Everything had already become a part of the past, just like the old buildings being demolished throughout the city. Today they stand tall and imposing, but tomorrow they might become a pile of ruins, and the day after, even those ruins might vanish without a trace...

Even though school dismissal was still some time away, Mu Zi didn't want to linger there long. He didn't want to run into acquaintances, especially not Yezi. The past had passed, and the best way to face sadness was to forget. So, he just stood for a while before leaving the school gate, strolling aimlessly on the streets.

Unlike the peaceful and serene Phoenix City, Wutong City was a rapidly developing urban area. Even just walking on the streets, one could feel the city's buzzing growth. Skyscrapers rose in every corner, the streets bustled with people – a lively scene. Walking among the crowd, brushing shoulders with countless strangers, each face unfamiliar, brought a sense of solitude. But Mu Zi didn't mind this feeling; on the contrary, he liked it. It made him feel free and... safe.

With his hands in his pockets, Mu Zi casually observed the hurried crowd around him. They must be the kind of "ambitious and tirelessly striving for a better future" people his boss always talked about.

Thinking of his boss, Mu Zi couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

Mu Zi worked at a restaurant named "Ningxiang Pavilion." True to its name, the place wasn't big, but it was exquisitely decorated, with an elegant and unique ambiance, popular among city white-collars and the emerging petite bourgeoisie. So, business was always good.

Ningxiang Pavilion was run by a couple in their thirties. Ningxiang, the name of the lady boss, matched her personality. She might not have been stunningly beautiful, but she had a unique charm – noble yet not haughty, approachable yet not vulgar, like a quietly blossoming white lotus, unassuming but captivating. In contrast to his charismatic wife, the boss seemed rather ordinary. Burly with a signature bald head, he often blurted out crude words, always dressed in super-brands, though often wrinkled, making those expensive clothes seem almost pitiful. Overall, the boss and lady boss were quite decent to their employees, except for the not-so-high salaries. The restaurant had a total of seventeen staff, including Mu Zi, the latest addition. The rest had been working there for over two years, staying mainly due to the generosity of the boss and lady boss, satisfied with their treatment.

However, content as they were, where there are people, there's gossip. The staff was no exception. On the surface, they were dutiful and loyal, but behind the scenes, they often gossiped. Mu Zi wasn't interested in these rumors, but he couldn't help overhearing some, particularly about the lady boss allegedly cheating on her husband.

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"Why does the boss keep a bald head? It's easier to wear a green hat (be cheated on)..."

"It's true, I saw it clearly once. The lady boss was walking into a hotel, hugging a handsome young man, much better looking than our boss..."

"Do you think our boss is too dumb to notice, or... can't satisfy his wife in certain ways?"

Hearing them chattering idly, Mu Zi found it boring and strange. Why bother with other people's private affairs...

So, even when some colleagues invited him to join in on the gossip, Mu Zi politely declined.

I was never one to gossip about others... he thought. Besides, to this city, I'm just a passerby, and this restaurant is just my starting point...

"Our Zhao Datou built this from scratch, fighting tooth and nail to get to where we are today. Ask anyone who knows me, who doesn't respect me, who doesn't think I'm a real man?" Whenever there was a holiday or an employee's birthday, the lady boss would cook a large meal, and everyone in the restaurant would celebrate together. The boss almost always drank too much, becoming boastful about his past achievements, and always ended by proudly gazing at his wife, boasting to the staff, "See that? Only a beauty like your lady boss deserves me, Zhao Datou, haha." Saying so, he would boldly wrap his thick arms around his wife's waist. The lady boss would smile tenderly, indulging her husband's drunken state like a doting mother. She epitomized the image of a virtuous wife and good mother.

Once, a mischievous employee teased the boss when he was drunk, "Boss, seems like the lady boss calls the shots here. Are you henpecked?"

"Henpecked?" The boss scoffed, "Who am I? I'm Zhao Datou! Afraid of my wife? That's a joke! Ask her if she dares to defy my orders." He

turned his proud gaze to his wife.

"I wouldn't dare... Who is my husband, after all? I certainly wouldn't dare disobey your commands..." The lady boss patted his hand gently, smiling playfully.

Mu Zi always remembered the couple – so affectionate. The lady boss was so gentle and understanding, a stark contrast to her usual strong, decisive image. In daily operations, she was the leading figure, handling procurement, reception, publicity, and events, while the boss was more of an assistant and errand runner...

So, while admiring the lady boss's virtue, Mu Zi also found the boss amusing. Perhaps being drunk was the only time he could exhibit his machismo...

Flashing back through these memories, a smile appeared on Mu Zi's face. Life was indeed rich and colorful, with everyone having their own fascinating stories.

So, where is the exciting part of my story...

Lost in thought, Mu Zi had crossed two intersections. Walking further would take him too far from the restaurant. He decided to turn left, heading back.

Just as he was about to turn, his attention was caught by a car parked ahead.

It was a bright red Hafei Roadster, but what drew his attention was the license plate. WT444

That was the lady boss's car.