Jiang Mo looked at the table laden with dishes and thought, "This is considered inadequate hospitality?"
In our etiquette-driven nation, the art of hosting guests is still too modest.
The three elders sat together, while Jiang Mo was seated beside Liu Chen at Liu Guochuan’s arrangement.
As the youngest at the table, Liu Chen poured some baijiu for the elders before turning to Jiang Mo and asking, "Would you like red wine, juice, coconut milk, or a soft drink?"
"Juice is fine," Jiang Mo replied.
Liu Chen fetched a bottle of orange juice, and Jiang Mo quickly stood up, sliding her glass toward him. "Thank you~"
"Don’t mention it," Liu Chen said with a smile.
With drinks in hand, the nostalgic atmosphere of reminiscing over a meal soon took hold.
The elders began recounting their past entrepreneurial glories, their stories flowing like episodes of a drama—even picking up where they’d left off during previous gatherings.
Jiang Mo listened with keen interest. When Liu Guochuan described a life-or-death crisis in his business, she couldn’t help but ask, "Grandpa Liu, was this the time the news said your family’s business almost went bankrupt?"
"That was the media talking nonsense!" Liu Guochuan vented. "Some outlets are nothing but troublemakers, twisting facts and rooting for our downfall. But we never gave them the satisfaction."
Zhong Xiaoqin frowned. "We’re eating here. Can we avoid words like ‘nonsense’ and ‘troublemakers’? Have some decorum in front of the kids."
"Cough, I just got a little carried away," Liu Guochuan muttered, smacking his lips.
"Running a business is really tough," Jiang Mo mused.
At this, Pan Weidong had his own tale to share.
He waved a hand. "Business is never easy. Back in my day, I was about to sign a contract, only to find my office door pried open the next morning—my company seal stolen!"
"Not only did they take my seal, they even made off with my money tree. And that wasn’t some cheap plant."
Jiang Mo blinked. "Huh… That’s not quite the corporate warfare I’ve read about in novels."
She’d imagined high-stakes battles—exposing scandals, stealing trade secrets, cutting off funding.
But real-life tactics? These were downright criminal.
"Stop exaggerating," Zhong Xiaoqin cut in, rolling her eyes. "You had plenty of family backing back then. You nearly ran the company into the ground—thank goodness your descendants saved it."
Pan Weidong frantically blinked: Sis, I’m just trying to impress the kids here. Don’t expose me like this!
Jiang Mo tried hard to stifle her laughter, but it escaped in little bursts—"Pfft," "Pfft."
These stories were nothing new to Liu Chen. Seeing Jiang Mo struggle to contain herself, he chuckled. "Just laugh. Grandpa Pan’s probably used to it by now."
Pan Weidong: …Kid, that’s not very nice.
"Did you already know about this?" Jiang Mo asked after composing herself, dabbing her lips with a tissue.
"Yeah, I’ve heard them many times," Liu Chen said, noticing her fondness for the salt-and-pepper shrimp and nudging the plate closer to her.
Jiang Mo thought: No wonder he’s so calm. He’s immune to these stories by now.
Liu Guochuan, observing their exchange, happily took another sip of baijiu. Finally, the boy’s showing some initiative.
"Jiang Mo, what’s your zodiac sign? Any siblings?" Liu Guochuan began probing for details.
He only knew she and her parents worked for the Gu family.
"I’m a Horse. I have a younger brother in his last year of high school—he’ll start university this fall."
Liu Guochuan did the math: Horse meant 23 years old—not too far from his grandson’s age. One sibling, simple family structure.
"The Horse is a great sign," he praised.
Zhong Xiaoqin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What’s so great about it? I’m a Horse too."
Well… I was just being polite.
Liu Guochuan scratched his head. "…Horses are clever. Like the two of you."
Curious, Jiang Mo asked, "What about you, Grandpa and Grandma? What are your signs?"
Knowing their zodiacs would help her guess their ages—and maybe even their birthdays.
"Your Grandpa Liu here is a Pig," Liu Guochuan said, then added, "And these two signs—Horse and Pig—go very well together."
Liu Chen sighed quietly, explaining to Jiang Mo, "Grandpa’s had a bit to drink. Don’t mind his rambling."
"It’s fine. I’m enjoying the stories," Jiang Mo said, though she was starting to sense something odd.
