Lin Shen’s decisiveness caught Zhou Qiang so off guard that he couldn’t react for a moment. He even offered a cautious reminder.

"Shen, how about I take you inside to have a look? Renting an office is a big deal, so it’s best to choose carefully."

"Alright."

With Zhou Qiang leading the way, Lin Shen waited for him to open the glass doors to the office space, then went inside to thoroughly survey the premises.

Although it was a little dirty and messy, you could tell that care had been put into the overall layout and design.

The open-plan office in the main hall, individual offices for various positions, a break room, a conference room...

It was fully equipped with all the necessary amenities.

With just a little redecorating, it could accommodate an office of about a hundred people.

It was about the right size for a small startup.

"Not bad at all."

Lin Shen patted Zhou Qiang on the shoulder and smiled.

"The main reason I think this place is great is that you’re the property manager here. I trust you."

"Shen, you’re flattering me too much!"

Flattered, Zhou Qiang waved his hands dismissively as a sudden warmth filled his heart.

He had assumed that after Lin Shen made it big, he would cut ties with his old acquaintances.

From then on, they would be worlds apart.

Yet after their brief interaction, it seemed Lin Shen’s personality hadn’t changed with his wealth; he was still as gentle and humble as ever.

This filled Zhou Qiang with admiration and awe, and he remarked with a sigh.

"Shen, you’ve gotten much more handsome, and your status is worlds away from what it used to be, but you’re still the same person you’ve always been!"

"Oh?"

Lin Shen raised an eyebrow, half-joking.

"Were you expecting me to put on airs around you?"

"No, no, no, please don’t."

Zhou Qiang said with a wry smile, causing the corners of Lin Shen’s lips to curl upward.

"Let me see the property deed. If there are no issues, let’s sign the contract."

"You got it!"

Seeing how decisive Lin Shen was, Zhou Qiang beamed.

"How many years are you planning to rent for? I’ll have my boss draw up a contract and have her bring it to you."

"Three years."

’Three years?’

Zhou Qiang was taken aback.

It wasn’t an especially long time, but it certainly wasn’t short, either.

At a million a year, three years would be at least three million.

’What on earth did this guy Lin Shen get into, that he could just drop this much money on an office lease all at once?’

’And this was just the start of his business venture!’

’He knew there would be a lot more expenses down the road.’

"Do you mind if I ask a bold question?"

As Zhou Qiang led Lin Shen into the elevator to go downstairs, he finally couldn’t contain his curiosity and asked in a hushed voice.

"Shen, what on earth have you been up to lately?"

"Investing."

’Lin Shen felt like his lies were becoming a well-rehearsed script.’

’Whenever someone asked how he got rich, he would brush them off with the vague explanation of "investing."’

’After all, when it came to this field, those in the know really knew their stuff, and those who weren’t were completely clueless!’

In any case, Zhou Qiang, who had never dabbled in investing, was a bit baffled.

’What kind of investment makes that much money?’

’Ah, forget it. No point getting hung up on it.’

’If I knew how, I’d be the one getting rich!’

’Does anyone really think that when the cake is at its biggest, someone will just invite everyone over for a slice?’

’It’s only when the cake is almost gone that people start proclaiming how delicious it was, trying to get everyone else to bake a new one to share.’

’For Lin Shen to have earned so much money, he must have caught a lucky break!’

’Of course, it was also undeniably linked to his unique insight and personal ability.’

Just as the two were chatting idly, the elevator stopped on the third floor. A familiar figure walked in as the doors opened.

"Manager Zhou."

Xu Lei walked in holding a stack of files. She first bowed politely to greet Manager Zhou, then her gaze fell on Lin Shen, and her expression turned to one of utter astonishment.

"Huh? You’re... Shen!? What are you doing here?"

"I’m here to discuss some business with Manager Zhou."

Lin Shen had a vague memory of Xu Lei. After all, a woman with a face very similar to hers had appeared on his flights several times.

Today, she wore a tight, white, long-sleeved shirt paired with black, high-waisted shorts. Her legs were clad in sheer stockings, and her outfit, as usual, followed a sexy-professional style.

"Shen, you’ve gotten even more handsome."

After secretly sizing Lin Shen up, Xu Lei couldn’t help but cover her slightly blushing face and speak shyly.

’He had changed so much since the last time they’d met!’

’Not only was his physique more toned and well-proportioned, but his clothes were also incredibly casual and stylish—and they were all designer brands!’

This caused her womanly curiosity to flare up once again.

"Shen, what have you been up to lately?"

"Just a small investment business."

Lin Shen didn’t want to discuss the matter any further, so he changed the subject.

"What about you? How’s work been?"

"What can I say? Just... Living."

Xu Lei let out a long sigh, her tone tinged with resentment.

"Ever since the new general manager came on board, the whole company hasn’t had a moment’s peace! It’s making me want to jump ship. I’m so drained!"

Her words gave Lin Shen an idea, and he immediately said, half-joking,

"In that case, how about you come work for my company?"

’Huh?’

Xu Lei froze, her lovely eyes blinking in utter disbelief.

"Shen, you started a company?"

"Shen came to talk to me today about leasing an office space."

Zhou Qiang was very perceptive; without Lin Shen having to say a word, he took the initiative to explain to Xu Lei.

"It’s on the 14th floor. We’re on our way down to sign the contract now."

"Ho..."

Astonished, Xu Lei clapped a hand over her mouth, stopping herself just short of saying the two words, "Holy shit."