A man in a tailored navy-blue business suit strode over. He appeared to be in his early forties, slightly plump but well-kept, with neatly parted hair and the calm, composed air of someone long-accustomed to managing details. Yet, as he caught sight of her face, he visibly faltered for half a second—eyes widening, a flicker of stunned admiration crossing his features.
Li Ziqing composed herself quickly, offering a polite smile. "Is there something I can help you with?"
The man recovered, clearing his throat with a quick nod. "Ah—yes, actually. Forgive my interruption, miss. I couldn't help but notice you were about to enter the building." He glanced at the keys in her hand. "Might I ask… are you the new owner?"
Li Ziqing gave a cautious but affirming nod. "Yes, I am."
A broad, pleasant smile spread across the man's face. With a respectful bow, he introduced himself.
"Excellent! Welcome to Jianghan Road. I'm Mu Shicheng—but everyone around here just calls me Manager Mu. I'm the property supervisor for this district. I handle maintenance coordination, rent collection for leased units, and general street affairs for owners like yourself."
Understanding flickered in Li Ziqing's eyes. Of course—on such prestigious commercial streets, there would naturally be an administrative manager overseeing day-to-day operations. This wasn't just a building; it was part of a larger, well-oiled urban machine.
She returned his bow with a courteous nod and extended her hand. "I'm Li Ziqing. Thank you for your assistance."
Manager Mu laughed warmly. "Of course Ms Li, and about this shop, It certainly is a gem. You're quite fortunate—locations like this rarely become available, let alone change ownership." He tilted his head thoughtfully. "If I may say so, you've inherited a building with incredible potential. High foot traffic, direct visibility, and a unique layout. Whatever you plan to do with it, I imagine it will attract attention."
As Li Ziqing examined the building's façade one last time, a question surfaced in her mind.
"Manager Mu," she asked, turning to glance at him, "do you know what this building used to be? What kind of business operated here?"
Manager Mu, who had been observing her from a polite distance, adjusted his tie and nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, yes. This used to be a very well-known high-end restaurant. For years, it was considered one of the finest dining spots along Jianghan Road. The chef was somewhat of a local legend—people would come from across Wuhan just for his seasonal tasting menus."
His expression darkened slightly.
"But after the owner passed away early this year, his son inherited the place. Unfortunately, the young man lacked his father's discipline and passion. The quality declined, management grew sloppy, and customers stopped coming. Eventually, the business folded. That's how the property ended up on the market."
"I see," Li Ziqing murmured, her gaze drifting toward the heavy black doors once again.
She stepped forward and gently inserted the key.
With a quiet click, the lock disengaged. The door creaked open to reveal a dim but spacious interior, the air inside still holding a faint trace of aged wood, wine, and something fragrant—like roasted herbs long since extinguished.
She crossed the threshold slowly, taking in the high ceilings, sweeping arches, and the elegant, if dusty, marble floor that spread out before her like a forgotten ballroom. There were still remnants of the previous establishment: a wine rack against the back wall, velvet-lined seating booths, and a few old chandeliers that hung like sleeping giants from the ceiling.
Manager Mu followed her in, maintaining a respectful distance. Despite the building's empty silence, he walked with the reverence of someone stepping inside a sacred space.
He stole a glance at her again.
This young woman... he thought. Her beauty is... otherworldly.
The kind that screamed for attention, but the kind that lingered—unapologetic, serene, and strangely unplaceable. With her simple white T-shirt and faded jeans, she looked like any ordinary girl you might see on the street. Someone you'd look at twice, perhaps, but ultimately dismiss as another struggling youth.
But Manager Mu had learned never to judge a book by its cover.
Thank heavens he hadn't this time.
When this property had hit the market, it had sent waves through Wuhan's elite circles. Influential businessmen had fought tooth and nail to get it. Rumors buzzed about buyers from Beijing, even foreign luxury brands who were prepared to pay triple the asking price for a foothold on Jianghan Road.
And yet, she had gotten it.
No one had seen it coming.
Manager Mu studied her more closely as she wandered further inside, her fingertips lightly grazing the old wooden counter, her steps graceful, but assured. She moved with a kind of quiet poise that didn't need to announce itself.
Perhaps she's from a powerful family in Beijing, he mused. But her accent is local...
Still, he didn't dwell on it. Whoever she was, he knew better than to pry. If she wanted him to know, she would tell him.
For now, he simply followed in silence, careful not to disturb her moment.
Li Ziqing didn't rush.
She only gave the reception area and main hall a brief yet thoughtful glance before deciding against going upstairs—for now. There was no need. The first floor alone was enough to reveal the building's former splendor.
Even cloaked in a thin layer of dust, the interior exuded a quiet dignity.
Rows of floor-to-ceiling windows lined the walls, their elegant frames concealed behind thick, crimson curtains. The heavy fabric dulled the light, giving the space a dusky, theatrical atmosphere. But Li Ziqing could already envision what it would look like once the curtains were drawn back: sunlight pouring in, casting golden reflections across the polished marble floor, and offering a sweeping 90-degree view of Jianghan Road—both the pedestrian promenade and the motor lane—as well as the bustling intersection with Mingxin Street.
It was a diamond-tier location in every sense.
The floor beneath her feet, though slightly dusty, gleamed with quality—the kind of aged marble that grew more beautiful with time. Tables and chairs made of dark, high-quality rosewood were still neatly arranged, untouched since the restaurant had closed. The bar counter retained its lacquered sheen, and the chandeliers above, though dim, hinted at the grandeur they once bathed the room in.
