Chapter 28: A New Task

Although Gu Wanzhou said she would "consider" it, Li Zhiyan knew that was already a significant breakthrough. The seed had been planted, and he was confident it would grow.

Considering it was only the first step. Slowly but surely, she would be pulled closer until they were finally together.

"Alright, Auntie Gu, let me walk you home," Li Zhiyan offered with a smile.

Gu Wanzhou nodded, but her face flushed as warmth spread across her cheeks. She wasn't sure why, but something about tonight felt different.

The night was dark, and the shadows seemed to hold untold dangers. Occasionally, stray cats darted across the streets, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. Normally, such an atmosphere would make her anxious, even fearful.

But with Li Zhiyan walking beside her, a sense of security replaced her usual unease.

"By the way, Zhiyan," she began, breaking the silence, "I've decided to go ahead with buying that property. I've been checking out a few options recently, and they all look pretty good. It's a good investment."

Her voice carried a tone of gratitude. "What you said really resonated with me. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes."

Li Zhiyan gave her a confident nod. "Trust me, Auntie Gu. Real estate is the way to go. You'll see the returns before you know it, maybe even by the time the school term starts."

"The value of houses will only go up. One day, it'll feel like they're increasing in price every single day."

As they strolled hand in hand, passersby occasionally shot them curious glances.

"That boy's got luck," someone muttered under their breath, their gaze lingering a little too long.

Such stares made Gu Wanzhou uncomfortable. She felt self-conscious under their scrutiny.

"Zhiyan," she whispered, glancing around nervously, "isn't it strange for us to be holding hands like this?"

"Not at all, Auntie Gu," he replied smoothly. "They probably think you're my mom. It's perfectly normal for a mother and son to hold hands."

His reasoning caught her off guard, and the tension in her shoulders eased.

That's true, she thought to herself. Our age difference is so significant that most people wouldn't think anything of it. After all, the idea of an 18-year-old dating a 41-year-old was absurd to most.

By the time they reached the entrance to her apartment complex, Gu Wanzhou came to a stop. "Zhiyan," she said softly, "let go now. There are a lot of familiar faces in the community. If someone sees us, it might cause unnecessary trouble."

Reluctantly, he released her hand. It wouldn't do to cause her discomfort, not when things were progressing so well.

"Alright, Auntie Gu," he said with a grin. "I'll just walk you to your building, and then I'll head home."

They walked side by side toward her building. When they reached the entrance, Li Zhiyan suddenly stepped forward and gave her a brief hug.

"Goodnight, Auntie Gu," he said cheerfully before letting go.

"Goodnight, Zhiyan," she replied, her voice barely audible. The warmth of his embrace lingered as she hurried upstairs, her face burning.

---

Upstairs, just as Gu Wanzhou was stepping into her home, her daughter, Yu Sisi, caught sight of her from the window. She noticed her mother speaking to a young man outside before they parted ways.

A pang of curiosity struck her. Was her mother seeing someone?

---

When Li Zhiyan returned home, the lights in the living room were still on. His mother, Zhou Rongrong, was sitting on the couch, clearly waiting for him.

The sight filled him with warmth. The soft glow of the orange light, the faint scent of burning coal from the kitchen—it all spoke of home. It was obvious his mother had kept the food warm for him, worried he might be hungry.

"Zhiyan, are you hungry?" she asked, her voice gentle. "I made some chicken stew with mushrooms. It's on the stove."

He nodded eagerly, suddenly realizing how famished he was.

Changing into his house slippers, he sat at the dining table like an obedient child, waiting for his mother to serve the food. Soon, she brought over a steaming bowl of stew, along with some steamed buns and a glass of chilled mung bean soup.

As he dug in, Zhou Rongrong watched him with a mix of love and curiosity. "Son," she began, "that girl you were with earlier… she must really like you. You used to worry about finding someone who'd want to stay with you. But look at you now."

Her eyes sparkled with pride. "She must be a good one."

"Mom," Li Zhiyan said with a sheepish grin, "it's still too early for all that. Don't ask too many questions, okay? When the time's right, I'll bring someone home to meet you."

Of course, the only person he'd ever introduce to his mother was Su Mengchen. Though she claimed not to care, he knew his mother would probably faint if he brought someone like Gu Wanzhou or Rao Shiyun home.

"Alright," she chuckled. "I'll wait to meet my daughter-in-law, then!"

After clearing the table, she patted his head. "I'm heading to bed now. I have work tomorrow. Don't stay up too late, and just leave the dishes for me. I'll take care of them in the morning."

As she disappeared into her room, Li Zhiyan sat quietly for a moment, soaking in the warmth of the moment. Having someone waiting for him at home—it was a happiness he didn't take for granted.

---

In his room, Li Zhiyan turned on the fan and let the cool breeze wash over him. Booting up his computer, he checked his messages.

Sure enough, the system reward of five thousand yuan had already been deposited into his account.

"That makes thirteen thousand yuan in savings now," he murmured, leaning back in his chair. "One step closer to being a millionaire. It's like picking money off the ground."

Curious, he opened the system to check for new tasks.

As expected, a fresh mission awaited him.

---

Task: Prevent Rao Shiyun's Harassment

Details: The day after tomorrow, Liu Huan will conspire with a few business partners to get Rao Shiyun drunk during a banquet. His intention is to take advantage of her and bring her to a hotel.

Objective: Stop Liu Huan's scheme.

Bonus Objective: Find a way to kiss Rao Shiyun on the lips.

Rewards: 70,000 yuan, "Drunken Master" skill.

Skill Description: The "Drunken Master" skill grants immunity to alcohol, making you unbeatable at any drinking table.

Bonus Item: Liu Huan's wife's phone number.

---

Li Zhiyan couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The system never failed to impress him.

"Drunken Master? That's insane! If I ever work in government or the corporate world, I'll be unstoppable!"

Still, he couldn't help but chuckle at the odd inclusion of Liu Huan's wife's phone number. What was the system hinting at?

---

Meanwhile, in her own home, Gu Wanzhou lay in bed, tossing and turning. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions she couldn't quite name.

Why did Zhiyan have to like someone as old as me? she wondered, her heart heavy with confusion.

The image of him standing in front of her, shielding her from danger and fiercely beating the thug, replayed in her mind. The sense of security he had given her was undeniable.

As her thoughts spiraled, she sighed, glancing at her pale, slender fingers in the moonlight. Rising from bed, she opened her nightstand and retrieved a nail clipper, meticulously trimming her middle finger in the quiet of the night.