Chapter 48: Carry me someplace bright

There was a team dinner after the football match. Xu Tingsheng got intoxicated, this being the second time he had gotten drunk since his rebirth. The first time it had happened, he had forgotten his fears somehow or other due to having been by Mr Xu's side, in the end drinking muddledly along and getting drunk.

After that had happened, Xu Tingsheng had actually been worried for a few days, only calming down after not having noticed any abnormalities in Mr Xu, having been no different from his usual self.

This time round, his drunken state had nothing at all to do with the people around him. Or to put it another way, these people were not able to give him that sense of security. Yet, he had still gotten drunk. He had been exchanging cups with his own youth, toasting to its honour.

This game of football had kicked his soul back to its younger days.

While he had recovered his teenage body earlier, Xu Tingsheng had still been living with the mentality of a 31-year-old, harbouring fear. Even despite his having been reborn, the feeling of fear had still permeated his mind. This was the mentality of a failure, for such was what he had originally been-a complete, utter failure. It was to the extent that he had even fallen to being a coward who could only let go of love, helplessly watching it go.

The arch of his right foot propelling the ball lightly had allowed his youthful energy from long ago to reunite with his reborn body.

At the very least, sometimes, he would want to immerse himself completely into the identity of a teenager living amidst his youth.

In the rebirth stories that he had read in his previous life, the protagonists were always full of caution, always pushing desirously ahead at all costs, even resorting to unscrupulous means as they just desired to have everything within their grasp. Whether or not these things really belonged to them, they wished for it all.

As for Xu Tingsheng, he did not wish for much. Just family, Xiang Ning, friends, and himself. He wanted to live a hearty, carefree life, for such was a life that he felt would not be a wasted one.

Fu Cheng fell into a drunken state as well. He staggered off by himself, saying that he wanted to look for Fang Yunyao to finish yelling the rest of the words that he hadn't finished conveying earlier.

Xu Tingsheng shook his head and remarked that he didn't believe Fu Cheng would dare to go.

Fu Cheng replied, "Then I will find a corner to yell through the phone."

Fu Cheng had not been gone for long when Xu Tingsheng also took his leave. He staggered a full round about the school, humming a short 'gangster's lullaby' he had created back in his previous life when he had still been young and messing about:

"Lady, you are so effing beautiful, setting my heart aflutter…"

Female juniors walking past waved energetically at him, and Xu Tingsheng reciprocated with even greater energy until the little ladies were scared away.

Exiting the school gates, Xu Tingsheng very unexpectedly crossed paths with someone – Apple.

To be honest, amongst the girls whom Xu Tingsheng had crossed paths with ever since his rebirth, Apple was the one he had the least respect for. Xu Tingsheng had very carefully looked after the feelings and emotions of many people, but he had not done so for her.

To raise a most straightforward example, while Apple had given Xu Tingsheng her number quite some time ago, when Xu Tingsheng had sent out messages to inform his acquaintances of his new phone number upon purchasing a new mobile phone, she was one of the rare few who had excluded from this.

Truth be told, she hadn't actually done anything wrong.

She had come to watch his football match today. He had seen her there.

"Xu Tingsheng, you…are you drunk?" Apple asked..

"Yes, a little. What are you still doing here so late?" Xu Tingsheng responded as tried his hardest to keep his mind sober.

"I've been waiting for you, actually. I wanted to tell you that I'll be returning to Shenghai City tomorrow. My mom's over there," Apple said.

"You come from Shenghai? That's quite a nice place."

"No, I don't come from there; it's just that my mom's there. It's not a nice place at all."

Apple's parents had divorced, and her mother had gone off to work in one of the two most prosperous metropolises in the country, also renowned as the two municipalities which were like heaven to those taking their university entrance examinations. While Apple had followed her mother there to live and study, she had not been qualified to sit for her university entrance examinations there.

She had lived there for close to ten years, but had still remained an outsider. Her classmates had seen her as a mere village girl. The teachers had seen her as an inconsequential student who had nothing to do with the passing rate of the cohort. Her studies were not good, and her family was not well-to-do…She yearned for respect, even simply for a friend, but for her, this could only be achieved through certain methods and schemes.

