When Lu Ming handed Yao Xue one-third of a bowl of rice, Yao Xue was utterly bewildered.
What did he mean?
Didn't he say he was going to serve a full bowl? Why only one-third?
Yao Xue said, "What do you mean? Do you think I can't afford to eat your family's rice? Do you think I can't pay?"
Yao Wenxian, standing beside her, also said, "Yes, it's a good thing my daughter wants to eat more. Lu Ming, go fill up the bowl. There's no need to be so stingy. I can afford this small amount of money."
However, Lu Ming remained motionless, showing no intention of getting more rice.
Seeing this, Su Wanran reached out to take the bowl, intending to serve Yao Xue herself.
But then...
Lu Ming grabbed Su Wanran's hand and said, "No, this is all you can eat today. No more."
What did he mean?
Was he really afraid they couldn't afford it?
While everyone else was confused, Xie Yuqing, seeing the unfolding situation, stroked his beard and said, "You've all misunderstood Lu Ming. He's not afraid you can't afford it; he's afraid it will upset Xue'er's stomach."
Huh?
Everyone looked at Xie Yuqing in confusion.
Xie Yuqing continued, "Because Xue'er has anorexia, she used to eat very little, and her stomach has shrunk. If she suddenly overeats in this condition, it will damage her digestive system. Not only will her illness not be cured, but her stomach will be ruined, which would be serious. Therefore, treating the illness must be done step by step. Today, eat one and a half bowls, tomorrow eat two bowls, take it slowly, don't rush."
Hearing Xie Yuqing's explanation, everyone finally understood what was going on. So there were these hidden complexities.
That was close.
If Lu Ming hadn't intervened, Yao Xue might have really eaten too much and overeaten.
But...
Su Wanran secretly pinched Lu Ming and said, "You really are something. Knowing this, why didn't you say anything? If you had spoken, wouldn't everyone have understood and not misunderstood you?"
Lu Ming smiled and shrugged, saying nothing.
That's just how he was. He had his reasons for many things but was too lazy to explain, which often led to misunderstandings.
This was perhaps Lu Ming's biggest flaw.
Soon, the additional half bowl of rice was finished. Yao Xue still felt unsatisfied and even drank the entire bowl of soup.
She paid no attention to her image.
Beautiful or not, it didn't matter!
Yao Wenxian watched from the side, beaming. He hadn't seen his daughter eat so heartily in a long time. Ever since she developed anorexia, she would throw up whatever she ate and was nearly starving.
Being able to eat her fill was a form of enjoyment.
Thank goodness they met such an excellent person as Lu Ming, and such an excellent restaurant as Mingyue Zhai.
Without Mingyue Zhai, Yao Xue might truly have starved to death.
What luck.
Yao Wenxian couldn't help but pick up his chopsticks, grab a piece of meat, and put it in his mouth. After chewing a couple of times, he spat it out, feeling disgusted. He said with a pained expression, "My heavens, what is this taste? It's so unpleasant."
Seeing this, Lu Ming burst into laughter.
He explained, "Medicinal food is specially prepared according to each person's physical condition. Because Yao Xue has anorexia, the taste of the food is tailored to her physical condition and is only suitable for her. Others eating such food will definitely find it unappetizing. Medicinal food isn't about whether it tastes good or bad; it's about whether it's suitable."
With this explanation, Yao Wenxian understood. He gave a thumbs-up and said, "Medicinal food is truly the cream of the crop in Wudu. Such excellent cuisine should be widely publicized."
An opportunity!
Lu Ming, being such a shrewd individual, immediately spotted the opportunity. He said, as if casually, "We are already promoting it. In a couple of days, Wudu's sensational variety show, 'A Bite of Wudu,' will come to film at our Mingyue Zhai to help us with publicity. This is thanks to Old Xie's connections."
Oh?
Yao Wenxian nodded and said, "That show is indeed good, a very excellent program. Old Xie has truly dedicated himself to promoting Wudu's cuisine."
He paused and continued, "Since the show will be recorded here, as the deputy director, it's only right that I come to see. I will personally come to show my support for Mingyue Zhai."
That's the idea!
This was exactly the effect Lu Ming wanted.
With the deputy director of the Radio and Television Bureau present, would the TV station dare to mess around? Dare to create any foul play?
Heh heh.
Everything was proceeding according to Lu Ming's plan.
At this moment, Lu Ming said with a smile, "Then we will ask Deputy Director Yao to show us some support and lend us some prestige. With your help, Mingyue Zhai's reputation can become even more renowned."
"Hahahaha, no problem, it's all on me." Yao Wenxian said with great confidence.
However.
Yao Xue had a different idea.
She chuckled and said, "You want my dad to help you with publicity and promotion just for one meal? Isn't that a bit too cheap?"
Uh...
Everyone was stunned, and the atmosphere became a little awkward.
If Yao Xue disagreed, Yao Wenxian would definitely not come.
Lu Ming had calculated everything, but he hadn't accounted for Yao Xue, this variable.
Just as Lu Ming was contemplating how to win over Yao Xue, he heard her say, "I have a condition. You must reserve a seat for me every day from now on. I want to eat here every day!"
Hahahaha, so that's how it is.
Lu Ming breathed a long sigh of relief and said, "No problem, I'll reserve a seat for you. You can come whenever you want, and all your meals will be on the house."
"No need," Yao Xue said. "It's not like I can't afford it, humph."
Everyone burst into laughter.
After a brief chat, Yao Xue got up to leave.
Before leaving, she looked back at Lu Ming and asked a question that no one had expected: "Your name is Lu Ming, right? Are you married?"
Ah?
What kind of question is this?
Lu Ming, feeling extremely awkward, replied, "I... am not married yet."
Hearing this answer, surprisingly, Yao Xue revealed a thoughtful smile, as if satisfied with the answer.
However, someone was not satisfied.
Su Wanran!
A woman's intuition is incredibly sharp. Good heavens, Su Wanran was already struggling to 'monopolize' Lu Ming, and now someone else was coming to snatch him away?
Absolutely not! Absolutely not!
Su Wanran cleared her throat and deliberately raised her voice, saying, "Although he's not married, he's engaged."
Hmm?
Yao Xue's expression instantly changed.
She stared at Su Wanran as if looking at a mortal enemy and asked, "Are you engaged to him?"
Su Wanran's face became even uglier. She painstakingly squeezed out a sentence from between her teeth, "No, the one engaged to Lu Ming is my good best friend, the head of the Jiang family in Jinling, Jiang Mengxin."
"Oh." Yao Xue chuckled. "Just engaged, not legally married yet. Even if you get married, you can divorce. Alright, Dad, let's go."
Faced with this string of answers, everyone exchanged glances.
They were confused and didn't understand.
Only Su Wanran knew clearly in her heart: Another love rival has appeared!