Chapter 9

Hans' barbecue, with multiple branches in Ice City, occupies an entire floor of a commercial building at the Power Store, covering over a thousand square meters and capable of accommodating more than five hundred people dining simultaneously.

The buffet is reasonably priced, costing only 59 yuan per person. The lunch service runs from 10 AM to 2 PM, providing ample time for a thorough conversation.

Under Lin Ming's enthusiastic welcome, everyone found a six-person table, mainly because the larger table could accommodate more plates. Zhang Jian, a food lover, was particularly excited about the buffet, having skipped breakfast and looking forward to a good meal.

Zhang Jian and Lin Ming sat in one row, while Jin Ling and Zheng Lei sat in another, facing each other, which made it convenient for chatting.

From the beginning of the meal, Lin Ming intentionally guided the conversation towards the interests and hobbies of the two, with Jin Ling assisting, making the conversation flow smoothly.

Finally, the conversation turned to more substantial topics, such as income and family.

"I have a family of four. My parents and my brother live in the capital, while I am working hard in Ice City. I currently work as a construction site supervisor at a construction company and expect to be promoted by the end of the year. My current income is decent, around a few thousand yuan a month, mainly to handle social security, personnel files, and household registration. I also do some part-time work, earning several ten thousand yuan a month, though the amount varies, but it's always at least ten thousand yuan a month," Zhang Jian introduced his best side, hoping to attract Zheng Lei's interest.

"Do you plan to settle in Ice City?" Zheng Lei asked.

"I'm considering it. I want to settle here. My hometown is Meigang, which is not too far from here. I used to work in Xichuan and Yundian, which were too far away, so I came back. I plan to buy a house by the end of the year, but I haven't decided on the specific district yet. I might choose a group purchase from my company," Zhang Jian said, noticing a hint of joy in Zheng Lei's eyes, knowing there was a chance.

Suddenly, Lin Ming pulled him out, saying he wanted to smoke. Zhang Jian was puzzled, wondering why they had to go out to smoke when they were having a good conversation. However, it was also a good opportunity to quickly go to the toilet and take on the task, in case everything went well today.

"Damn, are you exaggerating? If you say you earn tens of thousands a month and can't deliver, what will you do? I told her you earn four to five thousand a month. How am I supposed to cover for you?" Lin Ming said, dissatisfied.

"Brother, don't worry, I'm not lying. This month, my income should be over ten thousand yuan, and it will increase in the future. I really found a part-time job, a legitimate one. What look is that?" Zhang Jian said indignantly.

"Are you not one of those guys who put up ads on utility poles for male services?" Lin Ming looked doubtful.

"Look at me, would anyone want me for that? I'm not as experienced as you. Should I tell your wife about your college days?" Zhang Jian said.

"No, okay, I believe you. If that's the case, you two might really work out. Her family wants her to stay in Ice City. They are from Jiangbei District, not too wealthy, but they have a house and a car. She has an older brother, and her parents don't need much care from her. Her family doesn't have high requirements for the man, just that he can afford a house, earns four to five thousand a month, and is taller than her. You fit the criteria, and even exceed them a bit," Lin Ming said, patting Zhang Jian on the shoulder.

"Thanks, Brother. Whether we work out or not, I'll treat you to a big meal. No question, the Shangri-La buffet, top-notch. I'll go to the toilet, wait for me a moment."

Zhang Jian hid in a stall, quickly took off his watch, and entered the Spirit Gourd Space.

"Give me the task, the one about finding a girlfriend."

"Host, you have received the task to find a girlfriend. Do you confirm?"

"Confirm."

Exiting the Spirit Gourd Space, he quickly flushed the toilet and went out.

Back at the table, Jin Ling and Zheng Lei were chatting. When they saw Zhang Jian and Lin Ming return, Zheng Lei's face turned slightly red. There was a chance, a very good chance!

