บท 50: Delicious lunch

In the dining hall, Ling Qingyu, Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue sat on their seats, waiting for the dishes brought by Denise from the kitchen to arrive. Ling Qingyu and others had volunteered to do so themselves but were advised against it after Denise's insistence.

Denise preferred to do something by herself for now. She said she felt happy serving the dishes and Ling Qingyu couldn't say more.

What caused Ling Qingyu to be flabbergasted was that the two strong Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue were behaving like elegant ladies from a prestigious aristocratic family. Her scalp tingled from disbelief at their transformation.

She was puzzled how Denise had subdued these two women. Perhaps it was the wisdom and experience that Denise possessed. Or maybe it was the genuine respect they had for her.

The time was way past lunch and it was 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Ling Qingyu looked toward the kitchen which was connected to the dining hall.

Outside through the glass, the sky was clear as the sunlight reflected from the buildings and landmarks constricted Ling Qingyu's eyes. Even within the dining hall, she could sense the heat of the day.

Ling Qingyu then glanced at Denise who was busy in the kitchen, scooping meals and rice onto the plates. Her gentleness and care shrouded the emanating background.

The aroma permeated across the air and Ling Qingyu's senses were instantly captivated. The tantalizing scent filled the room, causing her stomach to growl in anticipation.

Caught in the spell of the fragrant aroma, Ling Qingyu couldn't help but take a deep breath, savoring every nuance of the delicious scent. She felt her mouth water as it enveloped her.

Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue reacted similarly, as their eyes shone with greed, expecting the food to arrive on the table soon.

Denise brought over the dishes and placed them on the table. Humming melodious syllables, she went back and forth.

With everything set before them, Denise took her seat and signaled the others it was time to indulge in the feast. If one didn't realize the real owner of this place and financial provider of this family was Ling Qingyu, everyone would assume Denise was the master of the entire family.

Ling Qingyu gulped her saliva as she saw the dishes close. An enticing Beef Stroganoff, with its rich greyish-brown cream as a main dish. Golden French fries, perfectly crisp and slender as a side one. A refreshing vegetable salad, its vibrant color mixed with a scrumptious sauce for a healthy diet.

"I can only make these in a limited amount of time. I didn't know when you'll come back. I wish I could do more, especially your favorite meal." Denise obviously wanted to entertain with more varieties of cuisines.

Ling Qingyu grasped her hand gently. "That'll do, Aunt Denise. We're starving now. Nothing outside is comparable to yours. And I guess, my friends think the same."

"Yes, Aunt Denise, I'm sure this is gonna be the most delicious meal, I'll ever have." Xiao Yue affirmed Ling Qingyu's word.

"Just from the tender and moist texture along with flaming alluring aroma, I'll rate this one, a 5 stars." Tang Ziyi playfully twitched her five fingers as a compliment.

Ling Qingyu, in spite of her memory, was filled with a sense of contentment relishing the craft from a culinary master for the first time. Her head dug into the sumptuous meal, only raising at times when she took in more pieces.

Denise felt fulfilled, seeing her dishes enjoyed by the three girls without interruption. Except for some slight collision between the utensil and the plate, the dining hall was silent.

Half an hour later, everyone who ate rubbed their bulging stomach and groaned out in satisfaction. When Denise understood, everyone was done, her hand reached to clean up the table but Xiao Yue and Tang Ziyi stopped her.

This time they were firm. Denise could only give up and remained seated while Tang Ziyi and Xiao Yue did the aftermath.

"Don't worry about them, Aunt Denise. They will feel bad if they didn't do anything." Ling Qingyu comforted Denise.

"But they're the guest," Denise replied.

"Well, frankly, they're not. They'll be staying with us for a very long time." Ling Qingyu didn't know what reason to give for her two confidantes.

"Oh! Has something bad happened to them?" Denise whispered.

"Of course not. In short, they'll be with us and you can feel at ease, Aunt Denise." Ling Qingyu brushed away the topics. She couldn't mention their background without worrying about her aunt and the reasons for their stay.

Ling Qingyu rose up and walked back to her room. "In the meantime, I've some work to complete… You're sure, you and Mom had already eaten?"

"Yes, dear. Now focus on your work but take some short breaks too." Denise chimed in with her advice.

"Yeah…" Her tongue still reluctant to separate from the delicious traps. Ling Qingyu found out in dismay, neither in her previous life nor this one, she had a talent for cooking.

The best she could produce was a fried egg. Luckily, she had Denise in this life, who would support her with ample dishes to enjoy.

...

Inside the private room, where Ling Qingyu used to work when she stayed at home.

Ling Qingyu's finger strummed on the keyboards while her eyes remained steadfast on her desktop monitor to complete the unfinished task.

With sufficient energy from her lunch, she worked nonstop but was soon disrupted by a vibration on the table.

Ling Qingyu discovered it was her phone and she reached for it.

The screen displayed the caller was her Secretary Zhao and she connected the call.

"Hello, Sister Zhao, calling so soon." Ling Qingyu stood up from her chair and paced toward the glass wall, gazing at the scenery outside.

"Sister Ling. Have you finished your lunch?"

"I just ate not long ago. You should have eaten, right?"

"Yes. I was about to remind you to eat on time." Now Zhao Xiurong was even preparing to nag her.

"Well, I know my style's unhealthy but sometimes you forget about it when in full-mode. I'll pay attention to my behavior, I promise." Ling Qingyu chuckled.

"Good to hear. I just hope it doesn't disappear after a week."

"Haha…I presume you didn't call me for just a meal."

"You know me from inside-out, President Ling." Her change of address made Ling Qingyu realize the topic was related to work.

"I'm a bit hesitant in spending a lot to buy a mere share. I want to lower the price by spreading some rumors about you. Is that okay?" Zhao Xiurong seemed hesitant.

"You can as long as it can help you buy more. I'm sure my returning entry will once again raise the whole situation. So, don't worry. Just proceed on what you feel best."

"Alright, President Ling." Ling Qingyu heard a sigh of relief from other side.

"Anything else?"

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. It's about the manor you asked me to search for. I've called someone I know and told him the requirements. He sent me three options, matching yours. I reckon, you might need to talk with him more ."

Ling Qingyu was surprised at her secretary's working pace. A few hours ago, she told her and now she already had the results.

"You work fast, Sister Zhao." Ling Qingyu returned back to her chair.

"It's all for the 10 percent." Her remarks caused Ling Qingyu to laugh. "I've sent you the details in your email. I've some works left to do."

"Okay, Sister Zhao. Go ahead, I'll take it from here and ask your real estate friend to give me a call."

"Orders received. Bye, bye."

"Thank you Sister Zhao for your effort. Bye." Ling Qingyu hung up the phone and searched for her mailbox on the screen.