âUncle Li, youâve made the trip again, you really didnât need toâ¦.â
âMadam, Sir mentioned that your appetite hasnât been very good recently, you donât feel like eating anything too greasy, and moreover youâve been very busy and canât go out to dine with him, so he specifically instructed me to bring you some light food. He hopes youâll like it and appreciate his thoughtfulness; he really cares about you.â
Uncle Li seemed to have anticipated Shu Panâs reluctance, as he continued speaking before the last syllable of her sentence had even fallen.
He spoke sincerely, with a politeness that was neither obsequious nor haughty, filled with words of concern that thoroughly conveyed Gu Shaotingâs intentions and attitude.
It was as if Gu Shaoting were speaking himself.
No wonder, since Uncle Li had been with Gu Shaoting for a long time, and mostly knew what Gu Shaoting was thinking.
Shu Pan felt quite apologetic for Uncle Li making the special trip.
Howeverâ¦.
She touched her hair somewhat helplessly, then said to Uncle Li, âUncle Li, no need to get out of the car, you may tell Sir that the cafeteriaâs meals are also quite suitable for my taste.â
It was as if Uncle Li heard her, he nodded his head, then stepped forward and handed the exquisite paper bag to Shu Pan, âAlright, I will convey your message, but Madam, since Iâve already delivered it, please eat it. He waited in line a long time to buy this, and he chose the flavors himself because he said you liked them.â
Uncle Li was really earnest, attributing every benevolence to Gu Shaotingâs efforts.
âThank you,â Shu Pan thanked him.
âYouâre welcome, Madam. Please enjoy your meal.â
Shu Pan nodded, and only then did Uncle Li turn back to sit in the car, start it, and drive away.
Shu Pan watched the departing car, snapped back to reality, then carried the paper bag back to the office. She didnât want to be seen as flaunting, which could lead to unsavory rumors.
So she carried the paper bag to the break room, where one could also eat. It was lunchtime and mostly deserted at the moment.
She frowned slightly, placed the paper bag on the table, and then opened it.
When she noticed the brand on the bag, she was briefly stunned, feeling a strong pulse at the center of her forehead.
It was congee from a centuries-old restaurant.
As is widely known, the restaurant has a quaint charm, reminiscent of a breeze through an ancient pavilion or waterside pavilion.
In Bin City, this is a branch, with the main store in a large city. Although this is just a branch, the taste is the same as the main store, and even though it has only recently opened, itâs always packed. If you want a bowl of its congee, you need to be very patient in line.
The restaurantâs entrance isnât large, located in a bustling area of Bin City; many people visit it for its reputation. Each bowl of congee served there is finely brewed, and each side dish is delicately delicious.
In this era where people are used to eating rich foods, more and more are focusing on health. The centuries-old restaurant never serves alcohol, nor allows it to be brought in, offering only water and tea. They also donât permit loud talking during meals.
Despite being a place of many rules, the restaurant is always full, often with people waiting in a long line for takeout.
Having access to the restaurantâs fare has long since ceased being a mere matter of money.
She thought about how recently Gu Shaoting had asked her out to eat, but even in such a short time, he managed to purchase this, probably with much effort.