After returning home, Li Chen wasted no time in tending to his wound. He knew that allowing the cut to fester could lead to infection or worse. Carefully, he cleaned the gash on his arm, disinfecting it and applying a bandage to protect it during his training sessions.
The cool, sterile feeling of the antiseptic on his skin was a stark contrast to the intensity of his recent confrontation with Jiang Xiaofeng's henchmen. It served as a reminder that he needed to be better prepared, physically and mentally, to protect himself from potential threats.
With his wound properly dressed, he made his way to his training room. The dimly lit space was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where he could focus and push his limits. It was here that he felt a connection to the god of war, who had become a guiding presence in his life.
As he stood in the center of the room, the memories of the confrontation replayed in his mind. He heard the god of war's admonition, urging him not to let anyone harm him again. It was a voice of empowerment, reminding Li Chen of his potential and the need to unlock it.
Li Chen's dedication to self-improvement was unwavering. With a renewed determination, he decided to focus on his footwork. He knew that mastering this aspect of martial arts would be crucial in evading future threats and confrontations. It was a discipline that required not only physical agility but mental sharpness as well.
Each step he took, each dodge he practiced, was a step towards his transformation. The room echoed with the rhythm of his training, his movements growing more precise with each passing moment. His sweat-drenched clothes were a testament to the effort he was putting in.
Li Chen's training was not merely a physical exercise but a journey of self-discovery. It was a path that would take him from vulnerability to strength, from fear to confidence. He knew that he was sculpting a new version of himself, one capable of facing whatever challenges lay ahead.
Li Chen, freshly showered and feeling invigorated after his intense training, sat on his bed, running a towel through his damp hair. The prospect of a quiet, solitary day stretched ahead of him, and he decided it was a good time to break the monotony by reconnecting with someone. He reached for his phone and dialed Zhang Mei's number.
The phone rang, and Li Chen waited with a touch of uncertainty. Then, just when he was starting to doubt if she would answer, Zhang Mei's voice came through the line.
"Hi, who is this?" she inquired, her tone polite but with a hint of curiosity.
Li Chen cleared his throat and replied, "It's Li Chen. Not sure if you still remember me."
There was a brief pause before Zhang Mei's voice brightened with recognition. "Li Chen! Of course, I remember you. How have you been?"
Li Chen couldn't help but smile at her warm response. "I've been well," he said. "I was just wondering if you had any plans today."
Zhang Mei's voice turned a bit somber as she replied, "No, not really. I got fired, remember?"
Li Chen felt a tinge of guilt for bringing it up. "Sorry about that," he said.
Zhang Mei chuckled, dispelling any awkwardness. "Why are you apologizing? It's not your fault. Life moves on."
Li Chen was grateful for her understanding. "That's true," he agreed. "So, do you mind meeting at the café for lunch? I feel a bit bored, and it'd be great to catch up."
Zhang Mei agreed readily, "Sure, I'd love to. I'll be there."
Li Chen said his goodbyes, ending the call. A sense of anticipation filled him as he looked forward to the upcoming lunch with Zhang Mei.
Li Chen, after finishing up his morning routine, took a moment to select an outfit that struck the right balance between not too formal and not too casual. He examined himself in the mirror, a satisfied smile touching his lips, and he knew he was ready to meet Zhang Mei for lunch. His thoughts wandered briefly to the idea of buying a car, considering the convenience it would offer.
With his attire on point, he stepped outside and strolled down the sidewalk to hail a cab. However, at the same time, a shadowy figure in black attire was watching Li Chen's house from a distance. As Li Chen walked around a corner, this mysterious individual seized the opportunity to approach the house. With a cautious eye on the surroundings, he skillfully picked the lock on Li Chen's front door, silently slipping inside.
Moving stealthily through the house, he eventually reached Li Chen's bedroom. There, he found what he had been searching for—a hairbrush. It held a few strands of hair, and he meticulously plucked them from the bristles, securing them in a small plastic bag. With his mission accomplished, the intruder departed from the house as quietly as he had entered, leaving no trace behind.