This was, perhaps, the reason for her current personality. She had been forced to maintain rational thought at all times, calculating benefits and detriments, using those as the benchmark for all of her actions.

Xu Tingsheng had yet to answer her when Apple continued, "Walk with me?"

She was different from usual today, without the bewitching gaze, the rough manner of breathing, the blatant or covert teasing. As Xu Tingsheng looked at her, she appeared just like a most ordinary girl.

Therefore, Xu Tingsheng said, "Okay."

The two of them walked along the street, somehow ending up at Jiangbin Road. This place was a very suitable location for a date. There was the sound of water and the wind, and also the dim yellow street lamps and silhouettes outlining those blissful couples everywhere.

The two of them sat down on a stone bench by the river.

As her long hair was blown messily by the wind, Apple tucked away the loose strands of hair on her forehead.

She said, "I'm so hungry. I actually haven't had dinner; I was waiting there for you all this while."

She went on, "Xu Tingsheng, even though I know that nothing will come out of this, even though I know that you may look down on me, I still want to tell you that I seem to…no, not just seem to. Really, I like you. When you held up a heart and ran along the stands today, I coaxed myself, telling myself that it was meant for me…did you know? I am especially good at deceiving myself; it's been like this ever since I was a child."

Xu Tingsheng stood up, saying, "Actually, it may not be love. It may be that you simply yearn too deeply for protection. Maybe you just wish that there can be someone whom you can rely on, such that you will no longer have to face as well as fight for everything on your own, having to remain cautious at all times in all that you do…."

Having said a few 'maybes' in succession, Xu Tingsheng then continued, "It just happened that in this time that you saw me, I appeared very awesome and capable in some matters, therefore causing such a feeling to well up within you..Actually, were it sometime else and faced with some other matters, I might be an incompetent, spineless coward, a complete and utter failure…can you believe that?"

Having finished, Xu Tingsheng strode away.

Apple called after him, "You're leaving?"

Xu Tingsheng laughed, "I'm off to get you something to eat. Just consider it…my gratitude and reciprocation to a beautiful lady's love and admiration."

Xu Tingsheng returned with some food which Apple promptly ravenously devoured, wolfing it down with a total lack of concern for her image. This Apple was truly not the least bit like Apple.

There were also a few cans of beer in the bag that Xu Tingsheng had brought back. Apple opened a can and handed it over to Xu Tingsheng.

Then, she opened one for herself and raised it up, clinking cans with Xu Tingsheng, "Cheers, thank you."

The two drank and chatted. Apple soon became tipsy, even more quickly than Xu Tingsheng who had already been drunk beforehand.

She leaned on Xu Tingsheng's shoulder, saying, "It seems very worth it."

"What?"

"My seduction was not in vain. Such treatment from you-even Yao Jing didn't have it, right? Your junior didn't receive it either, it seems. So, it seems to have been very worth it."

Xu Tingsheng abruptly became aware that this was indeed true. He had not been with this way with Yao Jing or Wu Yuewei. So, why was he now suddenly treating Apple, whom he had originally least respected, this way? Why had he, out of the blue, suddenly thought to show Apple some care and warmth, some respect and concern?

Perhaps it was because she was just like how he once had been, living under a state of constant struggle and fear.

Xu Tingsheng said, "It isn't like this…do you have any other requests? Say it now; you should really be going home soon. There's still that bus to Shenghai City tomorrow to catch."

Apple pursed her lips and thought for a while before standing, swaying as she climbed onto the stone bench, her arms spread wide in greeting of the incoming winds, "Carry me someplace bright."

Carry me someplace bright. Everyone has had their dark times, has experienced times alone with no one to reach out to. At such times, you would wish that there could be someone, carrying you someplace bright.

Xu Tingsheng carried Apple on his back and walked back to the main street. After that, Apple got off and walked by herself. She hopped and skipped along like an extremely foolish yet merry little girl, one who knew not any worry or fear.

Apple turned some additional bends, walked them around in circles…She wished that this stretch of road could be a little longer, yet even longer, for there were very few occasions when she could be so happy and at ease.

Yet, the two still eventually reached the alleyway beside Apple's house.

"I'm not going home," Apple said in a shameless tone, turning as if to walk back to the street.

