Zhang Qingyun’s expression was slightly stunned, "President Xiao, there is indeed a female contestant named Song Song, but she happened to place eleventh in this competition, so she was eliminated."
"I do have some impression of this female contestant; she looks skinny and petite. At first, I thought she was an underage contestant. Her entry was utterly unimpressive, just a plate of coarse fried rice. Compared to other contestants, it was truly low-class."
After speaking, Zhang Qingyun glanced at the expression on Xiao Jinghuai’s face. Seeing his indifferent look, he dared to ask, "President Xiao, do you know this female contestant?"
Xiao Jinghuai raised his gaze, a sharp glint in his eyes, "This is not something you should be asking about, Director Zhang. You just need to ensure this competition proceeds smoothly and watch out for anyone using this competition for undue gains. Once I discover something, you know the consequences."
"President Xiao, under your wise leadership, surely no one would do such a thing. Rest assured, rest assured..."
Xiao Jinghuai withdrew his gaze and looked at the documents on the table, "You may leave now!"
"Yes."
Zhang Qingyun left the office with the list and unexpectedly received a phone call. The caller invited him to meet at the renowned Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion in Qing City.
Daughter of an old acquaintance, he had to give some face. This appointment surely needed to be attended.
...
After work, Zhang Qingyun went to Dragon and Phoenix Pavilion. As soon as he entered the reserved private room, he saw Qiao Yu sitting there elegantly, "Yu’er, what’s the reason for finding Uncle Zhang?"
Upon hearing the sound, Qiao Yu immediately stood up from the chair, greeting him with a smile, "Uncle Zhang, you’ve arrived, please have a seat!"
"Alright." Zhang Qingyun sat on the sofa, "Oh, aren’t your parents with you?"
Qiao Yu smiled slightly and took out a prepared small gift, "This time, I came to see you alone for a small matter. I know you love tea the most, so I specially chose a tea set for you. I hope you like it."
"Oh my, whoever has a daughter like you is really fortunate, so sensible. Then Uncle Zhang will graciously accept it. Your taste is excellent; this tea set must be top quality..."
"Uncle Zhang, actually Yu’er has an indecent request today, but after saying it, you may not be happy."
Qiao Yu wasn’t very confident, knowing Xiao Jinghuai’s character well; he despised subordinates abusing power for personal gain.
Zhang Qingyun paused slightly, "Go ahead and say it, Uncle Zhang will definitely do his best to help if he can."
"Uncle Zhang, I participated in the World’s Best Chef competition. The first round of the preliminaries is over. I’m in the second round, and I just wanted to ask you, what’s the theme for the dishes in the second round? Can you give me a little hint?"
Zhang Qingyun appeared troubled, "This... Yu’er, this makes it a bit difficult for Uncle Zhang. You should know our President Xiao is rather strict."
"I know." Qiao Yu took out a stack of money from her bag and placed it on the table, "You don’t have to tell me verbally, writing it down works too!"
"Uncle Zhang, this competition is crucial for me..."
Zhang Qingyun looked at Qiao Yu, then at the money she placed on the table, "Alright, but regarding what I tell you, only heaven, earth, you, and I will know."
"Of course, of course..."
Qiao Yu nodded with a smile.
Then, Zhang Qingyun wrote the theme on a piece of paper.
"Speaking of this competition, it seems President Xiao is quite invested as well. He even personally asked about one of the contestants today..."
Qiao Yu’s eyes glimmered, "Uncle Zhang, who did Brother Jinghuai ask about?"
"Oh, a female contestant named Song Song. He asked me why her name wasn’t on the list of those who made it past the first round of preliminaries."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Yu tightly gripped the paper in her hand. Xiao Jinghuai has always been cold towards the opposite sex, never paying attention to any female other than herself.
Who exactly is this Song Song?
She could actually make him inquire personally...