Zhou Wang quickly changed his clothes and got out of the car.
Xia Xiwei, who was pacing around, turned her head and instantly brightened up.
The dark, single-breasted, notched lapel wool suit, simple yet with a sense of design, was paired with a grass-green shirt underneath, exuding a maturity without lacking the vigor that young people should have. Coupled with Zhou Wang’s great physique and his single hand casually placed in his pants pocket, he had an aura that even celebrities in the entertainment circle might not surpass.
"Not bad, not bad, I thought you didn’t really take it seriously... eh, is it my illusion, or do you seem to have gotten even more handsome, and a bit taller?"
Xia Xiwei was exclaiming in admiration and suddenly paused, showing a doubtful look as she deliberately stepped forward trying to pinch Zhou Wang’s face.
Zhou Wang dodged and said calmly, "Really? Maybe it’s been too long since we’ve met, and your memory is fuzzy?"
However, inside, Zhou Wang was secretly astonished. It seemed that the "Appearance Enhancement" effect was even better than he imagined. He’d only tried it once, yet Xia Xiwei noticed it as soon as they met.
The so-called "Appearance Enhancement" came as an "extra benefit" from the combined use of [Caroline’s Dream Knit Underwear] and [Caroline’s Original Silk Stockings].
In the recent days, out of curiosity, Zhou Wang tried it once, after which he had a not-easy-to-describe dream.
In the dream, Zhou Wang had some interactions with Caroline. When he woke up, he experienced an awkwardness reminiscent of puberty. But after two days, he was surprised to discover that his facial features seemed to have become more defined.
Moreover, Zhou Wang measured himself and found he had grown 2 centimeters taller; his original bare height of 179cm had increased to 181cm.
Because of this, he had to ask Lin Ran to send all his tailored clothes for some adjustments to fit properly again.
However, when Zhou Wang tried it a second time, the effect had inexplicably weakened significantly. But having experienced the initial effect, Zhou Wang was already quite satisfied and didn’t seek more.
He wasn’t aiming to become some universally admired handsome man; being average was good enough.
Though the people around him didn’t notice much change — since they saw him daily — Xia Xiwei, having not seen him for a while, was the one who was surprised at the significant change in Zhou Wang.
Although she couldn’t exactly articulate it, there was something different about him, just the mere appearance made Xia Xiwei’s heart race in a long-forgotten way.
Even though Xia Xiwei didn’t understand, she still thought it must be an illusion, since even if Zhou Wang truly hit a second growth spurt, it couldn’t be so drastic.
"Alright then, let’s go!"
So, without much further deliberation, Xia Xiwei, accompanied by Zhou Wang and Miao Ying, headed towards a nearby secluded compound.
Zhou Wang originally assumed that since it was a birthday banquet, it should be quite lively. Yet, upon reaching the door, hearing no significant commotion, he skeptically glanced at Xia Xiwei.
"This is a family banquet; how many people do you expect? Especially in such a place, it’s bound to be different... you’ll see in a bit."
Xia Xiwei gave Zhou Wang a sideways glance, knocking on the door, and unconsciously lowered her voice.
Zhou Wang reflected that it made sense, unlike rural gatherings, where everyone is boisterous. Comparatively, it seemed like gatherings among ordinary folks were indeed more interesting...
With this thought, Zhou Wang couldn’t help but chuckle, momentarily forgetting that he had ascended to another social class.
Xia Xiwei didn’t know why Zhou Wang was giggling, merely casting a curious look his way, and just as she was about to ask, the door was opened by a stern-looking, upright man, who smiled upon seeing Xia Xiwei.
"Brother Chen!"
Xia Xiwei clearly had a familiar rapport with the man, immediately greeting him with a smile.
The man nodded, stepped aside, and said with a smile, "Come in quickly. SZ was just wondering why you haven’t arrived yet... and this must be Mr. Zhou, hello."
"Brother Chen, hello."
Though Zhou Wang didn’t know the man’s identity, seeing he recognized him immediately, Zhou Wang hastily nodded and greeted him... as for the address, being Xia Xiwei’s temporary boyfriend, he figured following suit couldn’t be wrong.
"He’s my grandfather’s bodyguard, watched me grow up."
Xia Xiwei explained softly.
"Since childhood?"
Zhou Wang was a bit surprised, as the man before him looked just in his thirties, not much older than Xia Xiwei.
"He’s fifty, hard to tell, right?"
Xia Xiwei chuckled softly.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Wang was genuinely shocked. Xia Xiwei then explained, "It’s said he’s practiced some kind of internal martial arts, which is really good for health, that’s why he looks so young. I don’t really get it though..."
Though Zhou Wang still found it unbelievable, he reconciled with the thought that the world is vast, filled with extraordinary people, and his knowledge was still lacking; not understanding was normal.
He suddenly recalled the mysterious man he had helped in Hang City, who was dressed like a laborer, yet with extraordinary skills, able to hit a moving car’s rearview mirror with a stone from a dozen meters away. It shocked him terribly at the time.
Come to think of it, that laborer-dressed man oddly shared a similar demeanor with Brother Chen here, although their attire was entirely different.
Upon entering the main gate, in the front courtyard, Xia Xiwei called out to a lady who seemed to be a housekeeper, asking her to take Miao Ying to a guest room to rest. Zhou Wang took the bag from Miao Ying, and then, led by Brother Chen, he and Xia Xiwei passed another courtyard gate, arriving at the main hall.