Xu Tingsheng grabbed hold of her, saying, "I'll watch you go up."

"Huh, bad guy," Apple sighed, furrowing her brows as she said, "I really want to seduce you a little this once more…this one's house is really empty, this one is really scared, this one is really…leaving tomorrow."

It turned out that having changed 'I' to 'this one', a completely different feeling was given off.

Xu Tingsheng smiled bitterly as he took out his handphone and dialled Apple's number, trying his utmost to remain composed as he said, "Save my number, let's be friends from now on. If there's anything I can help with, tell me about it."

"You have to mean what you say."

"I mean it."

As Xu Tingsheng was on the road home, his phone began to vibrate.

Apple said: I just remembered something. There's actually really something I need your help with.

Xu Tingsheng replied: Say it.

Apple said: Help me solve a physiological problem…awww…this one here is all alone at home, and also just drank…so lonely, how i wish….

Apple said: My house's number plate is 402. I'll be waiting.

Apple said: Hurry up…. ohhh…. this is so excruciating…

……

Xu Tingsheng was in great pain. Demon…at the end of the day, she was still a demon that he could not afford to provoke…

Chapter 49: Letter of acceptance

Apple left. The next morning, Xu Tingsheng received a message from her.

She asked: Xu Tingsheng, I’m leaving. We'll still meet again, right?

Xu Tingsheng replied: Of course. Have a safe journey.

Apple said: Right, I had an erotic dream yesterday night. Want me to describe it to you?

Xu Tingsheng replied: …Please have mercy on me. Any more of this and I’ll explode.

Apple said: It was exciting. My shorts are so short today. That scoundrelly-looking uncle sitting beside me has been constantly peeking.

Xu Tingsheng replied: Cover it.

Apple said: I’ve covered it. I’ll think of you."

Xu Tingsheng said: Okay.

Apple asked: Will you think of me?

Xu Tingsheng replied: I can have those dreams too.

Apple said: How exciting.

……

Apple left. He heard that no one had gone to send her off. Still, she was not depressed by that. For some people who were used to being lonely, as long as others provided them with some warmth, they would preserve it well, afterwards relying on it to nourish themselves.

During the summer holidays, some of the graduates would get together for a meet-up once in a while. There were always some who would ask curiously about Fu Cheng's howl towards the stands that day. Who had he been confessing to?

This question was destined to remain unanswered.

Xu Tingsheng asked Fu Cheng in private whether he had phoned over afterwards to finish the rest of what he had wanted to say back then. Fu Cheng said that Ms Fang had continually refused to pick up her phone for the rest of that day.

"I think that she’s just confused," Xu Tingsheng said, "This is still better than her rejecting you or counselling you patiently."

Time flowed by just like this. The results of the university applications would soon be released in succession by the respective universities.

One day, Xu Tingsheng received a very unexpected call.

It was the principal who was looking for him as he said in a rather dismal tone, "I'm sorry."

"Principal? …What's wrong?" Xu Tingsheng asked puzzledly.

"Nearly, so very nearly…You missed the cut-off by just two marks. Sorry," The principal said.

Hearing that he had just been two marks away from getting accepted, Xu Tingsheng actually broke out into a cold sweat. Phew. Luckily, he had not scored two marks higher. Otherwise, what would he have done if he had been accepted into Qingbei? Everything was good there but just for the fact that it was too far away from Xiang Ning. Therefore, it would not have been good at all.

He said, "It's fine, I was mentally prepared…Still, are the results already out?"

Principal Xu sighed, "I got someone to check it for me, and found out through him that you failed just by those two measly marks…Sorry, if not for us back then…"

"Even if not for you, I would still have taken that risk," Xu Tingsheng said, "Therefore, you don't have to blame yourself, Principal."

Over the next few days, Xu Tingsheng received calls from many of the school, Vice Principal Lou and Old Zhou amongst them. All of them said what a pity it was whilst also professing the deep guilt that they felt over the matter. Xu Tingsheng could only comfort them one by one.

Of course, Old Zhou said something else as well, "Still, I just don't get why you chose Yanzhou University to cover your bases. It's merely ranked around 9th or 10th in the province. That's just too much of a waste."

