At this moment, the man slowly opened his eyes, giving a bright smile at Xiao Jinghuai sitting directly opposite him, revealing a mouthful of big white teeth. He took off his earpiece and said with a smile, "Sorry, I was too engrossed in the music just now."
Xiao Jinghuai smiled nonchalantly, "It’s alright, I just didn’t expect the renowned Master Zhou to be so young."
"Oh? In President Xiao’s eyes, am I an old man in my forties or fifties?" The man picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip.
"That’s not it, just a bit different from what I imagined."
"I actually find President Xiao exactly as I imagined, looking very much like a successful businessman..."
Xiao Jinghuai’s gaze deepened slightly, "Mr. Zhou is quite eloquent. By the way, after chatting for so long, may I have the honor of knowing Mr. Zhou’s name?"
"I have a Chinese name given by my mentor, it’s Zhou Yunxian."
Xiao Jinghuai smiled broadly, "This name has quite a classical charm. If Mr. Zhou needs anything, please tell my assistant, he will try his best to help you..."
"Uh, originally I didn’t have any needs, but three days ago..."
Zhou Yunxian hesitated a bit, as he had never developed feelings for a woman, so he couldn’t quite discern that moment’s feeling, but at least that little girl did pique his interest.
Up till now, no woman has ever shown no surprise upon seeing his appearance...
Based on this alone, she is already an exception.
Xiao Jinghuai said, "Mr. Zhou, feel free to speak directly."
"Never mind, it’s nothing."
Zhou Yunxian thought over it and decided to see how fate would work between the two of them. If they could meet again in such a large city as Qing City, then it meant they were very destined.
"If Mr. Zhou has no other matters, shall I have my assistant send you back to the hotel?"
"There’s one more thing I want to clarify with President Xiao."
Zhou Yunxian’s expression became slightly serious, at least quite a contrast to his previous seemingly carefree demeanor.
"Please go ahead, Mr. Zhou."
"Regarding the evaluation of this contest, I don’t want to see any backdoor dealings. Once I find out, I will leave Qing City immediately, regardless of that so-called contract."
"Moreover, for those who registered for this contest, regardless of age, gender, as long as they can make delicious dishes that move me, I hope President Xiao will treat them equally. Do you agree to these two points, President Xiao?"
Xiao Jinghuai nodded, "Mr. Zhou’s thoughts coincide with mine, I also dislike deceit."
"No, no." Zhou Yunxian shook his hand with a smile, "I do this out of respect for food, whereas President Xiao does it for the interests of the Xiao Family, we are fundamentally different."
Xiao Jinghuai smiled, crossing his arms, "This might be what they call similar goals but different paths..."
Zhou Yunxian’s lips curved slightly, smiling with deep meaning, and without responding, he hummed a tune and walked out of the office.
At this moment, Xing Quan walked to the desk, his expression slightly serious, "President Xiao, did we find the wrong person? This Zhou Yunxian doesn’t seem like that culinary god!"
"No, we didn’t get it wrong." Xiao Jinghuai said with utmost certainty: "However, compared to him, I’m now more curious about his mentor, who gave him such a feminine-sounding Chinese name—is it intentionally teasing him or really wanting a female disciple?"
"Alright, follow him and see if he needs anything."
"Yes!"
Then Xiao Jinghuai picked up the phone on the desk, intending to dial a certain number, but eventually put the phone back and turned to handle the stacked-up files from several days.
...
When Song Song got off work and went home, she stopped by the market to buy a turtle. As soon as she entered the door, she happily exclaimed, "Sister-in-law Zhou, let’s make braised turtle today, I’ll cook!"
Upon hearing the sound, Sister-in-law Zhou immediately walked out from the kitchen, winking at Song Song, "...The young master just came back; his least favorite food is turtle."
"Xiao, Xiao Jinghuai? He’s here?"
Song Song glanced at the living room, and indeed saw the man wearing a three-piece suit sitting on the sofa reading a magazine.
At this moment, he suddenly looked up, and their eyes met across the room.