Chapter 564: Su Jianjun Flirts with Wang Xiaocui

Chapter 564: Su Jianjun Hits on Wang Xiaocui

Two years had passed, and Xiaocui's Diner had undergone a significant transformation.

After Ren Shan acquired the property rights to the courtyard, Wang Xiaocui invested heavily in renovations due to the thriving business. The kitchen was moved to the backyard, and the entire front hall was filled with tables and chairs.

Last year, after expanding the menu to include fast food, they also added stir-fried dishes to meet customer demand, making the business even more prosperous. Recently, the second floor had been cleared out, and Wang Xiaocui and Ren Shan discussed partitioning it into small private dining nooks.

Over these two years, despite Ren Shan's refusal, Wang Xiaocui insisted on the principle of "even brothers keep strict accounts" and paid rent according to the local market rate.

This year, as preparations for the second-floor renovation began, Ren Shan took the opportunity to propose selling the property.

Wang Xiaocui couldn't let the courtyard fall into someone else's hands—not just because of its prime location, but also because her thriving business might face annual rent hikes under a new landlord.

Thus, under Ren Shan's seemingly casual suggestion, Wang Xiaocui paid Ren Shan 5,200 yuan (a hefty sum at the time), and the property rights of Xiaocui's Diner were transferred to her name.

Now that the property was hers, Wang Xiaocui felt even more confident. After a family meeting and a shop discussion, they not only renovated the second floor but also planned to hire two more workers.

When Liu Xiaomei heard the news, she immediately brought gifts to visit.

Wang Xuanying's father-in-law was quite skilled in cooking. Over the years, villagers often invited him to cater for weddings and celebrations. Liu Hongmin, having helped his father since childhood, had also picked up some culinary skills.

During the New Year celebrations at Liu Xiaomei's home, Liu Hongmin had been the cook, earning unanimous praise for his skills.

Her whole family was in City A now—all except her married daughter—and Liu Xiaomei was well aware of the differences between urban and rural life.

Wang Xiaocui blinked at Liu Xiaomei's uncharacteristic humility.

Despite years of hardship in the village, Liu Xiaomei had always maintained a stern demeanor, never bowed her head, no matter how tough things were.

For her kids, she'd swallowed her pride.

"Of course I trust you! I've known Hongmin since he was a boy, and Xuanying is my niece. If they're willing, just have them come. Not just Hongmin—Xuanying can also help out in my shop. We're short on hands anyway."

"But let me be clear upfront: since they're new, their wages will be twelve yuan less per month than Liu Cuihong and Wang Damin's. You know they've been working diligently with me for two years—I can't let them down," Wang Xiaocui explained to Liu Xiaomei.

Liu Xiaomei's face lit up. "That's only fair, only fair! Hongmin will definitely agree. I mentioned this to Xuanying during the New Year, but they were worried about expenses and finding work. I couldn't guarantee I could help them secure jobs."

"I'll write to them right away and have them come immediately—they'll be here ASAP!"

With that, Liu Xiaomei hurried out, heading straight for the post office.

Her daughter Xuanying had a gentle temperament. Though her in-laws were decent, the whole clan lived together, still sharing one household. Now that all three siblings of the Wang family had left Ninety-Three, Xuanying wouldn't even have her parents' home to return to if she felt wronged.

Having been bullied herself as a daughter-in-law and with her son bullied at school, Liu Xiaomei wasn't saying her in-laws were bad—but with the Wang family gone from Ninety-Three, she feared Xuanying might have nowhere to go if she ever argued with Liu Hongmin.

Having them move to City A, under her watchful eye, would put her at ease. Ideally, they'd bring the children too—she could look after them during the day, and the kids could start daycare in a few years.

If the young couple could establish themselves in City A with her support, Xuanying would hold her head high in the Liu family in the future.

As Liu Xiaomei walked out, Su Jianjun ducked his head to avoid being spotted.

Too excited about the news to notice the man by the roadside, Liu Xiaomei was in a hurry to get things done.

After Liu Xiaomei left, Su Jianjun turned his gaze toward Xiaocui's Diner.

At that moment, Wang Xiaocui was straightening up the counter. Her once gaunt frame had filled out, her once hollow cheeks had flesh, and her complexion had improved. She'd lost that worn-out, bitter look—her hair was neatly pinned up, and she wore a crisp blue plaid shirt, appearing fresh and lively.

Su Jianjun fussed with his collar, smoothed his hair, cleared his throat, and walked toward Wang Xiaocui.

"Welcome—"

Wang Xiaocui instinctively greeted with a smile as she saw someone approaching the shop. But when she looked up and recognized Su Jianjun, her smile instantly vanished.

"What are you here for?" Wang Xiaocui’s tone was full of disdain.

Su Jianjun stood with his hands behind his back, chest puffed out, ignoring her hostile tone as he glanced around the shop.

"Wang Xiaocui, truly, I barely recognize you after just three days! I always knew you were capable, but your diligence and talent have exceeded my expectations."

Su Jianjun spoke putting on airs, as if flaunting his intellect. He knew Wang Xiaocui had little education and had once admired his scholarly air.

Wang Xiaocui looked at him like he was an idiot. "Who the hell do you think you’re fooling? I don’t understand that fancy talk of yours. Cut the crap and say what you mean! Otherwise get lost."

The elegant smile on Su Jianjun’s face froze, his eyes flashing with contempt.

So crude. A real country hick—no class at all.

"Look, we were married once and raised a son and daughter together. There’s no need for us to be so hostile. Don’t you think it’s hard on the children?"

"I came today just to see you all. They say it takes a kind mother and a strict father—you were the kind mother, I was the strict father. Sure, I was tough on them, but you can’t deny we both wanted what was best for them."

"You and An An got me all wrong. Back then, things got tense, and you were all angry. I wanted to explain, but you wouldn’t listen. Now that so much time has passed, I figured you’d cooled off by now. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. I want what’s best for you. I want to do something for you."

Wang Xiaocui had no idea what Su Jianjun was scheming. Impatient, she snapped, "What the hell are you after? If you really care about us, then stop showing up where we can see you. You make me sick!"

Su Jianjun gazed at Wang Xiaocui with a gentle, almost affectionate look. "Xiaocui, lately I can’t stop thinking about back in ’93. Back then, it was just the two of us, a son and a daughter, sunrise and sunset, three meals a day."

"We were so damn happy back then. Ah, it was all my fault. I failed you. I regret it deeply. I’ve been dying to make things right, to do something for you, to make you happy."

Wang Xiaocui stared at his sickly sweet expression, her rage exploded. Even if this was her shop, even if it disturbed customers, she couldn’t hold back anymore.

"You want to do something for us? The best thing you could do for us is die. If you really mean it, then go die and make us happy!!!"

Su Jianjun frowned disapprovingly. "Xiaocui, I know I hurt you before, but you—"

Wang Xiaocui took a deep breath and roared at him with all her might, "GET THE HELL OUT!!!!"