Chapter Forty-Five: Zhou Xuan Drives to Find a Hole-in-the-Wall Eatery

The next day, Zhou Xuan rose early. He took out his running clothes and began jogging along the road outside the hotel.

Running every day was a non-negotiable part of Zhou Xuan's routine, rarely neglected. Having lived another life, Zhou Xuan understood the importance of maintaining good health. He thought of Li the Tycoon in the future, who remained energetic and hard-working even in his nineties.

If Zhou Xuan was to manage his own business empire well, he would certainly need to take care of his body.

He ran along the wide avenue, noticing many buildings under construction around the hotel, a sign that the High-Tech Development Zone was flourishing.

Rongcheng’s High-Tech Development Zone had only been approved in 1996, and two years had passed since. Yet, it had already attracted many domestic companies to set up branches here, bringing plenty of job opportunities to the city.

However, in terms of the internet, Rongcheng was still a barren land, waiting to be developed. As the capital of S Province and a renowned city in the west, Rongcheng had abundant human resources. But for various reasons, many major companies were based in the east, leading to serious talent drain.

Since Zhou Xuan intended to establish Cosmos Technology in Rongcheng, he certainly wouldn’t let this talent continue to slip away. Moreover, he planned to bring in talent from outside to strengthen his enterprise. Looking at the vast land still under development, Zhou Xuan was filled with hope.

After his run, Zhou Xuan saw Wei Lian had already arrived. He invited Wei Lian to breakfast; after all, the hotel's buffet was quite sumptuous, and it would be a waste not to enjoy it.

While they were eating, Deng Cheng arrived as well, and they all ate together.

After breakfast, Zhou Xuan called Director Wang of the Administration for Industry and Commerce to confirm the registration process for the company.

Director Wang was very courteous, saying he was already in his office waiting for Zhou Xuan, and all paperwork could be completed within the morning.

Deng Cheng then drove Zhou Xuan and Wei Lian to the bureau, and under Director Wang’s guidance, the registration went smoothly, finishing in less than a morning.

Other matters would be handled by Wei Lian in the coming days. Just like that, Cosmos Software was founded—Zhou Xuan’s first company—and he was quite excited.

As previously agreed, Deng Cheng and the other two invested ten million, holding thirty percent of the shares, while the remaining seventy percent belonged to Zhou Xuan.

Moreover, Zhou Xuan and Deng Cheng had agreed that Deng Cheng would not interfere in any company management, only assigning an accountant for supervision.

With a flourish, Zhou Xuan said to the two, “To celebrate the founding of Cosmos Software, I’ll treat everyone to a delicious meal.”

He then called his third uncle, Zhou Changxing, asking him to wait at the entrance of Autumn Water Hotel.

“Let’s go, we’ll pick up Zhou Changxing at the hotel, then I’ll take you all to something great to eat,” Zhou Xuan said, directing Deng Cheng to drive back to the hotel.

Upon arrival, they picked up Zhou Changxing. Zhou Xuan moved to the driver’s seat. “Brother Deng, let me drive.”

“What? Zhou Xuan, don’t tell me you can drive?” Deng Cheng was incredulous, and even Wei Lian and Zhou Changxing looked bewildered.

Zhou Xuan responded matter-of-factly, “Of course. You don’t know the way. The place I’ve chosen is so good you’ll want to swallow your tongue.”

“Tch, that’s not my concern. I mean, do you really want to drive? Why can’t I drive while you give directions?” Deng Cheng was reluctant to entrust his life to someone who seemed so unreliable.

Zhou Xuan rubbed his hands. “Relax, my skills are pretty good.”

Truth be told, Zhou Xuan had long wanted to drive, and luxury cars like this held a particular allure for men. In his previous life, he’d never had the chance to drive such a two-million-yuan luxury car.

How could he let such an opportunity slip by?

“Really? When did you learn to drive? Do you have a license?” Deng Cheng asked.

Zhou Xuan waved dismissively. “No license yet, haven’t gotten around to it. Maybe you could use your connections to get one for me this afternoon?”

Deng Cheng shook his head. “Don’t scare me. I value my life quite a lot.”

“Brother Deng, don’t you trust me? If I dare to drive, I’m confident. How about you watch me for a bit first? If it’s not good, you can take over,” Zhou Xuan insisted.

“Try it?” Deng Cheng turned to the other two. “Should we let him try?”

Wei Lian and Uncle Zhou Changxing nodded, resigning themselves to Zhou Xuan and hoping he’d drive carefully.

Zhou Xuan patted Deng Cheng’s shoulder with a laugh. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. I still have a bright future ahead.”

Under everyone’s skeptical and astonished gaze, Zhou Xuan confidently settled into the driver’s seat, expertly released the handbrake, signaled, and shifted gears.

The entire process was smooth and fluid, without a hint of hesitation. The ride was so steady that it made everyone question whether he was one of those veteran drivers.

“My god, Zhou Xuan. You’re amazing—when did you learn to drive? You’re smoother than me, and I’ve been driving for years!” Deng Cheng’s eyes nearly popped out; he was thoroughly astonished.

Wei Lian and Zhou Changxing were equally incredulous. Even if Zhou Xuan had just learned, it shouldn’t be this seamless.

“Ha! Now what do you say? Weren’t you all acting like you were doomed just now? Let me show you my skills.” With that, Zhou Xuan pressed the accelerator, and the car shot forward, gliding through the streets like a slippery fish.

Left and right, weaving deeper into the LC district, surrounded by old, worn buildings.

While everyone wondered where this supposedly great food place might be, Zhou Xuan parked the car and said, “Out we get, we still have to walk.”

“My god, Zhou Xuan. Where are you taking us to eat? This rundown place—what’s there to eat?” Deng Cheng asked, surveying the dilapidated surroundings.

“Heh, you’ll see soon enough.” With that, Zhou Xuan led the three into an alley.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a street stall—a shabby little roadside hut of barely ten square meters, where an elderly couple were making skewers.

Inside, there were only two tables, and a few more had been set up outside, already occupied by patrons.

Zhou Xuan beckoned the others to the last available table, introducing, “Don’t be fooled by how humble this place is—it’s truly delicious.”

At first, the three didn’t believe him, but seeing so many people here at just eleven o’clock, especially in such a hidden spot, was surprising.

And the aroma wafting from the neighboring table made them all swallow involuntarily.

Zhou Xuan laughed and invited his uncle to pick out dishes. After the meal, Deng Cheng, the foodie, couldn’t stop praising the flavors.