Xu Tingsheng could only say, "At the time, for fear of not being able to get into any university at all, I covered my bases a little too thoroughly."

Perhaps this trash excuse of his was believed, or perhaps it was not. Whatever the case, this matter was already set in stone. Xu Tingsheng became the student with the highest ever marks to be accepted by Yanzhou University, its higher-ups excited to the point of calling over in the middle of the night just to confirm, "Will you really be coming?"

"Rest assured, I will. I can't wait," Xu Tingsheng said.

Why Yanzhou University?…Xu Tingsheng could not tell anyone the reason, that it was because there had once been a girl who had said: When I was bullied and huddled in a corner crying, you weren't there to protect me.

As the image of a little girl huddling in a corner and weeping arose within Xu Tingsheng's mind, his heart felt like it was being viciously shredded apart.

Therefore, Xu Tingsheng definitely had to go this time. He definitely had to go to her side.

Xu Tingsheng just couldn't wait.

The students and teachers all felt that it was a great pity, though. He even received calls of consolation from Yao Jing, Apple and Ye Yingjing.

Wu Yuewei said, "Yanzhou University is pretty good. It's right by the sea, I rather like it."

Xu Tingsheng said, "You have to get into Qingbei. As for everything else, it can wait till later," As he saw it, the period of a year should be sufficient to change many things.

Comparatively speaking, Mr and Mrs Xu were better able to take it in their stride. As they saw it, Xu Tingsheng had done very well already. Qingbei? They had never heard of anyone successfully getting in before, not in a hundred lifetimes.

As for Fu Cheng, Huang Yaming and Song Ni, they rather 'rejoiced at his misfortune' a little instead, because that person they had thought they would no longer be able to hang out with actually…suddenly…might very possibly still be remaining by their sides.

Fu Cheng had applied for a normal course in Yanzhou University, while Huang Yaming and Song Ni would also be studying in the same university cluster.

When filling in their aspiration forms, they had said, "There's only us three poor souls relying on whilst also supporting one another now. Someone's achieved great glory and made off without us."

Now, Huang Yaming felt this to be very suspicious as he asked, "Out with it, is it because you saw our aspirations that you filled in Yanzhou University? Are you gay, and if so, is it me or Fu Cheng whom you like?"

Having before experienced an era in which the term 'gay buddies' had been very commonly used, Xu Tingsheng's resistance to this sort of teasing was actually very good as he directed a slightly heated glance first at Fu Cheng and next at Huang Yaming before shyly lowering his head, "I like both of you."

With that, Huang Yaming and Fu Cheng collapsed.

Ye Yingjing was successful in her application to Jianhai University. She said that she had to thank Xu Tingsheng for his reminder to apply for specialisation flexibility, because she had merely been above the cut-off for Jianhai University by a single mark.

Huang Yaming would go to Jianhai Technological University, separated by Yanzhou University by a single river. Fu Cheng would specialise in finance in Yanzhou University. Song Ni would be studying accounting in an economic-based institute in Yanzhou.

This had all come together perfectly, or at least, such was what Xu Tingsheng thought.

In Xu Tingsheng's previous life, it had been Huang Yaming who had been in the same university as him. However, he had become a junior due to having repeated the year, and it came to be that the junior, Huang Yaming, led the senior, Xu Tingsheng, astray. This time, it was Fu Cheng who was in the same university as him. Xu Tingsheng would now be leading him astray.

Song Ni's problem lay with the fact that she had already lost her freedom of looking for a boyfriend. It was not that she was not allowed to. Rather, it was that the boy would first have to undergo a joint inspection and be approved of.

Yao Jing would be attending an educational institute in Xihu City, this leaving Xu Tingsheng very surprised. In his previous life, it had been him who had gone into the field of education. This time, however, it was Yao Jing who would be doing so. The flapping of the butterfly's wings had finally changed yet more things.

"I wonder if many years later, standing before a class, she will still appear that tomboyish," Xu Tingsheng thought with some relish.

Apple called to tell Xu Tingsheng that she would be attending a specialisation college in Shenghai City, her specialisation being English. She said that she actually really wanted to leave Shenghai. Still, her mother was there and she was afraid that she might be lonely.