But surely she was overthinking it.
A woman’s intuition is sharp.
Experienced Zhong Xiaoqin caught on amid the lively chatter.
This old Liu—asking about zodiac signs, talking compatibility, even summoning his grandson home today…
She glanced between the two youngsters and slapped her thigh. Ah! So that’s it! He’s trying to set them up.
Crafty old man.
As if no one else has grandsons to brag about.
Liu Chen asked, "I heard you work as a housekeeper for the Gu family?"
"Yes," Jiang Mo nodded, patting her slightly rounded stomach. So full.
"What a coincidence. I just finalized a partnership with Young Master Gu today," Liu Chen remarked. "Right after wrapping up, Grandpa called me back."
"Wow! Impressive," Jiang Mo said. "A real power collaboration."
Liu Chen nodded. "Something like that."
"Jiang Mo, why aren’t you eating more?" Zhong Xiaoqin chimed in, urging her to help herself.
Jiang Mo waved a hand. "No, thank you, Grandma Zhong. I’m stuffed. Please enjoy your meal."
"Jiang Mo, what kind of boys do you like?" Zhong Xiaoqin pressed. "Should I introduce you to some nice young men? All from good families."
Before Jiang Mo could answer, Liu Guochuan panicked. How dare she interfere!
"Grandma Zhong, I’m still young—not looking to date. I want to focus on my career first!" Jiang Mo replied.
"I agree. She should prioritize her work at this stage," Liu Chen added.
Zhong Xiaoqin concluded: Seems these two aren’t interested in each other.
After the meal, Jiang Mo prepared to leave.
"Chen, add Jiang Mo as a friend. You’re both young—you’ll have things to talk about. Keep in touch," Liu Guochuan insisted, seeing his grandson hadn’t made a move yet.
"Let’s exchange contacts," Liu Chen said with a faint smile.
"Sure," Jiang Mo agreed.
"Walk her home too," Liu Guochuan added.
"No need, Grandpa Liu! It’s just within the villa grounds," Jiang Mo protested, now certain of his intentions.
"It’s fine. I’m heading back too—I’ll go with Jiang Mo," Zhong Xiaoqin interjected, looping an arm around Jiang Mo. "Let’s go, dear."
Jiang Mo gratefully latched onto Zhong Xiaoqin’s arm and made her escape.
On the way, Zhong Xiaoqin laughed. "Your Grandpa Liu is trying to play matchmaker for you two."
"Grandma Zhong, did you figure it out earlier?"
"No, your Grandpa Liu kept it tightly under wraps—didn't tell any of us. I just figured it out myself."
Jiang Mo scratched her head. "Brother Liu seemed pretty awkward about it too."
Looks like he’d been tricked into coming back by Liu Guochuan as well.
"Ah, Chen didn’t seem awkward at all," Zhong Xiaoqin patted Jiang Mo’s arm, which was looped through hers. "But listen, your Grandma Zhong here has a little favor to ask. Wondering if you might know someone suitable."
She’d meant to bring it up earlier, but it wasn’t until after dinner that she finally found the time to talk properly.
"What is it?"
"Well, I have an old friend—lives next door to me—and she has a child in middle school. They’re looking for a young nanny to help take care of the kid and tutor them with schoolwork. I thought maybe you’d know someone trustworthy among your friends. Someone reliable, you know?"
"Don’t worry, the pay will be good."
Jiang Mo’s eyes lit up. "I might know someone, but I’m not entirely sure yet. Let me check with them first, and I’ll get back to you?"
"Sure, I’ll wait for your reply."
After returning home, Jiang Mo mulled it over. Zhang Qingqing already had a job, Guo Yanni was busy with family work, and Li Wan'er was the only one currently unemployed.
After some thought, she decided to drop a message in their group chat.
"Important news, important news! A family in my neighborhood is hiring a young nanny to look after a middle schooler—help with daily life and supervise their studies."
"Interview required to see if it’s a good fit. Pay is generous. If interested, @ me."
Zhang Qingqing: "My one and only rich-connection queen! You’re actually insane! You really got us a job!"
"Not guaranteed, okay? It’s just an opportunity. There’s still an interview," Jiang Mo quickly clarified.
"Still legendary," Zhang Qingqing replied, fully aware how rare these kinds of opportunities were.
