bookbashuk Page 192
Page 192
Meanwhile, Su Chang sat in his car, took out his phone, and started chatting with Jiang Lai and the other women. His expression remained calm, seemingly unperturbed by the conversation. Time passed slowly, and the night grew deeper.
Around midnight, a strong wind suddenly blew across the island, causing the tent to sway violently.
Ye Zhenzhen sat in the tent, feeling a sudden panic. Just as she was about to go out to check on things, Su Chang's voice came from outside: "Zhenzhen, are you in there? It might rain outside, are you alright?"
Before Ye Zhenzhen could answer, a heavy rain began to fall outside the tent. Although the tent was waterproof, the temperature dropped sharply, and Ye Zhenzhen felt a chill. She huddled in her sleeping bag, feeling a little scared.
Just then, Su Chang lifted the tent flap and walked in. His clothes were already soaked by the rain, but he didn't care. He took off his coat and draped it over Ye Zhenzhen: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
Ye Zhenzhen felt a surge of emotion seeing Su Chang's soaking wet appearance. Before she could say anything, Su Chang had already lifted her out of the sleeping bag: "It's too cold in the tent, let's go to the car."
After saying that, he picked up Ye Zhenzhen and ran towards the SUV in the pouring rain. Raindrops pelted the two of them, and Ye Zhenzhen's face was pressed tightly against Su Chang's chest. Feeling the warmth from his chest, her unease gradually dissipated.
Back in the car, Su Chang gently placed Ye Zhenzhen on the back seat, rearranged her sleeping bag, and gave her a dry towel to wipe her face and hair. Then he returned to the driver's seat and turned on the car's air conditioning. He was soaked to the bone, but he didn't bother to change his clothes, focusing instead on adjusting the car's temperature.
Ye Zhenzhen watched Su Chang's retreating figure, a warm feeling welling up inside her. She suddenly crawled out of her sleeping bag, hugged Su Chang from behind, and whispered, "Thank you, Su Chang."
Su Chang was taken aback for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on her lips: "Silly girl, this is what I should do."
Ye Zhenzhen pressed her face against Su Chang's back, feeling his warmth. Her hesitation and unease seemed to vanish in that instant. She knew that no matter what Su Chang had been like in the past, at this moment, he truly cared for her.
The sound of rain gradually subsided, and the temperature inside the car gradually rose.
Ye Zhenzhen leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Su Chang, I've made up my mind. No matter how many women you have, I only care about you. As long as you're willing, I'm willing to stay with you and them all, as long as you don't abandon me."
Su Chang turned around, gently cupped Ye Zhenzhen's face in her hands, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Zhenzhen, thank you for believing in me. I will prove with my actions that you made the right choice."
They smiled at each other, and the atmosphere inside the car became warm and sweet. The wind and rain outside continued, but their hearts were closely intertwined.
About ten minutes later, the SUV began to shake violently, and it was unclear whether it was due to some kind of violent movement inside the car or the strong wind.
Chapter 353 Camping
The next morning, the wind and rain had stopped, and the air around the campsite was filled with the fresh scent of rain. Sunlight shone through the clouds onto the wet grass, and the distant sea shimmered, as if the storm of the previous night had never happened.
Ye Zhenzhen lay in Su Chang's arms, her fingers gently drawing circles on his chest, a lazy and satisfied smile on her face.
Su Chang looked down at Ye Zhenzhen in his arms, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He gently stroked her hair and whispered, "Did you sleep well last night?"
Ye Zhenzhen raised her head, her eyes filled with a hint of shyness and sweetness: "Yes, with you by my side, I sleep very peacefully."
Su Chang smiled and gently kissed her forehead: "That's good. Rest a little longer, I'll go get you something to eat."
Ye Zhenzhen nodded, watching Su Chang get up, dress, and get out of the car. Lying inside, she felt the lingering warmth, her heart filled with happiness and contentment. Although the storm last night had frightened her, Su Chang's companionship and care made her feel incredibly safe.