Xu Tingsheng didn't know which university Apple had attended in her previous life or how her life there had been. He only knew that she had eventually ended up marrying a rich guy, a very gentlemanly British man, next having emigrated to Australia.

Australia belonged to Britain in name, and that man actually even had a position of nobility bestowed upon him by the royal family.

This time, it was unknown whether they might still meet.

Xu Tingsheng said over the phone, "How good is that? Mastering a foreign language, with it also being in a big city. That way, you can date a foreigner, with golden hair and blue eyes."

Apple said, "But I like those with black hair and black eyes."

Xu Tingsheng said, "Relax, there are these types amongst foreigners as well. Let me ask you a question. If sometime in the future, you make up your mind to emigrate, which country would you most want it to be?"

Apple thought before replying, "Australia."

Xu Tingsheng felt that it was great that this was so.

The graduates would be heading to various different places. Whether they were overjoyed or desolate, they would soon be embarking on a whole new journey. University-herein lay the some of the most blissful times of one's life.

Having received his letter of admission, Xu Tingsheng suddenly thought of his university classmates of his previous life.

Amongst them had been good bros of his whom he had hung out and played around together for four years with.

This time, Xu Tingsheng would be going someplace else, and perhaps they would no longer meet. Even if they met, while Xu Tingsheng would know them, they would no longer know Xu Tingsheng.

There were also his two ex-girlfriends whom he had been in a relationship with in university. Xu Tingsheng wondered: If he were to return to his university of his previous life one day to look around and he saw her and her, how would he feel?

If he went up and told her, "With but a few calculations of my fingers, this old man knows all. Beautiful lady-there is a red mole at the back of your waist."

Would he be worshipped as a divinity or beaten painfully up as a jerk?

Chapter 50: The opening of the mall

From the beginning of the mall's renovation at the end of June to its imminent opening at the start of August, Xu Tingsheng didn't really have to help out much with it. Mr Xu took full charge of the project, just asking him to pick a name for the supermarket. Searching the names of the large scale supermarkets that he had the deepest impressions of on the web, he discovered that there were virtually no famous brands which had yet to enter the market.

Of course, famous brands too had only achieved their prominence step by step.

Currently, the Xu Family still lacked the ability to proceed along the direction of chain large scale supermarkets. Therefore, taking a step back, Xu Tingsheng chose a rather more straightforward name: Happy Shoppers(Huangou).Grand Shopping World of Libei.

The little joke here: I am Tesco's(Legou/Joyful Shoppers) bro.

Within the tiny Libei, the news of the mall's opening didn't really have to be advertised on too grand a scale. They need just release the news and wait for it to be spread via word of mouth.

"Have you heard? That 'Wait for me' is about to begin operation."

"Oh, the one with the 'Guess', right? I guess that they'll be selling mobile phones."

"I guess that they'll likely be selling clothes, for everyone from the old to the young and for both males and females. With all that, it is indeed possible that they could fill up such a large space."

"……"

The part that they managed to guess correctly was one even Xu Tingsheng had not thought of originally. Mr Xu had 'stubbornly insisted' on setting aside an area in the supermarket that they actually felt to be rather small to sell mobile phones in, from Nokia phones to 'mountain shack' phones that consisted of various small brands as well as imitations.

The female manager who had come over from Xihu City, Li Xiu, had argued with Mr Xu over this many times. As she saw it, this was really too random and meaningless. However, Mr Xu argued that it was very suitable for their location, because this was Libei. Even if the level of modernity of their supermarket was inferior to those in Xihu, it was already enough for the people of Libei. Meanwhile, mobile phones were currently in the process of rapid development as a highly profitable selling point.

In the end, Li Xiu could only compromise on the matter, though she still clearly retained her views of opposition.

Mr Xu and Xu Tingsheng both felt the same regarding this: appreciation. She truly treated Happy Shoppers as her own enterprise.

On opening day, there were no special gimmicks like the cutting of the ribbon, only the bustling crowds gathered outside the mall.

Mr Xu and Xu Tingsheng wore the exact same formal shirt, western trousers and leather shoes as they simply stood to the side of the door. Beside them were Mrs Xu and Xu Qiuyi, and around them were many relatives as well as former classmates who had come to join in and liven up the atmosphere.

