"Kids, come and eat!" Auntie Chen's cheerful voice rang out.
"Coming!" Ye Jinmeng responded, turning to Xiao Yuanning, "Brother, let's go to the dining room. I'm not sure what your preferences are, so I asked Auntie Chen to make a few of her signature dishes. Auntie Chen is an excellent cook!"
Xiao Yuanning obediently followed behind Ye Jinmeng and quickly took the seat to her right, shooting a challenging glance at Shi Shuning after sitting down.
Shi Shuning missed the chance to sit next to Ye Jinmeng and was fuming when he saw Xiao Yuanning's smug expression.
Ye Jinmeng consoled Shi Shuning with a wink, "Brother Shuning, you sit across from me so I can look at you whenever I raise my head."
Shi Shuning's expression improved as he took a seat across from Ye Jinmeng, glaring at Xiao Yuanning.
Xiao Yuanning looked distressed and said to Ye Jinmeng, "Sister, does Brother Shuning not like me? Will he be angry if I sit here? If so, I won't sit here."
His eyes reddened as he spoke.
Ye Jinmeng immediately felt sorry for him, "Don't worry, little brother. Brother Shuning won't be that petty, right?" She gave Shi Shuning a fierce look as if daring him to say otherwise.
Shi Shuning took a deep breath, glanced at the little schemer, and forced a smile, "Of course not. You're Jinmeng's guest, so you're my guest too. As long as Jinmeng is happy, I, her boyfriend, won't say anything."
Xiao Yuanning bit his lip, seeming relieved. "As long as Brother Shuning isn't angry, it's fine. Sister, let's eat."
"Sure, little brother. Try this sweet and sour pork ribs. It's delicious!"
Ye Jinmeng placed a rib on Xiao Yuanning's plate. He took a bite, his eyes sparkling as he looked at her, "Wow, the food Sister picks is indeed the tastiest!"
Seeing Xiao Yuanning's adorable manner, Ye Jinmeng couldn't help but squeal inwardly, "Ah, he's so cute! I love my little brother!"
Shi Shuning glared at the little schemer across from him, shelled a plate of shrimp, and pushed it towards Ye Jinmeng.
"Jinmeng, your favorite braised shrimp. I peeled them for you."
Ye Jinmeng accepted the plate, blowing him a few kisses. "Brother Shuning, you're the best!"
Shi Shuning beamed triumphantly at Xiao Yuanning, his expression saying, "How's that? I'm her boyfriend, I have the upper hand, and you don't. Hah!"
Xiao Yuanning frowned, regretting not peeling shrimp himself. A missed opportunity.
He turned to Ye Jinmeng, "Sister, you study fashion design, right?"
Ye Jinmeng nodded as she ate the shrimp.
"Could you design some outfits for me? I want to wear clothes designed by my incredible sister when I hold concerts in the future, so the whole world knows how amazing she is!"
Shi Shuning rolled his eyes, thinking, "This little brat hasn't even released an album yet, and he's already thinking about concerts and letting the whole world see him? I bet he can't even sing! Don't disgrace the clothes my Jinmeng designs!"
However, Ye Jinmeng looked delighted, "Sure, but I'm still a student. I can't compare to professional designers. Won't you be embarrassed wearing my designs?"
Xiao Yuanning smiled, "Of course not! Anything designed by my sister is the best in the world! You're the greatest designer in my heart!"
Shi Shuning rolled his eyes again. If this little brat had a tail, it would probably be wagging up to the sky!
He spoke up, "You're right, Jinmeng is an excellent designer. She previously designed a 'Starry Sea' couple's outfit set for men and women—the only one in the world. I'll have someone make them, and we can wear the outfits for you."
Xiao Yuanning's heart sank. Jinmeng had already designed a couple's outfit for her and Shi Shuning!
Oh no, he felt so jealous!
Nearby, Xu Wanwan and He Junting covered their mouths, trying not to laugh at the two acting like immature children, one three years old and the other five.
Meanwhile, in the study of another villa, Xiao Wenyao sat at his desk surrounded by an ashtray full of cigarette butts and hazy smoke.
Jian Hongmei opened the study door and coughed from the smoky air, startled.
Xiao Wenyao quickly put out his cigarette, opened the window for ventilation, and poured her a glass of water, saying with concern, "Why didn't you announce yourself before entering? What if the smoke aggravated your condition?"
Once the smoke cleared, Jian Hongmei recovered and chided him after taking a sip of water, "You're one to talk, smoking alone in the study like this. Don't you care about your health?"
"Is something happening at the company? You seem so worried lately, and your hair has grayed quite a bit. Talk to me, maybe I can help you find a solution."
Xiao Wenyao helped her to the couch and sighed, "The company is facing a cash flow crisis. The previous one million loan has been used up, and I planned to mortgage the company and factory for another loan. But the shareholders disagree and want to withdraw their investments. What can I do..."
Xiao Wenyao felt helpless. Without money, the company couldn't operate. Even if the shareholders sued, he had no funds to pay them back.
Especially after Director Zhao's parting words, he couldn't calm down. What were X International's intentions?
Jian Hongmei frowned, "This is indeed difficult. Since the company's current projects are in partnership with X International, why not try asking them for a loan? When the projects are completed and paid, you can deduct the loan amount from the payment."
Xiao Wenyao shook his head, "I asked Zhao Secretary to inquire yesterday, but they said it couldn't be approved. We need to meet Sean directly, but Zhao Secretary found out that getting an appointment with him requires a two-month wait. That's too long!"
"I'm trying to get Sean's personal contact information and schedule, to see if I can catch him in person."
Jian Hongmei sighed. It seemed there was no other choice.
"Husband, why don't I sell some of my personal belongings second-hand to help with our emergency funds? Even though it may not be much money, it's better than nothing."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wenyao frowned. "That's out of the question. I'm not going to have my own wife help shoulder these burdens. Just listen to me, I'll definitely find a way to get the money!"
Jian Hongmei looked touched, but persisted: "Husband, I'm not feeling well these days and don't go out much. Those luxury items will just be sitting there unused, so why don't I sell them now? Once we get through this difficult period and have money again, you can buy me new ones."
Seeing his wife's insistence, Xiao Wenyao wavered. Jian Hongmei continued, "Husband, you've always been the one making sacrifices for me. I haven't really been able to help you much. This time, can you let me contribute a little to your work?"
Finally, Xiao Wenyao nodded and pulled his wife into an embrace. "Mei Mei, I've caused you hardship during this period. Don't worry, once these projects are successfully completed and I get paid, I'll buy you whatever you want!"
"Okay, I believe you!"