It could be said that because they were so optimistic about the prospects of the cargo terminal, they had bet more than half of their assets, hoping to achieve a leap in wealth with this one deal. Therefore, they watched over this dock more closely than Gu Qingcheng.
Gu Qingcheng had now returned to her initial state of being a hands-off boss.
As the two were chatting, a young man came upstairs from below. He looked up and saw Boss Du, his eyes showing surprise at the unexpected encounter. He quickly stepped forward to pay his respects and said,
"Uncle Du, what a coincidence, you're here for breakfast too?"
"Yo, Jun Yan, you're here too? Let's eat together.
This is Gu Qingcheng, Young Master Gu. This is Wang Jun Yan, the son of one of my old hometown friends. He's also a talented young man, currently dealing mainly in cloth."
Boss Du invited Wang Jun Yan to join them for the meal.
Wang Jun Yan seemed to have been waiting for this opportunity. As soon as he heard Boss Du's invitation, he casually sat down.
Gu Qingcheng noticed that Wang Jun Yan was very respectful towards Boss Du in his speech, and he frequently poured water and served dishes for him personally.
Boss Du accepted this with relish, allowing the actions. It was evident that he treated Wang Jun Yan as a close junior, which was why he behaved this way.
Gu Qingcheng didn't mind and continued to eat her favorite dim sum: rice noodle rolls, beef tripe... Hmm, delicious.
After finishing breakfast, the young man named Wang Jun Yan said he had to leave, and before departing, he specifically instructed,
"I'm treating for this morning's dim sum. Please enjoy your meal, Uncle Du and Young Master Gu."
Boss Du didn't say anything and looked pleased.
Wang Jun Yan bowed again and then left.
Seeing Gu Qingcheng glance at Wang Jun Yan's retreating back, Boss Du winked at her with a grin.
This gesture, done only between familiar people, carried a deep meaning.
Gu Qingcheng then asked, "Boss Du, is there anything special about this Young Master Wang?"
"Haha, you noticed too, didn't you? He's different towards me, isn't he?"
Boss Du boasted smugly.
Gu Qingcheng's mind faltered for a moment. She couldn't quite grasp the significance of this "difference." Was it possible Boss Du had a particular liking for this?
No, from her impression, Boss Du was definitely a straight man and didn't have such a preference.
"He is a bit different. He's refined, decent-looking, very meticulous and thoughtful in his dealings, generous, and understands human relationships well."
Gu Qingcheng thought carefully and gave a good evaluation based on the other's behavior.
Hearing this, Boss Du's mood greatly improved and he said,
"Young Master Gu, you truly are a discerning person. This Young Master Wang will be coming to my estate to propose soon. I find him quite agreeable, so it seems you share the same sentiment."
Ah, so it was a father-in-law sizing up his son-in-law, and liking him more the more he looked.
"Congratulations, Boss Du, on finding a fine son-in-law. So you have a daughter waiting to be married."
Gu Qingcheng took a sip of her red tea and asked casually.
"Haha, I have two daughters, and they're about the age to be married. My wife is quite reluctant and keeps delaying, saying she fears they'll suffer after marriage.
However, a man must marry, and a woman must wed. No matter how reluctant, we can only find a good family for them.
Speaking of this, Boss Du also looked reluctant, seemingly a father who doted on his daughters.
Seeing this, Gu Qingcheng felt a sense of camaraderie with him, a kind of mutual appreciation, because her own father was also a devoted father.
If her own marriage were to be discussed someday, she would likely have the same expression: hating that she wouldn't marry, and hating that she would marry. A difficult choice.
Gu Qingcheng picked up her teacup and said,
"Then I'll first congratulate Boss Du on gaining a worthy son-in-law. Young Master Wang seems like a good match."
"Haha, thank you for your good wishes. However, they haven't met yet, and I don't know if my daughter will take a liking to him.
Speaking of my daughter's looks, many people praise her beauty. Some even say that if the Great Zhou Dynasty hadn't fallen, and the Emperor were still selecting consorts, my daughter would at least have been a noble consort.
Of course, I would never wish for her to go to the imperial palace; that place devours people without spitting them out. Fortunately, the Great Zhou has fallen. Otherwise, I would have married her off one or two years ago. I truly don't want her to participate in the consort selection; I only wish for her a life of peace and happiness."
Boss Du's devotion to his daughters was confirmed.
If a woman could become part of the imperial family, which clan wouldn't seize the opportunity to rise in status?
But Boss Du would rather not have such an opportunity, which showed he genuinely cared for his daughter's well-being.
Of course, parents often see their children through rose-tinted glasses. Gu Qingcheng didn't believe Boss Du's daughter would be exceptionally beautiful.
Because Boss Du himself had a beard and was broad-shouldered, and it was said that daughters often resemble their fathers. If his daughter looked like him... hehe!
It would be impolite to think further.
The collapse of a dynasty changed the fate of a young maiden.
As Gu Qingcheng pondered this, her heart stirred with emotion.
She remembered her history teacher saying in class that historical events are particularly resonant when depicted through the destinies of ordinary people.
Thinking of it this way, it truly was so.
"Haha, Young Master Gu, aren't you also of an age to consider marriage? Have you met any girls, or has your family already arranged a childhood sweetheart for you?"
Having started on this topic, Boss Du couldn't stop himself and couldn't help but inquire about Gu Qingcheng's personal affairs.
It was also because of their close interactions during this period and knowing that he was a person of considerable integrity, not as indifferent as he appeared on the surface, and not prone to emotional outbursts, that he dared to speak to her so frankly.
Gu Qingcheng snapped back to reality and quickly replied,
"I'm still young and don't wish to marry yet. My family hasn't arranged any engagement, and I don't have a childhood sweetheart either."
"Oh, your age is about the same as my second daughter's. She also always says she's in no hurry. Your sentiments are similar, perhaps you two might hit it off!"
Boss Du looked at Gu Qingcheng meaningfully and personally offered to play matchmaker for his daughter.
A good man is highly sought after.
A woman's beauty, even if like a flower, has a shelf life.
The blooming period is short, fading in the blink of an eye.
But men are different, especially those like Gu Qingcheng who are young and accomplished. The older they get, the more valuable they become, and the more sought after.
Boss Du also wanted to find a good home for his daughters. His eldest daughter had a potential suitor, and now he was considering his younger daughter.
Wasn't there a ready candidate right in front of him?
He came from a rough background, so he didn't have many scruples.
If he were from a scholar-official background, he would never have been so direct in his questioning.
Fortunately, Gu Qingcheng didn't have many scruples either, otherwise, it would have been awkward.
Gu Qingcheng glanced at Boss Du's beard and a thought resurfaced in her mind: what if his two daughters looked like him...
Gu Qingcheng quickly smiled politely,
"Boss Du is joking. Your daughters are exceptionally beautiful, and every family seeks them. How could they possibly fancy a stranger like me?"
While these were polite words, Gu Qingcheng's intention to decline was clear.
Boss Du was actually just probing. He was thick-skinned anyway. If Gu Qingcheng showed any interest, forming a family alliance would be a good thing.