Director Liu hung up the phone and hurriedly said, "Xiao Qu, you wait at the entrance for the others. The guy named Su from the cardiology department is always the slowest. If we don’t leave someone out there to wait for him, he’ll definitely start whining later."
"You go inside and wait so you don’t get sunburned."
"There are chairs at the entrance; just tell the waiter. I’m going to order food now. Oh my God, so many people—hope they haven’t sold out at this time."
Director Liu hurriedly went upstairs.
Qu Jing obediently told the waiter and sat on a small stool waiting for people.
While waiting, she hesitated whether or not to tell Qin Huai.
Should she tell him that her coworkers from the hospital love coming to Huang Ji for meals?
While hesitating, a familiar voice sounded across from Qu Jing.
"Dr. Qu! So you’re the one Qin Huai mentioned for the test tasting. I should’ve guessed. Besides you, there’s no one else familiar with Qin Huai in Gusu."
"Why are you sitting outside? No seats inside? It’s so like Qin Huai—not even reserving a spot for friends. Gosh, I completely forgot to ask him to save me a spot."
"How long is the wait for a seat now? Is Qin Huai working on new snacks? I knew coming to Gusu was the right call—caught it just in time!"
Qu Jing was dumbfounded.
"What test tasting? I wasn’t aware. I’m here for a gathering with colleagues from the hospital. They are on their way, so I’m waiting for them at the entrance," Qu Jing said. "There should be seats inside, but I don’t know if there are any private rooms. If Qin Huai plans to give you some special treatment, I think it’s better to get a private room."
Qu Jing pointed to the line of people waiting specifically to buy snacks.
Ouyang indicated he understood.
"Dr. Qu, wouldn’t you like to tell Old Qin that you’re here? He’s definitely made a lot of snacks for the test tasting today, and there might be new items. Missing out would be a shame."
Qu Jing hesitated, "Isn’t that a bit much?"
"There might even be sticky rice cakes."
"Should I try messaging him?" Qu Jing picked up her phone again, but before opening the chat, her colleague arrived.
"Dr. Qu, thanks for waiting outside. You can head upstairs now. I’ll wait here for the cardiology folks," said a male doctor, catching his breath as he came in.
Qu Jing nodded and was about to go upstairs, but when she turned her head, she saw Qin Huai in a Huang’s Kitchen employee uniform.
"Ouyang, I asked Assistant Chen about the test tasting today. He doesn’t mind sharing a private room with you. You’re my friend, so he’d like to consult with you... Qu Jing?" Qin Huai noticed Qu Jing.
"My colleagues and I just came for a meal today," Qu Jing said cautiously with a smile.
"Oh, well... enjoy your meal then." Qin Huai nodded and said, "Ouyang, head to private room 777. You don’t mind, right?"
"No problem, no problem," Ouyang quickly replied.
Qin Huai turned to head back to the kitchen, hoping to disappear before Qu Jing’s colleagues arrived. But just as he turned 30 degrees, he was stopped by a sharp, excited male voice.
"Dr. Qu, you’re friends with Master Qin!"
Qu Jing rubbed her forehead.
Qin Huai’s sneaky escape failed.
Great, there’s a private room and I get to help with the test tasting!
Qin Huai turned around with a stiff smile, "You’re Dr. Qu’s colleague, right? Aren’t you here for a gathering? Hurry upstairs. I have to go back; the kitchen’s busy. Bye-bye."
As Qin Huai awkwardly tried to leave, a refined middle-aged man walked past him.
Xu Cheng glanced at the young chef beside him, then at the long line waiting to buy snacks, feeling a growing anticipation.
This unseen Master Qin must have excellent skills for Huang Ji to have such a long line.
Xu Cheng nodded in satisfaction and went upstairs.