Chapter 38: Constant Teasing

Gu Wanzhou couldn't believe her eyes.

Did I see that right? Or am I hallucinating?

She blinked rapidly, her mind racing. Perhaps the sleepless nights had finally taken a toll on her senses.

But no. After confirming it multiple times, she realized the truth.

Everything was real.

Heavens… Who would've thought Li Zhiyan's most terrifying talent would be… this?!

Her cheeks flushed as she glanced at her hands, then back at Li Zhiyan.

Her heart raced uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Li Zhiyan, noticing how much effort Gu Wanzhou was putting into helping him make the internet café a success, found himself liking her even more.

Gu Aunty, Huo Aunty—these older women genuinely cared about him, not because they wanted anything, but because they sincerely wanted the best for him.

Unlike those girls my age, he thought bitterly. Always scheming for money or looking for ways to use me for their benefit.

He couldn't resist the temptation to tease her a little.

"By the way, Gu Aunty," he said, flashing his most innocent smile, "have you thought about the thing we talked about? You know, the dating thing."

His eyes shamelessly swept over her, his thoughts drifting. Ever since Huo Aunty had taught him some rather personal skills, his dreams had taken an unexpected turn—becoming stranger and more vivid by the day.

He chalked it up to being 18—too much energy with nowhere to release it.

Gu Wanzhou's face turned a deeper shade of red.

"I'll… I'll think about it," she stammered, leaning closer to whisper in his ear. "These things take time. Be patient, okay?"

She had to speak softly. If anyone overheard a mature woman and a teenage boy discussing a romantic relationship, they'd surely think both had lost their minds.

Li Zhiyan smirked inwardly. He could see through her hesitation. She was trying to use time as an excuse, hoping her internal struggles would dissipate.

It's that 23-year age gap, he mused. No matter how beautiful and elegant she is, no matter how mature her charm…

As a woman with a career and responsibilities, her mind would naturally weigh the pros and cons.

And then there was the issue of his past crush on her daughter, Yu Sisi—a massive obstacle that hung over them like an insurmountable wall.

"Alright, Aunty," he replied, taking her hand gently. "Take all the time you need."

Her hand was soft and smooth, its touch lingering in his palm. He didn't want to let go. One day, he thought, she'll teach me a lesson like Huo Aunty did…

But the clock on the wall reminded them of reality.

"I have to head back to the company," Gu Wanzhou said reluctantly.

"Okay."

He watched as she walked away, her figure disappearing from view.

---

Inside the café, the system alerted him: the remaining customers needed to leave so the upgrade could begin.

Standing near the counter, Li Zhiyan raised his voice.

"Attention, everyone! The café will be closing for three days for a complete system upgrade. When you return, each of you will receive 100 yuan in free credit as compensation. Please come to the counter to register your accounts!"

The announcement caused a stir among the regulars.

"Free credit?!"

One by one, the players eagerly lined up to register their accounts, excitement lighting up their faces.

It took Li Zhiyan and Li Siyu a while to finish the registrations, but once they did, the café emptied out.

Finally, after locking the doors, Li Zhiyan grabbed two ice-cold colas from the fridge, twisting one open and gulping it down.

The fizzy explosion of sweetness on his tongue was pure bliss—a perfect refreshment on a sweltering summer day.

"Boss, isn't giving 100 yuan to each person a bit much?" Li Siyu asked, his brows furrowing. "There were 16 people here today. That's a lot of money!"

"It's worth it," Li Zhiyan replied nonchalantly. "These regulars are the lifeblood of this place. Losing them would cost far more in the long run."

He gestured around the café. "In a city like this, especially in the suburbs, internet cafés are everywhere. Why would anyone stick with this rundown place unless they're used to it? If we don't compensate them, they might get comfortable elsewhere and never come back."

Li Siyu nodded slowly. "You're right, boss. Long-term customers are worth more than 100 yuan. You're starting to sound like a real businessman!"

Li Zhiyan chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Exactly. Now, I'll put up a sign for hiring staff. As the new manager, it's your job to oversee everything once we reopen."

Li Siyu straightened up proudly. "Manager Li Siyu, reporting for duty!"

---

That night, back at home, Li Zhiyan sat at the dinner table with his mom, munching on her homemade dumplings.

"Mom," he said between bites, "I took 4,000 yuan from your savings earlier."

"I know," Zhou Rongrong replied, her tone calm as she placed more food in front of him.

"Aren't you going to ask why?"

"You're an adult now," she said simply. "I trust you have your reasons."

Her gentle words filled his heart with warmth.

"You're the best, Mom."

She smiled, reaching over to pat his cheek affectionately. "You're my son. Who else would I be good to if not you?"

After dinner, she headed to bed, leaving him feeling content and secure in her unwavering support.

---

Meanwhile, Gu Wanzhou lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

She couldn't stop thinking about everything that had happened that day.

Li Zhiyan—just 18 years old—had not only bought a café but also managed to save up 200,000 yuan.

What an extraordinary child…

But that wasn't what kept her awake.

Her gaze drifted to her hands again, and her mind replayed the fleeting moments she had witnessed earlier.

Is it really possible?

Her cheeks burned as she reached for the mirror on her bedside table. "Maybe I should touch up my makeup…"

---

On the fourth day, as the upgraded café neared completion, the system finally issued a new mission.

[Mission Alert]

Target: Fang Zhiya, Liu Yaolong's traditional mother, is being harassed by her company's manager, who is withholding her salary in an attempt to exploit her.

Objective: Help Fang Zhiya recover her wages.

Reward: 50,000 yuan and new connections. Liu Jingfeng, a major shareholder of Xinli Corporation, will become your trusted ally.

Li Zhiyan leaned back, processing the details.

Fang Zhiya… How traditional are we talking here?

If she was anything like Gu Aunty, who resisted even holding hands because of propriety, this mission would be interesting.

He grinned, already imagining the possibilities as he prepared to step into the upgraded café for the first time.

Time to see what this café can really do.