Li Wan'er: "!!! Sis, for real? Am I hallucinating from sleep deprivation?"
Jiang Mo: "100% real. More real than celebrity gossip. If you’re interested, think it over and let me know so I can reply to them."
Li Wan'er raised her hand (virtually), sending a shy emoji: "Me! I’ll give it a shot!"
After a while, Zhang Qingqing chimed in again: "Thought about it—I’ve got work already, so I’ll pass. Go get ‘em, Wan'er! Manifesting that you land this and expand my rich-people network."
Li Wan'er: "I’ll do my best!"
The last to reply was Guo Yanni.
Guo Yanni expressed regret: "Ah, I can’t try for it either. My parents won’t let me leave home right now."
"Alright, Wan'er, if you’re sure about the interview, I’ll let them know," Jiang Mo said. "Check train or plane tickets—come over tomorrow."
Li Wan'er: "Got it! Booking my ticket now."
With that settled, Jiang Mo checked the time. It was late, and she didn’t want to disturb Zhong Xiaoqin’s rest, so she decided to call her the next morning.
Just as she finished chatting with Li Wan'er and was about to put her phone down to wash up, a new notification popped up—a message from Liu Chen.
Liu Chen: "It’s a bit late. Hope I’m not disturbing your rest."
"About today… really sorry for my grandfather’s meddling. He took it upon himself to play matchmaker. You know how old folks are—hard to stop. Hope it didn’t make you uncomfortable."
Jiang Mo thought for a moment before replying: "No, no, it’s fine! I know Grandpa Liu meant well. Elders just want the best for their family. I totally get it."
"Glad to hear it. Honestly, Grandpa’s been much happier lately, and a lot of that’s thanks to you. You should come visit sometime when you’re free."
After sending the message, Liu Chen reflected on how much livelier his grandfather had been recently—posting on social media frequently, too.
Jiang Mo: "Sure thing!"
……
The next morning, Jiang Mo called Zhong Xiaoqin, and they agreed on an interview time—10 a.m. the following day.
Li Wan'er also sent an update: she’d booked a flight for the afternoon and would arrive in Jiangcheng around 5 p.m.
Jiang Mo: "Here’s my home address. Come straight here after landing—you can stay at my place tonight."
Li Wan'er sent a flying kiss emoji: "Got it! I’ll message you when I arrive!"
When Wang Xia heard her daughter had a friend coming over, she asked for details and then instructed: "After work, tidy up the house, especially your room. Change the bedsheets and pillowcases."
"And don’t order takeout. Take your friend to Yue Dexian by the entrance for dinner."
Jiang Mo grinned: "Yes, Mom."
At the end of her shift, Jiang Mo hopped on her electric scooter and headed home.
Once there, she cleaned up, swapped out the linens, and made sure everything was in order.
They already had spare toothbrushes and towels, so no need to buy new ones.
Just as she was wrapping up, Li Wan'er messaged: "I’m here! Right outside your place."
Jiang Mo replied: "Wait at the gate—I’ll be down in a sec."
She hurried downstairs and spotted a familiar figure at the entrance.
"Li Wan'er!"
Hearing her name, Li Wan'er—who’d been scrolling on her phone—looked up, dropped her bags, and rushed over to hug Jiang Mo. "Ugh, my little Momo! Missed you so much! Mwah!"
Jiang Mo laughed. "You’re so extra. C’mon, let’s go inside."
Li Wan'er pulled back. "Wait—gotta grab my stuff!"
Only then did Jiang Mo notice the two large bags and a small suitcase a few feet away.
"What’s all this? Why’d you bring so much?"
"From my family. They wanted me to bring gifts for you and your parents."
"They felt bad about me crashing at your place and you helping me with this job. Said it’s the least they could do."
"Nothing fancy, just some local specialties—snacks and stuff," Li Wan'er explained.
"Your parents are too sweet! Last summer when I stayed at your place, your mom spoiled us with so much good food," Jiang Mo said, picking up the bags. "These are heavy! Good thing we’ve got an elevator."
Li Wan'er: "Probably the sausages and rabbit heads."
Huffing and puffing, they lugged everything inside.
It was Li Wan'er’s first time at Jiang Mo’s home. Peeking around, she whispered, "Are your parents here?"
She wanted to greet them properly.
Jiang Mo handed her a bottle of water. "Nope, just us tonight."
