Cheng Su called Qi Fenglian and after some pleasantries and small talk about the family, how everyone was doing, and when they were planning to return home for the New Year, Cheng Su broached the main subject.
"The shop is currently being renovated, and the plan is to officially open after the New Year. So, I’m already staffing up, including chefs who need to come to the restaurant for a trial work period, and other service staff," Cheng Su said. "Elder Sister, if you’re sure you want to come, when do you think you could come and learn a bit?"
Upon hearing this, Qi Fenglian said, "But I don’t really know how to do anything. Aside from some handicraft work before, I’ve never formally worked anywhere. Can I really do this?"
Cheng Su laughed, "That’s exactly why you need to learn, it’s not technically difficult and is easy to get the hang of."
"Then, what would I do if I went there?" Qi Fenglian asked tentatively.
Indeed, that question stumped Cheng Su, for she hadn’t really thought it through.
"How about taking care of the cash register? And when it’s quiet, you could help clean up the tables and such," Cheng Su hesitated.
She didn’t know what Qi Fenglian was capable of, but since she was the Elder Sister, handling the cash register shouldn’t be a problem, right? Plus, she was family and could be trusted.
"Handling the cash, huh," Qi Fenglian became even more nervous. "That has to be done carefully, right?"
Cheng Su chuckled lightly, "Whatever the job, it has to be done with care."
"That’s true!"
Qi Fenglian hesitated for a moment on the other end, then said, "About that, your brother-in-law is also coming with me, what do you think?"
"If he’s willing, he can join my friend’s renovation team. I’ve already mentioned it to them!" Cheng Su quickly said.
"He’s willing, definitely willing," Qi Fenglian immediately agreed.
Cheng Su, sensing the urgency in her voice, added, "Elder Sister, you’re both coming, but what about leaving the two little ones behind? Is it really okay? Will your mother-in-law let you?"
At this, Qi Fenglian’s expression turned sour as she said, "She’s not willing, but even if she’s not, I have to come out. The kids are growing up, and if we don’t save up, how will we manage? Their education, their marriages in the future, doesn’t it all require money? I’d like to live comfortably, but if we don’t work, money won’t fall from the sky!"
"You’re absolutely right," Cheng Su agreed wholeheartedly, thinking to herself that her Elder Sister had finally woken up.
Qi Fenglian said, "I’ve talked it over this time, and they’ve agreed. It’s just, the Thai daughter-in-law, I’m afraid I might have to take advantage of our familiarity once again!"
"Just say it!"
"Look, there’s just a month before the New Year, right? I plan to wean Baobao next month, and it’s almost New Year’s, so can I start work after the New Year?" Qi Fenglian asked somewhat meekly.
Cheng Su had anticipated this and had never expected her to come before the festival, so she replied, "No problem, after the New Year is fine. Anyway, we won’t be opening that quickly."
Qi Fenglian sighed with relief and said, "I’ll remember this favor, Elder Sister."
Cheng Su laughed and joked a bit more, confirmed the rough plan for their return, and hung up the phone.
After ending the call, Qi Fenglian immediately went home and told Zhang Jisheng about it.
Zhang Jisheng listened and said, "We’re going after the New Year?"
"You’re not thinking of backing out, are you? I’ve already made plans with the Thai daughter-in-law!" Qi Fenglian glared.
Zhang Jisheng said sheepishly, "I’m not trying to back out, it’s just my mother..."
Qi Fenglian’s face darkened as she said, "Just tell her, we have already talked about it. This is a good opportunity, and no matter what, I am going. If you don’t want to, you can stay at home!"
Zhang Jisheng looked somewhat displeased but, seeing Qi Fenglian’s determined expression, he nodded.