The family of three enjoyed a harmonious and joyful afternoon together.

Time flew by, and before they got home, the little girl, indulged for the day, fell asleep in the car.

Back at the rental apartment, after Chen Yinuo gently put the half-asleep, murmuring Ye Youyou to bed, Ye Chen spoke.

"Yinuo, I need to head out later. I won't be home for dinner!"

"Huh? Where are you going?" Chen Yinuo asked in surprise.

"Secretary Zhang Weimin invited me to his house for dinner," Ye Chen said with a wry smile.

"What? Secretary Zhang Weimin invited you to dinner? Are you kidding me?" Chen Yinuo exclaimed.

Secretary Zhang was a man of great stature.

Him inviting Ye Chen to his home?

"I'm not joking! Remember the prayer beads I picked up at the antique market? Zhang Jingshan mentioned that Secretary Zhang had been searching high and low for them. This might be his way of thanking me," Ye Chen said casually.

Ye Chen wasn't deliberately hiding anything; he just didn't know how to explain it properly.

Though she found the explanation a bit far-fetched, Chen Yinuo didn't overthink it. Her face lit up with excitement.

"If that's the case, you must go! Meeting Zhang Jingshan and meeting Secretary Zhang are two entirely different matters. This could be greatly beneficial for you! But remember, in front of Secretary Zhang, be mindful. Even though he's known to be kind and approachable, he's also someone who tolerates no nonsense. Think carefully before you speak and avoid saying anything rash."

"Don't worry, I'll handle it!" Ye Chen assured her with a smile.

"Alright then, go on!" Chen Yinuo said.

"What about your dinner?" Ye Chen asked.

"I'm not hungry yet. Once Youyou wakes up, I'll cook us some noodles," she said with a smile, shaking her head. "Go ahead. Don't worry about us."

"Alright, I'll head out now!"

The summer days in Jiangzhou were long, with dusk lingering.

At six in the evening, under the fiery glow of the setting sun, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class sped towards the Zhang family residence.

Under the grape trellis in the Zhang family courtyard, Zhang Weimin was flipping through a well-worn copy of Selected Works of Mao Zedong.

He suddenly looked up and called to the housekeeper inside, "Xiao Pan, call Xingguo and ask if he's on his way back."

"Sure, Secretary Zhang. I'll call him right away!" The middle-aged housekeeper responded promptly.

"Grandpa, I really think you shouldn't have asked him to come back. He's always dragging his feet, acting like he's so busy. It's irritating just thinking about it!" complained Zhang Jingshan, sitting beside Zhang Weimin under the grape trellis.

"He's still your father, so show some respect!" Zhang Weimin scolded, glaring at him.

"Ever since Mom left, I've stopped considering him my father," Zhang Jingshan muttered, raising an eyebrow.

Zhang Weimin, accustomed to this attitude, didn't bother to argue further.

Soon, the sound of a car engine echoed outside, followed by its abrupt cessation. Ye Chen walked into the courtyard carrying a fruit basket.

"Secretary Zhang!" Ye Chen greeted with a smile upon seeing Zhang Weimin.

"Brother Ye!" Zhang Jingshan beamed and rushed over to welcome him.

"You've even brought a gift? No need to be so formal!" Zhang Weimin chuckled as he stood up from under the grape trellis, closing his book.

"It's a small token. After all, I'm here for a meal, and it'd be impolite to come empty-handed," Ye Chen replied.

"Good thing it's just a fruit basket. If it had been anything extravagant, I'd have made you leave it outside!" Zhang Weimin said heartily, his voice strong and full.

Although retired, Zhang Weimin had maintained his vitality thanks to a calm mind and healthy habits. His robust energy impressed Ye Chen, who couldn't help but recall his previous life.

In that timeline, Zhang Weimin's tragic end began with an incident that led to his collapse and eventual death. Ye Chen, reborn with a new chance, vowed not to let history repeat itself for this kind and respected elder.

"Jingshan, bring our young guest inside," Zhang Weimin said, gesturing warmly.

Inside, the table was modestly set with light, home-cooked dishes.

"No lavish spread here, just simple fare. I hope you don't mind," Zhang Weimin said with a laugh.

"Secretary Zhang, dining with you is an honor in itself. The food doesn't matter. Even a bowl of porridge and some pickles would make me feel privileged!" Ye Chen replied with a smile.

"Alright, enough flattery! Let's eat and chat," Zhang Weimin said, picking up his chopsticks.

During dinner, Zhang Weimin broached the topic of Ye Chen's recent investment in Jinzhong Village, expressing his curiosity about its potential risks. Ye Chen, weaving between truth and speculation, explained his reasoning, combining market trends, infrastructure development, and gut instinct into a convincing narrative.

The conversation shifted to Ye Chen's mention of learning feng shui and face reading during his youth. Zhang Weimin, intrigued, pressed him for details.

While they were talking, the arrival of Zhang Xingguo, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a sycophantic grin, marked the entry of an unexpected figure from Ye Chen's past—one who had played a significant role in the Zhang family's downfall in his previous life.

As Ye Chen's sharp gaze landed on the man, he immediately recognized him.

Here was an opportunity to set the stage for saving the Zhang family, with his earlier mention of metaphysical skills now perfectly aligned for the task ahead.