After Xu Miyu returned to the admin floor, she quickly resumed her work routine.
On the surface, everything seemed no different than before, yet at the same time, everything felt changed.
She sensed the transformation coming from within herself. Her perspectives and self-perception were no longer the same as in the past.
She wanted to thank Ji Feng. During her time under him, she had developed the habit of reading and studying. And this habit persisted even after she left the penthouse.
Nowadays she worked during the days. After dinner back at her dorm, she would take out books to read, constantly studying and improving herself.
She increasingly realized aside from expanding one’s knowledge, reading could also build a person’s confidence. In the past she had lived muddled and timid, devoid of any self-assurance. She didn’t even dare defy or say no to anyone, just drifting aimlessly through the days oblivious over what it was all for.
But now, she seemed to gradually gain clarity over her goals.
Previously she thought only of taking life day by day, of just surviving. Her mindset had shifted now. She contemplated how to live just a bit better, more purposefully.
She had to strive harder career-wise, working towards some results. And toughen up in life, no longer existing purely as a blood bag for her maternal family or chasing after others’ approval and accolades. From now on, she wanted to start living for herself, as her own person.
Having goals gave her motivational drive. It wasn’t until hitting thirty years of age that she suddenly mustered the willpower to progress and better herself.
Merely reading books no longer sated her thirst for knowledge. On her personal time, she looked up professional instructor-led classes and online courses, learning extensively through dual channels.
She had assumed cramming her days so fully like this would be exhausting, yet out of expectations, she discovered her energy reserves currently exceeded even her student days. Now equipped with clearly defined life goals, even the skies on lightly drizzling days seemed brighter blue to her. She felt she was currently living very vibrantly through each day, brimming with vigor. Days packed back-to-back like these didn’t tire her out at all.
She seldom dwelled over the happenings at the penthouse anymore. She understood that place represented another sphere beyond her reach, an existence lacking tangible reality towards her. Having detached from that intangible realm, it was better not to linger over any fine details.
Like whether the prolonged rainy spell this year, with its stretched out autumn storms that refused to relent, improved or worsened Ji Feng’s chronic insomnia. Whether he managed to get any decent sleep throughout…
These stray thoughts flashed briefly through her mind before she brushed them aside.
Everyone had their own ways of living. Just like Ji Feng couldn’t possibly aid her for life, and she still had to rely on herself to save, establish and love herself. Likewise, she couldn’t possibly be responsible for resolving his lifelong sleeping troubles either. He would have to eventually figure out his own solutions for that. Presumably once he found a wife in future, she would be the one to read English passages to lull him to sleep for the rest of their lives.
Whereas someone as inconsequential as her had no right to occupy that wifely role. During all those long years when she hadn’t been around to read English passages for his listening pleasure, he still managed to live healthily enough anyway, right? So there was no cause for her to overthink and be anxious on his behalf over his insomnia.
That settled it. She intended to put everything and everyone related to the penthouse firmly behind her.
Only Ke Wenxue and the rest remained very curious, constantly pestering her for inside scoops about life at the penthouse.
They were always eager to discover — during her extended tenure under that infamous reclusive resident named Ji who barred even hotel stewards from entering his rooms, that reputedly aloof and standoffish Ji whose good-looking face seemed perennially etched in a sneer or look of disdain — how exactly did she and Mr. Ji get along over so many days? How did she manage the seamless feat of navigating in and out of the penthouse suites without premature ejection under the scrutiny of someone so visibly antagonistic as Mr. Ji?
Moreover after being sequestered there for such a lengthy period, rather than emerging maimed, crippled or emotionally scarred, she instead returned more glowing and spirited than ever. All very unscientific phenomena.
“So Sis Xiaoyu, what’s your secret for being able to go through the tiger’s lair unscathed?”
After listening to Ke Wenxue and company’s probing questions laced with skepticism, Xu Miyu laughed.
She smilingly enlightened Ke Wenxue et al, “Actually there’s no deep mystery. Part of the descriptions attached to Mr. Ji just stem from unsubstantiated gossip.”
Ke Wenxue immediately asked, “You mean all that talk about how nasty his temper is are just rumors?”
Xu Miyu calmly shook her head. “No, those parts are factual.”
