As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 374: My Cooking Skills Are Not Bad, Right?

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“How did things go with the plans 1 set up for you before 1 left for my trip? Did you encounter any issues?” Zhou Chao asked casually as he sipped his tea.

“Boss, the acquisition of the animation studio you arranged for earlier is already settled. They are one of the top teams in the country, though their equipment is slightly inferior. I’ve already arranged for procurement.

In addition, the copyright issue is also progressing smoothly. After all, we are also shareholders of Tencent Holdings. Boss, are you planning to enter the animation industry with these acquisitions?”

“It’s not exactly an invasion, just an idea. I want to revitalize domestic animation. Currently, most domestic content is foreign, and if this continues, domestic animation will have no place. So, I want to give it a push. Whether it succeeds or not, it’s up to fate.”

“Boss, you didn’t come here just to talk about this today, did you?”

“Of course not. If i had to ask you about this, would 1 need to come in person?”

He then took out a leather bag he had with him and handed it to Ling Chen.

Boss, what is this?” Ling Chen looked at Zhou Chao in confusion.

“You’ll know when you open it.”

Ling Chen then unlocked the clasp of the leather bag and took out a stack of documents, reading them.

Zhou Chao leisurely sipped his tea, and for a while, the only sound in the office was the flipping of pages by Ling Chen.

After a while, Ling Chen finished reading all the documents and stared at Zhou Chao in disbelief as he sipped his tea.

“Boss, this surprise is quite big!” Ling Chen picked up his tea cup and had three sips before regaining his composure.

“I came today mainly to discuss this matter. I’ve already arranged for the person in charge overseas. 1 just want you to communicate with him. Also, 1 want to authorize him with this equity agreement.”

“Boss, are you implying that you want me to lead this?”

“Yeah, after all, you’re one of us. As the saying goes, ‘Never be defenseless against others.’ You should take some precautionary measures. Also, I have a law firm overseas, one of the top ten globally, with Miles as the head, the person I mentioned earlier. You should communicate with him as soon as possible. How to proceed specifically is up to you.”

Ling Chen was momentarily stunned, still processing what Zhou Chao had just said.

After a while, he collected his thoughts.

Boss, I understand. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”

“Yeah. I’ll send you Miles’ contact later. Talk to him when you’re ready.”

“Alright.” Zhou Chao finished his tea in one gulp, then got up and walked towards the door.

When he reached the door, he stopped in his tracks, turned back, and said, “Remember to get him to start working early!”

Ling Chen was momentarily puzzled but then replied, “Okay, boss!”

Zhou Chao opened the door and left.

Watching Zhou Chao’s departing figure and looking at the share agreement in his hand, Ling Chen took a deep breath. He opened his office safe, carefully placed the document inside, and put it at the back.

“Boss, the task you entrusted to me is quite challenging!” Sitting in the boss’s chair, looking out at the bustling streets, Ling Chen was lost in thought.

The next moment, Ling Chen suddenly jumped up from his chair, clapping his hands and saying, “The boss left without me taking his tea. I wonder when 1’11 get to taste the boss’ good tea!”

Meanwhile, Zhou Chao was already driving towards The Palms Residence.

As soon as he arrived in the garage, he received a call from Third Aunt.

“Hello, Third Aunt!”

“Xiao Chao, I hope I’m not disturbing you!”

No, not at all. What’s up?”

“It’s nothing important, just that I saw Guo Yan’s moments on social media. She seems to have gone abroad and is by the seaside.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chao immediately understood that Third Aunt was worried about Guo Yan’s safety.

“Oh, that’s what it’s about. Third Aunt, Guo Yan went with me. Didn’t I mention before that we were going abroad for a trip?”

“All, I see. Sometimes, my memory fails me. Have you both returned to the country now?”

“Yes, we just got back today. Third Aunt, when are you and Uncle planning to visit us?”

“Going abroad is not my cup of tea. I prefer staying in my own place. Since you’re both back, 1 don’t have any specific plans.”

“Alright, Third Aunt!”

Zhou Chao hung up the phone, checked his recent call records, and took out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it.

Sighing deeply, he finished the cigarette and then got out of the car, heading towards the elevator.

As soon as he entered the apartment, he saw Guo Yan sitting cross-legged on the sofa, engrossed in her phone, as if she was busy with something.

“Brother, why are you here? Didn’t you go home?” Guo Yan put down her phone as soon as she saw Zhou Chao and got up from the sofa.

“I came to pick up some things. What were you busy with just now?” He asked as he walked towards the tea cabinet.

“Oh, 1 was editing a video. I’m planning to post it on a short video platform, featuring the footage we shot on Lanai Island.”

“Well, be careful not to reveal any sensitive information, and make sure not to include your me and your sister-in-law. It’s better to keep some things private.”

I’ve already asked a few of our brothers, and they said it’s fine!” Guo Yan wore an expression that seemed to say, “1 knew you’d say that.”

“Alright then.” Zhou Chao took out dozens of cans of tea leaves from the tea cabinet.

After a quick selection, he kept five cans of top-quality tea for himself and packed the rest in bags.

“Are you planning to go somewhere for the next few days? Any specific plans?”

“Hehe, I’m heading to Jinling tomorrow!”

