On the seventh day of the New Year, light snowflakes drifted from the sky. Though it was only six in the evening, darkness had already settled in.
Rui Xiaodan hurried out of the police station and got into the waiting Honda. The streets were crowded with traffic from the evening rush hour as Ouyang Xue carefully navigated onto the highway.
"I brought some cakes since it's dark and we can't stop for dinner," Ouyang Xue said.
Rui Xiaodan fastened her seatbelt. "Yawen said she'll treat us when we get to Beijing. We'll have dinner together."
Ouyang Xue chuckled nervously. "It's my first time driving to Beijing at night with so much money. What if we run into trouble?"
"Stay calm," Rui Xiaodan reassured. "The more you panic, the harder it will be to handle."
Ouyang Xue asked, "If we encounter robbers, would it be wrong for you to use your gun?"
Rui Xiaodan smiled. "This bodyguard mission is a grey area for a police officer. Can't a cop have friends? Can't they help friends with tasks? What law says a cop's friends aren't protected by the law?"
"Exactly, friends of the police are also citizens," Ouyang Xue agreed.
The New Year festivities weren't fully over until the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day. Most businesses hadn't resumed full operations, making the highway relatively empty. The dark fields on either side were shrouded in night.
Their journey was uneventful. Nearly four hours later, they entered Beijing at 10 PM. The streets still celebrated the holiday, with bright red lanterns signaling the upcoming Lantern Festival.
They arrived at the prearranged spot where Xiao Yawen and a woman stood outside an unopened boutique, accompanied by a young man.
As the car stopped, Xiao Yawen greeted Rui Xiaodan with a smile. She then warmly shook hands with Ouyang Xue. "Ouyang, it's great to finally meet after talking on the phone."
"Yawen, this is my friend Zhang Jing and her cousin Yang Jinzhong. And this is my college friend Rui Xiaodan, and the future store owner in Beijing, Ouyang Xue," Xiao Yawen introduced.
Zhang Jing shook hands with Rui Xiaodan and Ouyang Xue. "Ms. Ouyang, knowing you're busy, we decided to meet here. Yawen mentioned you need a clerk. This is my uncle's son, Yang Jinzhong. He grew up in rural Sichuan and moved to Beijing seven years ago. He's worked as a construction worker, taxi driver, and waiter, and he knows Beijing's roads well. He's honest and hardworking, and won't cause trouble."
Ouyang Xue asked, "What kind of work has he done before?"
"Jinzhong is 23, with a middle school education. He's worked various jobs, including construction and driving a taxi. He's been living with my parents under strict supervision. We hope he can find a stable job," Zhang Jing explained.
Ouyang Xue responded, "With Yawen's recommendation, we have no worries. We're opening a store in Beijing, but the future is uncertain. As long as Zhang and Jinzhong don't mind, we can finalize this. Yawen will inform you when to start."
"Thank you, Ms. Ouyang. We won't take more of your time. Maybe we can sit down together another day," Zhang Jing suggested.
"No need for thanks. We're just glad to find someone trustworthy. We all owe Yawen for her help," Ouyang Xue said.
Yawen checked her watch. "We have a meeting with the landlord at 10:30. We'll catch up another time."
Zhang Jing and Yang Jinzhong left in a taxi.
Rui Xiaodan handed the keys to Yawen. "You know the way, you drive."
Yawen took the driver's seat, Ouyang Xue sat next to her, and Rui Xiaodan settled in the back. As they drove, Yawen handed a few papers to Ouyang Xue. "Here are some trusted agencies and a draft lease agreement."
Ouyang Xue read the lease. It was detailed, with a three-year term at 240,000 yuan per year, paid in advance. She noted the agencies' contact information.
"Thanks, Yawen. This helps a lot."
Yawen replied, "Don't mention it. It's nothing significant, just some legwork."
"These are important to us," Ouyang Xue insisted.
Yawen detailed her search for warehouses and the observations she made about other audio stores, preparing them for their store's structure and needs.
"Everything looks good. I have nothing to add," Ouyang Xue said.
Yawen laughed. "You still added something."
As they drove, the streets were quiet, with only a few shops open. The location was ideal, surrounded by other audio and video stores.
"Perfect location. We're really in the audio hub," Ouyang Xue remarked.
"If the house suits, we can sign the lease. The rent is the same as last year, no increase," Yawen said.
They arrived at the storefront where three burly men stood by a dark blue Santana, likely there for security. A middle-aged couple, obviously the landlords, exited the store.
Yawen introduced everyone, and they went inside to inspect the premises. It was clean and equipped with all necessary utilities. The layout included a large front area and several smaller rooms, ideal for their business.
Zhao Yunzhong, the landlord, praised Yawen for her diligence and honesty, assuring them of the property's prime location and unchanged rent.
Ouyang Xue thanked him, and they proceeded with the paperwork. As Zhao's wife prepared the documents, Rui Xiaodan excused herself to call Han Chufeng, a respected figure they knew.
Rui Xiaodan stepped outside, observing the peaceful surroundings. She called Han Chufeng. "Brother Han, it's Xiaodan. Sorry to bother you. We just arrived in Beijing and wanted to say hello."
"Xiaodan! Good to hear from you. What brings you to Beijing?" Han Chufeng asked.
"We're here to finalize a lease for an audio store. Just wanted to pay respects and let you know," Rui Xiaodan explained.
"Where are you now? Have you signed the lease?" Han Chufeng asked.
"We're at 59 Audio Street, signing the lease now. We'll head to Yawen's place after," she replied.
"Wait there. I'll send someone over. Let's have a drink and catch up," Han Chufeng insisted.
"That's too kind. We don't want to impose," Rui Xiaodan hesitated.
"Not at all. We'll chat over drinks. See you soon," Han Chufeng assured.
Returning inside, Rui Xiaodan saw the lease being signed and the cash being verified. After formalities, Zhao handed over the keys. Yawen, Ouyang Xue, and Rui Xiaodan saw the landlords off.
"Did you call Han?" Yawen asked.
"Yes, he wants to meet us for drinks. He said you're familiar with him," Rui Xiaodan confirmed.
Yawen agreed, and they prepared to leave. Just then, an Audi arrived, and a well-dressed woman approached them.
"Are you Ms. Rui?" she asked.
"Yes, I am," Rui Xiaodan replied.
"I'm Zhou, Han's secretary. Han reserved a spot at Old Farmer's Stew for us. Please follow me," she said.
They locked up and followed Zhou to the restaurant.