Xu Yanxia was also completely in the dark. "What did President Lu say to you?"
Luo Jiajia said, sounding very surprised, "You don't know? President Lu contacted a few friends here for us last night. He not only helped get the money transferred quickly but also had the developer give us the lowest internal discount."
What?
Xu Yanxia was already stunned. "President Lu didn't mention anything to me... Are you sure? Could there be a mistake?"
"How could it be a mistake?"
Luo Jiajia said with a laugh, "Your brother added Third Young Master on WeChat in person last time. Last night, Third Young Master himself video-called your brother to talk about this. The money is really back in our account now, how could it be fake?"
"Besides, those developers are notoriously stingy. If it weren't for a big shot like President Lu stepping in, would they just casually offer us a discount? A hundred thousand yuan! That's not something that just falls from the sky!"
"......"
Xu Yanxia was dumbfounded.
So, according to this, it was actually true???
But from last night right up until dinner just now, President Lu hadn't said a single word about it to her. She had been completely unaware.
Luo Jiajia on the video call continued, "Oh right, Xiao Xia, we've decided on the apartment tomorrow and plan to head back after that. Your brother was thinking of getting a gift for President Lu to thank him, but we're not sure what to bring. We wanted to ask for your opinion."
Xu Yanxia snapped back to attention, thought for a moment, and said, "Then bring some pastries from our Qingcheng. Not too much, just to express our gratitude. He doesn't lack for expensive things."
Then she asked Xu Zhanpeng on the other end, "By the way, brother, now that the money's back and you're buying the apartment, what are your plans for you two?"
Her brother smiled and said, "Jiajia and I have discussed it. We're going to give Rong City another try. Our stall is doing really well right now, maybe there's even more room for growth. The market there is definitely bigger than here."
Luo Jiajia also chimed in with a smile, "We're still young anyway, might as well give it another shot. Who wouldn't want to make more money if they can?"
That was the truth.
—Their stall had only been open for a little over a month, and the revenue had already surpassed what their old family restaurant back home made in over half a year. With this momentum, it wasn't impossible that they could open a proper shop in Rong City someday.
Xu Yanxia nodded and asked Luo Jiajia, "And what do your parents think?"
"My dad and mom are quite supportive too,"
Luo Jiajia said happily. "We've tentatively set the wedding date for the end of the year. We'll work out the specifics when we come back for Mid-Autumn Festival. Grandma and Grandpa are in good health, and now that Auntie has moved in with them, you don't need to worry too much."
"That's good,"
Xu Yanxia sighed. "It's good for them to have each other's company. Auntie needs time to recover properly too."
...
After the important matters were discussed, Xu Yanxia ended the video call.
After thinking for a moment, she went up to the third floor.
She walked all the way to President Lu's door, listened, and hearing no voices inside, she tentatively knocked.
His voice came from the room immediately, "Come in."
Xu Yanxia opened the door and entered.
Her work area and dormitory were on the first floor. She rarely came up here, and this was her first time entering his room.
It was a suite. The outer living area was furnished with modern-style sofas, chairs, a table, bookshelves, a water cabinet, etc. Beyond the large floor-to-ceiling window was the bustling night view of Rong City.
Further inside were his bedroom and walk-in closet.
It was already dark outside. A floor lamp was on in the room. President Lu was sitting at the desk, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses and looking at the computer screen.
He was probably dealing with work, looking very focused. The slightly dim light accentuated the sharp lines of his features.
Xu Yanxia tentatively called out, "President Lu,"
He paused and immediately looked over at her, a look of surprise on his face. "Xiao Xia? You were looking for me?"
"Yes."
Xu Yanxia asked from a spot not far from the door, "Is it convenient for you to talk now?"
"It is."
He stood up and walked over to her, asking, "What's the matter?"
Xu Yanxia said, "I just found out from a call with my family that you helped us with several big favors."
"...Oh."
Lu Jingming paused and said, "I was chatting with Jingyao last night and happened to remember I have a few friends in your area, so I mentioned it to them."
Then he asked her, "How is it now? Is everything resolved?"
"It is."
Xu Yanxia nodded. "The money is back, and my aunt has filed for divorce. My brother is going to pay the deposit and secure the apartment tomorrow. I heard the developer gave us a hundred-thousand-yuan discount because of your influence."
She paused, then added, "Thank you so much. If I hadn't called them just now, I wouldn't have known about any of this."
Lu Jingming smiled and said, "It was just a casual mention. I didn't think to tell you."
But Xu Yanxia said with a serious expression, "What was a casual mention for you was a huge relief for us. I just don't know how we can ever repay this favor."
The clear sense of indebtedness on her face made Lu Jingming pause as well.
"Xiao Xia,"
He looked into her eyes and said, "I think we can consider each other friends by now. Helping each other is normal between friends. You don't need to feel such a heavy burden."
"Like you accompanying me to Jiushan to sample dishes, taking me to eat those potstickers, and today, buying that delicious yogurt for me, Jingxi, and the others at Huanong."
"I believe these things come from friends spending time together, right?"
"Or,"
He paused, looking up at her again, "do you still only see me as the boss who signs your paycheck?"
