Douluo: I founded the mecha tribe and I am the king of mecha battles!

Chapter 223 Chance Encounter
As Gu Yue listened to Xu Xiaoyan's story, a complex expression flashed in her eyes. She hadn't expected that Donghai Academy had undergone such a tremendous change during her absence. Once, this was where her dreams began, but now it had become so unfamiliar and advanced.

"Yes, it has changed a lot."

Gu Yue sighed softly. A strange emotion welled up in her heart, a mixture of nostalgia for the past and uncertainty about the future.

Xu Xiaoyan seemed oblivious to Gu Yue's inner turmoil, and continued to excitedly share her experiences.

"Xiao Yan, do you know what Chen Zhou is doing right now?"

Gu Yue couldn't help but speak up, interrupting Xu Xiaoyan's incessant chatter. She suddenly wanted to know what kind of achievements the boy, who had always held a disdainful attitude towards them, had made.
"Young Master Chenzhou? Why are you asking about him?"

"Didn't you two have a bad relationship before?"

Xu Xiaoyan's eyes held a hint of wariness, clearly surprised by Gu Yue's sudden mention of Chen Zhou. Gu Yue realized her lapse in composure and quickly composed herself, smiling slightly, "It's nothing, I just suddenly thought of him. After all, we were classmates."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoyan's expression softened slightly, but her tone still carried a hint of sourness: "Young Master Chen is very busy now. He not only has to be in charge of important scientific research projects at the Supreme Research Group, but also participates in various decisions of the Beast Chamber of Commerce. I heard that he is also personally guiding some young researchers to help them grow quickly."

Gu Yue listened to Xu Xiaoyan's words, her heart filled with mixed feelings. She never expected that the seemingly carefree boy had grown into a core figure in the Beast Merchant Guild, while she herself was lost and confused.

"Has he mentioned us recently?"

Gu Yue asked tentatively.

Upon hearing this, Xu Xiaoyan smiled wryly and said bluntly, "Don't talk about you guys, it's the same for everyone. Young Master Chenzhou seems indifferent to everyone. He's either at the headquarters of the Beast Chamber of Commerce participating in decision-making or going to the Supreme Research Group to conduct experiments all day long."

"Here, this is the latest electrical energy technology paper released yesterday."

"I don't know how the young master of Chenzhou is so intelligent; it's like he has no bottlenecks in his research on technology."

The Xu family of Donghai, as the fastest to surrender to the neutral faction, has always had a plan by its shrewd patriarch, Xu Yongkang, to completely take sides and not allow any wavering.

Fence-sitters are disliked; once you've started something, you should see it through to the end!
Therefore, Xu Yongkang desperately hoped that the Xu family could have a foothold in the Mech Beast Merchant Guild.

As for his position as Vice Minister of Commerce.
He never imagined that a position that could be relinquished at any time was his final destination.

Xu Xiaoyan, as one of the most promising members of the younger generation in the Xu family, was naturally held in high regard. Xu Yongkang had repeatedly hinted to Xu Xiaoyan that she should try to get closer to Chen Zhou and strive to become a member of his team. This was not only for the future of the Xu family, but also for Xu Xiaoyan's personal development.

Although Xu Xiaoyan also had some feelings for Chen Zhou, and even admired him to some extent as someone who was attracted to good looks, she was not entirely without a good impression of him.
But so what?
No matter how hard Xu Xiaoyan tried, Chen Zhou was always someone she could only look up to but never reach. The rare chance encounters between them were nothing more than a nod before he left without lingering.

The boy's gaze never lingered on her. Under such circumstances, what use was it for Xu Xiaoyan to think or be willing?
"is it?"

Gu Yue nodded. For some reason, after hearing Xu Xiaoyan's words, she inexplicably thought of the boy far away at Shrek Academy, and a trace of loneliness flashed in her eyes.

Now that they are separated by distance, is it really necessary for her and him to maintain that dispensable connection?
The two continued strolling through the campus, but Gu Yue's mind was clearly elsewhere. She was thinking about Chen Zhou, Tang Wulin, and her future path.

Xu Xiaoyan seemed to notice Gu Yue's unusual behavior. She stopped and asked with concern, "Gu Yue, what's wrong? Is something on your mind?" Gu Yue snapped out of her thoughts and forced a smile, "Nothing, I just suddenly thought of some things."

Xu Xiaoyan didn't press further; she knew everyone had their own secrets and difficulties. She gently patted Gu Yue's shoulder: "Don't worry, no matter what happens, I'll support you."

Gu Yue glanced at Xu Xiaoyan gratefully, a warm feeling welling up inside her. In this unfamiliar world, she could still feel the warmth and care from her friend, which she found incredibly precious.

The two continued walking until they reached a garden. The flowers in the garden were in full bloom, vying for attention and releasing a fragrant aroma. Gu Yue stopped and quietly admired the beautiful flowers. She suddenly realized that she was like these flowers—beautiful, but uncertain of her future.

Just then, a familiar figure walked over from the other end of the garden. It was Chen Zhou, dressed in an elegant long robe, holding the hand of a bouncy little girl. The little girl had two cute pigtails, and her face was filled with an innocent smile. Her eyes sparkled like two bright stars. Chen Zhou held her hand, his eyes full of tenderness and affection. The two walked and talked, their laughter echoing through the air.

Gu Yue's heart tightened at the sight. She hadn't expected to meet Chen Zhou here, much less that he would appear before her in such a heartwarming way.

You have to understand, Chen Zhou witnessed the entire process of his master, Leng Yaozhu, getting him a job. If she were to ask him how his job was going, wouldn't he be incredibly embarrassed?
Xu Xiaoyan also noticed Chen Zhou, and a joyful smile immediately flashed in her eyes. She waved her hand and shouted loudly towards the front, "Young Master Chen Zhou!"

Unbeknownst to her, Xu Xiaoyan had already placed herself below Chen Zhou in status. Upon hearing the voice, Chen Zhou looked up, his gaze sweeping over Xu Xiaoyan and Gu Yue, a faint smile still on his face. He took Xuan Li's hand and slowly walked over.

"Xiao Yan, Gu Yue, it's been a long time." Chen Zhou's voice was calm and gentle, as if it were just a chance encounter with an old friend.

Gu Yue's heart skipped a beat, but she tried to appear calm. She nodded and replied softly, "Long time no see, Chen Zhou."

Xuan Li looked at Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan curiously, blinked her big eyes, and asked in a clear voice, "Brother, are they your friends?"

Chen Zhou smiled slightly and gently ruffled Xuan Li's hair: "Yes, they were my brother's classmates before."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Li immediately flashed a bright smile and waved to Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan: "Hello, sisters! I'm Xuan Li!"

Xu Xiaoyan was amused by Xuan Li's adorable appearance, squatted down, and said gently, "Hello, Xuan Li! You're so cute!"

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(End of this chapter)