The Xavia family.
Zhang carefully reminded her daughter, "Xavia, your mother's health is almost better now. In a few days, go help out at your sister-in-law's restaurant. We're all one family—don't worry too much even if you feel a bit taken advantage of."
Xavia nodded. "I understand. Don't worry, Father."
But walls have ears.
Their casual conversation was overheard by He, who liked to eavesdrop from the corners.
Xavia only planned to help at the restaurant a few days before it opened. She didn't even want to be paid. But He was extremely jealous that Xavia got to work at such a big place. He thought she would make a lot of money and secretly wished he could go too.
If Xavia started earning more, Zhang would definitely live a better life than him—and that was something he couldn't accept.
He'd been comparing himself to Zhang his whole life. At this point, it had become a habit. Sometimes, he wasn't even sure what he was fighting for anymore…
---
Pop pop! Crackle!
Two long red firecrackers hung on bamboo poles crackled loudly at the entrance of Yanxi Restaurant.
Today was the grand opening of Yanxi Restaurant on Dongshun Street in Chong'an Town.
Outside, many guests had already gathered, waiting for the doors to open.
The restaurant had been fully decorated from top to bottom, and all the staff were ready.
Xavia, the manager of the restaurant, stood at the front desk. Jewel stood beside her, watching as she skillfully kept the accounts, quickly flicking the abacus beads. Jewel's eyes were full of admiration.
She had been practicing calligraphy and abacus every day lately, but she still wasn't as fast as Xavia. Not even close—and not even better than her own husband, Xavi.
She still remembered the look on Xavi's face the first time he saw her use the abacus so slowly. He was shocked and asked, "You don't know how to use an abacus?"
Since then, he had patiently taught her for many days. Now, she could finally use the old-style abacus on her own.
So today, not only were Jewel and Xavia in the accounting room, but Xavia's sister was there too.
Jewel actually didn't want to use tools from her space office, because they were too modern. If someone asked, "What is this made of?" or "Where did it come from?"—she wouldn't know how to explain.
So she figured she might as well accept this time period and get used to the way people live and work here.
Once the busiest time passed, the restaurant was packed. Thanks to the recent cooking contest and today's grand opening discounts, business was booming—it was the talk of the whole town!
Jewel saw everything running smoothly at the front, so she relaxed a little. Seeing how experienced her sister looked, she took Xavi and headed to the kitchen to check on things.
Wang Yuehan loved being where the action was. He was the first one to arrive that day.
As soon as the doors opened, he rushed in with his little servant, Xinyu. They picked the best spot by the window on the second floor.
When the food was served, Wang Yuehan looked around at the second-floor layout. Each table was separated by a sheer curtain—very stylish.
The first floor of Yanxi Restaurant was simple, with rows of wooden tables for individuals or pairs.
The second floor had variously sized tables behind curtains, perfect for families or small groups of friends who wanted a cozy and elegant setting.
The third floor had private rooms—ideal for people with status who wanted to meet or talk business.
Wang Yuehan enjoyed his meal and felt great—until it was time to pay and he couldn't find his money pouch.
"Don't worry, sir. Take your time and look again," Xavia said kindly from behind the counter to the cute, flustered young man.
"That's strange… I swear I brought it…" Wang Yuehan said, awkwardly patting his sleeves. He looked helpless. A few people were lining up behind him, waiting to pay.
"Don't worry," Xavia said. "Why don't you take a seat while I help the next customer?"
She pointed to a stool by the counter.
Wang Yuehan obediently sat down and found himself staring as Xavia expertly moved the abacus and wrote down figures. Before he knew it, he was completely captivated.
People look the most charming when they're focused on their work. And Xavia, being young and confident, already looked different from a typical farmer's daughter.
She had studied. That old saying "knowledge makes one glow from within" seemed made just for her—her every movement carried a refined air.
After taking care of a few more customers, Xavia turned to the dazed young man and noticed he was staring at her.
It was the first time she had been looked at like that by a boy, and it made her feel a little shy.
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and called gently, "Sir?"
Wang Yuehan finally snapped out of it. Embarrassed, he scratched his head and tried to explain.
"I just remembered—I changed my jacket before going out and must've left the pouch behind. Should I run back and get it?"
Worried she might not believe him, he quickly added, "My name's Wang Yuehan. I live nearby. I promise I'm not lying—I just really forgot."
Xavia didn't question him. She looked at the bill and pulled out some coins from her own pouch.
"No need to go back and forth. I'll cover you for now. You can pay me next time."
It wasn't much anyway. He only ate a bowl of noodles. Even if he forgot to repay her, it wouldn't be a big deal.
Wang Yuehan blinked at her gesture, then sincerely thanked her and left the restaurant.
Outside, his heart was still racing. He took a few deep breaths to calm down. He didn't even know why he got so nervous talking to the manager.
It was also the first time in his life he accidentally "dined and dashed"—and he even walked out proudly afterward. He couldn't help feeling a little awkward.
Sigh. He really was a scatterbrain.
Eating without bringing money… who else could manage to do that but him?
His nickname was "Yuan Yuan," but maybe he should just go by "Tu Tu" now—short for "scatterbrained Tu"…