The day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Daniel Li and Serena Li returned to Pengcheng. That evening, they met up with Joyce Wu and Lynn Yan for a seafood feast.
After the meal, Serena Li went to pay the bill first.
After taking a sip of tea, Daniel Li said to the other two, “Joyce, Ling Ling, as you know, I’m going back to the US the day after tomorrow. I’m usually too busy to take care of Chen Chen’s daily life, so I’ll have to trouble you to look after her in the future!”
“Uncle, what are you saying! We’ve been friends for years, it’s only right that we take care of each other,” Joyce Wu said first.
“Yes, Uncle, we meet up to chat and socialize whenever we have time, and Serena is strong and independent, so you don’t need to worry,” Lynn Yan added.
“Sigh, sometimes I feel guilty because I think she’s too independent.” Daniel Li sighed and said, “If I hadn’t been sent abroad, she wouldn’t need to be so independent. What girl doesn’t want to be pampered and spoiled by her parents? She’s not dating anyone right now, and I’m afraid she’ll be lonely.”
Daniel Li finished speaking, Joyce Wu immediately said, “Uncle, you don’t know this, but Serena has a very powerful suitor now. Maybe she’ll be out of the single life soon, Lingling, don’t you think?”
The daughter is beautiful and well-behaved, and she must have no shortage of suitors, but as soon as she heard Joyce Wu say the word “awesome,” she became interested and quickly asked, “Really? Who is the other person?”
Joyce Wu said, “They are businessmen, well-known powerful figures in Pengcheng.”
“A businessman?” Daniel Li frowned upon hearing this. In his mind, businessmen were cunning and opportunistic, and he was afraid that such people would not be sincere to his daughter. In addition, he subconsciously hoped that his daughter would find a scholar-type partner. His daughter was gentle and needed someone with similar interests to accompany her for life.
“Uncle, I think the reason Serena hasn’t told you about this is because she’s still interested, and it might not work out. Besides, Serena is a slow starter; it’s hard for most people to get close to her. We’ll just have to wait and see.” Lynn Yan could tell from Daniel Li ’s expression that he didn’t really like businessmen.
“Yes, Serena is slow to warm up, and she also has some unresolved issues!” Daniel Li said meaningfully.
The other two knew what Daniel Li meant by “unresolved issue.” Just as Joyce Wu was about to tell Daniel Li about Victor Mo ‘s situation again , Serena Li returned.
“Serena, are you and your uncle going to look at cars tomorrow? Did you find a model you like?” Lynn Yan changed the subject.
Serena Li walked over, she pulled up a picture on her phone and showed it to Lynn Yan . Joyce Wu also leaned over to look at it.
“Wow, a BMW 6 Series 640i, a luxury car!” Joyce Wu exclaimed upon seeing the picture and price. “Uncle, do you still take in daughters?”
“Haha!” Daniel Li laughed. “Joyce, your father’s dowry for you will definitely be even more lavish than this!”
“You! Don’t be too greedy!” Lynn Yan poked Joyce Wu ‘s forehead with her index finger.
Joyce Wu’s family owned several properties that were included in the demolition area during the urban renewal project in G City, and they received a large sum of money in compensation, making them a true tycoon.
Joyce Wu couldn’t help but complain when she thought about her father’s traditional and conservative ideas .
“Joyce, you can buy a multi-million dollar ocean view house with just a fraction of your money! Don’t try to steal my dad!” Serena Li teased her.
“Exactly!” Lynn Yan agreed.
…
The four of them enjoyed a pleasant dinner time chatting and laughing.
The next morning, Daniel Li and Serena Li went to the 4S store on Bagua Road to look at cars. Although they had already contacted the salesperson, because this model of BMW was very popular, the car could not be picked up for another month.
The car was chosen by Daniel Li after he returned to China. The paperwork cost 1 million yuan, which Serena Li already thought was too expensive. When the salesperson said that she could only pick up the car in a month, she discussed with Daniel Li whether to exchange it for a 400,000 yuan Audi, which was readily available. However, Daniel Li did not agree. He believed that BMW was better than Audi in terms of both performance and safety. He wanted to give his daughter the best.
In the end, Serena Li complied with his wishes. She knew her father’s thoughts and felt that she couldn’t stay in the country to be with her, so she always provided her with the best material life.
Daniel Li paid the full amount and completed the formalities, he went back with Serena Li .
Before heading home, the two went to the supermarket and bought a lot of ingredients to cook. Serena Li was thinking that he would be going back to the United States the next day, so she tried to cook some dishes that her father liked.
The father and daughter both cared deeply for each other.
The next day, after lunch, Daniel Li set off for the airport. Joyce Wu happened to be free at noon, so she took on the job of picking him up and dropping him off.
Upon arriving at the international terminal, Daniel Li completed the formalities and prepared to go through security. He then bid a reluctant farewell to Serena Li , both of them with slightly red eyes. They knew they would have to wait until at least the Spring Festival to see each other again.
“Dad, take care of yourself when you get back, and call me when you arrive!” Serena Li’s voice choked with emotion.
“Okay, Serena, take good care of yourself too! And good luck with the school anniversary celebration!” Daniel Li didn’t forget to encourage his daughter about being the emcee!
