Cheng Su struggled for quite a while whether to compensate Liao Shifa’s restaurant for the misunderstood mishap. Eventually, she managed to convince Old Song.
"Things have come to this point, and there’s no use talking about compensation or apologies. I’ll go and pay for the meals they had there yesterday, including that dish of ’Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.’ Liao Shifa must be quite savvy to grow his business as he has, and I reckon he won’t pursue this matter to the end," said Cheng Su.
Old Song then said, "I should come with you. I know this kid, his temperament is somewhat narrow."
"There’s no need for anyone to go; I’ll go by myself," Ning Ge suddenly spoke up.
"Shut your mouth!" Cheng Su snapped back at him, then turned to Old Song, "We’ll go together after the lunch rush."
Old Song nodded and went back to work in the kitchen.
Ying Xiaoya looked anxiously back and forth between Ning Ge and Cheng Su.
"One should take responsibility for their own actions; you don’t need to shoulder this burden for me!" Ning Ge said, pursing his lips.
"Oh, cut it out," Cheng Su glanced at him and said, "I’m only going to say this once: you need to think more about the consequences of your actions. Don’t rush in like a bull-headed calf. Even if you’re determined to do something, do it without leaving a trace. If you don’t give people a handle, even if they know what you did, they can’t do anything about it and will just have to suck it up. On the other hand, if you’re not in the right, then you’re at a disadvantage. Think more before you act."
Ying Xiaoya cautiously said, "Susu, you’re not mad at us anymore!"
"Why would I be mad at you? Silly girl, I’m just worried about you!" Cheng Su said deliberately shooting Ning Ge a glance, "In the eyes of others, you’re his girlfriend. How are you going to find someone in the future?"
Seeing that Cheng Su wasn’t angry anymore, Ying Xiaoya happily wrapped her arms around Cheng Su’s shoulders, "Susu is the best. As for me, if people know, they know. At least no one dares to bother me, hehe!"
"You’re just carefree!" Cheng Su said, looking at Ning Ge, who was silent, and sighed inwardly.
After all, Ning Ge had the temperament of a young master; he was smart enough, but acting recklessly and without considering the consequences was not a strength.
After the lunch rush, Cheng Su indeed went along with Old Song to settle the account at Liao Shifa’s restaurant.
The manager was surprised to see Old Song and quickly called Liao Shifa over.
"Boss Liao, it’s an honor to meet you," Cheng Su said with a smile, making small talk and then quickly explained the reason for their visit, "Last night I had two friends dine here, and due to some misunderstanding, they were so upset they left without paying their bill, causing you to offer a compensatory payment. That was incorrect. Even if one dish had something dirty in it, an apology would suffice. Not paying for the whole table, that’s a discourtesy. So here I am, to settle their bill on their behalf."
Liao Shifa was taken aback, his eyes narrowing. He was no fool; perhaps those two last night had indeed come looking for trouble on purpose!
"Right, and let’s include that ’Buddha Jumps Over the Wall’ too; can’t let Boss Liao take a loss. You see, I had previously taken an order for a ’Buddha Jumps Over the Wall,’ only to have it canceled. The funniest thing is, my friend heard from somewhere that it was one of Boss Liao’s friends who made the order and then withdrew without a word, as if Boss Liao you were deliberately messing with our little restaurant. How ridiculous! Boss Liao, a person of your distinction, would never stoop to such petty acts, right? It’s all a misunderstanding, isn’t it?" Cheng Su said with another smile.
Liao Shifa’s face changed slightly. He understood the meaning behind Cheng Su’s words; she was essentially accusing him indirectly while making it hard for him to refute her, also making it clear that she was aware of his actions.
"If Miss Cheng says it was a misunderstanding, then it’s a misunderstanding!" Liao Shifa said, his smile appearances rather than genuine.
Old Song then said, "Xiao Fa, your father said on his deathbed that doing business with integrity was the key to ensuring Liao’s restaurant thrives for a long time. I hope you will honor your father’s wishes and lead Liao’s to greater heights."
Upon hearing this, Liao Shifa’s expression turned dark and grim.