Chapter 256: Little beggar?! What happened to you!?

Starting a business with a lot of money was the easiest part for Jessa and Allison. However, everything that came after was a struggle. Fortunately, Charles was a good businessman and helped his wife and her friend through it.

Charles taught them how to run the business — even though the restaurant industry wasn’t his forte, nor the type he would typically want to get involved in. He guided them in everything they needed to learn, while Jessa’s husband helped with the marketing. Just like Jessa and Allison, their husbands had to market the product in the most ridiculous ways, all according to Allison’s and Jessa’s budget.

After a year and a half — when Allison and Jessa’s money was almost depleted, and they were on the brink of bankruptcy — the business finally stabilized. It may not be the most popular restaurant in the city, but it has become a place many people are familiar with and love.

[PRESENT TIME]

Penny gazed up at the sign above the door: Mama.

That was the name of Allison and Jessa’s restaurant.

"It looks fancier than the last time I was here," Penny chuckled, noticing the increase in customers inside. "And it’s a lot more packed too."

"It’s dinnertime, so there are more people around this hour," Nina explained, watching Penny glance back at her. "They also hired me to make some changes in the restaurant, so yeah. Do you like it?"

"It makes me think I hired the right person for the job."

Nina grinned proudly before the two of them entered the restaurant. They sat down at one of the vacant tables, not making a fuss since they knew everyone was busy. After placing their orders, Penny held the menu, her eyes on the server.

"Also, tell the head chef we want a discount," Penny grinned, making the waiter blush at her stunning smile.

"Ye — yes?" The waiter lowered his head and then glanced at Nina. "Miss Nina."

Nina smiled. "Just do as she says."

But Jessa would come out here like a raging bull if he did!

The waiter sighed heavily but didn’t think much of it. He knew that Nina was the head chef’s niece, whom Jessa had raised as her own daughter. Therefore, he was confident that Nina wouldn’t anger her auntie without reason.

The waiter glanced at the beauty seated across from Nina before leaving them.

"Was he trying to hit on me?" Penny murmured, squinting at the young man’s retreating figure. "Tsk tsk. This great aunt is surely attractive."

"You are stunning, Penny. Even I was surprised and mesmerized when we met again," Nina joked. "I’m even surprised you’re not dating. It’s impossible that no one has shown interest in you."

Penny sighed. "There’s definitely interest," she shook her head, trying to ignore the sad reality of her love life. "But my standards are too high, and I’m not lowering them anytime soon."

"Hehe. Is that so?" Nina cheered. "I’m sure you’ll meet your match and get married."

But Penny was already married.

Hearing that made Penny’s face twitch, reminded of her current dilemma.

"Are you okay? What’s with the sudden change of mood?" Nina asked, her brows knitting together slightly. "You seem upset again."

"Nina, stop reading me, will you?"

"Sorry?"

"Tsk." Penny cupped her face and grumbled. "Someone’s bothering me. Not stalking kind of bother, but his existence."

"Is he handsome?"

Penny glanced at Nina, wondering if she was being serious. However, when Nina explained her reasoning, Penny couldn’t argue anymore.

"You wouldn’t be bothered if he wasn’t handsome. Didn’t you say you liked handsome and cute men?"

"..."

"So?" Nina leaned forward a little, resting her arms on the edge of the table. "Is he handsome?"

"He looks dead to me."

"Huh?"

"Like a vampire who needs a lifetime supply of iron."

"..."

"Or is it a ghost?" Penny narrowed her eyes and hummed, thinking about her ’husband.’ "Also, I’m concerned about his eyes. I mean, his pupils were dilated abnormally — it’s so scary. I’m worried!" — she might end up as a widower before she becomes a divorcee!

Penny continued to spew comments that weren’t very pleasant to hear. She sounded mystified and in disbelief, but at the same time...

"You’re attracted to him?" Nina asked, tilting her head to the side. "You sound more interested in him than I thought. That’s new."

"Nina, did you hear everything I just said?"

Nina nodded. "But if you weren’t interested in him, you wouldn’t even bother to notice the little details. I bet you wouldn’t even remember his face."

"I asked you to stop reading me, didn’t I?" Penny gasped while Nina zipped her mouth.

"So, you’re not attracted to him?" asked Nina after a moment.

"Nope."

"Then, what?"

"You could say I’m interested," Penny admitted. ’But only because he’s the man on my marriage license and he doesn’t know about it. That alone is worthy of interest.’

Seeing the look on Penny’s face, Nina sighed.

’I guess I misread her,’ Nina thought. ’Well, she’s still young, and her career is skyrocketing. So, I guess marriage or dating isn’t her priority when everyone else is already prioritizing settling down.’

Growing up, Nina realized that Penny had different priorities in life compared to the children their age. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it was the same now that they were adults.

While the two chatted, waiting for their order, they flinched when a tray suddenly landed on their table.

"Do you think this restaurant is a charity? Do you know that for every meal you order, you’re saving a starving kid out there? You crazy bitches..." Jessa trailed off as she caught Nina twisting her neck in her direction as if her neck were rusting. "Nina?"

Nina laughed nervously. "Auntie, is this... how you serve customers who ask for a discount?" She didn’t know, because if she did, she wouldn’t have told the waiter to relay Penny’s mischievous request.

"Auntie, you’re doing charity with every meal you serve your customers, but I’m also a charity!" Penny dramatically exclaimed, earning Jessa’s deadly glare. "I need help!"

Jessa narrowed her eyes at Nina’s friend — or perhaps client. "Who in the world are you?"

"..."

Penny covered her lips and quietly looked away to cry, while Nina smiled awkwardly. They should’ve known that the Penny Jessa knew was the chubby version.

"Oh, Nina!" Suddenly, Allison’s voice was heard as if she rushed out of the office when she heard about the customer asking for a discount. When Allison’s eyes fell on Penny, her lips stretched into a smile. "Penny!"

"Penny?" Deep lines appeared between Jessa’s brows as she glanced at Allison before her eyes fell on Penny again. She assessed Penny from head to toe before her jaw dropped.

This was Penny? Her niece?!

"Little beggar?! What happened to you!?"