CH 33

Yang Ming’s face turned dark, and he sneered, “Don’t pretend to be rich!”

Bai Xianzhi gave a faint smile, “None of your business.”

Yang Ming retorted, “You!”

Sun Lanyou, who had been quiet beside Yang Ming, pulled at his clothes and said gently, “Alright, let’s go.”

Her soft tone managed to suppress Yang Ming’s anger. He glared at Bai Xianzhi and left with Sun Lanyou.

After they left, the remaining classmates felt the atmosphere had cleared up significantly. They approached Bai Xianzhi and said, “Bai, give us your WeChat, and we’ll transfer the money to you when we get back.”

They were grateful to Bai Xianzhi for standing up and easing the situation. However, they didn’t really believe his words. Back in university, they knew Bai Xianzhi often worked part-time to earn money. It had only been a few months since graduation, and there was no way 20,000 yuan was a small amount for him. So, they believed Bai Xianzhi had said those words only to save face in front of Yang Ming. Although they said so, they couldn’t let Bai Xianzhi bear the 20,000 yuan alone.

“Bai, is this your WeChat? If it is, I’ll transfer the money to you directly.”

Looking at his classmates, Bai Xianzhi remembered why he agreed to attend the class reunion in the first place—it was because of them. Except for Ma Wenqiang, who was a pain in the neck, the rest of the students in the Accounting Class were quite normal, or rather, they were sensible and got along easily. Over the four years, they had built deep friendships.

Having missed the class reunion at graduation, Bai Xianzhi knew he would regret it if he missed this one too, so he decided to come. Despite the unpleasant moments, the reunion was still somewhat successful—everyone came together again, and that was something to be happy about.

“It’s really not a big deal. I was telling the truth earlier. My business is doing well, and 20,000 yuan is truly nothing.”

“No, Bai, you’re great in every way, but you always like to handle things on your own. We drank the wine together, so we should split the bill together!”

“I really don’t mind—”

“Enough, Bai! If you keep this up, we won’t invite you next time! Class reunions should be split evenly among everyone. Are you looking down on us by paying for it all by yourself?”

Bai Xianzhi raised his hand in surrender, “I didn’t mean to, I really didn’t!”

Seeing him like this, the surrounding classmates burst into laughter.

As they walked out of the hotel, they realized it was already late in the evening. After a few goodbyes, only Bai Xianzhi and Ji Dong remained at the entrance. They exchanged smiles, sighed, and released warm breaths that gradually dissipated in the air.

“I’ll head back now. What about you, Bai?”

Bai Xianzhi: “I’m heading back too. I’ll take a few days to rest, but I’ll have to reopen the restaurant soon.”

Ji Dong still found it quite surreal that Bai Xianzhi, the influential figure in the college, ended up opening a small restaurant. In his mind, someone like Bai Xianzhi should be dominating the corporate world like the elites in TV dramas. After pondering for a moment, he asked, “Bai, tell me the truth. Is running a small restaurant really what you want to do? Life is short, and you shouldn’t do something that you’ll regret for the rest of your life.”

Bai Xianzhi looked at his old college buddy and smiled, “Old Ji, do you think I’m someone who does things against my will? In school, was there anything I didn’t want to do that someone could force me to do?”

Ji Dong chuckled, “That’s true. The Sports Committee tried to get you to participate in the 3,000-meter race, but you managed to avoid it for a whole week.”

Bai Xianzhi laughed, “Yeah, during that time, I ran away every day. I had no time for the sports event.”

After the laughter, Ji Dong became serious again, “Anyway, as long as you’re happy, that’s what matters. By the way, I’ve been transferred back to S City this year. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know. I’ll help if I can!”

Bai Xianzhi gave him a friendly punch, “Thanks! If I need anything, I’ll come to you. Oh, since you’ll be in S City, drop by my restaurant sometime and taste my culinary skills.”

Ji Dong got excited, “Sure! In the four years we were together, I only had instant noodles made by you. I’ve never tried your other dishes. I’ll come over the day after tomorrow. Hey, will you be there the day after tomorrow?”

Bai Xianzhi replied, “Yes, I’ll send you the location later, just come directly.”

“Sure!”

One day later, Bai Xianzhi was playing games when Ji Dong came to visit. It was still early, so they played three rounds of games together before putting away their phones. Bai Xianzhi asked Ji Dong, “What would you like to eat? Anything on the menu, I can make it.”

Ji Dong wasn’t someone with a big appetite, so he looked at the menu and said, “Just make a couple of dishes. Hmm, how about stir-fried pork and tomato egg soup?”

Bai Xianzhi nodded, “Okay, just sit here for a while. It’ll be ready in half an hour.”

But Ji Dong couldn’t sit still. He followed Bai Xianzhi to the kitchen, intending to help out, but he was amazed to see Bai Xianzhi skillfully washing and cutting the vegetables. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t believe that the person in front of him was the Bai Xianzhi he had known for four years. “Wow, you’re amazing, Old Bai! You’ve got the skills of a chef!”

Bai Xianzhi gave him a glance and smiled, “Did I forget to tell you where I used to work during college?”