“……” Ke Wenxue and the other girls collectively sucked in their breaths.
“But the ones about him lopping off limbs or ruining legs — those are just gossip.” Xu Miyu supplemented.
“Then that must mean he’s a good guy after all!” Ke Wenxue promptly concluded.
“Well…can’t exactly describe him as good either…” Xu Miyu added. “Since the likelihood of inflicting psychological damage holds very true.”
“…………”
The barrage of flip-floppy reversals left Ke Wenxue and company nearly forgetting what they had been curious over initially.
After a brief pause, Ke Wenxue declared, “Sis Xiaoyu, now I feel Mr. Ji has become even scarier!! Although he doesn’t resort to violence, he can still destroy others mentally!” As she spoke, she thumped her chest, continuing, “Luckily you have an invincible inner spirit — to think you managed to return fully intact without any mental illness! Rest assured, we’ll protect you from now on and definitely won’t let that fearsome Mr. Ji summon you back up for further poisoning!”
Xu Miyu understood Ke Wenxue’s avowals contained a fair bit of dramatic exaggeration. But she still sincerely voiced her thanks.
However that so-called “penthouse poisoning” arrived right on cue next.
The very next day while Xu Miyu was still on her work shift, that familiar unwanted visitor Xue Rui materialized without notice at the office.
After initial pleasantries were exchanged, Xu Miyu quickly understood the purpose behind Xue Rui’s special trip downstairs today — he had come specifically seeking her.
The reason —
“Sis Xiaoyu, sorry to trouble you again but I need your help once more! President Ji has been plagued by recurring insomnia the past few days. I selected many candidates proficient at reading sleepy-sounding English passages for him to try listening to, but no one managed to successfully lull him to sleep. President Ji complained they read English in annoying voices completely devoid of soporific quality and chased them all out. Left with no other recourse, I still have to come find you for assistance.”
“……” So her English reading was widely acknowledged as the world’s best sleep aid?
For a moment Xu Miyu was torn between outrage and amusement.
“But now that I’ve returned to the admin department and resumed standard duties, I’m afraid I lack spare time for on-demand hypnotic services to appease that exacting gentleman anytime.”
Xu Miyu experienced a split-second spasm of shock upon finishing her sentence.
Since when did she become so audacious spewing such cheek?
Admittedly it felt truly satisfying directly articulating her innermost thoughts in a jesting manner.
Xue Rui quickly fished out an exquisite voice recorder pen from his coat pocket, passing it over to Xu Miyu. “We anticipated that issue already so Sis Xiaoyu, there’s no need to personally head up anymore. Just record some audio clips of you reading English inside — that will suffice!”
Still stunned, Xu Miyu accepted the device dumbly.
What a resourceful high class VIP big boss. Fortunately his debilitating insomnia hadn’t withered his brainpower it seemed.
That night back at her dorm, Xu Miyu logged a few hours’ worth of English reading audio into the pen recorder.
When she reported for her shift the next day, Xue Rui hurried downstairs to retrieve the voice recorder.
In under thirty minutes, an elated Xue Rui zoomed down again specially to update Xu Miyu — “President Ji finally managed to fall asleep! Sis Xiaoyu, you truly possess the singular ability to induce sleep for him!”
Hearing that, Xu Miyu just smiled and slowly shook her head.
Hopefully with her English reading clips helping him sleep henceforth, Ji Feng could finally settle down peacefully. She hoped no further intersections would tangle them.
She harbored an innate feminine intuition. Further entanglements with the penthouse spelled peril, however indiscernible the exact nature of hazard.
She obscurely sensed it went against the laws of nature for two parties standing on vastly disparate planes to force crossover intersections. Nothing beneficial could possibly emerge from such a contrived and unnatural situation.
Best for her and that person up there to discontinue all extraordinary ties henceforth.
Regretfully her wish went unfulfilled. While Ji Feng’s sleep troubles might be appeased, fresh trouble surfaced on the dining front.
It first started when Xu Miyu overheard gossip during a work lull — Ke Wenxue chatting about how she caught wind from Li Kunlun that the head honcho of their hotel’s F&B department was retiring.
Yin Xiang asked her, “Who’s that top dog you mean? Chef Chen?”
