20: Chapter 20: A New Outfit to Slap the Face of the Snobbish Shop Assistant, and a Bouquet of Flowers for a Date with the Goddess!

Wang Defu was taken aback. He looked down at his old, faded work clothes, washed until the fabric was pale and stained with a few grease spots, and quickly waved his hands. "Oh, Little Chen, no need, no need! This old man has clothes to wear, aren't these just fine? Don't waste your money!"

"We must go," Chen Fan's tone brooked no argument. "In the future, our 'Panshi Foundation' will need to interact with the outside world. Image is important. Besides, you're one of my people now. You can't keep dressing like..." He paused, not voicing the words 'a ragpicker,' but Wang Defu understood his meaning. A surge of warmth filled his heart, and he offered no further protest.

Early the next morning, the two arrived at a fairly large shopping mall in the city center. As soon as they entered, the polished mirror-like floors, bright lights, and the fragrance lingering in the air created a world of difference from the environment of the scrapyard. Wang Deffu seemed somewhat ill at ease, feeling completely out of place.

They walked into a men's clothing store specializing in smart-casual styles. The clerk was a young woman with meticulously applied makeup. Seeing the two who entered—one a young man in a dusty old T-shirt with messy hair, the other an old man in obviously worn-out work clothes for manual labor, carrying a faint scent of metal and machine oil—the professional smile on her face instantly faded. She lazily muttered, "Feel free to look around," and lowered her head to continue playing on her phone, showing no intention of offering service.

Chen Fan frowned slightly but didn't make a scene. He walked straight to the clothing racks and, judging by his and Wang Defu's builds, quickly selected several outfits, including shirts, casual pants, and polo shirts.

"Try these on," Chen Fan said, handing the clothes to Wang Defu. He picked out a few sets for himself and walked into a fitting room.

After Wang Defu put on the comfortable polo shirt and casual pants, he looked ten times more energetic. His back unconsciously straightened, and seeing in the mirror a version of himself that seemed years younger, he grinned widely.

Chen Fan asked Wang Defu, "Uncle Wang, how do they feel? If they fit, we'll take them all." He then pointed to several other sets in different colors and styles. "These, in his size, wrap them all up."

"Huh? This many?" Wang Defu was stunned.

"To wear in rotation," Chen Fan said calmly, then took out his bank card and handed it to the clerk, whose eyes were now shining. "Checkout."

The clerk's attitude did a complete 180-degree turn. Her expression instantly became obsequious. "Of course, sir," she said, her tone now exceedingly enthusiastic.

"Also," Chen Fan pointed to the well-tailored dark gray suit on the mannequin nearby, "that set, in my size, wrap it up too."

Carrying numerous shopping bags, they left the store. Chen Fan led Wang Defu straight to a trash can and, without hesitation, threw all their old, worn-out clothes inside.

"Little Chen, this..." Wang Defu felt a bit reluctant. That old work uniform had been with him for many years.

"Out with the old, in with the new," Chen Fan said firmly. "From the inside out, change everything."

Next, they went to a shoe store and each bought two pairs of leather shoes and sneakers. Their haul of large and small bags was quite substantial.

After that, they found what looked like a high-end barbershop. Chen Fan not only got his overly long hair cut and his face shaved but also had a deep scalp treatment, thoroughly washing away the fatigue and grime of the past half-month. At his insistence, Wang Defu also experienced his first professional haircut in his life, getting a neat, short cut that made him look even more spirited.

"Uncle Wang, all dressed up like this, you look just like a business owner," Chen Fan teased. It really was true: clothes make the man.

Finally, Chen Fan went into a boutique and selected a bottle of crisp, light, and elegant men's cologne, spraying a little on his wrists and the sides of his neck.

Early the next morning, Chen Fan put on the new white shirt he bought the day before, casually rolling up the cuffs to reveal his sturdy forearms. He paired it with the long, dark, wide-leg trousers and a pair of leather shoes. The whole look was clean and sharp. He then sprayed on some cologne and spent a good while admiring himself in the mirror.

