"Why are you looking at me?" Qin Jian’s voice was indifferent.
"I... It’s been a long time since I saw you, don’t I miss you?" Zhang Manman complained coquettishly, "People made such an effort to dress up, and you won’t even take a glance at me."
Qin Jian slightly furrowed his brows and said nothing.
Zhang Jianguo saw that if things continued this way, it would inevitably lead to issues, so he directly diverted the topic, "Let’s go, Qin Jian, take me to tour your camp!"
"Okay." Qin Jian turned and led the way, visiting each place in turn.
After the tour, it was almost time for dinner.
Qin Jian was thinking about An Hao who was busy in the kitchen and wanted to check on her, but Zhang Jianguo, whose reasons were unclear, called out to him, "Tell me, Qin Jian, why do you always seem so distracted today? Why do I feel like you’re looking for any chance to slip away?"
"Yes, that’s right! Don’t you want to see me at all?" Liang Manman also felt very aggrieved.
Jian Ying watched Qin Jian’s darkened expression, fearing that if he said anything, he might deeply offend Liang Manman.
His father and grandfather were both important figures in the city, and if Qin Jian offended this young lady, Jian Ying feared it could impact his work.
Although, for many years, Qin Jian’s achievements were well recognized, there are always too many uncertainties in this world.
He had always had a good relationship with Qin Jian and couldn’t let a lapse of judgment cause problems. Qin Jian’s thoughts needed to be expressed, but not so bluntly.
Seizing the opportunity before Qin Jian could respond, Jian Ying steered the conversation elsewhere, "Qin Jian’s distraction has a reason, Section Chief. Wouldn’t you like to try the cooking again, even better than sister-in-law’s?"
Zhang Jianguo perked up at that, "Yes! What, have you guys discovered another culinary talent in your team?"
"Section Chief, you’ve tasted her cooking before," Jian Ying said, passing the buck to Qin Jian, "This I heard from Qin Jian. I hear you’ve been unable to forget it!"
"That’s right. She’s in the kitchen right now," Qin Jian took over the conversation, "I’ll take her here."
"Oh..." Zhang Jianguo pondered, he probably knew who it was.
Done for! A collision today!
Liang Manman couldn’t understand their conversation and didn’t know what kind of riddles these men were playing, "Uncle Zhang, can you be clear with your words? You should at least consider other people’s feelings!"
Jian Ying chuckled quietly, fearing that her feelings would soon become uncontrollable!
"This... I’m not quite sure either. We have to wait for Qin Jian to come over to find out," Zhang Jianguo also had a headache with Liang Manman. After all, he had to consider an old friend’s dignity, and some things he just pretended not to know.
Liang Manman with her wide eyes felt very confused. How could a cook be so mysterious?
Qin Jian went to the back kitchen. The dishes were already served; it was just left for his colleagues to get their meals.
Seeing An Hao sweating profusely, with her shirt soaked through, he felt somewhat guilty. After all, this was the mess hall’s food, how could he rashly ask her to help on a whim.
"An Hao, come here." He stood at the doorway and waved to An Hao.
Coming to Qin Jian, An Hao let out a long sigh of relief, "It’s really a test of endurance. I was afraid the taste wouldn’t be good and would waste such good food, but I gave it all I had."
Qin Jian took out a handkerchief from his pocket with concern, drew her close, and gently wiped the sweat from her forehead, "This is my fault; I shouldn’t have agreed to it."
"It’s okay," An Hao smiled brightly, more radiant than the sun, "What matters is that I made the food, and it’s important you get to eat it, right?"
Qin Jian’s heart warmed, and a smile formed on his lips, "Come on, Section Chief Zhang is here. Let me take you to meet him!"