Ke Wenxue nodded. “Yeah, Chef Chen. Rumor says his health can’t withstand the demands anymore. Not only is he no longer able to vigorously man the giant woks, he’s utterly determined against continuing too.”
Yin Xiang mused, “Retiring over health reasons is reasonable enough. Can’t coerce him to stay if his body refuses to cooperate. Anyway our other F&B chefs are plenty talented too. Chef Chen’s earned his rest so letting him leave shouldn’t adversely impact the hotel.”
Ke Wenxue wagged her finger in refutation. “No no no, Chef Chen’s departure might not affect you any but it’s gonna massively impact certain interested parties for sure!”
The others immediately clamored over who stood to be majorly affected and how so.
Ke Wenxue gestured skywards. “Don’t tell me everyone forgot about that esteemed penthouse VIP, Mr. Ji?”
Up to then, Xu Miyu had been fully focused checking over lists. Hearing that, her motions involuntarily hitched.
“The reason that ultra premium, VVIP guest Mr. Ji elected to take up long-term residence at our hotel boils down to Chef Chen’s culinary skills. I heard his palate is exceptionally nitpicky. Other than fare cooked by Chef Chen, he refuses anything else. Most notably Chef Chen’s signature braised beef — rumor says Ji Feng once declared that after tasting Chef Chen’s version, never would another person’s braised beef ever pass his lips again in this lifetime — divine intervention excluded.”
Listening silently, Xu Miyu gave a little start of surprise.
Yet he seemed to greatly enjoy her homemade braised beef too?
Did that instantly qualify her as a deity then?
“So now with Chef Chen retiring, Mr. Ji will probably check out soon too, right?” Yin Xiang conjectured. “No doubt. After all there remains scant reason for him to linger on otherwise. I heard from Li Kunlun these two days Chef Chen has been kept busy with handover procedures so he hasn’t been helming the stoves. The meals getting sent upstairs were prepared by other chefs instead. And that overly fastidious Mr. Ji apparently couldn’t swallow a single bite. Li Kunlun said with his original fine looks, the starvation is now sculpting his features gaunt and haggard. Talk about wretched luck!”
Everyone else chimed in with agreement over how truly lamentable it was for someone to lose appetite to such extents.
Xu Miyu swiftly found herself infected by their sympathy towards the plight of that poor nameless Mr. Ji.
Luo Qingping suddenly interjected, “What’s there to pity? With gourmet delicacies placed before him, if he chooses not to eat that’s on him entirely. Yet all of you scraping by on radishes and cabbage still wanna anxiously worry over someone feasting on crabs, lobsters and other extravagant fare? Stop with the pointless fretting.”
Xu Miyu instantly regained her rational thinking.
Indeed. What cause did a lowly commoner like her have fretting pointlessly over the upper echelon VIPs? Wasn’t she courting vexation through and through?
She recollected her thoughts back to work.
Everything seemed peaceful and uneventful as per the norm.
Until knocking off where Xue Rui hijacked her yet again right as she was clocking out, preparing to head back to her dorm quarters.
The sheer depths of desperate entreaty Xue Rui was exuding currently exceeded even that from his previous trip down soliciting audio recording aid.
Xu Miyu asked what he needed assistance with this time. She had an inkling suspicion over the probable issue — Ji Feng most likely dispatched Xue Rui as messenger to help prepare some braised beef right?
She raised her eyes towards Xue Rui, listening as he conveyed his request to her awkwardly and apologetically. “It’s just…could I trouble you to…accompany me shopping for some woks?”
“……”
Of all possible demands, this hadn’t been something Xu Miyu remotely anticipated.
Unable to ignore how Xue Rui’s pleading gaze had thickened to sheer density, coupled with feeling grateful over how the assistant had always shown her courtesy and never failed to helpfully interject and divert topics those times Ji Feng unleashed caustic sarcasm her way, Xu Miyu acquiesced to Xue Rui’s plea.
Bringing Xu Miyu along, Xue Rui boarded Ji Feng’s extremely refined and value-holding Rolls Royce. He directed the chauffeur towards a high end members-only mega mart.
While seated in the luxury vehicle, Xu Miyu couldn’t help musing to herself that if the car itself knew it was going to be utilized for transporting cooking woks today, it might feel a twinge of dissatisfaction over such mundane usage probably.
