72 I’m Telling the Truth
“This, Second Manager You, I can’t accept this silver.” Ji Zhao waved her hand and refused. “Not to mention that the ingredients were originally brought by the guest. Moreover, I wanted to try making this dish to help you. I don’t deserve this reward!”
“Ah Tao, if it weren’t for your help, I’m afraid our Hongxing Restaurant’s reputation would have been ruined. In short, you have to accept this silver!” Second Manager You stuffed the silver into Ji Zhao’s hand without hesitation. “By the way, the curfew has passed, so I specially prepared a guest room for you on the second floor of the restaurant. If you’re tired, go and rest now!”
“Thank you, Second Manager!”
“You’re welcome!”
Second Manager You personally brought the two of them to the first room on the second floor of the restaurant.
Pushing open the door of the guest room, a faint fragrance of sandalwood wafted into her nose.
After going around the folding screen painted with the pine, bamboo, and plum blossom, what came into view was a wide alcove bed hung with greenish-gray draperies. A 1.5-meter-long soft bed was placed by the window, and a set of tables and chairs were placed on the right. On the table, brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were neatly placed.
“I didn’t expect this room to be so spacious.” Ji Zhao, who had sized up the entire room, couldn’t help but say, “Shen Yao, why don’t we get someone to send another blanket?”
Although it was midsummer, it was still a little cold at night.
“No need.” Shen Yao shook his head slightly.
“But…”
“How do you know such strange ingredients?” Shen Yao suddenly interrupted her and looked at her curiously.
“This… I’ve seen it before, so I know.” Ji Zhao couldn’t help but smile. Then, she seemed to have thought of something and asked anxiously, “Will Mother be worried if we don’t go home today?”
“Big Brother has already gone home. He will help explain.” Shen Yao chuckled. “Don’t worry. You, on the other hand, have been busy all day. Are you tired?”
“It’s alright.” Ji Zhao smiled. “I enjoy cooking, so I don’t think it’s too hard.”
“Your cooking is indeed delicious.” Shen Yao praised from the bottom of his heart. “Your cooking is better than others even using the same ingredients. You’re very impressive.”
Ji Zhao blushed from the praise. She shyly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled modestly. “Actually, it’s not that impressive. Don’t praise me anymore. If you continue to praise me, I feel like I’m going to float.”
“I’m telling the truth,” Shen Yao said sincerely.
The two of them looked at each other and smiled. The atmosphere was very harmonious.
An hour later, Ji Zhao, who had soaked her feet, yawned tiredly.
“Good night.” She smiled at Shen Yao and lay on the bed. She pulled the thin blanket over her and soon fell asleep.
Ji Zhao, who was sound asleep, looked even more gentle.
Shen Yao, who was standing in front of the desk, silently spread out a white and flawless piece of paper. After picking up a pen, he started painting seriously.
Not long after, a painting of the sleeping beauty appeared on the white paper. The person in the painting was very similar to Ji Zhao’s side profile.
Shen Yao glanced at his painting and then at Ji Zhao, who was sleeping not far away. His lips curled up unconsciously.
The night was quiet and beautiful.
Ji Zhao, who was deep in the land of dreams, suddenly heard a rapid cough. She slowly opened her eyes and inadvertently saw Shen Yao curled up on the soft couch.