Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
âOh,â Chenchen acknowledged with a disappointed sigh. His curiosity then shifted to other aspects of the modern world, asking about martial arts, food, clothing, and more.
Five days later, on the afternoon of the 27th of the twelfth lunar month, the group arrived in town. However, apprehensive about the inconvenience of cooking at home, Zhou Ying decided to take everyone to Grassland Taste Restaurant.
Zhao Cheng, recently promoted to manager, was speechless upon their arrival. He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. âMy Lord, Madam, when did you return? Why wasnât there any word sent in advance?â
âJust a surprise visit,â Zhou Ying replied after settling down with Third Fatty nestled in her arms. âHowâs everyone doing? Are all well?â
âEverythingâs wonderful! Those who were ready to marry have found spouses, and even one of the apprentices has become a chef,â Zhao Cheng reported enthusiastically as he ushered everyone to their seats.
Moments later, a waiter arrived with tea for the group. Finally, he inquired, âBy the way, have you all eaten yet? Just let me know what youâd like, and Iâll arrange for the kitchen to prepare it.â
âYou can help us decide,â Zhou Ying replied. âItâs quite chilly today. Perhaps some soup and a hearty staple dish would be perfect.â
âExcellent timing, actually,â Zhao Cheng responded. âWeâve just made a delicious mutton offal soup. Would everyone like a bowl? We can also prepare some flatbread and side dishes.â
âSounds good. However, prepare some beef noodles for the three children.
They might not be accustomed to eating mutton offal.â
âBeef noodles it is, then. Why donât you all have some water first? Iâll head back and get everything arranged.â With that, Zhao Cheng hurried off to the kitchen. Gazing around the establishment, Gu Chengrui remarked, âThis place was last renovated while we were still here. It looks like itâs due for another one.â
âAgreed,â Zhou Ying concurred. âPerhaps we can discuss it during the spring off-season.â
Turning to Lin Yitian and the others, Gu Chengrui asked, âIs there anything in particular youâd like to eat? The menu here is quite similar to those found in the capital.â
âThe lamb offal soup sounds excellent,â Lin Yitian replied. âDinner shouldnât be too far off, anyway.â
Suddenly, Third Fatty interjected with a shout, âPee!â
âMe too!â Chenchen quickly chimed in.
âAlright then,â Gu Chengrui chuckled. âGo wash your hands while youâre at it.â After these words, he picked up Third Fatty and greeted Lin Yitian and the others before leading everyone towards the back.
Observing Guoguoâs listless demeanor, Zhou Ying inquired with concern, âAre you tired? Didnât you sleep well last night?â
âA little sleepy,â Guoguo mumbled. âI didnât sleep very soundly.â
âJust hang in there a little longer,â Zhou Ying soothed. âWeâll head home and get you to bed after dinner.â
As if on cue, Zhao Cheng emerged with two waiters, each carrying six plates overflowing with snacks.
âMadam, is there anything else you might like?â Zhao Cheng approached them to inquire.
âNo, thatâs all for now. By the way, will the restaurant be closed tomorrow?â
âYes, with the New Year approaching, weâll be closing for a holiday starting the day after tomorrow evening.â
âHereâs an idea,â Zhou Ying proposed. âWhy donât we stay open until noon tomorrow and gather everyone for a celebratory dinner tomorrow night?â âThatâs a wonderful idea! There are many new faces in the restaurant now who havenât had the pleasure of meeting you both. It would be a great opportunity for everyone to get acquainted.â
âThen Iâll leave the arrangements to you,â Zhou Ying said. âAs for the meal, how about a hotpot? Itâs a perfect way to warm up on a cold evening.â
âNoted on that,â Zhao Cheng acknowledged before returning to the kitchen to handle the preparations.
Everyone then made their way back to the front, with Zhao Cheng giving a brief nod before disappearing into the kitchen.
Later, Zhou Ying accompanied Guoguo to the restrooms. Upon their return, the group enjoyed a warm and satisfying meal together.
Following the meal, Zhou Ying and Gu Chengrui settled the bill, and the group set off for their village, but not before making arrangements for Lin Yitian and the others to stay in a manor.