CHAPTER 146: CHAPTER 145: THE FOOD-GUARDING WOLF

"What makes you so happy? Even as a business owner, you still get so jumpy."

Jiang Tianrui cleaned up the bowls and chopsticks, preparing to ask the two young ladies what dishes they wanted to eat.

Jiang Yuan huffed, raising her chin proudly.

"As long as Manman is happy, I’m happy. I get jumpy, so what? Blah blah blah."

Jiang Tianrui gave her a sideways glance, wanting to knock her on the head. Jiang Yuan dodged, but he didn’t bother to chase her, instead turning his attention toward Ye Manman.

"Is there any dish you want to eat? I’ll cook it for you. Don’t worry, my cooking isn’t much worse than He Chen’s."

He knew Ye Manman missed He Chen, otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so gloomy and secretly shedding tears.

This beauty in tears, no man could resist feeling sorry.

Even though Jiang Tianrui had no other intentions toward her, he remembered He Chen’s instructions and, considering how much the couple had helped him and Jiang Yuan, he didn’t want Ye Manman to remain upset any longer. It was such a pity for those beautiful big eyes to tear up.

"Let’s go eat at the state-run restaurant. You two are tired, it’s better not to cook."

Ye Manman knew these two genuinely cared for her and wanted her to be less unhappy. She also understood that being like this was not feasible, it would only bring trouble to those around her.

The fact that she could come up with the idea showed she wasn’t completely lost, which pleased Jiang Tianrui. He quickly called Jiang Yuan along, and the three of them went to the state-run restaurant.

"Manman, how about we go shopping later? I heard a new grocery store opened nearby with all kinds of things for sale, lots of people are going."

"Oh, and it’s not just a grocery store, several new shops opened there, including one selling sugar cakes. I heard these old-style pastries are chewy and look pretty, and they were even royal pastries back in the day."

"Do you want to buy a couple of new outfits? Although it won’t be this cold for long, and I don’t know what kind of clothes to buy, it’s really a dilemma."

"..."

Jiang Yuan chatter away, seemingly trying her hardest to divert her attention.

Ye Manman listened, feeling warmed in her heart. With friends who truly cared for her, she decided not to be as dejected as before, or at least not to show it so obviously.

After making up her mind, Ye Manman’s expression became much more natural. The group chatted as they quickly reached the restaurant.

There were quite a few people in the restaurant at that time, but in this era, most people still ate at home unless they had something to do, so they managed to get a decent seat.

Ye Manman mentioned a few dishes she wanted to eat, and Jiang Tianrui went to order and pay. Ye Manman had initially wanted to treat them, but when she checked her pockets, she remembered she didn’t have any money with her, so Jiang Tianrui paid, and she planned to treat them in the evening.

Both of them had been busy all morning, exhausted and hungry, so they ate somewhat rushedly, though still quite decently, without looking unsightly.

Ye Manman had porridge, and she wasn’t that hungry now, so she ate slowly and leisurely.

She was thinking about finishing the translation of those two books when suddenly someone walked in through the door, someone she really didn’t want to see.

Xie Fengmian hadn’t been to the state-run restaurant in ages, since the last time he made a fool of himself under He Chen’s watch. The staff here surely remembered him, so he figured no one would recall the event after such a long absence, especially after he even changed his hairstyle.

He didn’t expect to see Ye Manman again during a rare visit to the state-run restaurant, and He Chen wasn’t by her side.

He Chen was like a protective wolf, constantly guarding Ye Manman, leaving Xie Fengmian no chance to get close to her.

This opportunity was truly rare! Finally meeting her when he wasn’t around.

Originally out to enjoy time with friends, Xie Fengmian couldn’t ignore the chance, telling his two friends he ran into someone he knew, and the three of them approached Ye Manman.

"What a coincidence! Long time no see, Manman. How’s life been? You seem a bit low-spirited, is something troubling you?"

Xie Fengmian was overly familiar, acting as if he didn’t see the dislike in Ye Manman’s eyes, and directly pulled up a chair to sit.

His two friends followed suit. The three crowded around the square table, making the once spacious area suddenly cramped.

Jiang Tianrui hadn’t met Xie Fengmian, and was puzzled.

"Your friend?"

He asked Ye Manman, though his gut told him this uninvited, smug-looking man didn’t seem like a friend, especially since Ye Manman never looked at her friends with such disdain.

"No."

Ye Manman frowned. As soon as she said so, Xie Fengmian continued.

"Comrade, you’re a friend of Manman, right? I’m her brother-in-law, surname Xie. Nice to meet you."

He offered his hand politely to Jiang Tianrui, who reluctantly shook it briefly before withdrawing, feeling utterly confused.

Xie Fengmian’s overly enthusiastic demeanor made Jiang Tianrui uncertain about his relationship with Ye Manman, but seeing her unwillingness expressed openly on her face, he stayed alert and watchful.

Jiang Yuan had seen Xie Fengmian once before. She initially thought he was pursuing Cheng Yuan, but after the significant incident involving her, she realized this man was married yet still deceiving women.

Even knowing this, she didn’t dare speak up to Jiang Tianrui here, especially as Xie had two men with him and only Jiang Tianrui was with them. If something happens, Jiang Tianrui might not be able to protect both her and Ye Manman.

Her silence escaped Xie Fengmian’s notice, as his eyes were solely on Ye Manman.

Without considering the diners’ feelings, he and his friends moved all the dishes from the small table to a larger one nearby.

"Manman, this table is too small. Why don’t we eat over here? We’re about to order more dishes and have some drinks too."

Then, as if remembering Jiang Tianrui, he smiled and turned to him.

"Comrade, would you mind if we sat together? It’s been ages since Manman and I caught up, and it’s such a rare coincidence meeting her."

Xie Fengmian actually wanted to suggest they leave so he could talk to Ye Manman alone, but seeing Jiang Tianrui’s wary look, he settled for an alternative.

After all, the guy wasn’t big or tough-looking, and obviously non-threatening to the three of them.

They could at least ignore him.

Jiang Tianrui found Xie Fengmian’s words and actions extremely irksome, increasingly convinced he was here to trouble Ye Manman.

Remembering He Chen’s repeated instructions to ensure Ye Manman’s safety and considering their kindness, Jiang Tianrui broke his silence, standing up to reclaim the dishes.

"Sorry, comrade, but we’re almost done eating, and need to get back to some urgent matters, so we can’t share a table."