After the meal, everyone had nothing to do and decided to go to the movies. The Wanda Cinema was just across the street, and it was showing the 3D version of Titanic, perfect for a date.

Zhang Jian had already seen the regular version and watched the 3D version at home the night before using the Magic Mirror, but he didn't dare say that. He quickly went to buy the tickets.

The tickets cost 91 yuan each, really expensive, but he couldn't haggle. The movie started in fifteen minutes, so he bought them.

He also bought four large buckets of popcorn and four bottles of juice, carrying them over.

Since he had already seen the movie once, watching it again wasn't very interesting, especially for someone with myopia. Wearing 3D glasses made his eyes strain. The popcorn and juice were barely touched, as everyone had just had a buffet. It was a mistake, a lack of experience.

After the movie, it was around 5 PM, and the sky was already getting dark, as it does in Northeast China in winter.

"It's too early for dinner. Why don't we do something else?" Jin Ling suggested.

"Sure, where should we go? Where do you usually take her, Brother?" Zhang Jian quickly agreed, not giving Zheng Lei a chance to refuse.

"How about the Shelter? We're exactly four people," Lin Ming said, raising his eyebrows.

It took less than ten minutes to reach the Shelter. They entered a small private room, ordered a variety of snacks like juice, ice cream, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and pot stickers, and then started playing mahjong.

After a few rounds, Zhang Jian noticed that the two girls were clearly not very skilled. Even though he was holding back, they still lost.

Fortunately, he was quick-witted and had suggested that the winner would treat everyone to dinner. Playing for one yuan per point, they could lose or win a few hundred yuan in a few hours, and he could be generous when treating them to dinner.

However, the tide of the game changed. At some point, Zhang Jian couldn't even get a hand, while the two girls kept winning. By 8 PM, Zhang Jian had lost nearly 300 yuan, and this was just a one-yuan mahjong game!

Zheng Lei won the most, so she should have treated them to dinner. When Zhang Jian ordered, he deliberately chose a cheap vegetarian dish, saying he had had too much meat at lunch and felt greasy.

Jin Ling rolled her eyes at him and ordered two meat dishes. Who could stand a completely vegetarian meal, especially if they weren't a vegetarian?

On the way back, Lin Ming winked at Zhang Jian and said he would take Jin Ling first, as it wasn't on the way to Zheng Lei's place, and asked Zhang Jian to take her home. Zhang Jian naturally agreed and happily hailed a taxi for them, urging them to leave quickly.

"Damn, why are there so many cars today? I wanted to walk with Zheng Lei for a while, but now I have to get in the car," Zhang Jian cursed to himself.

When they arrived, the taxi driver, without any tact, said, "Young man, it's hard to get a taxi in Jiangbei. Do you want to go back? I can wait for you."

Zhang Jian, suppressing his anger, thanked him. "Hell no, I'll walk back, I won't take your car."

"I'll walk you to your building," Zhang Jian said, walking with Zheng Lei into the complex. The complex was quite large, and Zhang Jian was secretly happy, as it meant he could stay a bit longer. He didn't expect to go into her home so soon, but spending more time together was satisfying.

"I'm here, you can go back," Zheng Lei said softly.

"Go up and show me the light when you get to your floor, and then I'll leave," Zhang Jian felt clever at that moment, thinking his words were quite touching.

"Ha, my parents are home, and I live on the third floor. Look, the light is already on," Zheng Lei laughed, making Zhang Jian feel very awkward.

"Alright, go up, I'll leave," Zhang Jian said, somewhat disappointed.

After Zheng Lei went upstairs, she opened the window and saw Zhang Jian still standing below.

"Why aren't you leaving?" Zheng Lei whispered.

"I just want to say one thing, choose me, you won't regret it!" Zhang Jian shouted and then ran away. Zheng Lei felt her face heat up and quickly closed the window.

There will be another update before 11 PM. I'll keep my promise. If you enjoy it, don't forget to bookmark and recommend it. Old Four thanks you.

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