When Chu Ge returned home, Qin Ruojing and Qin Ruoying were already asleep. They had been quite exhausted these past few days with all the photo-related matters. The two had just cooked some noodles at home, made a tomato and egg sauce, and after eating, they washed up quickly and went to bed.

Chu Ge intended to just wash his face, brush his teeth, and go straight to bed, but considering the smell of alcohol on him, he opted for a shower before returning to Qin Ruojing's bedroom.

After getting into bed, Chu Ge did nothing, partly because he was also a bit tired these days. More importantly, he knew that Qin Ruojing never slept well, and since she was finally asleep, he was reluctant to disturb her.

Another morning arrived. Chu Ge stretched lazily in bed, got up early, and glanced at Qin Ruojing's sleeping face, whereupon a happy smile spread across his own.

Putting on a light, casual outfit, Chu Ge started a pot of porridge in the kitchen, then quietly left the house.

Yesterday's events served as a wake-up call for Chu Ge. Although his life was no longer a constant dance on the knife's edge, where danger lurked at every turn, he could not afford to be complacent. Even if he didn't provoke others, there was no guarantee they wouldn't provoke him.

He had to keep himself in the best possible condition, not just for his own sake, but for the sake of his family.

After going downstairs, Chu Ge stretched his limbs and was about to go for a run when he noticed a Jinbei van parked diagonally across from Qin Ruojing's building.

He had seen this van not long ago; it was one of the two vehicles that Bao Zhanhai brought that night to Shangpin Barbecue.

Wandering over to the van, Chu Ge tapped on the window. The door opened, and the interior was filled with the smell of smoke, with scattered cigarette butts on the floor and some sausage and chicken feet packaging.

Inside the car, there were ten robust young men, each with bloodshot eyes, shiny faces, and dry lips, looking as if they'd been up all night.

Perhaps due to the amount of alcohol he consumed last night, Bao Zhanhai had the reddest eyes, though he seemed to be in good spirits and even slightly excited upon seeing Chu Ge.

"Mr. Chu, why are you up so early?" Bao Zhanhai greeted, pulling a Furongwang cigarette from the pack and handing it to Chu Ge.

"I'm trying to quit smoking lately, so don't tempt me," Chu Ge said with a smile, waving his hand. "I'm out for a run; my body has been a bit sluggish recently, so I thought I'd get some exercise."

Upon hearing Chu Ge say this, Bao Zhanhai's forehead was suddenly lined with black streaks, and the cigarette almost dropped to the ground.

Damn, if someone as skilled as Chu Ge considered himself a bit sluggish, then what did that make him, a complete loser?

If anyone even slightly stronger than him said this, Bao Zhanhai would think they were just showing off. But coming from Chu Ge, he didn't think that at all.

What was he compared to Chu Ge? Would Mr. Chu have to humble him on purpose with such words?

Chu Ge looked at the people in the car and smiled apologetically, "You guys have worked hard, staying up all night and going hungry. I'm really sorry about that."

The people in the car were mostly those involved in the brawl that night. Chu Ge's incredible skills had left a deep impression on them, and seeing Chu Ge so polite now made them feel flattered.

Though they were a bunch of gangsters, they were now looking a bit shy, as if they were meeting a leader. They all stood up from their seats, shaking their heads and saying it wasn't hard at all. If they threw in a "serve the people," the scene would be even more comical.

Chu Ge chatted with them briefly, then beckoned to Bao Zhanhai to get out of the car with him.

The two discussed some security matters and agreed to meet at Chen Jue's fish pond at 4 p.m. Chu Ge would train Chen Jue's men, getting to know them as well. Plus, he asked Bao Zhanhai to bring a different vehicle.

Chu Ge still didn't know who was behind yesterday's incident. If it was related to those from South Korea, then this van might be too conspicuous. If possible, he hoped to keep anyone from noticing that someone was protecting Qin Ruojing and Qin Ruoying.

When Chu Ge ran back, he purchased a bunch of buns and cup soymilk for Bao Zhanhai and his men, warming their stomachs and hearts.

When Chu Ge returned upstairs, Qin Ruojing and Qin Ruoying were already up. After the three of them finished breakfast, Qin Ruoying went to work at the kindergarten, while Qin Ruojing, as agreed, called Song Baijia, and then she and Chu Ge headed to the guesthouse where Song Baijia was staying.

Chu Ge, driving Qin Ruojing's Audi A8, arrived at the guesthouse entrance and spotted Song Baijia from afar.

At this moment, Song Baijia was dressed in a suit with shiny leather shoes, and his beard was cleanly shaven. If not for the slightly nervous and apprehensive expression, he looked like a successful person. He definitely didn't match the $10-a-night guesthouse behind him at all.

Parking the car next to Song Baijia, Chu Ge got out and grinned, "Hey, Brother Song, you look great today. Looking at you, you don't seem like a chef at all, more like a big boss."

