RIACMET chapter 61

 

“Taste of Home,” a Sichuan restaurant, was the most popular dining spot in the commercial district. It opened at 10 a.m. every day and closed around 8 p.m.

The fan ran for two hours during the hottest part of the day, and for two more hours in the evening.

The restaurant consisted of two rows of storefronts with simple signage and decorations. Inside, there were a few wooden tables of various sizes scattered about.

Jiang Nian and Jiang Wenwen found a small, rectangular table near the window and sat down.

A waiter handed them a menu with a smile before stepping away. Jiang Nian politely passed the menu to Jiang Wenwen.

“Up to you, beautiful. Order whatever you want. If you can’t finish it, just pack it up.”

Jiang Wenwen’s eyes lit up.

“In that case, I won’t hold back.”

Jiang Nian smiled but didn’t say much. Nothing on the menu cost more than 100 points, so it wasn’t a big deal for him.

If you’re treating someone, you should be generous. Besides, he’d likely need Jiang Wenwen’s help many times in the future.

As long as she didn’t talk too much, working together would be fine.

Just then, his phone buzzed. Cheng Jing was calling.

Jiang Wenwen glanced up from the menu and asked jokingly, “Should I give you some space?”

“No need. Brother Jing’s not the unreasonable type.”

Jiang Nian shook his head and smiled. Then, he hit the answer button.

“Brother Jing, are you off work?”

“Get ready. Mind if I come over?”

Cheng Jing’s voice came through the line, calm and polite.

“Of course not. We’re at ‘Taste of Home’ on Commercial Street. You know the place—it’s not far from the west gate. We just started ordering, so it’s perfect timing if you come after work. I’ll order two of your favorite dishes, too.”

Jiang Nian was in a good mood. If Brother Jing came, they could talk about the farmland plans. Everyone had been so busy lately that they hadn’t had time to sit and chat.

Then, he noticed Jiang Wenwen looking at him with a complicated expression.

He blinked at her and mouthed, “What?” “What?”

Jiang Wenwen shook her head helplessly and returned to scanning the menu.

“I see…”

Cheng Jing paused briefly, then changed his tone.

“Forget it. I just received a notice that there’s a training meeting after work. You two go ahead and eat. I won’t make it. Enjoy your meal, and drive safely.”

“Huh? You’re not coming? Well, then you just continue with your work. I’ll try it out first and join you another day.”

Jiang Nian had already planned to order Cheng Jing’s favorite dishes. He was surprised that Cheng Jing couldn’t come, but he didn’t press the issue. After all, it was work.

Cheng Jing gave a soft “Mhm” from the other end.

“All right, that’s it for now. Niannian, I’ll be home by nine tonight.”

“Okay.”

Jiang Nian hung up, but something about Brother Jing’s wording felt off.

Just as he was about to mention it, Jiang Wenwen, who had just handed their order to the waiter, smiled and nodded at him.

“He’s testing you.”

“…”

Jiang Nian wanted to deny it, but when the words reached his lips, everything started to make sense.

Brother Jing was someone who acted with purpose. He wouldn’t say he was coming unless he’d already confirmed his schedule.

Yet, the moment Jiang Nian shared the restaurant location and invited Brother Jing over, the man suddenly changed his mind.

He tactfully reminded Jiang Nian to be home by nine. In other words, be home by nine.

Unbelievable. The world was falling apart, yet Brother Jing had found time to start playing games with him.

Back then, he would have just shown up without saying a word. Now? He’s setting traps.

Seeing how easily he was being toyed with, Jiang Wenwen tried to comfort him.

“Don’t overthink it. It’s just the kind of petty jealousy every real lover has.”

“Oh…”

Jiang Nian gave her a once-over and asked suspiciously, “Do you have experience with this?”

Honestly, he didn’t mind. After all, when he was chasing Brother Jing before, he’d used way more tricks than this.

Jiang Wenwen waved her hand.

“Nope. If I had the kind of charm your man has, I wouldn’t still be single.”

“…”

Meanwhile, inside the command team’s central office…

Having seen their captain manipulate Jiang Nian time and again, his teammates couldn’t help but laugh.

Cheng Jing warned them shamelessly:

“If any of you dare to leak anything, I’ll make your lives miserable. When it comes to Jiang Nian, you’re all on my side. I can share supplies with you, but Jiang Nian is mine. The final say is mine.”

“Yes, Brother! You’re amazing! So wise!”

His teammates echoed in unison.

Cheng Jing nodded in satisfaction.

“All right then. Let’s go to the cafeteria, eat quickly, and then go to training. I have a meeting.”

With that, he stood up and walked out.

The rest exchanged glances and followed.

“…So, who’s really in control here?” Liao Yu asked, speechless. He used to think their “godfather,” Jiang Nian, had the upper hand. But now? That didn’t seem to be the case.

Everyone else had the same thought. After all, whenever they saw Jiang Nian’s warm, puppy-dog eyes full of love, even a dog could tell how much Cheng Jing adored him.

Only Huang Qian calmly patted Liao Yu on the shoulder.

“Your thinking’s too shallow. True kings balance each other out, constantly pushing back and forth. You’ve gotta level up, brother.”

With that, he strolled off. Liao Yu wasn’t even surprised anymore.

Liao Yu: “… ”

Zhou Rongbin elbowed Lu Ningzhou.

“Are you two like this too?”

“Nope. I’m happy being the one who gets bossed around.”

Since his girlfriend was Big Sis Qian’s, he chose to lie down and accept defeat.

Everyone: “… ”

…

Back at “Taste of Home,” the food had arrived:

Two bowls of rice and five dishes: braised pork, white-cut chicken, spicy shredded potatoes, stir-fried cabbage, and seaweed soup.

The portions were small, and the meat dishes appeared to be pre-cooked, reheated, and served on plates.

The vegetable dishes were simple and home-style.

Considering the market’s conditions, Jiang Nian and Jiang Wenwen didn’t complain. Since it was hot out, Jiang Nian ordered a medium bottle of cold Sprite.

It hit the spot almost better than the chicken did.

Jiang Wenwen’s eyes widened.

“Bro, you’re splurging!”

It was getting hotter, and carbonated drinks were getting expensive.

Jiang Nian leaned in and whispered,

“Shh! Don’t draw attention. The points came from Brother Jing.”

Then, hoping she’d shut up, he poured her a glass.

It was getting warm, and he wanted something refreshing to go with his meal. He had plenty stocked in his space ring, but it wasn’t convenient to bring them here. So, he just bought them instead.

Yeah, he needed something cold to drink—or he’d lose his appetite. Besides, it would be embarrassing for a grown man to have a small appetite in front of a girl.

Jiang Wenwen took a big gulp, burped, and said in a low voice,

“No need to be humble. Just let him spoil you. What’s wrong with spending a few of his points? You shouldn’t be polite to a man like that. If he can’t afford to feed his wife, someone else will.”

Jiang Nian: “…”

Why did that sound so familiar, like some old-school war advisor giving shady but passionate advice?