C20 Old Friend Reunion

Zhao Xiaoke glanced nervously at the people surrounding her, her face flushed as she bit her lip in distress. With great difficulty, she managed to plead, "Dad, please, I'm begging you—don't let my husband lose his job, okay?"

Lin Hao couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction upon hearing her plea. He turned to Qiao Ying with a smile and said, "They've apologized, and besides, finding a replacement on such short notice would be quite a hassle. Let him keep his job for now. Once he figures out how to conduct himself properly, then we can consider a promotion."

Qiao Ying readily agreed with Lin Hao's suggestion. "Well, if Mr. Hao thinks so, then you may stay on at Yinghuo International Group. Your previous position is yours to keep. If that's not acceptable, feel free to leave right now."

"I'm extremely grateful! Thank you, Mr. Hao! Thank you, President Qiao!" Zhang Ping quickly made his feelings known, bowing repeatedly in thanks to both Lin Hao and Qiao Ying.

Zhao Xiaoke, seeing this, also bowed hastily in Lin Hao's direction.

Lin Hao dismissed the formalities with a wave of his hand, "Enough of that."

Qiao Ying gestured to Lin Hao, "Mr. Hao, shall we?"

"Let's go," he replied.

Together, the trio departed without sparing another glance at Zhao Xiaoke and Zhang Ping.

Only after watching them exit the grand doors of Yinghuo International Group did Zhang Ping turn to Zhao Xiaoke with a resentful glare. "You nearly cost me my job! All you think about is shopping. You've just found yourself a new dad, so from now on, go ask him to buy you things!" With those bitter words, he stormed off, leaving Zhao Xiaoke alone, her eyes brimming with tears, looking utterly mortified.

Meanwhile, Lin Hao was escorted by Qiao Ying and Yu Zexin to the largest bar in Wangjiang City, RORO. As they settled into the most opulent private room, two men burst in, their faces alight with excitement.

"Mr. Hao!" they exclaimed.

Lin Hao looked up, his heart leaping with excitement at the sight of them.

"Hee Lu! Chuan! It's really you guys!"

Hee Lu and Faang Xiaochuan were more than just friends; they were brothers in arms, hailing from the special forces. After their military service, they teamed up to serve as Lin Hao's personal bodyguards and trainers, and let me tell you, their martial arts skills were exceptional!

When Hee Lu's mother was battling cancer, Lin Hao generously offered nearly six million yuan to help without any strings attached. Tragically, she still succumbed to the illness. Recognizing Hee Lu and Faang Xiaochuan's ambition to strike out on their own, Lin Hao stepped in once again, providing them with financial support.

It's no surprise then that everyone gathered here has been touched by Lin Hao's kindness at some point, and they all carry a deep sense of gratitude for him.

After Lin Hao was ousted, their shared history and gratitude turned into a quest to find him, which ultimately brought them all together.

"Mr. Hao, it turns out we've been searching in all the wrong places these past few years. If only we'd been a bit more diligent, especially around Wangjiang City, we might have found you much sooner!" Hee Lu expressed, settling beside Lin Hao with a reflective gaze upon Lin Hao's visage, now etched with the marks of maturity.

Lin Hao let out a light chuckle. "The timing of our reunion doesn't matter, as long as it happens. And Hee Lu, I had no idea that RORO was your bar. You've really made something of yourself these past few years!"

At the compliment, Hee Lu's cheeks turned a shade of red, and he sheepishly grinned, scratching his head.

Lin Hao, observing Hee Lu's reaction, couldn't help but laugh and shake his head. "Some things never change. Despite being a tough guy, you blush like a shy girl at the slightest excitement."

The group erupted into laughter at Lin Hao's observation.

"And what about Chuan? Are you two in business together?" Lin Hao inquired, turning his attention to Faang Xiaochuan, who stood out in his sleek black casual wear, the tallest and most dashing among them.

"Chuan's doing amazing. He's started his own bodyguard agency, and it's not just any agency—it's staffed with nimble men and a specially trained cadre of stunning female bodyguards. Mr. Hao, you should let Chuan assign a couple of charming female bodyguards to you. It's quite an experience to have beautiful bodyguards by your side!" Qiao Ying suggested with a playful giggle, her hand covering her mouth.

Faang Xiaochuan just laughed, radiating a warm, sunny disposition that belied his role as the owner of a bodyguard company. He looked more like a carefree college guy than a seasoned entrepreneur.

Lin Hao quickly waved his hand, "If I step out with two gorgeous female bodyguards, I'll be the envy of everyone!"

The group shared a laugh before Qiao Ying stood and left the room. She returned in under five minutes, holding an ornate box. "Mr. Hao, we had this gift ready for you over a year ago. We never imagined it would take until today to finally present it to you. Please, take a look and see if you like it."

Lin Hao accepted the box from Qiao Ying, glanced at the four people gathered around him, and gently opened it.

"Is this an ivory cup from the Shang Dynasty?"