Wine-scented Beauty

Chapter 276: Reason

Chapter 276: The Reason

Zhang Xiaofei rested her chin on her hands and said, "Yes, you have all done so much for me, I really have no way to repay you."

Ji Meiqing tapped her on the head and said, "It's good that you know."

Lu Yu coldly remarked from the side, "If you really want to repay me, you should leave as soon as possible and return the lady to me."

Ji Meiqing chimed in, "Don't listen to what he says." Zhang Xiaofei made a face at Lu Yu and said, "Did you hear that? Oh dear, it's not that I don't want to give your wife back to you."

Ji Meiqing tapped her again, "Don't talk nonsense. If you keep being so smug, I can't stop Brother Lu." Zhang Xiaofei didn't notice anything strange and asked, "Why should I stop him?"

Ji Meiqing laughed and said, "Because I'm afraid he'll hit you!" Then she became serious again.

Speaking to Lu Yu about serious matters, he said, "Brother Lu, we've been in the limelight lately. Our success at the anniversary celebration has attracted various businesses to cooperate with us, but it has also aroused the jealousy of our peers. Although we're still on break, there have been many ill-intentioned people trying to trip up our restaurant. You shouldn't go back for now; stay and guard the restaurant. As for me, I still have to deal with Xiao Fei's matter, so I can't help you with that."

Lu Yu patted his shoulder and said, "Then I'll be very busy. Alright, you've all tasted the food, go back and rest, then prepare well. I'll make time to spend with you at the Lantern Festival."

Ji Meiqing said "thank you for your hard work" and went back with Zhang Xiaofei. When they went downstairs, the young master was still there, but he looked like he was already drunk.

Zhang Xiaofei asked Ji Meiqing, "Xiaoqing, how do you usually deal with people who get completely drunk at your restaurant?"

Ji Meiqing thought for a moment and said, "Well, usually, if someone dares to get so drunk that they're unconscious, they've either brought friends or family or servants with them, so we don't need to worry. However, there are also some who are alone. Usually, we'll arrange a room for them, and they'll settle the bill when they sober up."

After finishing her sentence, Ji Meiqing seemed to remember something and added, "Why are you asking these questions? Are you worried about that drunk young master? Don't worry, look at the people drinking and eating next to him, they must have been brought by him. They're obviously from a wealthy family, so it's none of your business to worry about them."

Zhang Xiaofei denied it, saying, "I was just asking out of curiosity. Who said I was worried about him? I don't even know him. But you really are boss material; you can even tell that."

Ji Meiqing said, "That's right, I'm going to be the richest person in the world. Alright, alright, let's go home."

All I can say is that their disguise was very successful, and they weren't discovered on their way back. Ji Meiqing sat in a chair and said, "I hope things go just as smoothly on the day of the Lantern Festival, but I still feel uneasy. Do you think they might have known all along and are now using this to their advantage?"

Zhang Xiaofei changed her clothes, poured Ji Meiqing a cup of tea, and said, "Can you stop jinxing me? You're overthinking things. Even if they recognize you, I don't believe they won't eat or sleep. There will always be a moment when they can't keep an eye on you. Don't worry, I'm not worried, so why are you?"

Ji Meiqing took a sip of tea and said, "Yes, yes, I'm worried because it's not good for you to keep staying here. I don't mean to kick you out, I just think that since you don't want to go home, it's always better for a girl in this society to find someone to protect her. Brother Lu and I can't take care of you every day, and you are indeed at the age where you should get married. How can I not worry? What if your father takes you back again?"

Zhang Xiaofei said, "Stop, I understand what you're saying. But it's just that there isn't a suitable person. Otherwise, do you think I don't want to get married?"

Ji Meiqing had another question she didn't understand: "Rumors say you're your father's darling, so why is he forcing you this time?"

Zhang Xiaofei stammered, and Ji Meiqing turned her head away, saying, "So, you were hiding something from me!"

Zhang Xiaofei quickly said, "That's not how it is, but this is a family scandal. I... never mind, since you're my best friend, I'll tell you then."

"This whole thing is thanks to my brother, who left home long ago. He had a long-standing feud with our father because we were half-siblings. My mother was the legal wife, and his mother was a beautiful woman my father had taken a liking to when he was young and impetuous. But that was because my father was drunk... which led to her getting pregnant with my brother. However, that woman was a courtesan, and she used the child to blackmail my father. He couldn't let this ruin the family's reputation, so after she gave birth, he had her killed to prevent any future trouble. My mother was a mild-mannered person and never cared about these things. When she found out and tried to stop my father from killing her, the woman was already dead. After my brother grew up, he somehow learned the truth and refused to forgive my father, so he left home in anger."

Seeing that she hadn't gotten to the point after all that, Ji Meiqing asked, "But... what does this have to do with you being forced?"

Zhang Xiaofei continued, "Don't rush me, I haven't finished yet. After my brother left home, he went to Jiangnan and started his own business. My father was worried about him and wanted to help, but he didn't appreciate it at all. Now he's doing very well, but he's ruthlessly attacking my father's business. My father is getting old now and isn't as competitive as he used to be. Besides, he's his own son, so he can't bring himself to do it. So, now the family is in a serious crisis, and my father wants to find me a good family to marry into, and also help the family get through this difficult time."

Ji Meiqing, feeling indignant, said, "This is too much! He's the father who gave birth to you and raised you. But your father was also wrong. He gave birth to your child, and you killed him. Your family has committed a terrible sin."

Zhang Xiaofei said, "Actually, I did think about just getting married, but I really couldn't force myself."

Ji Meiqing didn't want to continue the conversation, so she said, "I'm tired. Let's rest for a while. We need to be well-rested so we can do things well."

Zhang Xiaofei snapped out of her grief, nodded, and said, "Mm!"

The two slept until Lu Yu returned. Since Zhang Xiaofei was also there, Lu Yu couldn't go in directly. He waited until Granny Liu had prepared the meal before asking her to wake them up for dinner.

After Ji Meiqing and Zhang Xiaofei sat down, they started eating as they looked at the table full of dishes. Ji Meiqing said while eating, "I didn't expect that when we woke up, not only was Brother Lu back, but even the food was ready."

Lu Yu said, "You guys slept for so long? Won't you have insomnia again tonight? Why don't I chat with you?"