Everything was still intact. With a light cleaning and minimal renovation, the business could restart almost immediately.
But Li Ziqing had no such intentions.
Her gaze swept over the dark red walls, the deep mahogany accents, the wine-colored upholstery—all dramatic, luxurious, and undeniably elegant.
But it didn't suit her.
More importantly, it didn't suit her mother.
This restaurant would belong to Li Jianfang.
And her mother was not someone made for this kind of heavy, saturated palette. Her mother, who had weathered life's trials with silent strength, who had sacrificed without complaint, who carried herself with dignity despite years of hardship—she deserved something gentler. Something serene.
Not passionate red, but calming white.
Not dramatic velvet, but soft, muted blues.
Not ostentatious gold, but elegant navy.
Li Ziqing already had the concept clearly mapped out in her mind. She could see the transformation—the red curtains replaced by sheer linen, sunlight cascading over pale oak flooring, gentle jazz in the background, and a warm.
Her lips curved into a subtle smile.
Yes, it would be her mother's restaurant—not just in name, but in spirit.
After one last glance around the space, she turned toward Manager Mu, who had been waiting patiently by the door, still keeping a respectful distance.
"Thank you for your help today, Manager Mu," she said politely.
Manager Mu straightened and smiled. "If you need anything—renovation permits, utility setups, staff contacts—please feel free to reach out. I'll make sure the road committee supports you however we can."
Li Ziqing gave a small, appreciative nod. "I will. Thank you again."
She stepped outside, the sunlight catching her face as she pulled the door closed behind her. With a quiet click, she locked it and slipped the key back into her pocket.
The bustle of Jianghan Road continued around her—cars honking in the distance, the rhythmic steps of pedestrians, the soft chatter of tourists and locals alike.
Yet her thoughts were elsewhere.
How do I explain this to Mom?
---
As Li Ziqing stepped out of the bank, the sky had already started to turn a soft shade of indigo. The golden remnants of the sunset were fading behind the city skyline, and the streetlights flickered to life one by one. A quick glance at her watch told her it was already 6:30 PM.
She adjusted the strap of her sling bag and took a deep breath. After leaving Jianghan Road earlier, she'd suddenly remembered the check Feng Zhaotian had given her yesterday. It had been buried in her bag the whole day, and she'd nearly forgotten about it.
When the bus she'd boarded passed by her bank, she'd made a quick decision and hopped off. The bank branch was still open, and the transaction had gone smoothly. Now the cash—a full one hundred thousand yuan—was tucked safely inside her bag. Tonight, she planned to hand it directly to her mother.
She was just about to cross the street to head toward the bus stop when a familiar figure caught her eye.
"Uncle?" she blinked, surprised.
There, standing near the bus shelter, shifting his weight impatiently from one foot to another, was Li Jianping—her uncle. Dressed in a casual blue windbreaker and black jeans, with a satchel slung across his chest, he was clearly waiting for something.
Her face lit up. "Uncle!" she called out sweetly, waving as she jogged over.
Li Jianping jerked slightly at the sound of her voice, turning around as if he hadn't expected anyone to speak to him. But when he saw who it was, his expression softened into a warm grin.
"A Qing? What are you doing here?" he asked, surprised. "Aren't you supposed to be home by now?"
"I was on my way," she said cheerfully. "But I remembered the check from Feng Zhaotian and saw the bank from the bus window, so I stopped and cashed it. I figured I'd give the money to Mom tonight."
The moment those words left her mouth, Li Jianping's expression changed.
He glanced around instinctively, eyes scanning the people nearby. Without another word, he stepped closer and wrapped one arm protectively around her shoulder, guiding her to stand beside him with his body slightly in front of hers.
"Are you crazy?" he hissed in a low voice, keeping his tone firm but not angry. "Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"
Li Ziqing blinked. "It's fine—"
"Fine? A hundred thousand yuan in cash? Do you know what kind of people linger around bank exits this time of day?" he cut in, his brows drawn together tightly. "You should've at least asked someone to come with you. What if someone had followed you?"
His voice wasn't harsh, but it was filled with worry.
Li Ziqing's smile turned sheepish. "I know, I know. I'll be more careful next time, I promise."
He stared at her for another second before sighing and pulling his arm away, though he still stayed close. "Just… don't do that again. That's not small change, A Qing. That's real money."
She nodded obediently. "Understood, Uncle."
With that small crisis diffused, she tilted her head, suddenly realizing something odd. "Wait… why are you here? Isn't the bus to go home on the other side of the street?"
Li Jianping's expression flickered.
"I, uh…" he scratched the back of his neck. "I'm not heading home just yet."
"Where are you going then?" she asked curiously.
He hesitated.
"…Western District," he said finally.
Li Ziqing raised an eyebrow. "Western District?"
She paused. That didn't make sense. The Western District was on the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by mountains and pine woods, it was dotted with resorts, inns, pubs, and bars. A place people went to unwind, escape, or… party.
She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Uncle… are you going to party?"
Li Jianping almost choked. "What? No! No way! What are you talking about?"
She laughed softly at his flustered reaction.
"I just meant…" he sighed, giving up. "I'm going to the night market there, alright? Just to check something out."
Her eyes widened
The night market?
The legendary night market?
She suddenly smiled with a wide eyes said, "uncle I also want to go to night market"