A thousand yuan was given as thanks for her care during this period. He included the cost of meals and movie tickets, stating that they were now even, and then, before she could react, he left the company and never appeared again.
Upon realizing it was all her own wishful thinking, she let go of her feelings for Liu Yifeng and even had a relationship afterwards.
After this relationship, she always found herself thinking, "How could I have been so blind before?"
Why would she fall for Liu Yifeng? He had no money, no gentlemanly demeanor, only a somewhat handsome face.
But looks couldn't fill a stomach. This new boyfriend, though not handsome, often bought her gifts and took her to high-end restaurants.
However, wealthy men were often unfaithful. In just six months of dating, he cheated on her with another woman. When she caught him, he broke up with her.
Now, she no longer believed in men and had no desire for any more relationships.
It took them about an hour before the three of them finalized the renovation style and details.
Qiangzi immediately started sketching with paper and pen. This was his livelihood, and drawing blueprints was child's play for him.
In just over an hour, he had finished the blueprints. Next was to buy materials and start the renovation.
"Qiangzi, make sure you use the best materials. Don't be stingy with money. There's still a lot of investment from the villagers!"
"Don't worry about that. I'll definitely use the best. I'll call a few friends right now so they can come over at two in the afternoon. We'll go to the building market to buy materials and start the renovation precisely at two in the afternoon," Qiangzi said.
After making the calls, they took the elevator downstairs. It was eleven o'clock, still a bit early for lunch.
Liu Yifeng then drove straight to the building market. The quality of materials wasn't solely determined by price.
As the saying goes, "Every trade has its secrets." Liu Yifeng and Lu Fei knew nothing about selecting building materials and were completely useless to Qiangzi.
The two of them acted like bodyguards, following Qiangzi wherever he went. When discussing materials, Qiangzi used a lot of professional jargon, which made the shop owner realize he couldn't fool Qiangzi and consequently offered the best materials.
Based on his understanding of the market, Qiangzi also negotiated prices down considerably. Not only did they get the best materials, but they also saved a lot of money.
If Liu Yifeng had come alone, he would have been a complete fool, likely getting swindled beyond recognition.
After browsing the building market for over an hour, they had bought most of what they needed. They still had to purchase some small parts from other places.
There were also potted plants and greenery, which would require a trip to the flower market. But after working for so long, they were all hungry.
So, they left their company address and asked the merchants to deliver the items around two o'clock.
They then went to eat. The group casually found a small restaurant and ordered some rice bowls.
After all, they had a busy afternoon ahead and wouldn't have time for drinks or a big meal.
"Yifeng, after I finish eating, you can drive me back to the company first, and then you can go buy the other small parts. As for the potted plants, don't rush to buy them; it's not too late to buy them after the renovation is done," Qiangzi said while eating.
Liu Yifeng, who was shoveling rice into his mouth, nodded upon hearing Qiangzi's words.
After eating, Liu Yifeng paid the bill and then drove Qiangzi to the office building.
"I'll head upstairs then. Drive carefully, and if you're unsure about anything, give me a call," Qiangzi said as he got out of the car, not rushing to close the door.
"I know. Go ahead and get busy!" Liu Yifeng replied.
Qiangzi closed the car door and walked towards the office building lobby.
The materials they bought at the building market had already been delivered upstairs, and the workers were waiting for him with the blueprints to start the renovation.
Xie Hongmei, who had just finished her meal outside, saw Qiangzi get out of a Porsche and couldn't help but wonder what he did for a living.
Not many people could afford a Porsche these days. She had worked there for several years and had never seen anyone arrive at work in a Porsche before, nor had she ever seen this man.
Could he be here for a business meeting? Seeing the elevator doors about to close, she quickly called out, "Wait!"
Hearing her voice, Qiangzi pressed the button for the elevator, and the doors opened. She walked in and said, "Thank you."
"Which floor are you going to?" Qiangzi asked.
"The 12th floor, thank you!" Xie Hongmei stood beside Qiangzi.
Hearing that the woman was going to the 12th floor, Qiangzi remembered that Yifeng used to work on the 12th floor as well. Could this woman have been Yifeng's colleague?
But that was all in the past, and he didn't pry.
Xie Hongmei initiated a conversation, "You look new here, sir. Are you just starting to work here?"
"Yes, it's my first day!" Qiangzi didn't say much, just replied politely. He was a married man and should maintain a certain distance from the opposite sex.
Xie Hongmei wanted to say more, but the elevator doors opened, and she had arrived.
She could only smile at Qiangzi and then walk out of the elevator.
However, she remembered that Qiangzi was going to the 16th floor. She would try to find out more about him on the 16th floor another day to see what he did.
Upon reaching the 16th floor, Qiangzi took out the pre-drawn blueprints and began working with the crew.
Meanwhile, after dropping Qiangzi off at his company, Liu Yifeng drove Lu Fei to buy other parts.
On the way, Lu Fei received a long-awaited phone call.
Seeing the contact name, he excitedly patted Liu Yifeng's shoulder, "Guess who called me?"
"Who?" Liu Yifeng asked.
Lu Fei replied excitedly, "It's Chen Xinyue. Why do you think she called me out of the blue?"
After they parted ways with Chen Xinyue after their barbecue last time, they hadn't contacted each other since.
He thought they would have no more contact, but unexpectedly, Chen Xinyue called him.
"Aren't you going to answer it quickly? If you don't, she'll hang up," Liu Yifeng said, watching the person in the rearview mirror, gripping his phone and getting excited.
Lu Fei finally came to his senses and quickly answered, "Hello, Miss Chen, hello!"
"Lu Fei, long time no see!" Chen Xinyue's voice on the phone was so gentle, like a spring breeze.
"Yes, it has been a long time. Miss Chen, why are you calling me so suddenly?" Lu Fei put the call on speaker, wanting Liu Yifeng to also hear why Chen Xinyue was looking for him.
Chen Xinyue said a bit sheepishly, "I'm afraid I do have something I need your help with, but I don't know if it's convenient for you."
"Just tell me what it is. I'll help if I can."
"It's like this, I bought a printer online, and I've been trying to install it according to the manual for a long time, but I just can't get it to work. I need it urgently.
I originally wanted to ask my dad, but his shop is too busy to get away. My other friends don't know how to install it either, so I wanted to ask if you knew how!"
"Then you've come to the right person. I know how to install it. The printers at my old company used to break down often, and I was always the one who fixed them."
"Really? That's great! Can you come and help me install it?" Chen Xinyue said, overjoyed.
Lu Fei was about to agree when he suddenly remembered he still had to go shopping with Liu Yifeng, and he wasn't sure how to answer.
Liu Yifeng had already guessed his intention and mouthed for him to agree.
Seeing that Lu Fei hadn't spoken for a while, Chen Xinyue thought he was busy and couldn't come. She said, "If you're busy, then forget it. I'll go out and print later. Once I'm done with my business, I'll slowly figure it out myself; I should be able to install it."
Lu Fei hurriedly said, "I have time. Where do you live?"
"I'll send you the address via text message. Call me when you get to the complex entrance, and I'll have the security let you in."
"Okay, see you later!"