Forming a larger group here were the mall's 'little shareholders'. From their perspective, while the amount of shares they held was not clearly defined, having invested their money in, the Xu Family had correspondingly promised them interest as well as possible bonuses. Therefore, this business belonged to them as well. They had been the most passionate ones in the publicising of the mall earlier, and during its opening now, rather than just having come alone, they had also brought along many friends and relatives to boost the crowd and the atmosphere.

Mr Xu took much care of this 'sense of ownership' of theirs as well. He arranged them right in the centre, all of them wearing red flowers and looking very satisfied and full of themselves.

The celebratory firecrackers resounded. Father and son moved one to the left and one to the right, each tightly grasping one end of the 'Guess' banner that covered the front transparent glass wall of the mall as they simultaneously exerted force from both sides.

"Swish."

The grand stage was unveiled.

Happy Shoppers.Grand Shopping World of Libei was officially presented to the public.

With regard to the mall's external appearance, the Xu Family had designed a massive transparent glass wall so as to display the interior of the supermarket to the greatest possible extent.

A few little children from some relatives' families, having already entered the mall earlier on, were currently jumping about happily on the inflatable castles that were the main attraction of the entertainment zone for children here. Now, the grips on the hands of many parents with young children suddenly tightened as their children already couldn't wait to go join in the fun.

Other than that, on a few massive screens overhead were being broadcasted popular music. Currently, Stefanie Sun was singing <Encounter> on them.

Without needing queue numbers, the residents of Libei County now encountered their first ever modern large scale supermarket.

As a demonstration, Huang Yaming lifted up a five-year-old boy currently playing in the entertainment zone and placed him on the seat of one of the shopping trolleys. Originally having been crying and making a ruckus due to being carried away by a stranger, the little boy was giggling out in joy as he was pushed around on the shopping trolley.

Then, under Li Xiu's lead, dressed in the same company uniform, the staff of the supermarket made their appearance.

They formed two straight columns by the sides of the corridor, bowing deeply together before shouting out in unison, "Welcome, happy shopping in Happy Shoppers.Grand Shopping World of Libei!"

Then, they scattered in an orderly fashion, taking up their respective positions.

The crowds began flocking towards the inside of the mall.

The most important requirement for a supermarket was being equipped with everything. Happy Shoppers had given the people of Libei their first ever 'one-stop style' shopping centre in the truest sense of the term.

The first to be snatched up completely were the shopping trolleys. Those who had not managed to secure one could only grab a shopping basket, which were luckily sufficient in number.

"With such great renovation, perhaps the things here are rather expensive?"

"Being slightly expensive would also be natural."

The customers had already readied themselves mentally for the prices to be higher. However, they quickly discovered that the prices of goods in Happy Shoppers were even lower than in the small supermarkets and wholesale departments that could be found outside. Abundant in goods and low in price-this was basically what this meant.

Actually, in the year 2003 when Taobao had still yet to rise to prominence, the transparency level of the prices of goods was comparatively lower. The prices in small supermarkets and wholesale departments were all decided upon very casually, earning them great profits. Comparatively possessing a large amount of inflowing goods as well as an advantage in their purchasing costs, Happy Shoppers had determined their own prices after having done some market research in Libei. While virtually all of their goods were sold at lower than the market price, there was actually still around a whopping 38% of revenue to be made.

As the mall's popularity surged through the roof, a hearty, uninhibited smile could be seen on Mr Xu's face.

He had silently waited for so long in preparation for this day. As Xu Tingsheng looked at Mr Xu beside him, he could not help but feel emotional as hot tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

Filial piety.

Helping his father to re-find himself, finding back the him that he wanted to be, was possibly the greatest act of filial piety ever possible for Xu Tingsheng.

People came over to congratulate them non-stop.

Boss Ye of the Golden City Tower hurriedly came down from his car as he apologised repeatedly, "Sorry, sorry. Boss Xu, I was out overseas for work. Even though I rushed back, I still couldn't make it in time."

Mr Xu went forward, shaking Boss Ye's hand and engaging in a conversation with him.

Looking at Xu Tingsheng by the side, Boss Ye asked Mr Xu, "This is our Libei's top scholar, right? The one on the big banner?"

