The 'medium and long-term customer acquisition plan' created quite a buzz, with the Foreign Exchange Investment Department reaping the most benefits, and Ming’an taking the lead role.

The system updated the next phase's goals and plans. Shen Duoyi scrolled with his mouse, a breakfast bun in hand, eating while reviewing the information. The administrative assistant rushed to the doorway, knocking frantically. “Team Leader Shen, the morning meeting starts in five minutes! You’re still eating?”

Shen Duoyi looked up. “The supervisors attend the morning meetings, not me.”

“The notice board says team leaders need to attend too! Didn’t you check it?” The assistant seemed genuinely worried. “Everyone’s already headed there, and you’re still here eating buns!”

Shen Duoyi hastily put down his half-eaten red bean bun, grabbed his pen and notebook, and grumbled, “Monday meetings are for senior management. Why do team leaders need to go now?”

He jogged to the elevator and rushed to the meeting floor. Everyone else was already seated, and his entrance drew a few glances.

Zhang Yiming chuckled. “Team Leader Shen definitely didn’t read the notice board.”

Shen Duoyi smiled sheepishly. “Luckily, the admin reminded me. I need to check it every day from now on.”

“Sit anywhere. We’re not discussing business or market trends today.” Zhang Yiming checked his watch and turned to the secretary. “Where’s Mr. Qi? Go check on him.”

As if on cue, Qi Shi’an appeared at the door, and the meeting began. Shen Duoyi settled into a seat behind his department supervisor. Since he hadn’t read the notice, he wasn’t sure what the meeting was about, so he focused intently.

Qi Shi’an sat at the front, looking like he’d squeezed in a rare moment to attend. Without preamble, he got straight to the point. “This acquisition plan has been a lot of work, but the results are impressive. We essentially replicated resources and maximized their potential. The plan's initial goal was to expand forex investments, which is why forex was allocated half the share from the start.”

Zhang Yiming displayed the monthly forex department’s growth metrics and continued, “Ming’an may have paved the way, but a little success attracts imitators. To stay ahead, we need more than what we’ve achieved so far.”

Shen Duoyi understood now — the plan leveraged existing resources to boost forex, and as soon as momentum built, they’d move to the next phase, targeting higher-level, independent resources.

Zhang Yiming did most of the talking since client acquisition was his responsibility. Qi Shi’an seemed like he was just there for the air conditioning, fiddling with his phone.

Finally, Zhang Yiming stopped and turned to Qi Shi’an. “Anything to add? Don’t leave me doing all the talking.”

Qi Shi’an looked up. “Next week, there’s a business trip. I need one from the Futures Department, one from Forex, and one from Consulting. The two from Investments will join for training. The consultant will accompany me to meet clients.”

He clearly wanted the participants decided immediately. The Futures Department quickly nominated a senior trader. The Forex Department, being critical, assigned its lead, Supervisor Qin.

The Consulting Department hadn’t chosen yet. Shen Duoyi doodled in his notebook, thinking it wouldn’t be him. He didn’t like business trips — leaving for several days meant arranging for his grandfather to stay with friends.

But fate had other plans. Supervisor Tang turned and said, “Duoyi, you go.”

“Huh?” Shen Duoyi looked up, reluctant but unable to refuse outright. “Me? Meeting clients is important. You should go instead.”

Supervisor Tang sighed. “My daughter’s about to take her college entrance exams. I need to drive her every day. I can’t be at ease if I leave.”

Most other departments had made their decisions. Qi Shi’an sat at the front, watching them argue, occasionally glancing at his phone.

Zhang Yiming urged, “Decide already. It’s either you or him. We can’t send Team Leader Qi, who’s on wedding leave.”

Resigned, Shen Duoyi raised his hand. “Mr. Qi, I’ll go for our department.”

Qi Shi’an wanted Shen Duoyi to go but knew he had family obligations. He offered a way out. “Whoever has the highest transaction volume in the last two months should go.”

Shen Duoyi sighed. “Still me…”

“Then it’s settled.” Qi Shi’an’s tone was a mix of exasperation and amusement. For mid-level employees, business trips were career development opportunities — a sign of recognition.

Outside the meeting room, Qi Shi’an whispered, “I gave you a chance to bow out. Who knew you were so capable?”

“It’s fine. I’ll go.” Shen Duoyi asked, “How many days? I need to arrange things for my grandpa.”

Back in the office, Annie sent the detailed itinerary. Shen Duoyi noted everything and resumed eating his red bean bun, pondering arrangements for his grandfather.

He decided to have his grandpa stay with his childhood friend’s family on Qiuye Street — the usual solution for trips.

That evening, Shen Duoyi told his grandfather about the trip. His grandfather was thrilled to stay in Qiuyue Street. “Go on your trip and don’t worry about me. I’ll have a few drinks with Fei Yuan’s dad.”

Shen Duoyi rolled his eyes. “No drinking. You have high blood pressure.”

He called Fei Yuan’s mother, Lin Yuzhu. The phone barely rang before she picked up.

“Auntie, are you busy?”

“Not as busy as you. You don’t even have time to visit on weekends.” Lin Yuzhu’s voice was cheerful. “Bring your grandpa over. I’ll make your favorite dishes. Your uncle wants to play chess with him.”

“Alright. We’ll come over this weekend. I’ll leave Grandpa with you.”

“Going on a trip?” she chided. “You never call unless you need something. Don’t you care if I’ve gained weight or gotten old?”

“You haven’t gained weight, and you still look young.” Shen Duoyi relaxed into the sofa. “Is Uncle out drinking again?”

“He’s at a railway meeting. Don’t worry about him. Let me talk to your grandpa and see what he wants to eat.”

