Chapter 53: First Meeting
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In an instant, the dining table fell into a calm silence. Fortunately, the appearance of a waiter broke the deadlock, and soon the dishes Xiao Feng had ordered earlier were all served.
“Second brother, try this fish. This is the unique Yayu (Fish) of Lushan County, a type of cold-water fish unique to Yucheng. It resembles a carp in shape and a trout in scales. It has a very smooth and delicate texture and is highly nutritious.”
With Xiao Feng’s introduction completed, he picked up his chopsticks and began to eat. The rest of the group followed suit without hesitation. Zhou Chao took a bite of the fish, confirming Xiao Feng’s words. The fish was indeed as he had described – remarkably silky, melting on the tongue, and exquisitely flavorful. The dish of Yayu noticeably dwindled in no time, quickly disappearing as everyone savored its taste.
Zhou Chao noticed Jiang Li licking her lips as if she hadn’t had enough. Jiang Li noticed Zhou Chao smiling at her and she quickly turned her attention to the dishes on the table, her face softly tinted with a blush.
The group quickly polished off the delicacies on the table. Xiao Feng suggested taking a stroll to aid digestion, and Zhou Chao’s party had no objections. After all, it was still early. Soon, they exited the restaurant and began walking along the road.
In the beginning, the group strolled along while engaging in lively conversation, relishing each other’s presence. Over time, Xiao Feng gradually reduced his speed. Noticing Lin Wu approaching to match the strides of Zhou Chao and him, he quickly intercepted him, whispering, “Why are you following them? Can’t you see they’re engrossed in cheerful conversation? Who knows, she might turn out to be your future boss lady.”
Lin Wu scratched his head in embarrassment, adjusting his pace accordingly. Meanwhile, the pair in front of them continued their lively conversation, unaware of what was happening behind them.
With the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from the girl beside him, Zhou Chao listened to her anecdotes from the village. Unconsciously, their rapport seemed to grow stronger.
“You can’t imagine, the first time I visited a villager’s home, I felt awkward, anxious, and even a little embarrassed. I wasn’t sure how I even managed to exit the village,” Jiang Li recounted with a playful tone, laced with a touch of charm. She playfully pouted her small mouth, appearing as though it could hold a tiny bottle. In a spontaneous moment, Zhou Chao gently pinched her nose.
The sudden intimate contact left both of them frozen in place.
“Sorry, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself just now. It wasn’t intentional,” Zhou Chao stammered, his face flushed with panic.
Seeing the genuinely flustered expression on Zhou Chao’s face, Jiang Li burst into laughter. She couldn’t contain her smile, which was as radiant as a blooming flower. It took Zhou Chao a while to regain his composure.
“I apologize for earlier. 1 really don’t know how that happened.”
Jiang Li looked at the slightly shy young man in front of her and felt an extra sense of familiarity. “1 forgive you,” Jiang Li said softly.
Zhou Chao’s face brightened at her words, and the two continued chatting.
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng, who was behind them, had a tingling sensation in his feet. “Look at your boss, pinching my sister’s nose right off the bat. Is he trying to be a rascal? Honestly, why not just hold hands right away?” Lin Wu, who was listening to the conversation up front, felt that Xiao Feng had a point. But when he heard Xiao Feng’s next comment, he was left utterly flabbergasted. “Why the shocked expression? Did I say something wrong? Look at your boss handsome, good family background, not a flirt, and besides, he should make the most of favorable circumstances for personal gain. Am I wrong?”
Lin Wu considered for a moment and realized Xiao Feng was actually quite accurate. He found himself nodding in agreement.
“Yeah, you’re right.”
While the two were still discussing behind, Zhou Chao handed Jiang Li a freshly squeezed watermelon juice he had just bought. Jiang Li held the juice with both hands and began drinking, resembling an adorable little hamster.
Happiness is short-lived. As time spun forward, it was already 1030 pm. Seeing fewer and fewer people on the streets, Jiang Li decided it was time to head home. After all, she needed to work the next day. Zhou Chao and Jiang Li exchanged contact information and added each other as friends. Zhou Chao initially intended to accompany her back, but Xiao Feng and Zhou Chao’s timely appearance changed the plan. Jiang Li politely declined, and in the end, Xiao Feng saw her home.
Back at the hotel, Zhou Chao and Lin Wu both lay on the couch. After traveling for almost a day, they were quite tired. Lin Wu looked at his boss, Zhou Chao, thought for a moment, and finally spoke up, “Boss, I support you pursuing Miss Jiang. Go for it!”
Seeing Lin Wu’s earnest expression, Zhou Chao couldn’t help but smile. “You should go take a shower and rest.” Upon hearing this, Lin Wu went to his own room to shower. As he finished and was about to come out with a cup of hot water to drink, he noticed Zhou Chao still sitting on the floor, holding his phone and chatting. Zhou Chao even let out a few hearty laughs. Lin Wu quietly closed his room door, although occasional laughter from outside still reached his ears.
Around nine in the morning the next day, Lin Wu returned with breakfast. After a moment’s contemplation, he knocked on Zhou Chao’s door. Soon, the door opened, and seeing Zhou Chao still looking so energetic, his normally serious expression melted away (I really didn’t mean to smile, but I just couldn’t help it). Zhou Chao had two faint black circles under his bright and sparkling eyes. Though not too prominent, they were still quite noticeable compared to his otherwise flawless complexion.
Zhou Chao checked himself in the mirror in the bathroom and walked out with a helpless expression. He took the breakfast from Lin Wu and began to eat soy milk and deep-fried dough sticks. Though it didn’t look all that appetizing when pulled apart, it was actually really delicious.
As Zhou Chao enjoyed his breakfast, he found his thoughts drifting to Jiang Li. He wondered if she had also stayed up late last night. Would she also have dark circles like his? The thought made Zhou Chao smile. Lin Wu, who was sitting beside him, saw this and knew Zhou Chao was thinking about Jiang Li again. He had indeed fallen deeply in love!
“Boss, maybe you should finish your breakfast first before daydreaming. I’m afraid you might choke if you’re not careful.”
“Go on, you don’t understand anything.”
“That’s right, I don’t understand anything. 1 only know someone is daydreaming about Miss Jiang,” Lin Wu quipped, then jumped up from the couch and dashed to his room. Zhou Chao looked at Lin Wu, who had entered his room while holding his slippers. He finally sighed and let his arm drop.
“Lin Wu, we might be staying in Lushan County for a few days. When the time comes, you can go have fun on your own. Don’t tag along with me, got it?” Zhou Chao loudly declared to Lin Wu from his room after finishing breakfast.
“Got it, Boss. I won’t be a third wheel. You can rest assured.” Lin Wu’s head popped out from his room, and he looked at Zhou Chao earnestly.
“I appreciate your understanding. Please don’t share anything with Xiao Feng.
If I catch you reporting to him, there will be consequences.”
“Don’t worry, I absolutely won’t.”
Zhou Chao got up and returned to his room, preparing to get more sleep. After all, they were going out tonight. If he ended up with dark circles, he was afraid he might become the target of mockery.
Unaware that upon entering his room, Lin Wu promptly messaged Xiao Feng: “Seems like there’s potential.” Soon enough, he got a response from Xiao Feng: “Stay vigilant and let me know of any developments.” Evidently, these two had begun working together in some way. If Zhou Chao were to discover this, he might find himself torn between laughter and bewilderment..