Chapter 450 - 450: The Feeling of a Mother Abandoning Her Child

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

“Name your price.” Xu Ziling’s tone was assertive as if she was determined to acquire the Sweetheart Inn.

Xu Ziling had come to Yun City for a business trip and called Xia Mo. Xia MO thought she was just visiting. A few months ago, she had heard that Jiangnan Banquet was dividing its various cuisines and having each branch focus on a specific cuisine, including desserts.

However, she hadn’t expected that Xu Ziling would come specifically to the Sweetheart Inn and propose an acquisition.

From the time of its opening until now, it had only been five short years. Starting as a small storefront, it had now grown to two floors with six rooms. In the beginning, Xia MO had started this out of her love for making desserts and sharing her craft. She had never thought about expanding the shop.

But with the growth in popularity, she realized that the small shop could no longer meet everyone’s demands. That’s why she chose to expand. The Sweetheart Inn wasn’t a chain store or a well-known brand. So, why would Xu Ziling want to acquire it?

“Do you want our brand? Or are you interested in the location of the store?” Xia MO asked.

“Neither. What I’m interested in is you, and whether you’re willing to be my dessert manager. In the future, wherever there’s Jiangnan Banquet, there will be the Sweetheart Inn. One company, two systems. You will manage the Sweetheart Inn, and you’ll provide the technical expertise. I’m offering you a salary three times higher than your current one, plus the usage fee for the Sweetheart Inn.”

Xu Ziling’s offer was indeed quite attractive. Even though the Sweetheart Inn’s business was doing well at the moment, it hadn’t generated any income during the lockdown last year. Despite that, she had to pay salaries to her employees and the rent. Joining the Jiangnan Banquet could ensure a steady income.

But this was a brand she had built from scratch. It was her brainchild.

Transferring it to Jiangnan Banquet felt like abandoning her own dreams.

There were things in this world more precious than money.

Both Xia MO and Xiao Tianlin valued their freedom. They were used to being unrestrained. She always had control over her time. She even closed the shop on rainy days without having to consult anyone. If she didn’t earn money for a day, it was alright. If she were to join the Jiangnan Banquet, although the salary was high, her time and her effort wouldn’t be her own.

“Sorry, Chairman Xu, I can provide guidance for free when I’m available, and you can even get desserts from me. But I can’t be there in person. This shop is not just a tool. I built it from scratch. It’s my career. I don’t want to merge it with a company. I hope you understand,” said Xia Mo.

Xu Ziling sighed softly. “This is also what I admire about you. I respect your decision. Thank you for the afternoon tea.”

Then the two of them talked for a while.

Xiao Yi and Li Zexin returned with the clothes and went straight to Xia MO’s office at the back.

When Xiao Yi pushed the door open, he saw Xu Ziling and was surprised. “Grandma Xu, why are you here?”

“Can’t I come to your shop?”

Xia MO looked at her son and Xu Ziling in astonishment. “Do you know each other?”

“Yeah, Grandma Xu provides our meals for every match, and she personally delivers them.’

“Jiangnan Banquet. The headquarters is in the capital city, and I mostly have matches there. I’ve met Grandma Xu several times,” said Xiao Yi.

“Xiao Yi is my niece’s favorite. If it weren’t for Xiao Yi being on the team, we wouldn’t have made the bid. Little Mei is back, would you like to meet her?” Xu Ziling wasn’t the cold professional person from before. She was friendly and approachable now.

“I forgot to introduce my family. My hometown is also in Yun City. Every year, our family comes here for the New Year. Little Mei is my granddaughter. She’s about the same age as Xiao Yi. She’s also the only child in our Xu family. I was originally planning to trick you into joining the Jiangnan Banquet and offering a high salary to get to know Xiao Yi. I guess I got rejected..

Li Zexin’s smile froze on his face. Xu Ziling’s granddaughter was Xiao Yi’s fan, so she offered to merge the shop with her company just for her granddaughter. By doing so, the relationship between the Xu family and the Xia family would become closer.

Xiao Yi also understood. “My mom is really a bit unconventional. She doesn’t come to the shop every day. She works based on her mood. If you ask her to go to the Jiangnan Banquet, trust me, the work culture there will suffer.” Even though Xia MO knew her son was defending her, it sounded like an insult.

“Am I really that unreliable?”

“Yes, you’re definitely not suited for managing such a big company. But Grandma Xu, our cake shop is small. It’s not on the same level as Jiangnan

Banquet.”

“Why not? They’re both about food. You and your mom are here, right? If you ask me, you and your mom are stronger than all the employees at my company. Xiao Yi, are you free these days? Didn’t you promise you’d come to my house for dinner?”

“I’m fine any time. It’s winter break. It depends on when it will be convenient for you. I don’t want to intrude.”

“Little Mei talks about you all the time. If you visit, she’ll definitely be happy. Bring your parents along, so both our families can get to know each other,” Xu Ziling said with a smile.

Xia MO finally understood. Was Chairman Xu looking for a son-in-law? There was her granddaughter who liked Xiao Yi a lot and wanted to meet him. Plus, the two families would meet each other. Wasn’t this like an arranged marriage scenario?

“During New Year’s Eve, everyone is busy visiting relatives and friends. You’re always away from home. I’m sure you have a lot of relatives to visit. You don’t need to arrange for us to come. How about we gather at a restaurant after the New Year? We can all eat together.” Xia MO thought her son would be uncomfortable visiting a stranger’s house, so she offered an alternative.

“The ambiance isn’t as nice outside as it is at home. My chefs are all top masters from Jiangnan Banquet. It won’t be a bother at all. We can discuss the dates.”

Xia MO looked at her son.

“In that case, how about we meet in these two days? After the holiday, I’m going to be quite busy. I also have plans with friends,” said Xiao Yi.

Xia MO and Li Zexin both were speechless because he had agreed so easily. Li Zexin had so many thoughts in his mind. ‘What’s going on? I thought this was a talk about food and restaurants. How did it turn into a family gathering? Besides, she specifically said her granddaughter likes Xiao Yi… Doesn’t Xiao Yi know how to politely refuse such an invitation?’

Xiao Yi didn’t treat Li Zexin as an outsider. He talked freely in front of him, and the more Li Zexin listened, the more annoyed he became.

After halt an hour, Xu Zillng finally lett.

“Master, are you planning on getting a girlfriend?” asked Li Zexin in irritation.

“What?” Xiao Yi’s eyes widened in surprise..