The system only arrives when you're old? Then let's create a super-rich family!

Lu Cheng'an watched Qin Mao's hurried departure, shook his head helplessly, and did not try to stop him further.

Seeing that Lu Cheng'an didn't speak, Zhou Lin at the door didn't let anyone follow him, until he watched Qin Mao walk into the elevator and disappear from sight.

Shortly after, Cheng Zhixin, the male secretary chosen by Zhou Hongyi, entered the office after signing the contract in the waiting room.

After a brief greeting and confirmation of the onboarding details, Zhou Hongyi, at Lu Chengan's suggestion, led him to the 88th floor to check out his office floor and a report on the catering industry.

Lu Cheng'an bowed slightly and left, saying, "Young Master, I'll go back and report the Second Young Master's matter to the Master."

The office quickly became quiet.

But not long after, Niu Zhigang, the Minister of Planning and Construction, walked in carrying a thick stack of research reports.

"Chairman, this is a complete analysis report on leading enterprises in various industries in Jiangnan Province, their business district layouts, consumer markets, and personal networks. Please take a look."

Qin Zihao looked at the thick stack of reports and felt a sense of dread.

This was his first formal foray into business planning, but he felt uncertain and uncertain, as if he were adrift.

However, this is just a report on the layout of various enterprises in Jiangnan Province, and he doesn't need to make any decisions.

Therefore, he remained calm, indicating to Niu Zhigang that he could put it down, and then began to look through the report.

the other side.

Qin Mao took out his phone and replied: 【Sure, where are you? I'll come pick you up.】

Xu Qinghe: [Location.]

Qin Mao: [Wait a moment, I'll be there in a bit.]

Hearing that the older man was coming to pick her up, Xu Qinghe held her phone, her heart pounding like a trapped deer, filled with anticipation.

The older man actually came to pick her up in person! Does this mean that he also has slightly different feelings for her?

After the initial joy, Xu Qinghe suddenly stopped, struggling with what clothes to wear.

She picked up a pink dress, held it up a couple of times, then shook her head: "Too childish. Won't the older man think I'm not mature enough?"

She then pulled out a black casual outfit. "It's too formal and doesn't suit my age. The older man definitely won't like it."

Xu Qinghe ultimately chose a white T-shirt paired with a light blue long skirt, a simple everyday outfit that made her look more natural.

She sketched a simple, plain look, carefully folded the suit jacket and put it in her bag, momentarily lost in thought.

Xu Qinghe was conflicted. Many times she picked up the coat but couldn't help putting it down again. She wanted to return the coat to the uncle, but she was also afraid that if she did, she would never have the chance to meet him again.

She kept tugging at the bag until her phone vibrated and a message from Qin Mao popped up saying, "I'm downstairs." Only then did she bite her lip, reluctantly put the cloth bag into her purse, and quickly go downstairs.

A black sedan was parked by the roadside, its window rolled down, revealing Qin Mao's figure.

Upon seeing the figure she had been longing for, Xu Qinghe completely ignored the luxurious and exquisite car body and happily ran over.

"Uncle! You're here!" The girl's voice was sweet and soft, full of joy.

Her smile was radiant, and her eyes were eager.

Qin Mao hummed in agreement, then looked away somewhat uncomfortably. "Get in the car."

"Okay." Xu Qinghe opened the passenger door and got in without any hesitation.

Qin Mao was slightly surprised to see this, but he didn't move his body or turn his head, only glancing at it out of the corner of his eye.

He didn't say anything. After Xu Qinghe fastened her seatbelt, he started the car and slowly merged into the traffic.

"What do you like to eat? Chinese or Western food?" Qin Mao asked subconsciously, completely forgetting that it was the other person who had offered to treat him to dinner.

"Uncle, I'm treating you to dinner today," Xu Qinghe reminded him with a smile, then added mischievously, "You can treat me to dinner next time."

After saying that, she loosened her grip on the coat bag.

"Sorry, I forgot." Qin Mao chuckled, trying to ease the awkwardness. "So, what are you planning to treat me to?"

"Uncle, do you prefer Chinese or Western food?"

Chinese food.

"I know a small restaurant, it's a husband-and-wife run, but the food is really delicious. Shall I take you to try it?"

"it is good."

It's not far; it only takes about ten minutes by car.

The small restaurant is a luxurious and simple private kitchen. The environment is average, but it is quiet and elegant, making it a great place for chatting and small gatherings.

Xu Qinghe chose a booth by the window and pushed the menu in front of Qin Mao.

"Uncle, what would you like to eat? The signature dishes here are all pretty good. Feel free to order as a thank you for giving me a ride in that torrential rain."

"No need to be so polite, it was just on my way, nothing at all." Qin Mao politely declined, "How about I treat you this time? It's not right for a young lady to pay for a meal."

He glanced at Xu Qinghe's simple clothes and, thinking that she was a simple-minded girl, couldn't help but speak.

"That won't do!" Xu Qinghe puffed out her cheeks, her tone a little stubborn. "Uncle, please don't try to take it from me, or I'll feel bad about it."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked directly at Qin Mao, her expression a mix of girlish naiveté and earnestness.

Seeing that Xu Qinghe was determined, Qin Mao had no choice but to smile helplessly and compromise: "Alright, I'll do as you say."

Fortunately, it was a small restaurant with reasonable prices. He casually ordered two side dishes, which came to a total of eighty-eight yuan.

Xu Qinghe immediately smiled broadly, her eyes full of joy. She took the menu and ordered two more of the restaurant's signature dishes, and carefully asked Qin Mao if he had any dietary restrictions.

While waiting for the food to be served, Xu Qinghe asked Qin Mao curiously about his job, "Uncle, what do you do for a living?"

Qin Mao thought for a moment and replied, "I guess you could say I'm a contractor."

"Wow, you're amazing, sir!" Xu Qinghe guessed based on Qin Mao's complexion and the brand of his clothes, "Are you in real estate?"

Qin Mao chuckled twice, nodded, and only vaguely said that he did some real estate-related business, without going into specific details.

He didn't mention the Qin family's wealth or the Cloud Top Building, which would scare ordinary people.

Seeing that Qin Mao had no intention of saying more, Xu Qinghe didn't press him further. Instead, she talked about her past campus life, club anecdotes, daily classes, and her love of singing, occasionally asking Qin Mao if he had any interesting experiences.

Qin Mao listened quietly, occasionally chiming in with a few words, his expression gentle and relaxed, simply assuming it was a young girl sharing interesting things about her life.

Having experienced the ups and downs of relationships, he had long since become indifferent to matters between men and women. Yet, when faced with this young girl who always smiled at him and whose gaze revealed undisguised affection, a strange ripple always stirred within him.

But considering their ages, he could only suppress the complex emotions in his heart.

As they chatted, Xu Qinghe suddenly rested her chin on her hand, blinked her big eyes at Qin Mao, and whispered with admiration, "Uncle, I just think mature men like you are especially charming. You're steady, reliable, and gentle, much better than those impetuous guys."

The praise was straightforward and undisguised; the girl's thoughts were practically written all over her face.

She is passionate, pure, and a little cunning, but she uses all of that to openly express her preference for mature older men.

Qin Mao was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. He subconsciously avoided her intense gaze, coughed lightly, and then calmly changed the subject: "Uncle isn't as good as you think. You get old in the blink of an eye, and you don't have the passion of young people."

"Uncle, you're different, aren't you?"

Xu Qinghe secretly smiled, and seeing that Qin Mao did not answer, she did not press him for an answer, but the desolation in her eyes was obvious.

The food was served one after another. The two of them stopped talking and simply ate their meal, but the calm atmosphere carried a subtle awkwardness.

On the way back, Xu Qinghe took out the bag containing her coat and gently handed it to Qin Mao. The deep breath she took contained the courage she had been holding onto all the way.

"Uncle, thank you. Here's your coat. I've washed and ironed it."

As she spoke, her palms trembled slightly, her heart filled with both anticipation and fear, and even her breathing became cautious.

The moment Qin Mao took the bag, she clearly saw the indifference in his eyes. That expected rejection still felt like a fine needle gently piercing her heart, and a bitter taste instantly spread through her.

Her eyes welled up with tears, but she bit her lower lip hard, forcing herself to hold them back. She straightened her back, turned her head to look out the window, and pretended to look at the scenery along the road.

She told herself she couldn't cry, she couldn't let the older man see her vulnerability, even though her heart was already a desolate wasteland, even though this carefully expressed affection was crushed as soon as it was spoken, she had to pretend that nothing was wrong.

At least, one can retain a shred of dignity and avoid making things too embarrassing.

The atmosphere in the car was unusual. Qin Mao had already noticed Xu Qinghe's strange behavior, but he told himself not to make any moves.

There is a huge age gap between them, so they are not a good match.

The vehicle stopped in front of the small shop.

As darkness fell, the whistling wind heralded another heavy rainstorm.

Xu Qinghe forced a strong "thank you," then opened the door and got out of the car.

beep.

The phone rang.

Qin Mao pressed the answer button. "Dad, what's wrong?"

"Five? Dad, please spare me. Just give me a male secretary."

"Why can Hongyi do it, but I can't? And why do we need five more?"

"Does having a girlfriend mean I don't need those five female secretaries?"

...

Xu Qinghe walked sadly to the shop, and raindrops fell instantly, drip-drip-drip.

She took another deep breath, bravely turned around, and said her final goodbye to Qin Mao.

Just then, Qin Mao rolled down his car window and asked a question.

"Goodbye, sir!"

"Um, could you pretend to be my girlfriend?"