Once at the mart, Xue Rui demonstrated total lifestyle ineptness unbecoming of a professional elite male. He insisted Xu Miyu personally handle selection of every item, repeatedly stressing, “Sis Xiaoyu, you definitely have to choose one where the grip feels comfortable for you!”
Left with no alternatives, Xu Miyu picked an entire wok set based on comfort of handling.
She assumed their business ought to conclude after obtaining the key woks.
Unexpectedly, purchasing the woks merely signaled commencement to Xue Rui stocking up bags of rice, vegetables, meat and all variety of sauces and condiments.
Eyeing the bursting cart, Xu Miyu couldn’t resist clarifying, “Is a feast getting prepared? Are all these ingredients for your own consumption or President Ji’s?”
She hadn’t foreseen her query would send Xue Rui stammering awkwardly, “Neither…”
After a weighty pause, he seemed to force out an embarrassed admission, “…they’re for you actually.”
“……???” Xu Miyu was stunned speechless.
No wonder he kept emphasizing for her to select based on what felt comfortable to grip.
Feeling somewhat resigned yet amused, Xu Miyu prodded, “Could it be you wish for me to take over the stove and cook for President Ji?” But according to rumors, President Ji exclusively accepted fare prepared by Chef Chen.”
Xue Rui hastened to explain, “Currently, aside from Chef Chen’s meals, President Ji will only consume the braised beef you make. Problem is, Chef Chen got headhunted away already. For two days straight President Ji hasn’t been able to swallow a single bite.”
“Headhunted away?” Xu Miyu questioned in puzzlement. “Wasn’t it retirement to spend time with family?”
“That was the reason Chef Chen cited to the Sui Hotel. But he actually accepted an astronomically high salary package from another hotel to get poached over.”
Xue Rui sighed dolefully. “Aiyoh, just when Mr. Ji finally managed some semblance of proper rest listening to your audio recordings, Chef Chen upped and left all of a sudden. So he rapidly deteriorated from insomnia back to appetite loss again.”
Xu Miyu was fairly unsympathetic. “Hasn’t President Ji been staying at the Sui Hotel all along purely for his fixation with Chef Chen’s cooking? Now that Chef Chen’s departed, can’t President Ji just switch residence over to whichever hotel successfully poached Chef Chen? Wouldn’t that resolve everything?”
Wheeling the stuffed cart with Xu Miyu towards checkout, Xue Rui elucidated as they walked, “President Ji can’t quit the Sui Hotel presently. Aside from Chef Chen’s culinary talents, another even weightier factor anchors his continued occupancy here.”
Idly Xu Miyu asked, “Oh? What other issue could there be?”
She swiftly caught herself. “Whoops, slipped that out conversationally without really wanting to know. No need to reply.”
But Xue Rui said, “Hey now, we’re currently in need of your help here so keeping you happy is what matters. The reason behind President Ji needing to remain at the Sui Hotel pertains to a rather huge affair. Unfortunately the timing isn’t ripe for disclosure yet. Once the right momentum aligns, President Ji will step forth with a public announcement.”
Announcement.
That sounded reasonably portentous.
Xu Miyu couldn’t fathom what monumental matter could be at play here but since it warranted usage of the word “announce”, its revelation was probably pending some climactic, even solemn moment huh.
Xue Rui queued up behind others waiting to check out.
While they lined up, Xu Miyu grabbed two bars of chocolate from a nearby shelf.
Xue Rui offered to help check them out together with the rest of the stash.
Xu Miyu politely declined, “These are for my own consumption so I’ll settle them myself, thanks.”
Noting her stance, Xue Rui didn’t insist further. He merely commented, “I notice most girls these days avoid such high-sugar, high-calorie chocolate snacks for fear of weight gain yet Sis Xiaoyu seems rather fond of them.”
Xu Miyu gave a small laugh. “It possesses an odd charm. There’s some initial bitterness upon eating but amidst that hides undertones of sweetness. Wolfing it down mysteriously confers a rush of vigor and happiness. Plus during times too rushed for proper meals, nibbling some is an extremely efficacious quick burst boost of energy.”
