47: Chapter 47 We Meet Again

Jiang Chen walked through the still bustling and noisy Jade City lobby, striding calmly toward the parking lot.

The evening glow, like melted gold foil, spilled diagonally across the grey-blue floor tiles and landed on his well-defined profile.

He walked straight toward his Porsche panamera Turbo S parked in the exclusive space, its volcanic grey metallic paint shimmering with a subtle, premium luster under the sunset.

Jiang Chen raised his hand and pressed the smart key. The headlights flashed twice with a soft, fluid halo, and all four doors unlocked in response with a crisp, mechanical click.

Pulling the door open, he sat into the form-fitting leather seat. The quiet comfort inside the car felt like a different world compared to the clamor outside.

Jiang Chen pressed the start button, and the engine immediately emitted a low, resonant roar. The car pulled steadily out of the Jade City parking area and merged into the traffic on Binjiang Road.

He did not rush to speed up but drove slowly along the riverbank.

The evening breeze poured in through the half-open panoramic sunroof, carrying the cool moisture of the river and the tenderness of the city at dusk.

Just as he wanted to use the evening breeze to clear his mind, his phone rang sharply in his pocket, with Wang Hao's name flashing on the screen.

Jiang Chen tapped the car's Bluetooth, and the call connected instantly.

Wang Hao's voice, laced with anxiety, embarrassment, and a desperate plea for help, came through immediately; even through the speaker, one could feel how flustered he was.

"Chenzi! Help! Do you have any plans tonight? If not, you absolutely must do a brother a huge favor. If you're late, I'll die of social embarrassment on the spot!"

Jiang Chen kept his eyes on the road, his right foot resting lightly on the accelerator. The car glided steadily along Binjiang Road as he spoke in a calm, reassuring tone.

"Just finished up. Nothing for now. What's wrong?"

"I knew you were the most reliable!"

Wang Hao let out a long sigh of relief on the other end of the line, his tone instantly shifting from anxious to a pitiful, frantic urgency, speaking as fast as a machine gun.

"Let me tell you, Chen Xue, the girl I've been chasing for nearly a month, finally agreed to come out for drinks and a chat tonight!"

"I spent three whole days preparing—topics, gifts, the schedule—everything was planned perfectly. I thought it would be a sweet date for two, but just now she suddenly messaged me saying her best friend didn't feel safe with her going out alone with a guy, so it turned into a group outing!"

"You know me. I'm fine joking around with the guys, but I get tongue-tied in front of girls, let alone entertaining two at once! If I can't keep the conversation going and things get awkward, all my previous effort will be wasted, and I'll suffer a social death!"

Wang Hao grew more anxious as he spoke, almost on the verge of tears.

"Chenzi, you have to come and save me!"

"You're handsome, don't talk much, and have a steady presence. Just sitting there, you're the anchor of the vibe. Our two-school-hunk combo will carry the atmosphere. I'll focus on chasing Chen Xue, and you just help me block any awkwardness and hold down the fort. I'm begging you!"

He paused, as if suddenly remembering a trump card. His tone immediately became more expectant and cautiously scheming, his voice lowering with anticipation.

"Oh right, right! Drive your panamera Turbo S over! When you park on the side of the road, it'll be such a flex—it'll definitely earn extra points with the girls. My path to getting a girlfriend tonight depends entirely on your assist!"

Listening to his good brother being so flustered yet incredibly sincere, Jiang Chen felt a faint smile tug at the corners of his lips.

He had originally planned to find a place to relax and unwind that evening to clear his mind after a tense afternoon, so now that Wang Hao was asking for an emergency rescue, he had no reason to refuse.

"Send me the location. I'll go to the university to pick you up first, then we'll go to the bar together."

Jiang Chen replied in a calm, crisp, and decisive tone without a hint of hesitation.

"Damn! Chenzi, you're like a second parent to me! You're so loyal! I'll never forget this life-saving favor!"

Wang Hao was so excited he nearly shouted, his tone filled with wild joy; he was practically jumping up and down on the other end of the line.

"We'll meet by the bus stop on the main road at the south gate of Jiangcheng University. The bar I booked is called Twilight Bar, just a few kilometers from school. Take your time, drive safely, no need to rush!"

"Got it."

Jiang Chen replied softly, his tone remaining indifferent.

Less than two seconds after hanging up, Wang Hao hurriedly sent over the meeting location at the school and the pin for Twilight Bar.

He even attached a string of bowing emojis, which Jiang Chen found both helpless and amusing.

He turned the steering wheel slightly, and the Porsche smoothly completed a lane change and turn, precisely entering the main road leading to Jiangcheng University.

