After buying the television, someone would naturally offer delivery and installation, so Cheng Su didnât worry about it. Instead, she headed to the fast food restaurant near the train station, intending to bring Xiao Yun home to stay for a few days.
Qi Fenglian saw her coming and hurriedly let her sit down, saying, "Itâs almost the New Year, and the train station is bustling with people. Given your condition, what if someone accidentally bumps into you? Just give me a call, and Iâll bring her over. Thereâs no need for you to pick her up."
Cheng Su smiled and said, "Itâs okay; I just went to the supply and marketing cooperative anyway. Since Iâll be home, I thought I might as well come over and take her back. The New Year is just a few days away, and youâll come over for the New Yearâs Eve dinner."
Qi Fenglian replied, "Donât be complacent; the first three months are crucial. Some are superstitious and only announce it after three months!"
Cheng Su nodded with a smile.
Qi Fenglian cautiously glanced at her expression and asked, "Did Mom say something unpleasant?"
Cheng Su was taken aback, wondering, was she that obvious?
"Not really. Iâm just feeling a bit stifled."
Qi Fenglian said, "Mom is just a rural woman without much knowledge. Donât take her words to heart, and donât let it bother you. Sheâll stop if she notices it doesnât affect you!"
Cheng Su acknowledged her words and, not wanting to discuss it further, brought up the holiday plans.
Unlike the restaurants, during the New Year, many workers go back to their hometowns, so the fast-food place becomes quiet. Even when the shop stays open, expenses like oil and wax need to be accounted for, so it doesnât operate during the holiday.
"The restaurant holds New Yearâs dinner on the 29th of the lunar month, and your place will close on the 30th too, right?" Cheng Su asked.
"Do you want me to call them all out?" Qi Fenglian pointed to the kitchen.
Cheng Su glanced around and, seeing no one in the shop, nodded.
Once everyone from the fast food restaurant was gathered, Cheng Su relayed the New Yearâs dinner arrangement, telling them to prepare a nice meal for themselves with their chosen dishes. She reminded them to pay attention to safety when reopening on the eighth day of the lunar month.
Everyone was naturally grateful and went back to their tasks.
Cheng Su also reviewed the accounts. Since it was a small shop, the ledger was relatively simple, and she quickly reconciled the numbers.
"Once the holiday starts, bring over the accounts after closing the shop, right?" Cheng Su added.
Qi Fenglian agreed.
Seeing Shi Ling gazing blankly at the door, Cheng Su was puzzled, nudged Qi Fenglianâs arm, and quietly asked, "Whatâs up with her?"
Qi Fenglian chuckled softly, whispering, "Sheâs lovesick!"
Cheng Su raised an eyebrow, waiting for the gossip.
"A couple of months ago, a man came to our restaurant to eat. He took a fancy to her, but she was not interested. The man didnât give up and kept coming in to woo her. He hasnât shown up for a while now. Iâm not sure if he gave up or what, but given the silence, maybe she has some thoughts on it?" Qi Fenglian explained.
Cheng Su became slightly concerned, asking, "Could he be trouble? Just a player after women?"
"I donât think so. He seems sincere and steady, not like a bad guy," Qi Fenglian lowered her voice further, adding, "Besides, sheâs a single woman with a child, working hard. Whatâs there for him to gain from her?"
Indeed, Cheng Su replied, "You both share similar experiences, being colleagues and neighbors. When you have time, try to cheer her up. Donât let her overthink. If heâs truly decent, giving him a chance wouldnât hurt. After all, sheâs still young!"
"Yeah, I know!" Qi Fenglian responded with a smile.