His grandfather took the phone to the balcony, chatting away. Shen Duoyi turned on the TV but quickly got bored, deciding to read instead. “Grandpa, wrap it up. Auntie needs her evening walk.”

The weekend came, and they drove to Qiuye Street, the trunk packed full of groceries. The narrow street was crowded with parked cars. After finally finding a spot, Shen Duoyi helped his grandfather out and grabbed the bags.

His grandfather shouted, “Fei Yuan!”

Shen Duoyi looked up and saw his childhood friend, Fei Yuan, parking his car.

“Grandpa, your eyesight’s sharp!” Fei Yuan grinned, taking three bags from Shen Duoyi. “How long is your trip?”

“Six or seven days, depending on how things go.”

Fei Yuan worked at an entertainment company and managed an artist. His schedule was unpredictable, dictated by his artist’s itinerary. As they entered the courtyard, Lin Yuzhu was by the water basin rinsing rice. Seeing them, she immediately put down the bowl to greet them.

“Why did you bring so much stuff to your own home? Wash your hands and come in. There’s fruit on the coffee table — go watch TV with your grandpa.”

Shen Duoyi rolled up his sleeves to wash his hands and then helped with the cooking. Fei Yuan stayed in the living room, watching TV with Grandpa Shen.

“Where’s my dad?” Fei Yuan called out.

“He’s queuing for roast duck at the new place on the street corner.” Lin Yuzhu busied herself in the kitchen, slicing a thin piece of ham and holding it to Shen Duoyi’s lips. “Try this. First time buying it — not sure if it tastes right.”

Shen Duoyi chewed. “A bit salty.”

“Then we won’t buy it again.” Lin Yuzhu continued cooking while chatting, covering everything from work to daily life to mental health. Shen Duoyi answered as he snacked, filling up before the meal was even ready.

Carrying a dish to the table, he glanced at the living room. “Auntie doesn’t allow smoking inside.”

Fei Yuan, who had just lit a cigarette, got up and walked to the courtyard. Shen Duoyi wiped his hands and followed. “Busy lately? You look a bit rough.”

“How could I not? I’ve been out in the sun for over a month with Wang Haoyan on set.” Fei Yuan sighed.

Wang Haoyan’s name sounded familiar. Shen Duoyi remembered he was the first name on Huo Xuechuan’s list. He asked, “The actor you’re managing — his dad’s pretty influential, right?”

“Yeah, a top-tier producer.” Fei Yuan raised an eyebrow. “Why the sudden interest?”

Shen Duoyi admitted, “My friend’s younger brother wants to enter the entertainment industry. He’s taking the drama academy entrance exams soon and asked me to help.”

“Got a photo?”

“Not right now. I’ll ask for a few and send them later.” Shen Duoyi praised him eagerly. “The kid’s handsome, about your height, and quick-witted.”

Fei Yuan nodded. “I’ll take a look later. But I’m not renewing my contract with the current company. Once it ends, Wang Haoyan and I plan to go independent. Not sure if I can help.”

“No worries. He still needs to get through the exams. Any advice would help.” The smoke irritated Shen Duoyi, and he retreated indoors. They were waiting for the roast duck before eating. He lounged on the sofa, fiddling with his phone, and sent a message to Qi Shi’an.

Qi Shi’an had just returned from the gym. After tossing his sweaty clothes in the washing machine, he flopped onto the sofa. The cleaning auntie was cleaning the side room. With nothing to do, he glanced at his phone and saw Shen Duoyi’s message:

“Send me a few photos of Xiao Chuan. My friend wants to see them.”

So he’s with that childhood friend? Qi Shi’an’s first thought was that. He forwarded the request to Huo Xuechuan, who replied with over seventy pictures, including thirty of his childhood friend.

Qi Shi’an randomly picked a few and sent them to Shen Duoyi, adding a question: “Did you meet your friend?”

Shen Duoyi was about to reply when the roast duck arrived. Distracted by the meal prep, he simply responded, “Mm.”

Qi Shi’an stared at the single-word reply, jealousy churning inside him.

Met his so-called first crush, and he can’t even bother to type a full reply!

“Auntie, don’t worry about making lunch.”

“But I’ve soaked the mushrooms already. Where are you going?”

Qi Shi’an didn’t answer. He grabbed his car keys and left, speeding through the streets. He soon reached Qiuye Street. Remembering Shen Duoyi had mentioned a northern alley, he parked and wandered aimlessly in that direction.

The midday sun blazed. Outside of military training, he’d never endured this kind of heat. After several twists and turns, he finally spotted a cluster of alleys. Walking deeper, he realized he had no idea which one was the right one.

Cars lined the narrow street, bicycles wedged between them. The trees offered dappled shade. Thirsty, Qi Shi’an bought a bottle of water and a pack of cigarettes from a small shop and continued exploring.

The house was lively. Grandpa Shen hadn’t been this happy in ages. Shen Duoyi gnawed on a roast duck leg, too lazy to wrap it properly. Lunch ended around 1 PM. After helping clear the table and settling Grandpa for a nap, he felt drowsy himself.

Just as he dozed off on the sofa, his phone buzzed.

Thinking it was more photos from Huo Xuechuan, he opened the message — only to see a picture of a weathered red wall. A blue-and-white metal street sign, rusted at the edges, read: “Qiuye Alley.”

Stunned, he clutched his phone and bolted outside. Jumping over the doorstep and down the steps, he turned and saw Qi Shi’an standing at the alley’s entrance.

Qi Shi’an wore a short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans, holding a half-empty water bottle. His posture was proud and confident, his smile basking in the sunlight, like a devil-may-care suitor who had come to claim his prize.

The alley stretched long and quiet. Shen Duoyi walked toward him, step by step, stopping half a meter away. “How did you find this place?”

Qi Shi’an replied, “If I want to see you, I can find you anywhere.”