The evening breeze brushed against his cheeks recklessly. The city lights began to turn on one by one, and the neon reflections swept past the windows, casting mottled, soft halos inside the car.

Jiang Chen held the steering wheel with one hand, his posture calm and relaxed.

A dozen minutes later, the car slowly drove onto the main road near the south gate of Jiangcheng University.

Jiang Chen looked up and saw three figures waiting by the roadside from afar, standing out clearly in the twilight.

Wang Hao stood on the outermost side, wearing a fresh casual outfit. He kept standing on tiptoe to look toward the intersection, pacing back and forth, looking restless.

Beside him was Chen Xue, wearing a white dress. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, her eyes were gentle, and her temperament was pure and quiet. She was the most popular gentle-type girl on campus, currently looking down at her phone and occasionally looking up to say a few words to her best friend beside her.

And beside Chen Xue stood another girl with a tall figure and a completely different temperament.

Her jet-black hair was loosely tied up with a simple black pearl hairpin, with two thin strands of hair hanging down at her temples, accentuating the long, elegant lines of her neck.

She wore a misty grey draped blazer over a beige silk camisole, the neckline's perfect curve looking gentle yet understated.

She paired it with high-waisted cigarette trousers that tapered neatly to her ankles, and wore a pair of low-heeled square-toed lambskin flats.

She possessed both the capability of a law student and the steady demeanor of a lawyer; just standing there, her presence was exceptionally striking.

The moment he saw that face, Jiang Chen's eyes paused slightly, a flicker of imperceptible surprise crossing his heart.

It was actually Lin Wan.

What a coincidence.

It really is... everywhere I go, I run into her.

Wang Hao was stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up, and he felt much more relaxed—it was much easier dealing with an acquaintance than a complete stranger.

Chen Xue smiled and introduced her casually: "Wang Hao, this is my best friend Lin Wan. She happened to be free today, so she came along with me."

Wang Hao immediately perked up, his tone natural yet measured: "Lin Wan, long time no see. I didn't expect you to be Chen Xue's friend."

Lin Wan raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone light but polite and proper: "It is quite a coincidence. So the friend you said was coming to help is Jiang Chen?"

"It's him, alright."

Wang Hao smiled and lowered his voice slightly.

"To be honest, I was worried about the atmosphere being awkward earlier. I didn't expect it to be you. Once Jiang Chen arrives, there shouldn't be anything to be nervous about tonight."

Lin Wan was amused by his straightforward and honest manner and chuckled: "You're quite good at using leverage to boost your own courage."

"What else can I do? When chasing someone, you have to show some sincerity and confidence."

Wang Hao scratched his head, stopping there so as not to be abrupt while still appearing open.

They chatted idly for a while. Not long after, a low, elegant engine sound approached from afar.

Wang Hao's eyes lit up, and he immediately waved: "He's here! My Chenzi has arrived!"

Jiang Chen slowly pressed the brake, and the Porsche stopped smoothly and silently in front of the three of them, the car body perfectly aligned with the roadside, his precision impeccable.

Wang Hao rushed over immediately, leaning against the car window and whispering excitedly.

"Chenzi! Guess what! The best friend Chen Xue brought is Lin Wan! This fate between you two—it's like heaven is trying to play matchmaker for you!"

Jiang Chen glanced at him but didn't take the bait.

He pushed open the door and stepped out, his posture tall and straight, his temperament calm.

He looked naturally toward the two women and nodded slightly in greeting.

"Lin Wan, meeting again."

Chen Xue asked shyly in a soft voice: "Classmate Jiang Chen, sorry to trouble you to make a special trip."

Lin Wan looked at him, a faint smile in her eyes, her voice gentle and soft: "Jiang Chen, I have to trouble you again."

"It's on the way."

Jiang Chen's tone was calm as he gestured toward the back seat: "Get in. The bar isn't far, just a few kilometers away."

Wang Hao immediately and eagerly opened the car door for Chen Xue, then made a "please" gesture toward Lin Wan, his actions fluid and smooth.

Lin Wan nodded slightly, bent down, and sat in the back seat, sitting side by side with Chen Xue.

The cabin was quiet and comfortable, with soft leather seats and a faint fragrance filling the air that unexpectedly complemented the elegant scent on her.

Jiang Chen sat back in the driver's seat and pressed the start button.

The Porsche emitted its low, pleasant roar once again, carrying the four of them as it steadily merged into the night, driving toward Twilight Bar.

The atmosphere in the car was relaxed and subtle, with Wang Hao focusing on finding topics to talk to Chen Xue about.

Lin Wan sat quietly to the side, her gaze occasionally meeting Jiang Chen's in the rearview mirror before she moved it away nonchalantly.