Mr Xu nodded proudly.

"Impressive, your Xu Family truly is impressive. Twin heroes in both father and son…Boss Xu, let me tell you, I could already tell last time that this kid is extraordinary. No wonder you even brought him along in your business discussions…"

Within a short time, more and more people came forth to congratulate them. Amongst them were many of the people whom their 'little shareholders' had asked to come liven up the atmosphere. However, currently, they could only boost the atmosphere around the doorway. The insides of the supermarket were already packed with jostling crowds.

Currently, those who were carrying shopping baskets were feeling like it was a much wiser choice to be doing so than to be pushing around shopping trolleys.

Similarly placed in a troubling situation were the staff of the supermarket who were pushing around their trolleys. The popularity of sales had surpassed their original expectations. As the shelves were cleaned out time and time again, they could only squeeze past the jostling crowds to lay out fresh stock yet once more.

Of course, they were soon relieved of all this hardship as the customers began directly taking goods off their trolleys.

In Xu Tingsheng's previous life, he had come for the grand opening of the supermarket that had been established in this very same space. While it had been very bustling and lively that day, it was still rather a far cry from the current popularity of the Xu Family's supermarket right before his eyes. One reason for this was the superior renovation as well as modernisation extent of Happy Shoppers. Another was the two large banners of 'Wait for me' and 'Guess' that had enveloped the entire mall having sufficiently attracted the attention and curiosity of the people of Libei.

Additionally, it was also due to the innate allure of the Xu father and son. Mr Xu was famed as one of the first in Libei to have started a factory. Having slumbered amidst the fields and hills for more than ten years, he was now surging back into prominence, having emerged with a major venture as soon as he had made a move. Meanwhile, his son was a legend of Libei Senior High as well as Libei's latest top scholar for Humanities.

Many people wanted to come and take a look at this legendary father and son duo.

…The popularity of Happy Shoppers surged through the roof.

Xu Tingsheng stood at the doorway with Mr Xu, greeting the customers that were flowing in in an endless stream. There were actually many who came to show their support for them. Old Zhou and Fang Yunyao came, and even Ye Yingjing's entire family made an appearance.

The two exchanged a few casual lines, but as Mrs Ye was trying to 'enter a deeper conversation', she was pulled away by Mr Ye, saying, "They're busy today; let's find another day to talk."

Xu Tingsheng could only smile apologetically. In truth, he hadn't the time to chat much with anyone today, not even Old Zhou.

Nearing noon, as lunchtime arrived, the number of customers in the supermarket finally decreased somewhat. Just as Mr Xu and Xu Tingsheng were about to arrange for the staff to go for lunch as well as refill the empty shelves, Xu Tingsheng saw some people he had not expected to see.

The four principals of Libei Senior High had come.

They had already long since helped to advertise the mall like they had promised. Grasping the largest student population of Libei and their families by extension, the influence of their advertising would unquestionably be immense.

The principals had arrived with guilt, Principal Xu saying on their behalf, "We've been constantly feeling rather guilty over the matter of Tingsheng's aspirations…we aren't able to do anything else, but today, we can just raise the atmosphere here all that we can boost it."

To what extent could a few principals boost the atmosphere?

To a very great extent indeed.

Just as Principal Xu had finished speaking, a massive student body could already be seen flocking over from the distance, someone yelling loudly from far away, "Senior Xu Tingsheng, we're here to support you!"

It seemed like…there wouldn't be time for lunch today. They'd best hurry and stack up some goods on the shelves.

Of course, the principals couldn't have expressly asked or commanded the students to come over here. They had just done one thing. Today, management had been cancelled during the mealtime break of Libei Senior High. The students could freely move about as they wanted.

Happy Shoppers was located but a few hundred metres from Libei Senior High. However, Mr Xu and Xu Tingsheng had originally not thought that they might have to account for these student customers. After all, Libei Senior High underwent enclosed-style management, within which were shut in over a thousand students from various grades that were currently in the midst of summer supplementary lessons.

With a single word from Principal Xu, management was temporarily cancelled, and thereby had resulted this scene.

"You've really given us face this time," Mr Xu grasped Principal Xu's hand, saying sincerely.