Financial Independence through Cracked Apps

Chapter 349 - 189: High-Profile Appearance

12:30 PM.

The rain was still drizzling.

Inside Shennan Pet Society, Xu Lei and Lin Shen were having a pleasant conversation.

They discussed not only work but also the troubles they encountered in their daily lives.

Of course, it was mostly a one-sided conversation with Xu Lei venting while Lin Shen listened quietly.

Because they had similar experiences and were once colleagues who looked out for each other, there were no reservations or barriers between them.

She cursed out whomever she wanted.

She bad-mouthed whichever executive came to mind.

After spending just an hour or so with him, Xu Lei realized the success of the man before her was definitely no accident.

Whether it was his mature and witty conversation or his farsighted personal insights, everything was proof of Lin Shen’s excellence!

’No wonder he was able to start his own company right after quitting.’

’There was a reason for it!’

"It’s getting late. Shall we go get some lunch?"

Lin Shen casually revealed the green and gold Daytona on his left wrist. Paired with his mature look for the day, he gave off the flamboyant air of a young CEO from a novel.

At the sight of it, Xu Lei’s heart skipped a beat. Then, remembering her boyfriend was coming home for lunch, she decisively refused.

"No, thank you, President Lin. My boyfriend is coming home for lunch, so I have to go back and cook."

"So domestic."

Lin Shen gave her a thumbs-up, which made Xu Lei lower her head, a little embarrassed.

"It’s not really like that! Cooking at home saves money, so it just became a habit."

"Then let me give you a ride home. We can buy some groceries on the way."

"Okay."

This time, Xu Lei didn’t refuse Lin Shen’s kind offer. After all, it was raining outside, so getting a ride home would be nice.

So, each holding their own umbrella, they walked one after the other to Lin Shen’s Jaguar XFL.

Sitting in the passenger seat and looking around at the rather luxurious interior, Xu Lei couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

"It’s beautiful! Shen, how much did this car cost?"

"Around four hundred thousand."

Lin Shen turned on the AC, pulled up his personal playlist, and then turned the steering wheel, driving away from the entrance of Shennan Pet Society.

"It’s not that expensive. Good enough to get out of the rain."

"That’s not expensive?"

Xu Lei was envious, a helpless, bitter smile on her face.

"My boyfriend and I have been working for years, and we still haven’t been able to buy a car."

"Well, you two are saving up to get married."

"Saving up? Heh."

Xu Lei propped her cheek on her hand and gazed out the window, her expression filled with disappointment.

"I’ve managed to save almost a hundred thousand, but my boyfriend hasn’t saved a penny! The moment he gets paid, he’s either buying all sorts of things or eating out for days on end. He just has to spend every last bit of it!"

"Sounds like you two have your roles reversed."

Lin Shen teased.

"In my experience, it’s usually women who live paycheck to paycheck. Maybe you’re misjudging your boyfriend."

"I hope so..."

Xu Lei couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Afterward, Lin Shen drove them to a nearby Freshippo.

While picking out ingredients, he demonstrated a wealth of life experience. It was obvious he often cooked for himself.

This greatly surprised Xu Lei.

"You cook, too?"

"I had to control my diet when I was trying to lose weight, so I researched some recipes and learned to cook in the process."

Lin Shen teased as he helped Xu Lei pick out some tomatoes.

"Do I really seem like the type who’s above worldly affairs?"

"You do."

Xu Lei couldn’t help but roast him in her head.

’Who have you ever seen picking out vegetables in the produce section of a supermarket while dressed in a full suit?’

’Talk about a stark contrast!’

This gave Xu Lei a completely new perspective on Lin Shen.

He wasn’t just handsome with deep pockets; he was even a peerless, down-to-earth, ideal man!

’His image is too perfect!’

Xu Lei couldn’t stop a strange feeling of affection for Lin Shen from blooming in her heart. After all, how could anyone not be moved by this!

Of course, she still maintained the necessary restraint and composure, but her gaze would occasionally steal glances at Lin Shen’s handsome side profile, her heart pounding faster.

’He’s absolutely incredible!’

’A guy like this... his girlfriend must be so happy...’

After they finished shopping for the ingredients, Lin Shen insisted on paying, which sent a huge wave of emotion through Xu Lei, leaving her deeply moved.

"Hey, hey, hey! Shen! I can pay."

"Consider it my way of reimbursing your travel expenses for the interview."

Lin Shen chuckled, his gentle words making Xu Lei bite her lip as a strange sense of happiness filled her heart.

’It’s been so long since I’ve been taken care of like this...’

’Why can other men be so amazing?’

’Sigh!’

Xu Lei felt a pang of jealousy. On a sudden impulse, she blurted out a question.

"You’re so wonderful, you must have a girlfriend by now, right?"

"I do."

Lin Shen’s answer made Xu Lei’s heart feel strangely heavy, and she couldn’t stop herself from asking another question.

"If you don’t mind me asking, is it the same one as before?"

"I broke up with her a long time ago."

Lin Shen smiled meaningfully.

"My current girlfriend... is someone you know, too."

Huh?

Xu Lei’s beautiful eyes widened instantly.

’I know her?’

’For real?!’

’Don’t tell me someone from the office managed to win Lin Shen over?’

’That’s so enviable!’

’If I’d known, I would have made a move back then and tried to get on the good side of a rising star like Lin Shen!’

’I might even be the boss’s wife by now!’

A trace of regret filled Xu Lei’s heart; she regretted not making her move sooner.

To satisfy her gossip-loving soul, she risked annoying Lin Shen and asked cautiously,

"Shen, would it be okay to ask who it is?"

"I’ll keep you in suspense for now. You’ll find out when you start the job."

Lin Shen didn’t say it outright, which made Xu Lei burn with curiosity.

However, she was sensible enough not to bring it up again.

The two left Freshippo, and Lin Shen drove Xu Lei back to her apartment complex.

Just as the car pulled up downstairs, a familiar figure holding an umbrella came into view.