Over the next few days, business had gradually stabilized. Every day, Xia Chuyi, besides delivering Medicinal Food to the hospital, spent her time in the store teaching Xia Chengzong to make braised dishes while conducting business.
That afternoon, the braised dishes were sold out as usual, and Xia Chuyi was engrossed in tidying up the chopping board.
Suddenly, she saw someone enter the store out of the corner of her eye. Since she was preoccupied, she didn’t lift her head and apologetically said to the newcomer, "Comrade, I’m sorry, but our braised dishes are all sold out."
After finishing her statement, she completed her task and finally raised her head, instantly recognizing the visitor—a woman with a slight tilt of her head, her dark demeanor somewhat haughty.
She was not a regular customer; Xia Chuyi had never seen her before.
Beside the woman stood a man resembling a bodyguard, standing rigidly as if he were a soldier.
There was also a middle-aged man; this man, Xia Chuyi had indeed met before—he had once questioned her about whether he had met the girl’s parents while dating.
Xia Chuyi frowned slightly and scrutinized the woman, dressed in a dark woolen coat, a white silk scarf, and small red leather shoes... Just the outfit she wore was probably equivalent to six months’ wages for an ordinary worker in Ling County.
In Ling County, even the affluent families like Zhang Xiaoling’s had never worn such attire.
So, this woman definitely wasn’t from Ling County.
Then, who exactly was she?
As she pondered this, the woman across from her revealed what she believed to be a perfect smile and said, "No more braised dishes? That’s too bad, I specifically came for your braised dishes."
Her voice was rather gentle and carried the authentic accent of Capital City’s dialect.
For some reason, she was reminded of Huo Shiqian.
Huo Shiqian also spoke with a perfect Capital City’s dialect.
Moreover, the moment the woman spoke, Xia Chuyi felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity—her manner of speaking was exactly like another Xia Lan.
To put it bluntly, it was imbued with an intense aroma of "green tea."
This person, she perceived, was up to no good.
Xia Chuyi thought to herself.
Her judgment wasn’t wrong—the woman was Ou Lianlian, who had specifically come from the Southwest to see her.
As Xia Chuyi assessed Ou Lianlian, Ou Lianlian was also examining Xia Chuyi.
Dressed in a rather plain blue padded jacket, wearing tacky braids, she looked decent but had a face like a bourgeoisie (Xia Chuyi’s polite smile to customers).
Just as she expected, a total bumpkin.
From just one encounter, Ou Lianlian had already formed her judgment of Xia Chuyi.
Although Xia Chuyi had her suspicions about this person’s identity, she still could not be sure and showed no signs of suspicion, saying, "I’m sorry, we really have sold out. If you really want to buy, come a bit earlier tomorrow."
Her face still bore a polite smile.
However, after seeing her smile, Ou Lianlian became even more convinced: this country village girl was just a mercenary person.
"Oh, that’s really unfortunate then," Ou Lianlian replied with a light laugh, "If that’s the case, let it be."
"After all, I was just looking for something fresh. Braised dishes are available everywhere."
"There are many time-honored brands in the Capital City, with rich heritage, making things that are the true national treasures."
Xia Chuyi raised an eyebrow, looking at the woman in front of her as if she were looking at a lunatic.
These words, they carried a hidden message.
"Heh, is that so?" Xia Chuyi responded nonchalantly.
However, this behavior was interpreted by Ou Lianlian as "What a fool this bumpkin is," unable to grasp her insinuation.
After inwardly mocking her, Ou Lianlian smiled gently and said, "Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you, I was introduced by Brother Huo."
"Brother Huo, that’s Huo Shiqian."
Indeed, Uncle Liberation Army’s romantic debts!