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Although Su Yi had already mentally prepared herself and made the call with just a “let’s give it a try” attitude, being rejected was still somewhat disheartening.
However, she couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed!
When she was on the phone, Ye Xiaowu had just returned from school. Seeing Su Yi’s disappointment, he came over to comfort her, “Sister Su, don’t be upset. Uncle Zhou really doesn’t like using connections or having others use them through him.”
“I remember at the beginning of the year when I wanted him to take me to school so I could make an impression on the teacher for the class monitor election. He saw right through me and not only refused but also lectured me.”
“But later, I became class monitor through my own efforts. I believe you can do it too, Sister Su!”
After hearing Ye Xiaowu’s comforting words, Su Yi felt much better, “Oh! I didn’t know Xiaowu was the class monitor. That’s amazing!”
“Hehe, it’s not that impressive, Sister Su. If Uncle Zhou isn’t coming back, can we still have cold noodles for lunch?”
Su Yi laughed, “Of course! I’ll go make the noodles now.”
“I’ll help!”
……
On the other side, after Zhou Jinchuan hung up the phone, he quietly opened the lunchbox sitting on the corner of his desk. Inside, a few pieces of mung bean cake were lying quietly.
These were from Su Yi a few days ago. Sometimes, when he got too busy and missed a meal, he would take a couple of pieces to eat.
They were convenient and filling, with a pleasantly sweet taste, unlike the overly sugary ones sold outside.
Zhou Jinchuan picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. A moment of doubt crept into his previously firm resolve—
Had he been too blunt with his words?
He was used to dealing with a bunch of men and speaking straightforwardly.
He wasn’t very practiced at talking to female colleagues.
Well, it didn’t really matter; he hadn’t said anything wrong.
He closed the lunchbox again and was about to continue his work when suddenly Lu Changzheng walked in. Seeing Zhou Jinchuan eating mung bean cakes, he glanced at the lunchbox on the desk.
“Let me see what you’ve got?”
When Lu Changzheng opened it and found the mung bean cakes, he frowned in disgust, “Why are you, a grown man, suddenly eating these?”
Zhou Jinchuan scoffed, “Is there a gender for eating food?”
“Well, that’s true. I’m hungry too, so give me a piece!” Lu Changzheng said, reaching for a piece.
“Mmm, not bad at all. Could it be that Comrade Su made these again?”
Zhou Jinchuan didn’t respond, which was an implied confirmation.
Lu Changzheng became even more curious, “When can I come over for a meal at your place? I’ve asked so many times. Think about it!”
Zhou Jinchuan pressed his lips together, “There’s no need to consider it.”
Seeing his reaction, Lu Changzheng felt as if he had been scratched by a cat.
“If you won’t let me go, I’ll have to visit her myself next time. I’ve heard quite a few rumors about her recently, and I’m really curious!”
Zhou Jinchuan gave him a warning look, “I’ve told you before, she’s not a spy, and she’s an unmarried woman. It’s not appropriate for you to visit her.”
Lu Changzheng wouldn’t give up, “Then let’s go together. I haven’t seen the kids for a while. I can buy something and visit. That should be fine, right?”
Zhou Jinchuan lowered his eyes, seemingly contemplating.
After a while, he said, “You go outside first. I’ll make a phone call to check.”
“Alright, alright. I’ll go out. You make the call quickly.”
Seeing that Zhou Jinchuan had reluctantly agreed, Lu Changzheng immediately ran out to find Xie Xiaojun, gossiping about the situation.
“Xiao Xie, don’t you think something is off with Old Zhou?”
Xie Xiaojun disagreed, “Captain Lu, why do you think everyone has problems?”
“I don’t mean it that way. I’m saying he’s acting very strange. Since I got back, I’ve noticed something off. When I suggested going to his place for a meal, he was all hesitant and said he needed to make a phone call to ask for permission.”
“And he was so secretive about the call, like he was calling his wife or something. I think he’s just getting old and repressed. It’s about time he found a wife and thought about settling down!”
Xie Xiaojun couldn’t help but smile.
Old Zhou isn’t exactly old, but indeed, his marriage situation has been a bit delayed. The calls from the matchmaking agencies in the capital have even reached him.
……
Su Yi was enjoying noodles with the two kids when she suddenly received a call from Zhou Jinchuan.
She thought there might be news about the cafeteria job interview.
However, he was actually asking if he could bring Xie Xiaojun and Captain Lu over for dinner in the evening.
Although Su Yi hadn’t met Captain Lu, she had heard from Xie Xiaojun that he was a close friend of Zhou Jinchuan.
She agreed immediately, “Sure, I’ll go buy some groceries after I finish eating.”
Since the boss had already made the request, there was no reason to refuse.
Zhou Jinchuan, seeing that she agreed, quickly said, “You don’t need to buy anything. I’ll have Xie Xiaojun bring it over.”
Su Yi responded with an “Oh” and didn’t stand on ceremony, “What do you want to eat?”
Zhou Jinchuan hesitated for a moment, “Do you know how to make Sichuan cuisine? I have a book about the customs of Sichuan and Chongqing that includes some recipes. If you need it—”
Su Yi cut him off, “No need. I can cook it.”
She then listed a few dishes, “Boiled fish, twice-cooked pork, fish-flavored shredded pork, and mapo tofu. Is that enough?”
Zhou Jinchuan replied, “That’s enough.”
“Alright, make sure to note down what you need to prepare.”
After hanging up, Su Yi was still puzzled.
Zhou Jinchuan had recently rarely come home for meals, and when he called just now, he didn’t invite anyone back. So why, all of a sudden, did he want to come back for dinner?
And why specifically Sichuan cuisine?
As far as she knew, none of these people were from Sichuan Province!
Oh well, it’s been a while since she had spicy food. If she’s making it, she’ll make it!
……
On the other side, Zhou Jinchuan called Lu Changzheng and Xie Xiaojun over after hanging up.
“As agreed, Xiao Xie, you’re coming too this evening!”
Lu Changzheng and Xie Xiaojun exchanged glances, their smiles full of meaning.
Zhou Jinchuan cleared his throat, “If you don’t have anything to do this afternoon, you two should go buy the ingredients early and let Xiao Xie take them back first!”
He then handed Lu Changzheng a list of items he had just jotted down.
Lu Changzheng glanced at the list and was immediately dumbfounded, “Wasn’t it agreed that you would cover the meal? Why do I have to buy the ingredients?”
Zhou Jinchuan smirked, “If you don’t want to, then forget about it!”
“Wait, wait, wait! We’ll go buy them after we’re done with our tasks!”