Su Chang stepped out of the car, took a deep breath of fresh air, and began to get busy. He took out a portable stove and ingredients from the car, preparing to make a hearty breakfast for Ye Zhenzhen. Knowing that Ye Zhenzhen liked Western-style breakfasts, he decided to make a set meal of fried eggs, bacon, and toast.
He skillfully started a fire, placed a frying pan on the stove, poured in a little oil, and cracked two eggs into it once the oil was hot. The eggs sizzled in the pan, releasing a fragrant aroma. While frying the eggs, Su Chang also fried bacon in another small pan until golden brown and crispy. Finally, he placed slices of bread in a toaster and toasted them until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Breakfast was ready in no time. Su Chang arranged the fried eggs, bacon, and toast on a plate, poured two glasses of hot milk, and carried it to the car.
He gently knocked on the car window, and Ye Zhenzhen leaned out of the car. When she saw the breakfast in Su Chang's hand, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
"Wow, it smells so good!" Ye Zhenzhen said with a smile, "I didn't expect you could make Western-style breakfast."
Su Chang smiled smugly: "Of course, I'm an all-rounder. Come and have a taste."
Ye Zhenzhen got out of the car, sat on the folding chair, and began to enjoy her breakfast. She took a bite of the fried egg; the yolk oozed out, its texture delicate and its flavor delicious. The bacon was fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with an irresistible aroma. The toast, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired perfectly with the fried egg and bacon.
"It's delicious!" Ye Zhenzhen exclaimed. "Your cooking is amazing!"
Su Chang sat opposite her, smiling as she looked at her: "I'm glad you like it. I'll make it for you often in the future."
Ye Zhenzhen nodded, her eyes filled with happiness: "Okay, then I'm going to enjoy it to the fullest."
The two chatted and ate breakfast together in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The sunlight shone on them, warm and comforting. In the distance, several seagulls soared over the sea, their clear cries seemingly accompanying their happy moment.
After breakfast, Su Chang cleaned up the dishes and began organizing the camping gear. Ye Zhenzhen also offered to help, and the two of them dismantled the tent and packed up the barbecue grill and other items. Although the wind and rain last night had left the campsite a bit messy, they quickly restored it to its tidy state through their joint efforts.
"What are our plans next?" Ye Zhenzhen asked.
Su Chang thought for a moment and said, "We can visit some nearby attractions. I heard there's a beautiful beach here with great scenery. We can go back tomorrow."
Ye Zhenzhen nodded: "Okay, I want to go and see too."
The two packed their luggage, loaded their camping gear back into the car, and drove to a nearby beach. Along the way, Ye Zhenzhen looked out the window at the scenery, her heart filled with anticipation. She loved traveling and exploring unknown places, and this trip with Su Chang made her even more excited.
Upon arriving at the beach, the two got out of the car and strolled along the sand. A gentle sea breeze brought a refreshing coolness. The soft sand felt wonderful underfoot. In the distance, waves lapped the shore, creating a pleasant sound.
Ye Zhenzhen took off her shoes and walked barefoot on the beach, feeling the coolness of the seawater. She turned to Su Chang and said, "You should try it too, it feels really comfortable."
Su Chang smiled, took off his shoes, and followed behind her. The two strolled together on the beach, enjoying the beautiful moment.
"It's so beautiful here," Ye Zhenzhen exclaimed. "I feel completely relaxed."
Su Chang nodded: "Yes, the power of nature can always bring people peace."
The two walked to a rock, sat down, and looked out at the sea. Sunlight shone on the water, making it sparkle like countless diamonds.
Ye Zhenzhen leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Thank you, Su Chang. This camping trip was really fun."
Su Chang gently put his arm around her shoulder and whispered, "As long as you're happy, I'm satisfied."
They smiled at each other, their hearts filled with happiness and contentment. They knew that no matter what the future held, at this moment they were the most important people to each other.
