Upon arriving at the pedestrian street, the two waited for a while at the drop-off point. Qin Tian saw Zhao Mingyuan hurrying over.
"Brother Zhao!"
Qin Tian waved and shouted.
"Little Qin."
Zhao Mingyuan had already seen him and responded loudly with a smile.
"Let's go over!"
Qin Tian said to Xia Nuannuan beside him, then took her hand and walked towards him.
"Little Qin, long time no see, you're getting more handsome!"
"You too, Brother Zhao. It feels like you've lost some weight? You look more charismatic!"
"Haha..."
The two immediately launched into a round of mutual flattery, then both laughed happily.
Zhao Mingyuan shifted his attention to Xia Nuannuan beside Qin Tian, then looked down at their joined hands, a knowing smile on his face as he teased, "Younger brother Qin, you're something else. It hasn't even been a few days since the exams, and you're moving fast!"
Qin Tian smiled proudly.
Xia Nuannuan's pretty face flushed, and she shyly lowered her head.
"So, shall we check out the internet cafe, or go eat first?"
Zhao Mingyuan asked Qin Tian.
"Let's eat first, my treat!"
Qin Tian replied with a smile.
"That works too. After eating, I'll drive you around to see all three locations for the internet cafes."
Zhao Mingyuan nodded and asked, "What should we eat then?"
"Brother Zhao, you decide. Pick one nearby, we're not familiar with this area."
"Why should I decide? Of course, you should let your girlfriend choose. Sister-in-law, what do you want to eat?"
"Ah? I, I'm fine with anything."
Xia Nuannuan said hastily.
"Fine with anything? That makes it a bit difficult."
Zhao Mingyuan scratched his head.
Qin Tian felt the same way and said with a smile, "Brother Zhao, just pick something quickly!"
"Alright, there's a Sichuan restaurant over there that's pretty good, and it's not far. Shall we try it?"
"Sure!"
"Let's go then!"
And so, the three walked towards the Sichuan restaurant Zhao Mingyuan had mentioned.
On the way, Zhao Mingyuan talked about the progress of the internet cafes.
The preparations for the three internet cafes were basically complete, and they could open at any time. The most important thing now was to discuss the opening promotions.
After listening, Qin Tian also began to ponder promotion plans in his mind.
Upon arriving at the Sichuan restaurant, Zhao Mingyuan led them to the second floor and chose a good seat by the window, clearly a regular at this establishment.
The waiter brought the menu.
"Sister-in-law, see what you want to eat."
Zhao Mingyuan first handed the menu to Xia Nuannuan.
"Thank you."
Xia Nuannuan took the menu, a little shyly, looking like she wanted to say something but hesitated.
"This is my girlfriend, Xia Nuannuan. Brother Zhao, you can call her Xia or her name."
Qin Tian guessed Xia Nuannuan's thoughts and quickly introduced her.
"Right!"
Xia Nuannuan nodded earnestly, her face serious.
The address "sister-in-law" made her feel too shy.
"Girlfriend" also felt a bit awkward, but she was starting to get used to it.
"Qin Tian, Xia Nuannuan, your names... could it be that you're childhood sweethearts, and your families helped you pick your names?"
Zhao Mingyuan asked with surprise.
Qin Tian and Xia Nuannuan exchanged surprised glances at this, and joyous smiles bloomed on their faces.
"No, they're not."
Qin Tian shook his head.
"Then it's quite a coincidence. Your names are a perfect match, and your appearances are as well – a talented man and a beautiful woman!"
Zhao Mingyuan couldn't help but sigh.
"Brother Zhao, if you know how to talk, say more."
Qin Tian said solemnly.
Xia Nuannuan was amused by this, covering her mouth with her hand and laughing.
"Hahaha..."
Zhao Mingyuan also burst into hearty laughter.
The three ordered a few dishes and a soup, and the waiter took the menu and left.
Zhao Mingyuan looked at Xia Nuannuan with a hint of confusion and tentatively asked Qin Tian, "Younger brother Qin, did I meet Little Xia at the internet cafe last time? About two months ago, she seemed to be doing her homework there?"
"Yes, it was her!"
Qin Tian nodded with a smile.
Zhao Mingyuan nodded in realization, "I thought it wasn't the same person when I saw her just now, so I didn't dare to ask. She's really lost so much weight and become so much prettier than back then."
Xia Nuannuan became even more shy upon hearing this, her face flushing even redder. Naturally, she was quite happy.
"Brother Zhao? What do you mean 'didn't dare to ask'? You're making me sound like some kind of playboy. I'm very devoted, alright!"
Qin Tian rolled his eyes speechlessly.
"Heh, I'd never believe a man who says he's devoted. Being fickle is a man's nature."
Zhao Mingyuan pouted.
Xia Nuannuan looked at Qin Tian suspiciously upon hearing this.
"Brother Zhao, what you said isn't wrong, but there's another half to it: loyalty is a man's choice!"
Qin Tian added with a smile.
"Oh!"
Zhao Mingyuan exclaimed in surprise, grinning, "Younger brother Qin, you're something else. You can even dodge a pitfall like that."
"What are you talking about? It's the truth. Brother Zhao, don't try to dig pits for me. A good man is me, and I have a clear conscience and fear nothing."
Qin Tian feigned an innocent and fearless expression.
Xia Nuannuan's eyes curved with a smile, her mood joyful.
"Impressive, impressive!"
Zhao Mingyuan gave Qin Tian a thumbs-up, praising him sincerely.
...
...
After a brief chat, the waiter began serving the dishes.
Sichuan cuisine is known for its numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant flavors. The dishes served looked indeed authentic.
"If you can't handle the spice, you can rinse it with water."
Qin Tian poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of Xia Nuannuan.
Xia Nuannuan's mother's cooking tended to be lighter, and he was worried she wouldn't be used to the food.
"Little Xia doesn't eat spicy food? Younger brother Qin, you should have told me earlier, then I wouldn't have chosen this place."
Zhao Mingyuan glared at Qin Tian reproachfully.
"It's alright, it's alright, I like eating spicy food too."
Xia Nuannuan quickly said.
"That's good. Anyway, I personally have a heavier palate. Whenever I come here these days, I basically eat at this restaurant."
Zhao Mingyuan said with a smile.
Qin Tian picked up a piece of tripe from a large bowl of Mao Xuewang, glistening with red oil, and tasted it. It was indeed a bit spicy, but he could accept it.
"It's okay, not too spicy, and quite delicious."
"Right! This restaurant should be considered authentic Sichuan cuisine in Jiangcheng."
Zhao Mingyuan said with a face full of smiles, then picked up his chopsticks and began to eat heartily.
"Eat slowly, it's a bit hot."
Qin Tian picked a piece of duck blood for Xia Nuannuan's bowl and reminded her caringly.
"Mhm!"
Xia Nuannuan pecked her head with a sweet smile, picked up the duck blood in her bowl, and gently blew on it.
"A man who dotes on his wife is a good man. Younger brother Qin, you really have my style from back then!"
Zhao Mingyuan teased with a smile.
"No, you should say you have my style."
Qin Tian retorted, while also adding a piece of La Zi Ji to Xia Nuannuan's bowl.
"Heh... I'm two zodiac cycles older than you?"
"So what? Age doesn't represent everything. In business, Brother Zhao, you're stronger, but when it comes to doting on a wife, I won't lose to you."
"Alright, alright, I concede. With your level of thick skin, you are indeed more formidable than me."
"That's right!"
Xia Nuannuan listened to their conversation, feeling as if her cheeks were hotter than the duck blood she had just eaten. She could only pretend not to hear, lowering her head to eat the dishes to hide her shyness.