Ying Jian and Gong Mingdong exchanged a look and both saw the surprise in each other’s eyes. They hadn’t expected such a small restaurant to have such an impressive young hostess.
Each had brought assistants of some sorts, and Cheng Su led them to a table under an apricot tree. A fan was running not far from there, and on the table were several cold dishes: sour papaya slices, fried peanuts, marinated cucumber, and cold beef salad.
Before sitting down, they introduced one another. Cheng Su led Ying Jian to the main seat and poured tea herself.
"To have County Chief Ying and Principal Gong grace my humble restaurant truly brings honor to this place," Cheng Su said with a gleaming smile.
"I’ve heard from Xiao Ya about a friend who is very good at cooking, young and already running a restaurant as the owner. Seeing it now, although the restaurant is small, it has its own charm. Miss Cheng, you really are incredible," Ying Jian said with a laugh.
Cheng Su sat down, gave Ying Xiaoya a grateful look, and said, "Xiao Ya is overpraising me. I’m lucky to know her."
Ying Xiaoya smiled slyly, picked up her chopsticks, and began to help herself to the dishes, saying, "Dad, Uncle Dong, try these appetizers, they’re really delicious."
Cheng Su pushed the dishes a little closer to them, saying, "If both of you aren’t hungry yet, you might want to have some tea first to moisten your throats. I’ve made these tea bags specially with chrysanthemum, goji berries, and honeysuckle. They’re not only good for moistening the lung but also for brightening the eyes. It’s especially suitable for this hot weather."
Gong Mingdong took a sip from his tea cup, nodded in approval, and said, "I’ve heard from Xiao Ya that a friend of hers is thinking of retaking a year of study. Is that you, Miss Cheng?"
"Principal Gong, just call me Xiao Cheng, and you too, County Chief Ying," Cheng Su replied. "Indeed, I am considering retaking the year and I would like to humbly ask Principal Gong to make an exception for this shameless old student."
Cheng Su spoke amusingly, making Gong Mingdong laugh out loud, while Ying Jian also smiled. Her self-deprecating words didn’t feel like deprecation at all, but rather they made the conversation more interesting.
"These appetizers are done well, very refreshing. I reckon your restaurant does quite well in terms of business. Why would you still think about studying? It’s the restaurant that should be making money," Gong Mingdong asked.
Cheng Su repeated those oft-said words about never being too old to learn, and then said, "Reading more books is never a bad thing. One can tell by Principal Gong’s scholarly demeanor."
Gong Mingdong laughed again and glanced at Ying Jian.
"It seems Xiao Cheng truly values her studies. If everyone learned from her, would the country face a lack of talent? Old Gong, don’t you think so?" Ying Jian said with a smile.
"Of course."
"Rest assured, County Chief Ying. With your leadership, our Qing City will definitely produce many talented individuals. Isn’t that right, everyone?" Cheng Su chimed in with a well-placed compliment.
The accompanying assistants naturally all nodded in agreement—who would dare to disagree!
"Hey, you are all praising each other so much that my ears are developing calluses. Susu, let’s serve the dishes. I’ve been busy at the factory all day and I’m starving," Xiao Ya interjected timely.
"This child still doesn’t know how to behave. Don’t you see that Uncle Dong hasn’t even spoken?" Ying Jian pretended to scold.
"There are no outsiders here; let her be," Gong Mingdong quickly said.
"Then let’s begin with the dishes." Cheng Su waved to Qiulan and the others—one went to the kitchen to bring out the food, while another brought over the prepared drinks.
Taking a bottle of Maotai Liquor, Cheng Su said, "County Chief Ying, Principal Gong, they say a banquet is incomplete without liquor. Today, let’s drink this, shall we?"