"However, Ye Wanqing knows quite a few people now. The other day, there were two men with her, one of whom knows Brother Chen Yin, and they went out together later. The other one, who seems just a bit older than us and isnāt bad-looking, seems to be captivated by Ye Wanqing and keeps speaking up for her."
Chiang Xiao didnāt know at the time that the man was Chen Liting.
But she did know about Ye Wanqingās allure to men with her charming demeanor, so such things didnāt really surprise her.
"Jin Lei, youāre a guy, donāt become too gossipy, okay? Have your paintings and studies progressed lately?" Chiang Xiao changed the subject.
Jin Lei rolled his eyes.
"Chiang Xiao, youāre so ungrateful. Iām just worried you wouldnāt know, thatās why Iām always thinking of delivering the latest scoop to you. And yet you say Iām too gossipy. Also, why do your words sound exactly like those of my cousin? Iāve certainly made progress, donāt underestimate me."
Chiang Xiao burst into laughter.
"Your cousin is my good friend. Itās normal for us to say the same things. Iām still very thankful for you, though."
"You do have a conscience. Since youāre grateful, treat me to a meal then. Use your meal card for lunch at the cafeteria."
"Thatās all you ask?" Chiang Xiao smiled and handed over her meal card, "Here, take it. Iām having lunch at the professorās wifeās place."
Jin Lei snatched the meal card.
"Knowing youāre a rich girl, Iām not holding back."
As they finished talking, the class bell rang.
So Chiang Xiao decided sheād talk to Liu Guoying about it at noon.
However, she did mention she was going to have lunch at his wifeās place during break time to avoid her rice being used up without notice.
Cheng Qiulian was happy to see her coming and playfully tapped her on the head.
"You said youād open a shop, but there hasnāt been any news. Are you fooling me?"
Liu Guoying chimed in, "Your professorās wife has been busy learning these days, reading ledger books, and finding books about running a business."
"I have to be prepared, donāt I?"
Hearing their conversation, Chiang Xiao felt a bit guilty.
She indeed talked the talk but hadnāt walked the walk; she had been so busy lately that she put the shop business aside.
But Chu Liang had been urging her too, mentioning lots of clients in Capital City complained that deliveries from M City were slow and kept asking when they could open a shop there.
Sometimes they only want to buy one or two boxes on a whim, and itās awkward to specifically place an order.
So, opening a shop was still necessary.
"How about this, professorās wife. After school this afternoon, Iāll take you to check out the shop, and you can help me figure out how to hire two people. Theyāll be responsible for stocking and greeting customers. And weāll also get the shop decorated in the next couple of days."
"Sure."
Cheng Qiulian was delighted to have something to do.
"I have one more thing to tell the teacher today." Chiang Xiao shared the news that her submitted work had passed, and Liu Guoying slapped his thigh excitedly.
"Good for you!" He was so thrilled, his face turned red, and he tapped Chiang Xiaoās shoulder vigorously, nearly knocking her shoulder down.
"If youāre happy, be happy, but why hit her? Such a strong grip." Cheng Qiulian quickly pulled Chiang Xiao away.
"This girl is tough as nails, how could a couple of taps do anything to her?" Liu Guoying glared.
Chiang Xiao, amused yet exasperated, said, "Yes, yes, Iām invincible."