“Hello,” Jiang Zhe greeted Cheng Xiangyun then bent down to greet the two little monsters, “Hi.”
Jiang Zhe felt a little dizzy looking at two identical faces, but he also felt the urge to laugh because Dabao was basically a mini-Nan Chen with his icy stare, emotionless face, and pursed lips.
Jiang Zhe had been working for a man with a face like that for a while so he found it interesting that a mini version of that face existed.
It was at that moment that Jiang Zhe understood why his employer changed his mind about attending the banquet. Those two tiny faces could melt any hearts and they were worth it.
“Are you the mother?” asked Jiang Zhe.
“Oh, no. Their mom is busy shooting a movie. I’m their mom’s friend – Cheng Xiangyun.”
“Hello, Ms. Cheng,” said Jiang Zhe as he gestured politely, “this way, please.”
“Oh, I think I’ll pass,” said Cheng Xiangyun warmly, “please pass my best regards to Mr. Chen.”
Jiang Zhe was instantly impressed by Cheng Xiangyun’s considerate gesture. It was obvious that Mr. Chen invited the kids but she could have joined and used that opportunity to get to know Mr. Chen.
Mr. Chen would’ve been courteous because that was how he was taught growing up, but he may or may not be happy about it.
Cheng Xiangyun deciding not to accept that invitation and letting Mr. Chen spend some alone time with the two kids would surely delight Mr. Chen.
Cheng Xiangyun’s decision was smart because her action would’ve left a good impression, and if an opportunity were to arise, she may be recommended by Mr. Chen.
Unfortunately, Jiang Zhe was not in the position to make any decision so he ran to the car and told Nan Chen about Cheng Xiangyun’s reply.
Jiang Zhe returned shortly after. “Mr. Chen wanted me to thank you and to give this to you,” said Jiang Zhe as he handed her a name card, “This is my number. Should you ever need any help, please feel free to contact me.”
Cheng Xiangyun was ecstatic. Jiang Zhe was known as Nan Chen’s right hand so a lot of people in the Flower City were nice to him, and Jiang Zhe could be a great help in dealing with most of the issues in the Flower City.
“Thank you, Mr. Jiang, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. We’ll be taking off now then,” said Jiang Zhe, “And don’t worry, Ms. Cheng, we will bring the kids back home safely.”
Cheng Xiangyun wasn’t worried. The security details of the Nan Family were renowned in the city so the kids were the safest when they’re around Nan Chen.
“Goodbye, Mr. Chen,” waved Cheng Xiangyun.
Erbao and Dabao were unhappy with that arrangement. “If you don’t let Aunty Xiang come with us, then we won’t go either!”
“It’s not that they forbid Aunty Xiang from going,” explained Cheng Xiangyun, “It’s that I don’t want to go. I have to stay at home in case your mommy suddenly came back. She would be worried if there was no one home, wouldn’t she?”
The two precious kids turned to each other and thought that it made sense.
“Then Aunty Xiang stay at home, and we’ll take all the good food back for you,” said Erbao while Dabao nodded in agreement.
“Alright, then I’ll wait at home. Go on now, Mr. Chen… ah, I meant Uncle Nan Chen is getting impatient,” said Cheng Xiangyun as she waved goodbye.
Only then did the two kids walk to the Rolls-Royce with Jiang Zhe.
Holding the name card, Cheng Xiangyun felt like she had just received a golden ticket. She kissed the name card and danced happily after Nan Chen and the others had left. “I’m rich! I’m gonna be rich!” exclaimed Cheng Xiangyun.
A couple of middle-aged women passed by and saw Cheng Xiangyun dancing like a lunatic. They wondered if she was insane, but her clothes were tidy and clean so that didn’t seem to be the case. How weird.
Cheng Xiangyun wasn’t bothered by the middle-aged women’s stare. She danced and hopped as she went back home.
……
The Phoenix Dance Restaurant was the Nan Family’s go-to restaurant for treating important guests.
Some of the restaurant’s chefs participated in preparing the meals for international meetings and some were award-winning chefs. A couple of them were even responsible for making dessert for the president.
Naturally, these chefs were the head chefs of the restaurants owned by Nanshi Corporations so they rarely prepare the meals themselves. At most, they would be coordinating everything in the kitchen.
Upon receiving the news that Nan Chen would be heading over, all the chefs hurried over to personally prepare everything for the renowned Mr. Chen.
Their mission for the day was to create the best meals for children… wait, children? That was new. They had never received an order like that before.
Since their customers were children, spicier or heavier flavors were out of the question, but milder flavors would affect the overall taste so they had to find the perfect balance to accomplish their mission.
The chef responsible for making appetizers and dessert served the pre-cooked appetizers quickly to prevent the guests from waiting too long and getting bored.
Erbao squealed with delight the moment she took a bite of the first dish.
Erbao was a master in tasting desserts despite her young age. She could taste the difference in cooking technique even if the same ingredients were used.
In this case, the best ingredients were used by the best chef so an expert like Erbao was ecstatic.
Nan Chen couldn’t help but frown when he saw Erbao chowing down like that.
The main dishes hadn’t been served yet. If she kept going on like that, she would be full before the other dishes were served.
He didn’t want to say anything though because he didn’t want to hurt the child’s feelings.
Fortunately, Dabao came to the rescue and said, “Watch your manners!”
Erbao settled down immediately and began eating slowly and politely. It was difficult for Erbao to pretend to be polite, but Erbao knew that it was important to impress Uncle Nan Chen.
Moreover, she couldn’t let her gluttony ruin her reputation of being the most beautiful heroine in the world.
“Stop. Wait for the main dish,” reminded Dabao.
Erbao put the appetizer down right away and gracefully wiped her tiny lips with a napkin.
Erbao’s good upbringing was shown when she settled down like that. It was obvious that she had better manners than most kids her age, and that was all Ning Ran’s effort.
Nan Chen felt his heart melting. The effect these kids have on his heart was so intense that they didn’t even need to say or do anything to soften him up. For some reason, he wanted to protect them and give them all the best things the world had to offer.
Erbao clocked off from eating and sat there like a graceful young lady.
Dabao shot her a look, and Erbao understood immediately that it was time to talk for real.
Eating delicious food was important, but so was their quest to find mommy a boyfriend.
Erbao pretended to be an adult and put on the same expression her brother had on before she cleared her throat to begin her speech.
Nan Chen’s lips curved upward, and he sat up straight, ready to listen to the little babies’ orders.
“Uncle Nan Chen, I have something I’d like to discuss with you,” said Erbao solemnly.
“Ok, speak,” said Nan Chen as he also put on a solemn expression. However, he forgot that he was naturally solemn so anything more would make him look downright scary.
Dabao and Erbao turned to one another, a little scared of that overly solemn expression.