“Jinling? What are you going to do in Jinling?” Zhou Chao was a bit puzzled because Guo Yan didn’t have many acquaintances in Jinling.

“My best friend is planning to visit Jinling, and since I’m not far away, we’ve made plans together!”

“Well, you’re a young girl, so you still need to be cautious while you’re out. If anything happens, give me a call. Do you want me to drop you off at the station tomorrow?”

“Hmph, I’ve already talked to Big Brother Lin Wu, and he’ll be giving me a ride!”

As Zhou Chao heard this, he couldn’t help but mutter to himself, “Lin Wu is keeping secrets again!”

Just as he was about to say something, his phone rang, and he saw that it was a call from Lin Wu.

Hello, Lin Wu, what’s up?”

“Boss, here’s the thing. When I was dropping Miss Guo off, she received a call from a female friend who invited her to Jinling tomorrow. She asked me to give her a ride, and I agreed.”

“Alright, 1 got it. You can go ahead and take her tomorrow.”

“Understood, boss!”

Once Zhou Chao hung up, Guo Yan looked at him with a triumphant expression and said, “See, it’s true, I didn’t lie to you!”

“I know you didn’t lie, but you still need to be careful.”

“I got it, I’m a grown-up, not a child!” Zhou Chao shook his head as he watched Guo Yan’s smug look.

“Alright, I’ll head back now. You can order takeout or call the community clubhouse for dinner tonight!”

“Got it.” Guo Yan cheerfully escorted him to the door.

“Bang!” The door closed suddenly, startling Zhou Chao. He could still hear Guo Yan’s laughter from inside, and for a moment, he felt like going back in to scold her.

But he pressed the button for the elevator instead.

In no time, a luxurious sports car emerged from The Palms Residence and merged into the traffic.

Zhou Chao soon returned to the parking garage of Jinmao Tower and sent a message to Ling Chen, asking him to come to the garage. Then, he leaned back in his chair and started playing with his phone.

It didn’t take long for Ling Chen to appear from the elevator and stand at the entrance, looking around.

Zhou Chao honked the horn a few times, and Ling Chen hurriedly approached.

“Boss, is there something urgent that made you call me to the garage?”

“Here, these are the tea leaves 1 mentioned in the office.” Zhou Chao handed over a bag from the passenger seat.

Ling Chen quickly remembered and looked at the various cans and containers in the bag, breaking into a smile.

“Thank you, boss! You’re so generous, boss!”

“Alright, alright, no need to flatter me. Take them with you and enjoy. I’m heading back now. 1 haven’t had a proper rest all day.”

“Okay, boss, have a safe trip!” Seeing Ling Chen so delighted, Zhou Chao shook his head with a smile, then drove away from Jinmao Tower.

When Zhou Chao returned home, he felt like his eyelids were battling to stay open. He collapsed onto the sofa and immediately fell asleep.

In a drowsy state, Zhou Chao seemed to hear a clattering sound, struggling to open his eyes. He realized that it was already dark outside. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw that the lights in the kitchen were on, and a graceful figure was bustling around.

Zhou Chao sat up abruptly from the sofa, and his whole demeanor became much more alert.

Only then did he notice that Jiang Li was busy in the kitchen. Seeing her working diligently, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but break into a happy smile.

“With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?” Zhou Chao walked into the kitchen.

“Wifey, what are you cooking?”

“You’re up. You’ll find out soon. Please go out for a moment,” she said as she gently pushed Zhou Chao out of the kitchen and closed the door behind him.

ii

Is this a surprise for me?” He chuckled and walked into the Western-style kitchen, taking out a large watermelon from the fridge.

With a few swift strokes, he peeled the watermelon, and soon a fresh batch of watermelon juice was ready!

At this moment, Jiang Li also opened the kitchen door, holding two bowls covered with lids as she walked out.

“What’s this? Such a mystery!” She came over with two glass cups and the watermelon juice.

“Of course, it’s something good! Ta-da!” Jiang Li lifted the lids, revealing the contents of the bowls in front of Zhou Chao.

ii

Is this… the legendary instant noodles with beef?!” Zhou Chao pointed at the bowl in astonishment.

“Ahem, since we didn’t have many vegetables at home, I cooked two packs of instant noodles. 1 even fried two heart-shaped eggs specially for you. How is it? Not bad, right?” Jiang Li turned her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“It’s actually quite good!” With things being this way, what more could he say?

“Go ahead, taste my cooking skills!” Jiang Li said with a hint of anticipation.

Zhou Chao nodded and took a bite.

“It’s not bad at all. You should have some too; instant noodles get cold quickly,” he replied. After all, the instant noodles were prepared as they were, with just an added egg by Jiang Li.

“I knew my cooking wasn’t bad. Hehe!” Jiang Li started eating with a hint of satisfaction.

After they finished their meal, it was already 11 PM. Zhou Chao tidied up the kitchen and returned to the bedroom. Jiang Li was already lying in bed, browsing on a social media app.

“All Li, I have good news to tell you!”

“What’s the good news?”

Zhou Chao grinned and leaned close to Jiang Li, whispering softly in her ear, “The things 1 ordered will arrive tomorrow!”