Song Baijia's old face turned red, and he awkwardly said in a low voice, "I'm just thinking about not embarrassing you. If this isn't appropriate, I can go back and change."

Qin Ruojing cast a sidelong glance at Chu Ge, gracefully walked over to Song Baijia, and smiled warmly and appropriately, "Brother Song, don't listen to his nonsense. This outfit is just fine."

As she spoke, Qin Ruojing extended her right hand toward Song Baijia, "Brother Song, let me formally introduce myself. I'm Qin Ruojing, you can just call me your sister-in-law."

"I, I'm Song Baijia, um, like in 'a hundred families'."

Song Baijia hurriedly stretched out his hand, but just as he was about to touch Qin Ruojing's hand, he hesitated and pulled back slightly before gently shaking hands with her. Their hands met briefly and parted, and Song Baijia looked incredibly embarrassed.

"Brother Song, get in the car. Chu Ge and I will accompany you to see our restaurant. We can talk along the way."

As Qin Ruojing spoke, she ushered Song Baijia into the back seat and then sat in the back seat herself, sitting beside Song Baijia, making him unsure where to place his hands.

Chu Ge sat in the driver's seat, watching Qin Ruojing's good attitude toward Song Baijia. He felt both emotional and delighted inside. This is what it means to love someone and also their house, he thought. Qin Ruojing spoke beautifully, immediately calling it "our restaurant," really giving him a lot of face.

The catering under Tianjiao Group has two brands, one is called Su Xian, and the other is Shangjian, both are chain stores.

Su Xian Restaurant has four locations in Lidu, featuring entirely vegetarian dishes that use various vegetables to mimic the flavor and appearance of meat dishes.

Shangjian offers fast food, with five locations in Lidu. As the name implies, it's simple and fashionable, specializing in Chinese fast food with a touch of Western influence.

Qin Ruojing gave a detailed introduction to Song Baijia and then sought his opinion. Even though Song Baijia stammered and was too shy to say much, Qin Ruojing wasn't impatient. She instructed Chu Ge to drive to the nearest Su Xian and took Song Baijia for a tour inside.

Each Su Xian location has a similar style, emphasizing elegance and sophistication. After viewing this one, there was no need to see other Su Xian restaurants. Qin Ruojing then took Song Baijia to the nearest Shangjian fast food outlet.

In less than ten minutes, the Audi A8 parked next to a three-story store building.

Shangjian's decor leans toward postmodern style, with the main hall's floor paved with champagne-colored tiles, walls covered in silver wallpaper, and ivory-white tables and chairs. True to its name, stepping into the hall gives a sense of simplicity and fashion.

Although it was nearly nine, long past the breakfast rush, this Shangjian fast food outlet still had a 40% occupancy rate, clearly showing good business.

With the chairman personally visiting, the manager of this Shangjian was immediately flattered and hurried over. Qin Ruojing didn't have this manager accompany them, leading Song Baijia to wander casually upstairs and downstairs.

As they looked around, Song Baijia's stomach suddenly let out a loud "gurgle," and his old face turned red again, feeling quite embarrassed.

Chu Ge was about to tease Song Baijia when a mischievous smile hadn't yet appeared on his face, but Qin Ruojing kicked him, turned her head with a smile, and said, "Brother Song, neither Chu Ge nor I have eaten breakfast, since we're here, why not have a bite together?"

Song Baijia smiled awkwardly, "Su-sure..."

Hearing Qin Ruojing say this, Chu Ge sighed again in his heart, thinking that his wife was truly considerate and impeccable in her words and actions.

Aside from sighing, Chu Ge was also a bit speechless. When he wasn't yet with Qin Ruojing, she didn't treat him so kindly. In fact, she used to glare at him with gritted teeth whenever she saw him. Truly unfair, truly unfair.

They went up to the third floor, where there was a private room not open to the public, reserved for special occasions, the only one there. Qin Ruojing asked Chu Ge and Song Baijia to sit down first while she, the dignified Tianjiao chairman, personally went out to order food.

Of course, she also considered that Song Baijia was clearly a bit uncomfortable and intentionally left for a while to let the two of them chat and let Song Baijia relax.

"Whew..." As Qin Ruojing left the room, Song Baijia leaned on the chair and let out a long breath, "I was so nervous."

Chu Ge laughed, "Why are you nervous? Is my wife being unkind to you or going to eat you?"

"It's just that she's too nice to me. She's such a big boss, being so good to me, how could I not be nervous?"

"No matter how big a boss she is, she's still my wife, right?" Chu Ge laughed heartily, "Since she's my wife, that makes her your sister-in-law, so you don't need to treat her like an outsider at all."

"That's easy for you to say, but how is it that simple? Being next to her, I can hardly catch my breath." Song Baijia chuckled bitterly and then suddenly realized something.