Father Gu was a good man at heart. The moment he caught on to Director Hong’s keen interest in Xu Ying’s talent, he promptly steered the conversation forward. After all, if he hadn’t spoken up just now, that old fox Director Hong would’ve made a beeline for Yingying without a second thought.
Yet Director Hong, thick-skinned as a rhino, showed not even a hint of guilt under Father Gu’s dagger-like stare. His eyes, however, kept drifting toward Xu Ying with unconcealed satisfaction.
Still, he couldn’t help but wonder — this young girl, so thin and delicate, could she even lift a heavy iron spatula?
As if sensing his doubt, Xu Ying lifted her chin, her eyes bright with determination.
“Don’t worry, Director Hong,” she said firmly, puffing out her chest, “I may be young and skinny, but I have strength. And when it comes to cooking, I’m definitely capable. I promise I won’t embarrass you!”
Director Hong’s brows relaxed, and a wide smile stretched across his face. What a sensible, clever girl.
“Alright then — see you the day after tomorrow,” he chuckled.
As the last dish, the golden egg drop soup, was brought to the table, the atmosphere around the banquet began to loosen. One by one, the guests rose from their seats, their bellies round and satisfied. Unlike the days of scarcity, no one thought of sneaking leftovers into their pockets. The plates were polished clean, not a morsel left behind.
With contented smiles, they licked the corners of their mouths and departed, their laughter echoing into the night.
Once the flurry of the banquet had settled, Gu Fuying rushed over to Xu Ying, her face glowing with excitement. As soon as Xu Ying spotted her, her own eyes lit up, and without hesitation, the two girls clasped hands and hurried back toward the house.
Inside, Mother Gu’s gaze flickered meaningfully as soon as they entered.
Xu Ying waited for a quiet moment, then softly shared what she had overheard earlier — about Gu Fuying’s supposed date, Wang Liqing.
Mother Gu’s expression darkened immediately. She had already been unhappy with her daughter’s choice of partner, but after hearing Xu Ying’s words, her brows furrowed even deeper.
“Yingying, thank you, truly,” Mother Gu sighed, patting Xu Ying’s hand. “Our Fuying… once she sets her heart on something, there’s no pulling her back.”
Her voice trembled with a mix of worry and anger.
“Her uncle and I had our doubts about that Wu Yu from the start — the boy’s heart isn’t clean, and their families don’t match. But no matter what we said, that stubborn girl refused to break it off. And now, just look! As soon as he got a foot in the door at the textile factory’s HR department, he cozied up to the director’s daughter. What a slippery little fox!”
Mother Gu’s hands clenched as her voice sharpened.
“If it weren’t for you, Yingying, we would still be in the dark! Her father and I will think carefully about how to handle this. As for you, you’ll be starting work at the state-owned restaurant the day after tomorrow, yes? Remember, if you run into any trouble, come straight to us — don’t treat us like outsiders. You’re like a daughter to us, Yingying. Never hesitate to ask.”
Her words were warm, genuine, and free of pretense.
Xu Ying felt the sincerity in her gaze and quickly nodded, smiling.
“Alright, Aunt Gu. Then I’ll head home and get ready for the day after tomorrow.”
Before Xu Ying could slip away, Mother Gu pulled out a small bundle of money from her pocket and stuffed it into Xu Ying’s hand.
“Take this — be careful on the road, alright?”
“I’ll be going now!” Xu Ying called out with a wave, but just as she turned, Gu Fuying darted after her, eyes wide with curiosity.
“Yingying, what were you and my mother whispering about?” she asked, pouting slightly.
Xu Ying laughed softly.
“I was telling her I’m starting work at the state-owned restaurant soon. You should come visit! I’ll sneak you extra dishes,” she teased with a wink.
At this, Gu Fuying squealed in delight, clapping her hands.
“Yingying! You’re really going to work at the state-owned restaurant? That’s amazing! That means I can eat your cooking every day!”
Her eyes curved into little crescent moons as she beamed, the joy practically bubbling over.
Xu Ying had planned to slip away quietly, but Gu Fuying wouldn’t hear of it. Her little sister had just arrived in town — how could she let her go so soon?
“Please, please, come back to my room! Let’s chat a bit!” Gu Fuying pleaded, her voice soft and sweet as she tugged at Xu Ying’s sleeve.
She truly looked like a darling — where Xu Ying had a composed, gentle charm, Gu Fuying was all silly sweetness, her every smile brimming with innocence. When she acted spoiled like this, Xu Ying simply couldn’t bring herself to refuse.
“Alright, alright, you win!” Xu Ying surrendered with a smile.
Gu Fuying’s whole face lit up, and she eagerly pulled Xu Ying past Mother Gu and into her room, the two of them giggling like true sisters.
“Yingying, look! This is a hairpin my sister-in-law brought me. Do you like it? I’ll give you one — that way we’re matching!” Gu Fuying said excitedly, pulling out a pair of delicate hairpins.
Xu Ying gazed at the simple trinkets and smiled softly. One day, she thought, she would be able to give Fuying hairpins far finer than these. But for now, seeing how happy Fuying was over such a little thing, she couldn’t bear to dampen her enthusiasm.
“It’s beautiful,” Xu Ying murmured, gently picking up a pin.
Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, she added, “By the way, Fuying… I heard from your mother that you’re dating someone?”
At the mention of her boyfriend, Gu Fuying’s cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Yes! My boyfriend works in the HR department at the textile factory. He’s so good to me, Yingying, you have no idea! My parents didn’t approve at first, but Wu Yu never gave up. Bit by bit, he won their hearts. Now they finally agree to let us be together,” she said dreamily.
Xu Ying’s expression darkened slightly, though she kept her voice light.
“Oh? And how exactly did he win over your parents?”
For a moment, Gu Fuying faltered. She blinked, her brows furrowing slightly.
“I… I’m not sure. I don’t really remember…” she mumbled.
Xu Ying gave a soft sigh.
“Once, I liked a boy too. He was an educated youth in our village. When I first confessed, he told me he saw me as a younger sister — but then, he kept borrowing my things under the pretense of that ‘brother-sister’ bond.
And when I caught him flirting with another girl, he flat-out denied everything between us. Worse, when I fell into the river, he wanted that other girl to pretend she saved me — can you believe that? That was when I finally saw his true face.”
She paused, then smiled wryly.
“Now, that same boy has come crawling back, asking me to help him. Men like that… they’re masters of pretending. They don’t love you — they just love what you can give them.”
Her gaze softened as she looked at Gu Fuying.
“Fuying, your boyfriend… has he bought you clothes? Skin care creams?”
Her tone was light, almost teasing — but in her eyes flickered a quiet worry.
Innocent, trusting Gu Fuying… could she truly see the man standing beside her?