Chapter 65: The Chengdu in My Memory

Two hours later.

“Hello, Mr. Lin, you are a valued Platinum Member of China Southern Airlines. We’re delighted to see you again.”

“Here are your slippers, let me help you change…”

“Today’s in-flight meal options are chicken rice and beef rice. Which would you prefer?”

“This is the black tea you just ordered, and here’s a hot towel…”

…

Lin Shenlu gazed at the flight attendant kneeling in front of him, clad in black stockings.

Her badge bore the name Jian Weiwei.

The service was excellent…

Lin Shenlu truly preferred the service of China Southern Airlines…

…

“Hello, I’m He Yurou, the chief purser today. Thank you for choosing to fly with us again…”

Another flight attendant in black stockings.

This one was the chief purser.

Lin Shenlu smiled and nodded, then handed her a sheet of paper.

“This is a handwritten letter of appreciation, thanking the attendant who looked after me and the entire crew… This bag contains some souvenirs I bought at Dali Airport, a few tie-dyed animal ornaments. They’re meaningful and meant as gifts for your team…”

He paused, then continued, “The more I travel, the more I appreciate your service at China Southern Airlines. Thank you.”

…

During his frequent business trips, Lin Shenlu flew almost exclusively with China Southern Airlines. The service really was outstanding.

And the attendants were all remarkably attractive…

…

At 7:30 in the evening.

Lin Shenlu disembarked.

The first thing he did was send a message to An Muxi.

Girl Kidnapper: Guess where I am?

The last message exchange had been when An Muxi texted Lin Shenlu after landing.

For someone just finishing a trip, it was best not to disturb their rest.

So Lin Shenlu hadn’t said much, simply urging An Muxi to rest well.

Now, as night fell, he figured An Muxi had rested enough.

Evening Breeze: Where are you? Did you go to the bar again?

Lin Shenlu smiled, snapped a photo, and sent it to An Muxi.

Girl Kidnapper: I’ve arrived in Chengdu…

Girl Kidnapper: Will you come pick me up and treat me to dinner?

Evening Breeze: Huh? You’re back in Chengdu, Deer?

Girl Kidnapper: Yes, I missed you so much I couldn’t help but come back right after you.

Evening Breeze: But… Deer… I’m not in Chengdu…

Lin Shenlu was stunned. That couldn’t be.

He’d seen An Muxi collect her boarding pass for Chengdu this morning—how could she not be there this afternoon?

Did she change her ticket?

Or fly somewhere else?

Noticing Lin Shenlu hadn’t replied in a while,

An Muxi sent another message.

Evening Breeze: I’ve already returned to my hometown. My father picked me up, and I plan to rest here for a few days before heading back to work.

Before Lin Shenlu finished reading, another message arrived.

A photo.

A modest bedroom.

Pink sheets and purple curtains.

An Muxi, dressed in adorable navy pajamas, lying on the bed.

Lin Shenlu finally relaxed.

So she’d gone home to her parents to rest.

Girl Kidnapper: All right, rest well. I’ll be in Chengdu for a few days for an industry forum, then after a break, I’ll head to my next destination.

…

Chengdu’s nights were enchanting.

This city, so familiar to Lin Shenlu.

Returning here, his mindset was different.

That evening, he wandered into a small tavern, ordered a few beers, listened to the singer, and let all his worries fade.

…

Two days later.

Today, Lin Shenlu dressed neatly and followed the location sent by his former boss to attend the industry exchange.

He’d attended such events before.

Usually, Tuyu Travel, as a major player, hosted seminars to launch new projects.

Attending companies would either seek win-win cooperation, invest in custom routes, or ramp up advertising…

Now, with nothing weighing him down, Lin Shenlu had no desire to contemplate those matters.

Upon entering the main hall, he casually took a drink and wandered about.

The best outcome would be not running into acquaintances.

He browsed the exhibition routes, new travel projects, or plans to promote niche destinations.

While he explored, he noticed a man at the hallway corner, head bowed, talking on the phone.

The man looked handsome.

Perhaps twenty-eight or twenty-nine.

His physique was impressive—even through his clothes, his build was evident.

The man smiled as he spoke on the phone, “Nair, I’m in Chengdu for an industry exchange, official business! Only two or three days, then I’ll come find you in Meishan… Yes, we’ll go back together, I miss Xuxu already…”

After the call, the man noticed Lin Shenlu.

He smiled at Lin Shenlu and then turned away.

Lin Shenlu’s curiosity was piqued.

This exchange was grand, with guests from across the country…

Was that man from Meishan?

Xuxu—what a pleasant, familiar name!

…

“Hey! Deer Bro! Why are you here? Didn’t you go chasing the stars and sea?” As Lin Shenlu wandered, he was called out.

He’d run into an acquaintance after all.

A former colleague from Tuyu Travel.

Tuyu Travel’s staff member, Bubu.

“Bubu, I’m just here for a stroll…” Lin Shenlu said, a bit embarrassed.

“Haha, if President Lin knew you were here, she’d be thrilled. Come on, I’ll take you to her!” Bubu grinned, grabbing Lin Shenlu and heading toward the center.

Lin Shenlu couldn’t refuse—seeing his old boss was only polite.

After a while, he spotted his former boss.

She saw him too.

Not far away, the two stood chatting with wine glasses.

On the right was Tuyu Travel’s general manager.

A deep black blazer paired with crimson lips, her beauty matched by a powerful aura.

Under her loose blazer was a shimmering blue pencil skirt, accentuating her perfect figure, especially those long legs clad in sheer stockings and the dazzling crystal heels.

Lin Shenlu often wondered:

Sister Qingchen wasn’t young anymore, yet she remained single.

Was it for work or something else?

Of course, no one in the company dared ask.

Sister Qingchen was particularly stunning today, more striking than usual.

Standing beside her was a man.

Hm?

Him?

Wasn’t that the man who’d just been on the phone nearby?

Lin Shenlu’s curiosity grew…

With everyone so close, they all saw each other.

“Sister Qingchen…” Lin Shenlu approached with a smile.

Lin Qingchen, Tuyu Travel’s general manager, nodded slightly, “You’re here, Little Deer…”

Lin Shenlu: “Yes, Sister Qingchen, just arrived.”

Seeing the man smile at him, Lin Shenlu nodded in return.

“What… Do you already know each other?” Lin Qingchen smiled.

“We just met,” the man replied, flashing two charming dimples.

“Little Deer, let me introduce you. This is President Chen, founder of ‘Global Travel Photography’ magazine…” Lin Qingchen introduced.

“This is Lin Shenlu, my little brother, formerly my director… He resigned a couple days ago and went traveling in Dali…” Lin Qingchen shot Lin Shenlu a glare.

“Nice to meet you, President Chen…” Lin Shenlu smiled and extended his hand.

“No need for formalities… Just call me brother-in-law,” Lin Qingchen said casually.

“Brother… in-law?” Lin Shenlu’s mouth hung open.

“Don’t tease… Qingchen…” President Chen looked somewhat embarrassed.

“Brother-in-law?” Lin Shenlu ventured.

President Chen didn’t reply… Lin Qingchen shot him a look.

“Hey…”

…