In the taxi, Li Chen headed to the cafe, and upon arrival, he discovered Zhang Mei already seated at one of the tables. A warm smile crossed his face as he greeted her, "You're early." Zhang Mei responded with a friendly smile of her own, "I just got here, so no worries." Li Chen took his seat, and the waiter arrived to offer them drinks before presenting the menus for their lunch choices.
As they perused the menu, Li Chen's curiosity got the better of him, and he gently inquired, "So, how is your mother doing?" Zhang Mei's expression became somewhat solemn, and she replied, "She's still holding on, but it's her final days." Li Chen, genuinely concerned, asked about the hospital bills. Zhang Mei shared her predicament, explaining, "I had some savings, and I paid in advance. But in two weeks, I'll have nothing left, and I'll be both penniless and homeless."
Li Chen leaned forward and reassured her, "By then, you'll be my employee. Don't worry." Zhang Mei, perceiving Li Chen's words as an attempt to lighten the mood, responded with a touch of amusement, "Well, it sounds like everything is settled, then." Although her response carried a degree of politeness, Li Chen could sense that she didn't fully believe him and that her situation was far more challenging than she let on.
Li Chen and Zhang Mei ordered their lunch while engaging in light conversation. Li Chen couldn't help but sneak glances at Zhang Mei, observing how she seriously savored her food, a slight smile gracing her lips, which only enhanced the beauty of her eyes. With each glance, his heart seemed to skip a beat, and he felt a warmth creeping into his cheeks, causing his ears to turn slightly red.
Zhang Mei raised her head, her brow furrowing with a hint of concern. "Why do you look so red? Are you okay?" she inquired. Li Chen quickly improvised, "Yes, I'm just feeling a bit hot today, and the food I picked is a tad spicy." Zhang Mei found his response amusing and let out a light laugh. "You should be careful next time, or you might choke to death," she quipped. Li Chen chuckled in response and replied, "I'll manage," before taking a sip of water and trying to focus on his meal, making a concerted effort not to let his gaze linger on the extraordinarily beautiful woman seated across from him.
Li Chen and Zhang Mei enjoyed their lunch, and once they had finished, Li Chen broached the topic. "Do you mind going with me to a car dealership?" he asked.
Zhang Mei inquired, "Planning on buying a car?"
Li Chen confirmed, "Yes, I live a bit far from the city, and I hate cabs."
Zhang Mei agreed, "Sure, we can go there now. I know a dealership that's a little closer to the mall. You might find something you like."
Li Chen smiled and said, "Let's get going, then."
After paying the lunch bill, they left the café and chose to walk to the car dealership since it was conveniently nearby.
As they walked to the car dealership, Li Chen asked, "So, what would you suggest is a great business idea nowadays?"
Zhang Mei replied, "You're serious about starting a business."
Li Chen, with determination in his eyes, stated, "You thought I was joking."
Zhang Mei, still somewhat skeptical, admitted, "Yes, I did."
Li Chen insisted, "Well, I'm not."
Zhang Mei contemplated the question and responded, "Even though I still don't entirely believe you, I think anything related to technology is the best choice. You can do game designs, software designs, apps, and things like that. It will be a bit faster to gain profits with proper marketing strategy."
Li Chen acknowledged her expertise and said, "I see, but I'm a bit clueless when it comes to technology."
Zhang Mei encouraged him, saying, "You can hire experts to do it for you. You can draft down what you want to be done, write your ideas on paper, and those who are really good with technology will bring them to life."
Li Chen praised her, saying, "Wow, you really did study business management. You'll be a great CEO one day."
Zhang Mei modestly replied, "Whoa, don't think too far."
Li Chen smiled and said, "You have to believe in yourself."
As they walked and continued discussing business ideas, Li Chen noticed the passion in Zhang Mei's eyes when she talked about various business concepts. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and he couldn't help but feel inspired.
Listening to Zhang Mei's insights, Li Chen made a mental note to engage in self-study about business and technology when he returned home. He realized that the road to starting his own business might require more knowledge and expertise than he currently possessed, and he was determined to fill those gaps. With a newfound sense of purpose, they arrived at the car dealership, ready to explore the world of business and make some practical choices about his future endeavors.