After a pleasant morning on the beach, the two decided to return to camp to prepare lunch. Su Chang once again showcased his culinary skills, cooking a sumptuous seafood feast for Ye Zhenzhen. The two chatted and ate lunch together in a warm and sweet atmosphere.
In the afternoon, they decided to continue exploring the nearby attractions. Su Chang drove Ye Zhenzhen to a viewing platform overlooking the entire island. Standing on the platform, Ye Zhenzhen gazed at the distant sea and islands, filled with awe.
"This place is so beautiful," Ye Zhenzhen exclaimed. "I feel like I'm surrounded by the beauty of nature."
Su Chang stood beside her and said softly, "Yes, the scenery here is indeed beautiful. But the most beautiful scenery is still you."
Ye Zhenzhen turned her head, looked into Su Chang's eyes, and blushed slightly: "You're getting better and better at talking. I wonder how many people you've said that to."
Su Chang smiled, knowing that Ye Zhenzhen was just throwing a little tantrum, and gently held her hand: "I was just speaking my mind."
The two lingered on the observation deck for a long time, enjoying the beautiful moment. They only reluctantly left when the sun began to set.
Back at camp, Su Chang began preparing dinner. He decided to make a simple hot pot, and the two sat around the stove, eating and chatting. The aroma of the hot pot filled the air, warm and comforting.
"We're going back tomorrow," Ye Zhenzhen said with some regret. "I really wish time could slow down."
Su Chang nodded: "Yes, this camping trip was really fun. But we'll have many more opportunities to go out and have fun together in the future."
Ye Zhenzhen smiled and said, "Yes, I believe you."
After dinner, the two sat outside the tent, gazing at the stars in the night sky. A gentle night breeze brought a refreshing coolness.
Ye Zhenzhen leaned on Su Chang's shoulder and whispered, "Su Chang, thank you. This camping trip has given me a lot of insights and made me even more certain of my feelings."
Su Chang gently put his arm around her shoulder and whispered, "Zhenzhen, I'm also very grateful that you chose me. I won't let you regret it."
They smiled at each other, their hearts filled with anticipation for the future. They knew that no matter what the future held, at this moment they were the most important people to each other.
As night deepened, the two returned to their tent and fell asleep in each other's arms. Outside, the gentle sound of the waves drifted in, as if accompanying their blissful moment.
·· ··Requesting flowers··· ········
The next morning, the two packed their bags and drove back to the city. Although their camping trip was over, their hearts were filled with anticipation and hope for the future.
Back at Ode to Joy, Su Chang originally wanted to invite Ye Zhenzhen back to the 23rd floor, but Ye Zhenzhen insisted on staying on the 22nd floor for the time being, so Su Chang had no choice but to take Ye Zhenzhen home. The two said goodbye reluctantly at the door, promising to go camping together again next time.
"Goodbye, Su Chang," Ye Zhenzhen said softly. "Thank you, this camping trip was really enjoyable."
Su Chang smiled and gently kissed her forehead: "Goodbye, Zhenzhen. Let's go out together again next time."
Ye Zhenzhen nodded and watched Su Chang leave. She returned home, her heart filled with happiness and contentment. She knew that no matter what the future held, she was happy at this moment.
When Su Chang returned home, he called Zheng Fangxiu to inquire about the island. He was now eager to resolve the island issue so that he could give his women an explanation.
After Zheng Fangxiu answered the phone, she told Su Chang that Liang Dawei and Xiong Kuohai had already started on other matters, but Tan Zongming wanted to meet with him in person to discuss the negotiations with the higher-ups. Su Chang said she understood and asked them to speed things up, and that she would contact Tan Zongming herself.
...... . ...
After hanging up Zheng Fangxiu's call, Su Chang dialed Tan Zongming's number. Tan Zongming, of course, understood what Su Chang meant by calling and invited him to his manor that afternoon to discuss the matter. Su Chang said it was no problem.
After hanging up Tan Zongming's call, Su Chang took a deep breath and looked out the window at the bustling cityscape of downtown Shanghai. He knew that the conversation that followed would determine the course of their entire plan.
