Xia Chuyi started preparing dinner, and just as she lifted her hand, Qian Qianqian hurried over, "Idol, do you need help?"
"Scallions? I’ll wash them for you!"
"Meat? I’ll chop it for you!"
"Soup pot? I’ll carry it for you!"
Qian Qianqian reminded Xia Chuyi of a disciple she had taken on in her past life when she ran a private kitchen, who was also incredibly diligent. Unfortunately, her fate had not been good.
But she didn’t dwell on her past life too much.
At this moment, she finally understood why her brother was feeling down.
Qian Qianqian was much more adaptive and cunning than the straightforward Xia Chengzong.
Perhaps he had just remembered something he hadn’t done, and when he turned around, Qian Qianqian had already done it.
Or when he was about to start something, Qian Qianqian would come over and quickly finish the task.
Her brother, a responsible person, had taken over the second household and was committed to taking care of her. He worked extra hard at the shop. Especially after he heard that she wanted to go to college, he ordered her to study and took on all the work himself.
She understood his intention, so she never argued against him studying.
Now, with Qian Qianqian around, Xia Chengzong’s tasks were suddenly being taken away— not only taken, but he also discovered that she did them better than him.
Instantly, Xia Chengzong began to doubt himself.
At the dinner table, Xia Chengzong was still a bit downcast.
While Qian Qianqian was serving dishes, Xia Chuyi comforted him, "Brother, don’t think too much, I never planned to have Qian Qian work in the shop permanently."
"I plan to take her with me to college."
"What?" Xia Chengzong was surprised.
Xia Chuyi smiled, "Brother, didn’t I say I wanted to open a branch? Qian Qianqian is the branch manager I have in mind."
In fact, if Qian Qianqian’s potential was great enough, her plans for her went far beyond just being a branch manager.
"So, you don’t need to feel useless. Later, when she goes with me, you’ll still be in charge of the shop."
Upon hearing this, Xia Chengzong’s mood visibly improved.
Xia Chuyi was delighted inwardly.
Her brother just wanted to be sure of his worth.
They couldn’t talk much more, as Qian Qianqian had already come over with the dishes!
"Time to eat! Wow, truly worthy of being my idol. Every dish is perfect in color, aroma, and taste. Amazing!" Qian Qianqian was incredibly sweet-talking when she wanted to be.
Xia Chuyi couldn’t help but smile, thinking of her cousin.
These two were really alike.
Except, her cousin was annoyingly talkative, while Qian Qian’s words were delightful to hear.
Not long after they started eating, Qian Qianqian asked, "By the way, Chuyi, where am I staying tonight?"
Hearing that, Xia Chuyi looked at her, "Aren’t you going home?"
Xia Chuyi put down her chopsticks; this was not something she expected—though there were plenty of rooms in the back of the shop.
The usually cheerful and bold Qian Qianqian finally seemed a bit embarrassed, "Uh, I ran away from home."
"What about your spiced dishes then?" Xia Chuyi went straight to the point.
"Cough, I’m staying at a friend’s place, bought the ingredients with my New Year’s money, and the spiced brine... I stole it from home. I’ve arranged with my friend to give him a share of any money I make, and he agreed."
Xia Chuyi: ...Qian Qian really had some nerve.
Just then, suddenly, a loud voice came from outside, "Qian Qianqian you little rascal, come out here. Liu Chunya told me you’re here!"