Xue Rui played along very obligingly, “That wondrous huh? Maybe I should let President Ji sample some in future too.”
While they stood queued up, Xue Rui informed Xu Miyu, “I’m currently scouting hard for talented chefs with appetizing cuisine hoping to uncover someone compatible with President Ji’s palate. But until then, I’ll have to trouble Sis Xiaoyu to cook for President Ji these few days. Rest assured, you won’t be working unpaid. We will compensate you daily wages on par with our chef levels!”
Such attractive terms made Xu Miyu a tinge tempted.
“But will I be up to par? Aside from braised beef, I can only manage some homecooked fare. President Ji has been feasting on gourmet delicacies all along — will he even find my humble cooking edible?” Xu Miyu posed her doubt uncertainly.
Xue Rui vouched unconditionally for her culinary prowess. “As long as your homecooked cuisine and braised beef are prepared with the same level of heart, the taste will definitely make the cut.”
Their massive shopping concluded, Xu Miyu accompanied Xue Rui back to the hotel penthouse in his car.
The instant they arrived at the suite, Xu Miyu directly crossed gazes with Ji Feng who was restlessly pacing the living room in a disgruntled state.
Both parties seemed to freeze up the moment they noticed each other.
A fair amount of time had flowed since their last encounter. Xu Miyu found herself filled with an sudden urge to laugh again the moment Ji Feng’s countenance entered her sight.
Li Kunlun from the F&B department hadn’t been spouting nonsense at all. Deprived of appetizing meals, Ji Feng truly was presently somewhat gaunt.
He was virtually famished until both eye sockets sank in.
His current state — driven by hunger pangs to pace around vexedly — mirrored exactly like her childhood days raising a pet who was a equally finicky ill-tempered dog.
Musing over those associations, Xu Miyu struggled to suppress her mirth.
She believed she had succeeded excellently maintaining a calm outward expression with features schooled properly deferential and prudent as per norm, entirely devoid of tells.
There was a kitchen in the suite. Still stifling her laughter, she intended accompanying Xue Rui to transfer their purchases inside.
But Ji Feng unexpectedly called out halting her.
He first mockingly remarked, “Judging from your glowing complexion, seems like you’ve been faring exceptionally well after your stint downstairs at the admin level huh?”
Xu Miyu promptly returned, “All thanks to Mr Ji’s blessings.”
Ji Feng didn’t acknowledge her perfunctory pleasantry. His tone shifted sharply as he questioned her coldly instead, “What were you laughing about just now?”
Xu Miyu gave a tiny start of astonishment over how Ji Feng managed to see through her composed facade to the concealed mirth beneath. She quickly denied, “I wasn’t laughing.”
Ji Feng’s frown deepened. “No. You laughed.”
Xu Miyu insisted on refuting, “I truly didn’t laugh.”
“If I said you laughed then you definitely laughed.” Ji Feng’s voice lifted authoritatively. His manner seemed to impose an aura of unilateral dictatorship designed to quell all dissenting voices.
Pushed near exasperation by his overbearing attitude, Xu Miyu couldn’t help but retaliate, “Where’s your proof then? Any images or photographic evidence demonstrating that? Without any, I’m sticking to my stand that I simply didn’t laugh.”
But Ji Feng merely gave an amused scoff instead as though hearing something funny. He derided icily, “My word that you laughed is proof enough. What other evidence is needed?”
Xu Miyu nearly choked out an involuntary laugh for real at his utterly untenable logic. Did acute starvation destroy all capacity for reason?
“Fine then. Since you absolutely insist I laughed, I’ll concede to your verdict that I indeed laughed.” Her words spilled forth rapidly fueled by pique. “I was laughing at how you’re currently starved until both eye sockets dimmed in yet still fussily selective over meals — simply the spitting image of an irritable finicky pet dog I raised before. Well? Does that capture the full picture to your satisfaction?”
The second her lengthy diatribe ended, she instantaneously felt a twinge of apprehension — worried she might have gone overboard. But it was swiftly drowned by a massive incoming wave of cathartic gratification.
She anticipated Ji Feng might erupt into explosive rage from her provocative impertinence but unexpectedly he merely gave an amused chuckle accompanied by, “How very interesting.”
For a spell Xu Miyu couldn’t discern if his words held sincerity or irony.
“Truly interesting.” His mouth quirked in a smile as Ji Feng lightly clapped. “Still proves true as always — only when riled past endurance will the full candid truth emerge.”
“……” So he had been intentionally provoking her on purpose, goading out her genuine inner voice instead of continuing to hide behind that facade of deferential obedience.
Watching how Ji Feng currently looked so smug and self-satisfied with his mouth hooks perpetually hitched up in those familiar mocking angles, Xu Miyu was consumed by the sudden fantasy of bashing the wok she held over his head.
Xue Rui had stood mutely spectating the tantalizing theatrics from the instant he stepped through the door. Abruptly a book came sailing through the air, smacking him squarely in the face to signal an end to his viewing pleasure.
“Enjoying the show so captively?” Ji Feng irately grilled Xue Rui. “Found it entertaining?”
Still putting on an ingratiating smile, Xue Rui fielded the book hurled his way, responding, “I was simply amazed since it’s the first I’ve seen anyone daring to spar words with you so boldly and still standing intact afterwards!”
What I meant was — this felt astoundingly novel and thrilling to behold!
But under the blast of that arctic stare from Ji Feng, Xue Rui wisely refrained from voicing out the latter half of his inner monologue, barely swallowing it back in time.
Ji Feng gave a derisive snort his way before suggesting, “How about you give debating me a shot next? Let’s see what consequences that earns you.”
Xue Rui hurriedly demurred, swiftly pulling Xu Miyu along as they took refuge inside the kitchen.
While washing vegetables, Xu Miyu asked Xue Rui, “Is your boss always so mercurial like this?”
Xue Rui gestured helplessly. “To be precise, his fury may be erratic but good moods are non-existent.” After a pregnant pause, he supplemented, “At least I’ve never witnessed President Ji laughing freely and openly even once before over anything or anyone.”
In the midst of washing, Xu Miyu’s motions inadvertently hitched.
To think someone could actually exist without ever experiencing true unbridled happiness and laughter? Then compared to her wouldn’t he be even more wretched?
That night after Xu Miyu braised extra beef, she finally left the premises. The braised meat was intended for Ji Feng’s breakfast and lunch tomorrow while she would personally drop by again after work to prepare dinner.
The next day, the gossip grapevine updated Xu Miyu during office hours — Li Kunlun’s inside news revealed the penthouse inhabitant Ji Feng could finally eat again!
Instantly everyone quizzed over what sublime delicacy finally succeeded in reawakening the formidable gourmand known as VIP Ji.
Ke Wenxue gave an exaggerated exclamation of surprise. “Brace yourselves people — this esteemed Mr Ji is actually relishing humble plebeian homecooked fare! Probably after tiring of all those gastronomical marvels, only the crudest simplicity of gruel tastes appetizing now!”
Some joked, “Why does this mirror an incognito emperor scenario? After excessive feasting in the palace, even the basic peasant porridge cooked by country bumpkins seemed ambrosial.”
Latching onto that train of speculation, another pondered, “Indeed. And going by such storyline progression, next the emperor will surely take the country maiden as concubine. Speaking of which, who prepared the homecooked fare for Ji Feng? Don’t tell me he made a move on her?!”
Talk steered in that direction elicited raucous laughs all around.
But Xu Miyu listened to their jests with slight trepidation.
How could it be possible for an emperor to automatically take a village girl for his concubine purely based on a bowl of porridge? The type of maidens emperors would consider elevating had to be stunning beauties boasting both looks and wisdom. It was inconceivable he would opt for someone entirely lacking in merits beyond rudimentary cooking abilities based solely out of gratitude for meals. Surely the notion of an emperor selecting over someone so senior and divorced was nothing more than ridiculous fabrication!
This speculation train ended when the no-nonsense Luo Qingping shut it down. “Enough gossiping during working hours, hurry back to tasks!”
Under her stern supervision, everyone quietly dispersed back to their stations.
Come end of shift, Xu Miyu intended leaving the premises when Xue Rui hijacked her yet again. His current expression seemed more desperately entreating than the last instance he pleaded for audio recording assistance.
Before Xu Miyu could verbalize the guess already surfacing in her mind, Xue Rui confessed somewhat guiltily, “Sis Xiaoyu, sorry but I need to trouble you for a tiny favor again!”