The island project is more than just a project; it's a crucial part of building his ideal home. If this step isn't handled well, all subsequent plans will be affected.
At 3:30 p.m., the car slowly drove into the manor. The scenery inside the manor was still picturesque, with lush green grass, abundant flowers and trees, and the lake in the distance shimmering in the sunlight.
Tan Zongming was lounging on a lounge chair on the lawn, a glass of red wine in his hand, looking relaxed. Seeing Su Chang's car approach, he slightly raised his hand in greeting.
After getting out of the car, Su Chang walked straight to Tan Zongming and joked with a smile, "President Tan, you're living a really leisurely life."
Tan Zongming smiled and retorted, "President Su, you're not bad either. You only offered one idea for the two projects we're working on, and didn't get involved in anything else. You're living a more comfortable life than me, aren't you? I'm practically working for you."
Su Chang awkwardly touched his nose and laughed, "I just trust President Tan's character and abilities. With you in charge, what do I have to worry about?"
Tan Zongming snorted, clearly unimpressed by Su Chang's flattery, and said indifferently, "Don't give me that, you're just lazy."
Su Chang laughed and didn't pursue the topic further. Instead, he said seriously, "President Tan, you know about what's happening on the island, right? The country of baboons has been obstructing construction, and the progress has been delayed for a long time."
Tan Zongming nodded, his expression turning serious.
He put down his wine glass, pondered for a moment, and said, "Su Chang, I've actually been wanting to ask you a question. Are you really so determined to have that island? Actually, you could consider selling that island and then renting another island along the coast. That would not only be cheaper, but also easier to handle in terms of procedures."
Su Chang shook her head, her tone firm: "No, this island is extremely important to us. It's not just a simple project; it's the core of my entire plan. I need a completely independent place, a place free from outside interference. Renting an island domestically simply won't achieve this goal."
Chapter 354 Preparations Before Negotiations
Tan Zongming frowned, clearly not surprised by Su Chang's answer. He sighed and said, "If that's the case, then you'll have to make a deal with the higher-ups. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time overcoming the obstacles from the Baboon Country on your own."
Su Chang nodded, indicating his understanding. He knew what Tan Zongming meant by "exchange of interests." In this world, there's nothing money can't solve; if there is, it's simply because there isn't enough money. However, Su Chang also knew that money alone might not be enough to sway those high-ranking officials. What they needed might be more than just money.
"Mr. Tan, do you think I could support national development through charity in exchange for the country's support?" Su Chang asked tentatively.
Tan Zongming raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the suggestion. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "The idea is good, but its implementation might be quite complex. Charity is indeed a good starting point, but you need to find a balance that satisfies national needs while also bringing you tangible benefits. Moreover, the attitudes of higher-ups are hard to predict; they might not give you the green light just because of charity."
Su Chang nodded, indicating his understanding. He knew Tan Zongming was telling the truth. In this world, exchanging interests is never a simple matter. Especially when national interests are involved, caution is paramount.
"Mr. Tan, what do you think I should do next?" Su Chang asked humbly.
Tan Zongming pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "First, you need to clarify your bottom line. How important is the island project to you? If you abandon this project, do you have any other alternatives?"
"Secondly, you need to understand the real needs of the higher-ups. What do they really want? Is it money, or something else? Only by clarifying these things can you make your demands in a targeted manner."
Su Chang nodded in agreement. He knew that Tan Zongming's analysis was spot on. What he needed most now was to clarify his goals and find a breakthrough.
"Mr. Tan, do you think I could put pressure on the Baboon Country through some international connections? For example, could I find some influential international organizations or countries and ask them to speak on my behalf?" Su Chang put forward another idea.
Tan Zongming shook his head and said, "This idea is not very realistic. Although the Baboon Country is a small country, it is not entirely without a voice in the international arena. Moreover, if you exert pressure through international relations, it is likely to provoke the resentment of the higher-ups. After all, the issue of national sovereignty is very sensitive, and the higher-ups will not want to see external forces intervene."