The brilliant sunlight fell upon her, making her face appear even more fair and lovely. Her red lips were moist and alluring. Her lowered eyelashes fluttered, as if each blink landed right on the beholder’s heart, stirring an unbearable itch of longing.

Even the fine, downy hair on her face looked lovely at that moment, making one want to reach out and touch it.

"Do you like it?"

"It’s quite good. Very flavorful."

"Shall I get you another?"

"Alright."

Watching this scene, Xu Suying felt the corners of her mouth curling up uncontrollably. Soon, she was smiling so widely she could barely keep the food in her mouth.

’For some reason, this scene just feels so sweet,’ she thought. ’Qing’er and Jing are such a good match!’

And this incredibly good-looking young couple—one was her daughter, and the other, her future son-in-law.

Overcome with excitement, Xu Suying frantically nudged Chen Song with her leg under the table.

’Look! Quick, look! Our daughter is in love!’

Chen Song didn’t know what his wife was so excited about. ’Is she angry that Jing is putting food on Qing’er’s plate? No, that doesn’t seem right.’

’Could it be that she’s happy Jing is taking the initiative to serve Qing’er?’

’That’s a possibility.’

But when Chen Song saw this, he didn’t feel gratified at all. Instead, his heart soured.

’The daughter I worked so hard to raise is about to be snatched away,’ he lamented inwardly. ’How can my wife be so carefree? How can she smile at a scene like this?’

He couldn’t smile. Thinking of his daughter’s impending wedding, Chen Song’s eyes reddened, and he felt he could cry on the spot.

Halfway through the meal, an acquaintance happened to be passing by outside.

The private room’s door was ajar, and the man spotted Zhao Jing sitting inside. After settling the guests he was with, he made a point of coming over to say hello.

He was a merchant from the county who specialized in silk. Coincidentally, he shared the same surname as Zhao Jing: Zhao. His name was Zhao Chong.

This Zhao Chong was over forty, with a portly figure and the slick, shrewd look of a merchant. His business was not small; he had dealings not only in Qingshui County but also in several neighboring counties. But he was very ambitious and wanted to expand into the Prefecture.

The Prefecture was no poor backwater like Qingshui County. It was the prefectural capital, after all—a place of prosperity and wealth, filled with all sorts of capable people and established businesses.

Zhao Chong was worried that if he rushed in blindly, he would attract unwanted attention and get schemed against. So, he decided to find himself a backer to help him gain a foothold in the new place as quickly as possible.

He set his sights on an official in the Prefecture and took the initiative to send a formal letter of introduction.

And that letter of introduction had been written on Mr. Wang’s recommendation, personally drafted and polished by Zhao Jing himself.

The calligraphy on the letter was excellent, its contents were sincere and moving, and the profits it promised were considerable. Zhao Chong successfully achieved his goal, his face flushed with excitement.

With his business network now expanding, he had come to the restaurant this time to discuss a larger supply partnership with a subordinate contact. Who would have thought he’d run into Zhao Jing here?

This Zhao Chong didn’t know Chen Song, but seeing Chen Song’s imposing and dignified air, he could tell at a glance that he was a prominent figure. A businessman makes friends all over the world, so he naturally hurried over to exchange pleasantries.

Chen Song did not reveal his position, and Zhao Jing only introduced him as his future father-in-law. Zhao Chong immediately understood. So, everyone at this table was part of this young man Zhao Jing’s future in-laws.

Zhao Jing had done him a huge favor this time, and Zhao Chong had already been intending to thank him again.

After leaving the room, he simply had his servant go downstairs to pay the bill.

When Xu Suying’s party went downstairs to pay, the Shopkeeper enthusiastically informed them, "The bill has already been settled. It was paid by Mr. Zhao, the one who runs the silk business in the county. Mr. Zhao said that this young master here has done him a great service. He said to consider this payment his belated congratulatory gift for the young master’s engagement. He implores you, Madam and Young Master, not to refuse."

Zhao Chong was clearly doing this to make Zhao Jing look good.

’So, should they accept this favor or not?’ Xu Suying wondered.

’If the man had been trying to get in good with Chen Song, they would have refused. But he had made it perfectly clear that he was paying the bill because of Zhao Jing, and that it was a belated gift.’

Xu Suying was in a bind, but Zhao Jing spoke up. "Auntie, please don’t worry about this. I’ll handle it. Mr. Zhao is a magnanimous man who doesn’t fuss over minor details. Even if we tried to return the silver to him now, he wouldn’t accept it. Besides, businessmen value building good relationships. I’ll remember this favor and repay it twofold in the future."

"But we were the ones treating you today. How can we let you bear the expense?"

"Qing’er and I will be married soon, which makes me your son-in-law. If you’re so formal with me, Auntie, wouldn’t that be disheartening?"

"You child, when have I ever been formal with you? But this meal was quite expensive..."

"It was expensive, yes, but I also enjoyed the meal very much. So it’s only right that I be the one to return this favor. Auntie, please don’t trouble yourself over such a small matter. Weren’t you going to show us the new house? Why not save a room for me, too? Then when I come to the county for the civil service exams, I can stay at home."

"Why would I need to save a special room for you? By then, you and Qing’er will be married. Of course you’ll be staying in the same room."