“Uncle, I’ll also go to Z Middle School that day to help Serena take videos and beautiful photos. I’ll take care of that!” Joyce Wu said with a smile.
“Great! I’m looking forward to seeing the photos you send!”
Daniel Li hugged his daughter, then stepped into security, and turned back to wave to them as he reached the corner.
“Tissues!” Joyce Wu noticed her friend’s eyes were wet and quickly handed her tissues.
“Thank you!” Watching her father’s figure disappear around the corner, Serena Li finally shed tears.
The usually talkative Joyce Wu simply hugged her gently, patting her back in silent comfort. She understood that her friend just needed a warm embrace at that moment.
After a while, Joyce Wu ‘s phone rang. She let go of Serena Li with one hand and took out her phone from her backpack with the other to answer the call.
While Joyce Wu was on the phone, Serena Li had already composed herself.
Joyce Wu frowned and said to Serena Li , “Serena, are you going home or somewhere else later? I had a private lesson scheduled for tonight, but I have to change the time to 4 pm at the club. Why don’t you come back to the club with me, and we can invite Lynn to go sing karaoke tonight?”
Serena Li checked her phone; it was almost 3 PM. If Joyce Wu took her home first and then went back to the yoga studio, it would definitely be past 4 PM. “Joyce, I have class tomorrow and need to prepare for it at home. Let’s meet again next time. You drive home first; it’s convenient for me to take the subway.”
Joyce Wu knew there was a subway station right in front of her house, but her friend had just cried, and she was worried. “I’ll tell the member to change the time! I’ll take you home first.”
“No!” Serena Li quickly stopped her from making the call. “Your member has a class scheduled for 4 pm, they’re probably already on their way to the club! I’m fine!”
“Okay! Send this message to our three-person group chat when you get home!”
“Okay! Let’s go!”
The two parted ways in the lobby, and Joyce Wu went to the parking lot to get her car.
As soon as I entered the parking lot, I saw a familiar figure not far away preparing to get into the back seat of a Bentley. Upon closer inspection, I realized I recognized him.
Victor Mo , what a coincidence?
Victor Mo turned to get into his car, he said something to his assistant, Andrew Xu, and also saw Joyce Wu not far away . He stopped getting into the car, straightened up, and greeted Joyce Wu with a smile, “Ms. Wu, what a coincidence!”
“Mr. Mo, did you just get back from your business trip?” Joyce Wu guessed from his demeanor that he had just returned from abroad.
“Ms. Wu, are you here to see someone off after you’ve been to the United States for a few days?”
“Serena’s father is going back to the United States today, and I brought them here.”
” Did Serena drive here too?”
“No, she can only pick up her car in a month. I had to leave early, and since I’m not going the same way as Serena, she took the subway home. I wish I had known you, Mr. Mo, would also be at the airport!”
“A month later? Where did she buy the car?”
“Oh, it’s that 4S store on Bagua Road. Hey, Mr. Mo, I’m in a hurry, I have to go now.” I wanted to chat for a bit more, but my phone rang, and the receptionist called to urge me on.
“Okay. Take care!”
Joyce Wu left, Victor Mo told Andrew Xu , “Call Ms. Su at the 4S store. Her car needs to be delivered in three days at the latest.”
“Okay, Mr. Mo.” After saying that, Andrew Xu went to make a phone call.
***
Two days later at noon, Serena Li received a call from the 4S store right after class. While she was still wondering if there was a problem, the other party told her that her car had arrived.
“You guys are sure you’re not mistaken! Didn’t you say it wouldn’t arrive for another month?” Serena Li asked in surprise, confirming with them again.
“Ms. Li, it’s true, your car has arrived. We are preparing for the registration process, and you can pick it up this weekend.”
“OK, thanks.”
Serena Li hung up the phone, thinking that the 4S store was working too fast.
Serena Li went to pick up her car on Saturday morning. This time, she was greeted by the store manager, who was polite and respectful throughout.
When Serena Li saw the license plate number, she was surprised and asked, “Manager, what’s going on with this number?” The last two digits of the license plate number were “YC”, which is the initials of her name. Is the 4S store really that considerate?
The manager smiled and said, “Ms. Li, this is a surprise from Mr. Mo!”
“ Victor Mo ?” Which Mr. Mo has such ability? Besides him!
“Yes, Ms. Li, you’re so lucky! Let’s go test drive the car.” With that, the manager handed the car keys to Serena Li .
At this moment, Serena Li was in no mood for a test drive; all she felt was shock and panic.
Victor Mo hadn’t contacted him during this time , and she thought there would be no more involvement. Little did she know he would cause such a big “scare.” Putting aside how much it would cost to acquire this license plate, there are so many 4S stores in Pengcheng, how did he know she bought the car at this particular store? This feeling of being controlled is really unpleasant.
The license plate can’t be changed now, and Dad bought the car, so we can’t just give it up. What should we do?
Serena Li returned home with mixed feelings.
After thinking about it for a long time, I dialed Victor Mo ‘s number.
The call was answered quickly, and a deep male voice came through: ” Serena , have you retrieved the car?”