Ji Dong shook his head, “Every time you came back, you looked exhausted, so I didn’t ask.”

Bai Xianzhi said, “Actually, I used to work in the kitchen of a hotel.”

Ji Dong was shocked, “In the kitchen?! Did you plan to take over this small restaurant back then?!”

“Not really.” Who could predict what would happen later?

“What about you… Do you enjoy this line of work?” Ji Dong himself felt that the question he asked was a bit absurd, but Bai Xianzhi nodded!

He nodded?!!

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a chef since I was a child.”

Ji Dong: “!!!!” My goodness, a student from the School of Economics and Management saying his dream is to become a chef!

After about fifteen seconds, Ji Dong heaved a sigh of relief, “As long as you’re happy, fulfilling your dream is a happy thing.”

Bai Xianzhi knew that Ji Dong still couldn’t fully understand his choice, but he didn’t force the issue. Life and dreams are very personal matters, and only the person involved knows what they truly desire. Without experiencing it personally, others will never fully understand.

Half an hour later, the two dishes and soup were ready. Stir-fried pork, steamed sausages, and a large bowl of tomato egg soup were served with fragrant rice. Bai Xianzhi held up a bowl and said to Ji Dong, “Old Ji, taste it.”

Ji Dong couldn’t believe what was in front of him—just by smelling the aroma, he knew that the dishes would be delicious!

Although Ji Dong knew that Bai Xianzhi took over the small restaurant and helped in the kitchen during college, it was only now, seeing and smelling the three dishes Bai Xianzhi made, that he felt it was more real. His college friend had truly become a chef!

He picked up a piece of stir-fried pork and savored it carefully. After chewing it, Ji Dong gave a thumbs-up and mumbled, “Amazing! Old Bai, you’re incredible! These dishes are delicious!!”

After saying that, Ji Dong couldn’t wait and started eating the other two dishes. His mouth was too busy eating, so he couldn’t speak much. After finishing all three dishes, he sat back in the chair, rubbing his satisfied belly, and said, “So satisfying! Old Bai, your culinary skills are impressive. From childhood to now, I’ve never tasted something this delicious. I really believe you now. You truly love cooking. If you didn’t love it and put effort into it, the dishes wouldn’t taste this good!” He even burped.

Bai Xianzhi chuckled, “Alright, Old Ji, I’m sorry for all those things I did. I won’t deceive you anymore!”

After the meal, they played a few more rounds of games. As the evening approached, Ji Dong bid farewell to Bai Xianzhi and left the Three Thousand Food House.

Watching Ji Dong leave the alley, Bai Xianzhi closed the door and felt quite good. He went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Just as he finished washing, he heard the rolling shutter outside make some noise. He quickly ran to the front and asked, “Who’s outside?”

The commotion outside subsided, and a voice said, “Boss, it’s me, Tu Linlin!”

Tu Linlin? Wasn’t he given time off? Why is he here?

Bai Xianzhi pulled up the rolling shutter, and indeed, it was Tu Linlin outside, accompanied by an elderly person. Both of them were carrying large bags, with messy hair and wrinkled clothes. Bai Xianzhi invited them inside, asked them to sit down, and inquired, “Linlin, what happened to you guys?”

Tu Linlin looked flustered, her eyes red. She forced a smile and said, “It’s nothing, boss. Can my grandmother and I stay here for a few days? Just a few days, I’ll look for a place in the orc world. Once we find one, we’ll move out immediately.”

Tu Linlin clearly didn’t want to talk much about what happened to them. Bai Xianzhi didn’t press further and just said, “There’s an empty room upstairs. You can stay as long as you need. By the way, have you both eaten?”

“We have.”

“Gurgle, gurgle—”

Bai Xianzhi pretended not to hear the first sentence, “There are dumplings in the kitchen. Let me cook a bowl for you and your grandmother.”

Ten minutes later, the aroma of dumplings filled the Three Thousand Food House. Bai Xianzhi watched Tu Linlin and the elderly person opposite him eating heartily. It seemed they were quite hungry. But Tu Linlin was now receiving a salary, and they had brought back New Year’s goods from the restaurant. How could they have nothing to eat?

Bai Xianzhi was puzzled but chose not to ask. Tu Linlin’s reaction just now indicated that he didn’t want to talk about it, and Bai Xianzhi respected his decision.

As for the safety of his own restaurant, Bai Xianzhi was not worried at all. He had witnessed Tu Linlin’s transformation with his own eyes. From being unable to speak to strangers and stuttering at first, to later communicating with ease, now after working at the Three Thousand Food House for a while, he could even joke with some regular customers.

It could be said that apart from his own home, the place where Tu Linlin spent the most time was the Three Thousand Food House. Apart from his grandmother, Bai Xianzhi was the person he trusted the most.

Their relationship was like that of a teacher and student. Tu Linlin found solace and transformation under the protection of the Three Thousand Food House, and Bai Xianzhi witnessed his growth. Though the time was short, Bai Xianzhi knew that Tu Linlin was someone worth trusting.

1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ”