Chapter 9

As the sleek, black Pagani Huayra pulled up to the apartment block, Chén Lónɡ felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. The bright headlights of the car cast a stark contrast to the dull, faded facade of the apartment building. The structure itself was a nondescript, box-like edifice, its peeling paint and rusty fire escapes a testament to years of neglect.

The neighborhood was equally unremarkable, a sea of identical, low-rise apartment blocks stretching out in every direction. The streets were narrow and poorly lit, the only sound the distant hum of traffic and the occasional bark of a dog.

The Pagani Huayra, with its gleaming carbon fiber body and razor-sharp lines, seemed utterly out of place in this drab, working-class neighborhood. It was a car that belonged on the winding mountain roads of the countryside, or the sleek, modern streets of the financial district – not here, amidst the faded dreams and worn aspirations of this forgotten corner of the city.

Chén Lónɡ killed the engine, and the sudden silence was almost deafening. He sat for a moment, collecting his thoughts, before finally stretchinh and opening the door.

As Chén Lónɡ stepped out of the car, the cool night air enveloped him, a welcome respite from the confines of the vehicle. He closed the door behind him, the soft thud echoing through the stillness. With a weary sigh, he began his trek towards the apartment building.

The lobby was dimly lit, the fluorescent lights overhead casting an unforgiving glare. The air was stale, heavy with the scent of cooking oil and stagnation. Chén Lónɡ's footsteps echoed off the drab, beige walls as he made his way towards the stairwell.

He trudged up the stairs, his legs aching with fatigue. The rounds from various apartments drifted through the thin walls, a cacophony of sounds that did little to over come his drowsiness. As he reached his apartment door, he frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Music was coming from inside his apartment.

Chén Lónɡ's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. He slowly turned the handle and pushed open the door.The sight that greeted him was not what he had expected.

A beautiful Jade beauty, with porcelain skin and raven-black and green hair, was dancing in the middle of the living room. She was clad in nothing but her shorts and bra, her lithe body swaying to the rhythm of the music. Earphones were plugged into her ears, and her eyes were closed, lost in the beat.

Chén Lónɡ's eyes widened in surprise, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Who was this mysterious woman, and what was she doing in his apartment?

As Chén Lónɡ stood there, frozen in surprise, the Jade beauty suddenly spun around, her eyes flying open. She gasped, her hand flying to her cover her chest, as she took in Chén Lónɡ's stunned expression.

"Chén Lónɡ!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with surprise. "Why didn't you announce you were coming in?"

Chén Lónɡ's eyes widened as he stared at her, his mind racing to recall her name. And then, in an instant, it came to him.

"Lui laxi !" he exclaimed, a huge grin spreading across his face.

Without warning, he rushed forward, sweeping Lui Láxi into a tight hug. She let out a startled squeak, her arms flailing wildly as she tried to regain her balance.

"Lui Láxi, I've missed you so much!" Chén Lónɡ exclaimed, his voice muffled against her shoulder.

Lio Láxi's face flushed a deep crimson as she struggled to extricate herself from Chén Lónɡ's grasp. "Chén Lónɡ, what are you talking about?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion. "You saw me just this morning!"

His eyes widened as he remembered that he was reincarnated seven years into the past and before a few months before his best friend and college roommate Lio láxi died in a car accident.

Chén Lónɡ released his grip on her and smiled. " I know it's just that I've missed you that's all" she blushes again " Your a weirdo" she said trying to hide her blush but a smile still crept into her face.

After their embrace Chén Lónɡ collapsed onto the worn, beige couch, letting out a deep sigh as he sank into the cushions. Lui Láxi, still blushing, pulled on a worn, white shirt, the fabric clinging to her curves as she moved.

As she buttoned up the shirt, she turned to Chén Lónɡ, a look of concern etched on her face. "long day?" she asked, her voice soft with empathy.

Chén Lónɡ's eyes drifted closed, a wry smile twisting his lips. "You have no idea," he replied, his voice low and rough with exhaustion.

Lui Láxi's brow furrowed, her eyes narrowing with curiosity. "What happened?" she pressed, padding over to the couch and dropping down beside him.

Chén Lónɡ's eyes flickered open, his gaze meeting Lui Láxi's. For a moment, he just looked at her, taking in the familiar contours of her face, the sparkle in her eyes. He felt a pang of gratitude, knowing that she was here, that she was safe.

But he couldn't tell her the truth – not yet, at least. He couldn't explain the deal with Chairman Liáng, the acquisition of JinHai Auto Parts, or the reincarnation that had brought him back to this moment.

So he just shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's just been a long day, that's all," he said, his voice softening.

Lui Láxi's eyes searched his face, as if looking for something more. But she seemed to sense that he wasn't ready to talk, and she nodded, her expression understanding. "Okay, well, you're home now," she said, snuggling into his side. "You can relax."

Lui Láxi snuggled deeper into Chén Lónɡ's side, her voice filled with a warm, comforting tone. "I bought dinner," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Your favorite – Kung Pao chicken and steamed dumplings."

Chén Lónɡ's stomach growled at the mention of food, and he felt a surge of gratitude towards Lui Láxi. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now.

"Thanks, Lui," he said, his voice filled with appreciation. "You didn't have to do that."

Lui Láxi shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "I figured you'd had a long day," she said. "And I was craving it anyway."

Chén Lónɡ chuckled, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over him. This was what he needed – a warm meal, a comfortable couch, and Lui Láxi's gentle presence.

"Let's eat," he said, standing up and pulling Lui Láxi to her feet. "I'm starving." As they ate, Lui Láxi asked, "So, how did the marriage negotiations with Lî Yīng's family go?"

Chén Lónɡ paused, his chopsticks hovering near his mouth with a piece of chicken. He looked at Lui Láxi, a look of suprise on his face.

"I rejected her family's demands," he said taking a bite of the chicken, his voice casual. "I've ended our engagement."

Lui Láxi's eyes widened in surprise, her brow furrowing. "What? Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. Chén Lónɡ shrugged. "We're just not compatible anymore."

Lui Láxi offered a sympathetic smile. "Sorry to hear that. She said and continued to eat" As she spoke, Chén Lónɡ received a system notification:

[Favorability increase: Lui Láxi's favorability towards host has increased by 5 points. Current favorability: 70.]

He looked at Lui Láxi, a smile spreading across his face. He felt a sense of curiosity, wondering what would happen when it reached one hundred .He continued eating, savoring the flavors of the Kung Pao chicken the both them laughing and messing about.

As the night wore on, Chén Lónɡ finished his meal, feeling exhausted. He bid Lui Láxi goodnight and stumbled towards his bedroom.

He collapsed onto his bed, feeling the softness envelop him. He closed his eyes, letting out a deep sigh the day was finally over and it was exhausting who knew building s business empire could be so exhausting.

But he knew he had another challenge tomorrow School with a groan he soon closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.