After driving back to Zhaoge, the two didn’t head straight to school. Instead, they went to Zhaoge’s Future City. True to its name, the tech level here—even the building designs—reflected the world’s most advanced innovations and forward-thinking concepts. What was once Zhaoge’s outskirts had blossomed into a dazzlingly vibrant district.
This was Su Wei’s first visit. To Zhou Xi, it held little charm—but Su Wei found it utterly fascinating. Clear blue skies arched over pristine waters. The entire city gleamed, lush with greenery: emerald grass, blooming flowers, towering ancient trees. Solar panels peeked shyly from forests and meadows, rising above the foliage.
No fuel-powered vehicles were allowed inside. Every few hundred meters, public parking spots appeared—filled with electric scooters or cars, all rentable via QR code scan, strictly for use within Future City.
Far out at sea, tidal power plants dotted the horizon. But the true showstopper was the sailboat-shaped tower rising from the ocean.
Zhou Xi pointed. “How about renting a floor in that tower?”
“Won’t it be too expensive…?” Su Wei murmured.
She adored the building. Working there would be pure bliss—glancing up from tired work to watch tides roll, seagulls soar, fish leap. Sunset painting the waves gold? Absolutely mesmerizing.
“Expensive?” Zhou Xi chuckled. “That tower’s prime real estate! Future City is the mecca of global tech. Rent’s steep—but you’re aiming to be the richest person someday. Skimp now, and why would top talent follow you?”
“How much… roughly?”
“Five hundred Zhou Yuan per square meter. Monthly.”
“…”
Su Wei’s heart sank. She’d just gotten over ten million Zhou Yuan—and it’d barely cover one year. *Damn. Insanely pricey.*
“Maybe… skip it for now? No rush,” she suggested weakly.
Zhou Xi laughed, pinching Su Wei’s cheek playfully. “You little miser! Your software’s already turning heads. Big firms are hunting our address. Elite grads wave resumes, desperate to join. Skip a proper office now? We lose them. And trust me—getting them back is near impossible.”
She was right. Compared to Zhou Xi, Su Wei was just a coder with a hint of past-life insight. So much left to learn.
“Alright,” Su Wei nodded slowly. “Let’s go.”
They parked, switched to an electric vehicle, and glided toward the Sailboat Tower. Inside, Su Wei glanced around curiously. Max speed: 65 km/h. But the real shock? Full self-driving mode. Input destination—and it drove itself.
In her past life, the tech existed—but liability debates blocked it. *Who’s at fault if the car crashes? Owner? Not driving. Manufacturer? “We added safety features—you didn’t react!”* Legal gray areas stalled adoption. Yet here, Zhaoge’s Future City embraced it boldly.
Inside the tower, Zhou Xi made a quick call. Smiling, she turned to Su Wei. “I’ve booked Manager Xu. You’ll lead the negotiation.”
“Me?” Su Wei froze, nerves flickering. “I know nothing!”
“Weiwei,” Zhou Xi said gently, “my path can’t stay in business. You’re not just the majority shareholder—you’re the top decision-maker. Should the leader flinch at a simple lease talk?”
“I…” Su Wei breathed deep, forcing calm. “You’re right. I’ll do it. But brief me first? I can’t walk in blind.”
“The Sailboat Tower’s seven years old—Future City’s landmark. Cafeteria, badminton courts, bowling alleys… even an Atlantis-themed ocean restaurant underground…”
“Stop!” Su Wei cut in. “I asked about *our* floor, not a tour!”
Zhou Xi’s smile softened. “We want the very top floor. Never leased since completion. Your mission: secure it at the best price.”
Su Wei laughed and spun toward the parking lot.
“Where to?”
“Home! I’m not renting this!”
Zhou Xi tugged her back, laughing. “Try it! Fail? We pick elsewhere. An entrepreneur fears trying?”
“Ugh… fine.”
Su Wei sighed, following Zhou Xi toward the first-floor office. The agent waited. Only two minutes from lobby to door—but Su Wei walked slowly. Zhou Xi matched her pace, silent. By the door, Zhou Xi saw it: a new steadiness in Su Wei’s eyes.
*Knock, knock, knock—*
“Come in!”
Su Wei opened the door. An 80-square-meter suite greeted her, divided by frosted glass. The outer lounge held potted plants—and Impressionist paintings that caught her gaze.
A man in his forties stepped out: round glasses, a neatly trimmed beard, light shirt, relaxed trousers. Charismatic. Polished.
He glanced at Su Wei, smiled warmly, and gestured to the sofa.
“Please, have a seat.”