She asked him what he needed help with this time.
Xue Rui shot her an apologetic look. “It’s just…could you kindly…accompany me…shopping for some woks?”
“……”
Of all possible requests, this categorically fell outside Xu Miyu’s anticipations boundary.
Unable to ignore how Xue Rui’s pleading gaze had practically congealed into sheer density at this point, coupled with feeling grateful towards his consistent courtesy and how he unfailingly helped divert topics during Ji Feng’s occasional caustic sarcasm outbreaks her way, Xu Miyu assented to Xue Rui’s plea.
With Xu Miyu in tow, Xue Rui boarded Ji Feng’s extremely refined Rolls Royce. He directed the chauffeur to some high end members-only megamart.
Seated inside the sumptuous vehicle, Xu Miyu mused to herself that the car might feel somewhat unhappy over such mundane usage if it knew today’s trip involved transporting cooking woks.
Once they stepped into the mart, Xue Rui thoroughly exposed his sheer cluelessness regarding practical aspects of life belying his professional elite image. He insisted Xu Miyu personally handle selection of every item, repeatedly stressing, “Sis Xiaoyu, you definitely have to choose something with a grip that feels comfortable for you!”
Left with no alternatives, Xu Miyu picked an entire wok set based on comfort of handling.
She assumed their objective complete after securing the key woks.
Unexpectedly, obtaining the cookware merely signaled commencement of Xue Rui’s cart-filling spree as he started piling in bags of rice, meat, vegetables and all variety of sauces.
Eyeing the crammed trolley, Xu Miyu couldn’t resist clarifying, “Is a feast taking place? Are these personal stock or intended for President Ji?”
She hadn’t expected her casual query would send Xue Rui stuttering awkwardly, “Neither…”
After a weighty pause, he seemed to force out an embarrassed admission, “…they’re for you actually.”
“……???” Xu Miyu was stunned speechless.
No wonder he kept drilling home the importance of something comfortable to grip.
Feeling somewhat resigned yet amused, Xu Miyu probed, “Could it be you wish for me to take over stove duties and cook for President Ji? But rumor says he accepts meals from Chef Chen only.”
Xue Rui hastened to explain, “Currently, aside from Chef Chen’s fare, President Ji subsists solely on your homemade braised beef. Issue is, Chef Chen got headhunted away. For two consecutive days President Ji hasn’t swallowed a single morsel.”
“Headhunted away?” Puzzled, Xu Miyu questioned, “Wasn’t it retirement and family time?”
“That was Chef Chen’s reason tendered to the Sui Hotel. Truth is he accepted an astronomical compensation package from another hotel headhunter.”
Xue Rui sighed at length. “Aiyoh! Just when Mr. Ji finally managed some proper shut-eye thanks to your voice recordings, Chef Chen had to abruptly depart. So President Ji instantly deteriorated from insomnia back into appetite issues again.”
Xu Miyu wasn’t terribly sympathetic. “But hasn’t President Ji been staying at Sui Hotel purely for his Chef Chen food obsession all this while? Now that Chef Chen’s exited, can’t President Ji simply transfer residence over to whichever hotel successfully poached Chef Chen? Wouldn’t that neatly resolve everything?”
While pushing the laden cart with Xu Miyu towards checkout, Xue Rui elucidated as they walked, “President Ji can’t vacate Sui Hotel presently. Aside from Chef Chen’s talents, another heavier factor anchors his extended occupancy.”
Idly Xu Miyu asked, “Oh? What other issue?”
She swiftly caught herself, admitting, “Whoops, slipped out unintended. No need to answer.”
But Xue Rui said, “Hey now, we’re currently begging your aid so keeping you sweet is key.” He smiled. “The crux forcing President Ji’s continued Sui Hotel residency involves arather weighty affair. Regrettably the climate still fails to align for disclosure. But once optimal timing hits, President Ji will step forth and release a public statement.”
Announcement.
That wording sounded reasonably weighty.
Xu Miyu couldn’t begin to guess what bombshell could be at play to warrant such portentous terminology. But since it rated an “announcement”, its eventual revelation probably awaited some suitably climatic or even solemn event huh.
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