Near the meeting spot, he deliberately took a detour to a flower shop. There, he carefully selected a bouquet of white lilies, still in bud, with a delicate, refreshing fragrance, and had them wrapped in elegant paper.

The agreed-upon restaurant was elegant and quiet. When Su Qingyue saw Chen Fan walking towards her slowly, holding the lilies, she was completely stunned. The light fell on him, outlining his tall, straight figure. His clean, handsome face wore a gentle smile, and his eyes were bright and confident—completely different from the memory of a figure always carrying a hint of gloom and exhaustion.

"Chen Fan?" She stood up, her tone carrying a touch of incredulous delight.

"Have you been waiting long?" Chen Fan walked up to her and handed over the lilies. "For you. They feel like they match yourtemperament (aura)."

The pure white flowers set off Su Qingyue's slightly flushed cheeks. She took the flowers, lowered her head to inhale their scent gently—the fragrance was refreshing. "Thank you, they're beautiful." She looked up at him, her eyes shining. "You... look very different today."

"One must always look forward," Chen Fan said, sitting down opposite her, his tone composed.

After ordering, the atmosphere between them was relaxed and natural.

"What have you been busy with lately? You look much better, and you seem... much more energetic," Su Qingyue asked curiously, her gaze occasionally sweeping over Chen Fan's completely refreshed appearance.

"I've been working with a friend on a small factory, doing some R&D in metal materials and precision parts," Chen Fan said, withholding some details. He was afraid telling her his whole experience might shock her and planned to find an opportunity to explain gradually. "We just got the site and equipment sorted. It's tiring, but it feels very purposeful."

"That's wonderful!" Su Qingyue was genuinely happy for him. "I always knew that true talent would shine through!"

"You think quite highly of me," Chen Fan smiled, steering the conversation towards her. "And you? Hospital work must be very demanding, right?"

Talking about her work, Su Qingyue became more talkative. She recounted the joys and sorrows on the wards—the happiness of successful treatments, the helplessness in the face of illness, the warmth brought by understanding families, and the grievances when met with a lack of comprehension. Her voice was gentle, her narration vivid, and her eyes always held a reverence and care for life.

Chen Fan listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two or sharing a bit of his own perspective. He realized that, setting aside the abilities granted by the system, this kind of peaceful listening, exchanging ideas, and feeling the other person's world was also a rare pleasure.

Back when he was with Zhang Ya, it was hard to have such a relaxed atmosphere. Zhang Ya's materialism made Chen Fan feel like a failure crushed by life.

A girl like Su Qingyue, who showed some appreciation and had offered warmth during his low point, made Chen Fan feel incredibly relaxed and close to her.

"You seem to have matured a lot, Chen Fan," Su Qingyue looked at him and said softly. Perhaps because of his newfound confidence, the present Chen Fan spoke eloquently, and even his smile was filled with sunshine.

"One must fall hard enough to stand more firmly," Chen Fan said calmly, adding in a joking tone, "I'm a new Chen Fan now."

The meal lasted a long time, and the two talked about many things—work, life, some trivial anecdotes. The distance between them unconsciously closed considerably. After the meal, Chen Fan saw Su Qingyue home.

Arriving downstairs, Su Qingyue held the bouquet of lilies. Their fragrance drifted on the night breeze.

"I had a wonderful time today. Thank you, Chen Fan. It let me relax so thoroughly," Su Qingyue said. She hadn't realized before that Chen Fan could be such a good conversationalist.

"Me too," Chen Fan looked at her. "Go on up now, get some rest."

"Mhm, you too, head back soon," Su Qingyue nodded, turned, and walked up the steps. She looked back at him with a smile, "Send me a message when you get home safely," before disappearing behind the door.

Chen Fan stood in place, taking a deep breath of the early summer air still carrying the lingering scent of lilies. He felt as if over a month's worth of fatigue had been completely washed away.