Chapter 195: Mmm, Smells Really Good
A quarter of an hour ago.
“I’m back.”
As soon as Young Master Sang stepped into the house, he was about to find Master Yu Xia to ask about moving when Little Ying rushed over, holding up a communication device for him to see.
“Husband, Sister Gu said the Sect Leader is coming over for lunch today.”
Young Master Sang was momentarily stunned.
Lunch?
The Hua Jianglian in his memory was the absolute ultimate homebody.
She wouldn’t step outside her door unless necessary, and even meals were delivered to her room by staff.
This ultimate socially anxious homebody actually willing to step out to eat at his house?
He had no clue what Gu Yingmian did to convince her.
But after all, Hua Jianglian was still technically his superior.
Thinking this way, it was another chance for him to impress the boss.
If the boss enjoyed lunch at his place, he might just bring up opportunities for advancement.
Clearing his mind, Young Master Sang quickly directed everyone.
“Si Jingzhu, go pick some flowers from the garden and set them up, decorate the main entrance and the living room.”
“Little Ying, you and Aunt Yu organize all the ingredients we have stored up, set her a full feast!”
“Senior Sister Shi, I’ll grab a banner shortly, you write a calligraphy for me that says, ‘Warmly welcoming our company’s leader to provide guidance!’”
“And where’s Senior Sister Yan? If she’s not back yet, send her a message to buy some pastries and fruit on her way.”
Though everyone had no idea why Young Master Sang was making such a big deal, they still got busy.
The only one trying to take it easy, Si Jingzhu, was dragged by her collar into the garden.
Young Master Sang redeemed some small fireworks, streamers, and banners from the system shop, turning the whole place festive.
He even changed into formal attire and waited at the front door.
“Hey.”
Si Jingzhu finally got the flowers arranged on the table and frowned, “Is it really necessary to go all out? The Sect Leader is basically an old friend.”
“You don’t get it.”
Young Master Sang replied mysteriously, “What’s most important for leaders?”
“Face!”
“You have to create enough of a spectacle to make the leader feel valued; only then will they be happy.”
“They might not need it, but you can’t lack it, understand?”
Si Jingzhu shook her head in confusion.
It’s not her fault for not knowing.
Actually, Young Master Sang learned these truths from his past experiences.
In a similar position, despite having advantages and achievements over a colleague, he lost out just because that colleague gifted a bottle of wine and some cigarettes during the holidays.
At that time, Young Master Sang was young and arrogant; he hated and looked down on such things.
But now he had reconciled with himself.
After all, giving a gift won’t cost him a thing.
No need to make the leader lose face.
“You’ve never been in such a situation, so you wouldn’t understand this pain.”
Seeing Young Master Sang patting her shoulder meaningfully, Si Jingzhu’s confusion deepened.
“They’re here, they’re here.”
Young Master Sang immediately stood straight and straightened his back.
The moment the door opened, he and Si Jingzhu pulled the small fireworks.
“Warmly welcoming our company’s leader to provide guidance!”
Having said that, he beamed at Hua Jianglian.
He noticed her dazed expression.
And next to her, Gu Yingmian was covering her face in deep distress.
Young Master Sang: “…The leader doesn’t like it? Should I get a bigger firework?”
“…No need.”
Hua Jianglian slowly walked into Young Master Sang’s home.
It wasn’t quite what she imagined.
Young Master Sang’s home wasn’t extravagant; both the decor and furniture were quite simple, clean, and fresh.
Except for the flowers and banners that clearly appeared to be hastily arranged.
The people didn’t seem as rigid as she had imagined.
Except for those two clowns, Young Master Sang and Si Jingzhu, waving small fireworks like fools.
Shi Qingyan was brewing tea at the table and nodded lightly, saying, “The Sect Leader has come. Please have a seat and enjoy some tea; the meal will be ready soon.”
Gu Yingmian relaxedly entered her room, changed into a refreshing home dress, and invited Hua Jianglian to sit down for tea.
Hua Jianglian silently sat down and gently took a sip of tea.
Soon, Zhang Xiaoying and Master Yu Xia began bringing out dishes one after another, while Little Ying reminded,
“Let me know if anything suits your taste or if you want any other dishes; they’ll be ready soon.”
“N-No, it’s fine…” Hua Jianglian waved her hands repeatedly.
“I’m back…”
Just then, Yan Rouwan pushed the door open and, while changing her shoes, spotted Hua Jianglian, surprised. “Oh? The Sect Leader came here for a meal?”
“Welcome! Wait, let me go feed the cat first!”
“Hey! Didn’t I tell you to buy some fruits and pastries?!”
Young Master Sang whispered, tugging at Yan Rouwan.
“Eh, did you? Um… I didn’t check my phone while walking. Anyway, isn’t Si Jingzhu hoarding so many snacks? Just borrow some!”
“Huh? Why should I! That’s my stash! I barely let myself eat it!” Si Jingzhu protested unhappily.
“You’re the one who steals snacks every night and doesn’t care about gaining weight.”
“I-I’m the Original Immortal! I won’t gain weight!”
Watching the two girls bickering cheerfully, the others shared knowing smiles.
Hua Jianglian suddenly felt.
It wasn’t as awkward as she imagined.
Everyone gathering together, so lively and cheerful, felt quite nice.
Even though there were already so many people in the house, her presence didn’t change anything.
One less or one more, it didn’t matter.
She strangely found it easy to blend into this atmosphere.
“Sect Leader Hua, don’t mind me.”
Gu Yingmian, who had just whispered something to Zhang Xiaoying, now sat beside Hua Jianglian with a sly smile.
“This place is usually so noisy. I was a bit unaccustomed when I first got here too.”
“You’ll get used to it if you stay a few more days.”
“Oh…” Hua Jianglian took another sip of tea.
But the next moment, she almost spat out the tea.
“Cough cough… Who said I would stay a few more days?!”
“I’m just here for a meal!” She glared at Gu Yingmian, somewhat embarrassed and angered.
“Yes, yes, I misspoke. I meant you’ll get used to it if you come over for a few more meals.”
A playful smile flickered in Gu Yingmian’s eyes as she turned, lightly picking a dish, “If you’re hungry, just dig in. Everyone is here now.”
Hua Jianglian’s stomach had long been growling.
But even as she picked food, her mind wasn’t fully there.
What do you mean getting used to coming over for meals… Makes it sound like the Sect Leader is a beggar.
Why come all this way to eat at someone else’s house? I’m not—
…
Mmm. So delicious.
(Two updates presented, and there will be two more tonight~)
