yang’s turn to be surprised. Xiao He nodded a little shyly and pulled out his work badge from around his neck.

Xiao He was just an ordinary employee here, but he had graduated from a prestigious university. His eloquence and demeanor were impressive, and he was highly valued by his company leaders. If he continued developing here, his future was certainly bright.

This also explained why he, as a regular staff member, was able to step out during working hours.

“Zhang Yang, are you really here?”

As they were talking, five or six young women came running from a distance. The one leading the charge, moving energetically, was none other than Ren Lijuan, who was shouting before she even arrived.

“Xiao Guang, this is my classmate Xiao He, and that’s Ren Lijuan. We were all in the same high school before!”

Zhang Yang turned back and briefly introduced Xiao He to Yang Guang. Once Ren Lijuan arrived, he then explained Yang Guang’s status as his cousin.

Yang Guang was young, but quick-witted. Seeing that Xiao He was his cousin’s classmate, he immediately stepped forward warmly to greet them, which instantly gave Xiao He and Ren Lijuan a very good impression of the young man.

“Weren’t you working in Hangzhou? How did you come back?”

After Yang Guang finished greeting them, Zhang Yang spoke quietly. Zhang Yang remembered that Ren Lijuan had been interning at a hotel in Hangzhou, and was even some kind of assistant manager.

That hotel was now one of Zhang Yang’s properties.

“I’m not doing that anymore; I’ve been transferred back to the capital. Also, the word ‘intern’ has been dropped; I’m a formal Sales Supervisor now!”

Ren Lijuan said this with a touch of pride, unconsciously puffing out her chest slightly as she spoke.

“I know, a formal supervisor, not an intern supervisor!”

Zhang Yang chuckled softly. Ren Lijuan had been an intern supervisor in Hangzhou, and he had teased her about it once. Now he clearly understood that this old classmate had secured that position largely through connections.

“What do you mean, supervisor still has ‘intern’ or not!”

Ren Lijuan waved her fist slightly, unwilling to concede. Xiao He walked over at that moment and gently pulled her arm, laughing, “Aren’t you the Assistant Supervisor? Got promoted to full supervisor so quickly?”

Hearing Xiao He say that, Ren Lijuan’s body stiffened momentarily, then she turned back angrily, “That’s none of your business! With my ability, I’ll definitely be promoted quickly!”

Zhang Yang, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh again.

Ren Lijuan had returned to the capital, but her rank had dropped one level. Over there, she was a supervisor; here, she was demoted to a deputy role.

The management likely had their own considerations. Hangzhou was a new branch, unlike the capital, which was an established location with a known reputation. Putting someone with no substantial work experience like her in charge of the sales department might negatively affect the entire company.

This was for the best, actually. If the management were truly prioritizing connections over everything else, Zhang Yang would have to say something about it.

“Oh, by the way, Sister Jing is also in the capital now. Should I call her and ask her to come over?”

Ren Lijuan added. The Sister Jing she mentioned was Huang Jing, who was now the hotel’s General Manager, overseeing all the mainland branches.

Zhang Yang wasn't surprised that she was in the capital, as the hotel headquarters was located there.

“No need. I can’t join you all today. This is a family event!”

Zhang Yang shook his head with a smile. Zhang Keqin and the others were walking up from behind. Seeing that Zhang Yang was surrounded by people, they didn't approach.

“We’re all here as one family. Thank you for the kind offer, Sister Lijuan!”

Yang Guang also chimed in. This boy was smooth-tongued, and Ren Lijuan was immediately amused by him again.

“Then tomorrow. I’ll contact you tomorrow night, and we’ll go eat something else. I’ll call Sister Jing and the others too. It wouldn’t be right if you came and I didn’t arrange something for you! It’s settled, we’re heading in now!”

Ren Lijuan said with a smile, and she, along with the young women beside her, chattered animatedly as they walked in with Xiao He.

Before going in, Xiao He inquired about Zhang Yang’s situation, telling them to go straight in once they regrouped and he would figure out a way to reserve a room for them first.

Large hotels and guesthouses usually kept reserved rooms. Quanjude was no exception.

However, the fact that Xiao He, someone who had only recently joined the company, could arrange reserved rooms surprised Zhang Yang slightly.

Zhang Yang did not refuse Xiao He’s kindness; this was better, as it meant no one had to wait outside, potentially saving them half an hour.

Regardless, Zhang Keqin was a high-ranking provincial official; having him stand outside waiting in public might not be ideal if he were recognized.

The taste of Quanjude’s roast duck was indeed excellent; this was the most authentic place, and the family ate quite a lot.

These ducks also helped restore some of Zhang Yang’s childhood memories, which he now completely regarded as his own youth.

In his previous life, his childhood was spent either memorizing medicinal formulas, practicing identification of herbs, or cultivating—there was virtually no genuine childlike joy.

Although this life had many regrets, at least it was a real childhood, and Zhang Yang cherished and loved these memories deeply.

The whole family enjoyed a peaceful meal together. As soon as they finished eating, Yang Wanying clung to Zhang Yang, insisting he buy her a mobile phone.

Zhang Yang didn't know what method Mi Xue had used, but she somehow managed to persuade the little girl to dye her hair back to black. The girl had promised to return the color to black in a couple of days.

As for the current color, she planned to have a set of portraits taken as a permanent keepsake.

This concession made Yang Qing and Zhang Aiying incredibly grateful to Mi Xue. Their daughter’s oddly colored hair had troubled them for a long time. They had tried everything, but the daughter wouldn't listen, even threatening to run away from home to keep her hair color. They had finally resigned themselves to it.

Such a headache had been resolved by Mi Xue, naturally making them very happy.

“Cousin, can I discuss something with you!”

As they drove back after dinner, Yang Guang leaned in mysteriously. Seeing that Zhang Keqin and the others were still in the back, he quickly whispered.

“What is it?” His demeanor made Zhang Yang a bit curious, but he didn't think much of it.

“Can I borrow your car tonight? I told a few friends that my cousin has a nice car, but they didn’t believe me and said I was bragging. I want to show it to them!”

Yang Guang whispered, looking nervously at Zhang Yang afterward.

Boys valued face, and he was no exception. He had told his friends about his cousin’s Hummer and Bugatti, but those people simply didn’t believe him.

This gave him the idea to borrow the car and show off a little.

He had wanted to ask Zhang Yang this morning, but there were too many people around. Later, when Zhang Yang was alone, he ran into his classmates, so he waited until after the meal to bring it up.

“Don’t worry, nothing will happen to it. I could even go with you if you like!” Seeing Zhang Yang remain silent, Yang Guang grew anxious and added.

“Sure, I’ll go with you then!”

Zhang Yang, who had already been leaning towards agreeing, nodded immediately after hearing the last part.

His hesitation wasn't due to unwillingness to lend the car, but rather concern. He didn't know who Yang Guang’s friends were, and most importantly, he worried that Yang Guang couldn't handle the excitement and might speed or race.

Late update due to sister’s birthday, please forgive! RQ