Chapter 40: A Passing Kamen Rider

Most of the company staff, especially the younger employees who spent a lot of time surfing the internet, were already aware of the relationship between Chen Fan and Peng Jiaxin. Yet, when they actually saw Peng Jiaxin emerge from the stairwell and stand beside Chen Fan, they still couldn't help but gasp in amazement.

The moment Peng Jiaxin took the initiative to hold Chen Fan's hand, Chen Fan felt as if he could hear the sound of countless pure-hearted young men’s hearts shattering.

"What’s wrong?" Peng Jiaxin asked, noticing the corners of Chen Fan's mouth curling upward.

"Nothing, just thought of something happy."

The two left the company together.

Then, a group chat without any executives instantly exploded. Those who hadn't had a chance to catch up on the gossip the night before were busy asking who Chen Fan was, while many who held a secret crush on Peng Jiaxin lamented their broken hearts.

A bold receptionist secretly snapped a photo of their backs and posted it to the group. In the photo, the fleeting, unconscious smile that Peng Jiaxin directed at Chen Fan was captured perfectly.

"So beautiful."

That was everyone's first reaction upon seeing the image.

"I never knew President Peng looked so lovely when she smiled."

"Too bad she only smiles for one person."

"Ahem, I’ve long been used to President Peng’s usual stoic expression."

"Indeed. Cold to the world, yet affectionate at home—it’s truly enviable to be able to marry a woman like that."

"..."

"Sis, I’m sorry! There’s no need to hunt me down." Assistant Ye put his phone away, choosing to remain anonymous after his deed.

***

Uncle Li found that since Chen Fan had arrived, his workload had decreased significantly. Every day, he only needed to pick up the boss in the morning, and the rest of the day was spent on standby. Just now, he had finished his last task of the day: opening the passenger door for his boss.

"Thank you, Uncle Li. You can head home for today."

"Very well, President Peng."

Starting work at nine in the morning and finishing before noon—Uncle Li was growing more and more fond of this job.

That was until Assistant Ye remarked, "Uncle Li, aren't you worried that President Peng won't need you anymore?"

Uncle Li: "..."

You really know how to induce anxiety.

"My mom said they've already arrived at the hotel."

Because the BMW had been taken by Auntie Xu for grocery shopping, Chen Fan was driving a Cullinan today. Used to sedans, he felt a bit restrained driving such a large vehicle for the first time. Even while responding to Peng Jiaxin, his eyes remained fixed on the road.

"So early?"

"Yeah, my dad is a bit excited."

The two old fathers were already in a group chat discussing where to go fishing after their meal...

"Chen Fan, do you think your parents will dislike me?"

***

The closer they got to the train station, the more nervous Peng Jiaxin became.

"They won't," Chen Fan said, taking one hand off the wheel to hold hers. "Trust me, okay?"

Peng Jiaxin nodded.

The train station was located on the opposite side of Su City from the airport. At 12:10 PM, Chen Mengting and her parents arrived safely in Su City.

"This place is a train station?"

The luxurious station defied the perceptions of Chen’s parents. Having been to other stations, they couldn't grasp how there could be such a massive disparity.

"Good heavens, there are even multiple restrooms!" Wang Juan, Chen’s mother, exclaimed every few steps.

Chen Mengting wasn't doing much better, but being away from home, her parents were relying on her now; she couldn't afford to fall apart.

"Mom, Dad, this way, this way!"

The Su City train station was vast, with two exits—west and south. Chen Fan had just messaged her to say he was waiting at the south exit.

"Coming, coming!"

The two picked up their bags and followed behind Chen Mengting. Because they had so much luggage, they inevitably walked a bit slowly, but fearing they would keep their daughter-in-law waiting, they tried to hurry as much as they could.

*Thump!*

Carrying a large backpack, Old Chen managed to dodge a pedestrian in front of him, but forgot about the pack on his back and accidentally bumped into someone else. He apologized profusely.

"Young man, are you alright? I'm so sorry, I bumped into you."

"It's fine, it's fine. But sir, you really should be careful when you're walking," Xiang Yongyang said with an indifferent wave of his hand.

"Are you all by yourself?"

"No, I'm here with my wife and daughter."

Xiang Yongyang looked behind Old Chen. "Where are they?"

"They were just in front of..."

Old Chen stopped mid-sentence. In the short time he had been delayed, Chen Mengting and Wang Juan had perfectly blended into the crowd ahead and vanished from sight.

"Uh... sir, you haven't gone and lost yourself, have you?"

"Hahaha..." Old Chen scratched his head in embarrassment.

Chen Mengting noticed her father was missing and called him. "Dad, where are you?"

"Uh... right where I was just a moment ago."

Chen Mengting and Xiang Yongyang: "..."

"Sir, why don't you let me talk to her?"

***

"Ah, sure." Old Chen handed the phone to the oddly dressed but kind-hearted man.

"Hello? You're the old gentleman's daughter, right?"

"Yes, and you are?"

"A passing Kamen Rider!"

"?"

"Ahem, sorry. I've wanted to say that for a long time. Where are you? I'll bring him to find you."

"I'm at Checkpoint 2A."

"That's not far. Wait just a moment."

"Okay, thank you, uh... Kamen Rider."

"Ahem!" Although Xiang Yongyang was a bit of a nerd, being called that to his face was still a little embarrassing. "It's fine, I'll bring him over right away."

The distance wasn't great, and they found each other in no time.

"Thank you, Kamen Rider uncle."

Chen Mengting gave Xiang Yongyang another round of "public execution" to his face. He clutched his chest and waved his hand. "It's nothing. I have to catch my train. See you next time if fate allows."

With that, Xiang Yongyang left. His goddess getting married and his "brother's" betrayal had left him feeling disheartened with the city of Su City, so he decided to travel for a few months to clear his head.

"There are still many good people in this world," Old Chen remarked with emotion.

Wang Juan glared at him, ready to unleash a stream of "beautiful" Chinese linguistic artistry to criticize him, but Chen Mengting stopped her.

"Mom, brother and sister-in-law are probably waiting anxiously."

"Humph, I'll deal with you later."

"Hehe~" Old Chen didn't mind; they say that fighting is a form of affection and scolding is a form of love.

Despite the minor setback, the three reached the south exit—commonly known as Exit 1—without further incident. Chen Mengting pulled out her phone to call Chen Fan.

Not far away, a man with his arm around a scantily clad woman approached the waiting area. The woman glanced at the simple clothing of Old Chen and his family and waved her hand in disgust.

"Honey, the poor, musty smell coming from those people is suffocating me."

The man looked over, and his eyes became transfixed. Chen Mengting's exquisite, natural face—even without a trace of makeup—was clearly superior to the heavily painted woman in his arms.

The man smiled. He loved these fresh, untouched young girls the most. He "accidentally" flashed the BMW key hanging from his waist and prepared to walk over and strike up a conversation.