Returning to High School to Save My Wife - Chapter 32

8:00 PM, at the buffet restaurant.

Since the peak dinner rush had passed, the restaurant was nearly empty.

This was a Japanese teppanyaki buffet with three price tiers. The highest tier cost over 300 per person, a price that wouldn’t be considered low even for university students.

Liang Qi spoke with a smile: “Sister Yan, it’s my treat today, so please don’t be polite. Everything here is self service. Just order whatever you like.”

Lin Ruoyan sighed: “Xiao Liang, you’re the one being too polite. Even though we’re both Xiao Yuan’s friends, we’ve only met once. You really didn’t need to treat me to dinner. How about this, let’s split the bill half and half.”

“It’s no trouble, Sister Yan,” Liang Qi interrupted smoothly, “Since we’re both Xiao Yuan’s friends, let’s consider this an introduction. It’s just a meal; please don’t take it to heart.”

“Since you put it that way, refusing again would be rude of me,” Lin Ruoyan smiled, “I won’t argue with you over this bill then. I’ll treat you next time I’m free.”

Back and forth they went, neither wanting to owe the other, yet an invisible thread of social obligation began to weave between them.

Lin Ruoyan didn’t actually want to take advantage of Liang Qi. She understood that favors only lasted if they were reciprocal. However, she didn’t mind having such an exchange with Liang Qi; in fact, she hoped for it, even if the price was high.

From the first time she saw Liang Qi, she recognized the designer bag she was carrying and guessed her family background. Her conversations with Jiang Yuan had only confirmed those suspicions.

Ever since her mother passed away, the pressure of the entire family had fallen on her. With her father paralyzed and requiring fixed monthly medical expenses, she couldn’t stay a part time worker at a convenience store forever. She had to find a better job and secure her future. While Liang Qi was still a high school student, her family connections could eventually be helpful.

She was more than willing to make this friend.

“Sister Yan, let’s order first.” Liang Qi proactively handed her the menu.

“Thank you.” Lin Ruoyan took it and began flipping through it slowly.

A long while later.

“One Boston lobster. Double portions of the cheese scallops, mussels, and salmon. And an order of red wine foie gras.”

“One Boston lobster, cheese scallops,” the waiter repeated the order, recording it on his device.

Lin Ruoyan closed the menu and handed it back to Liang Qi: “You pick the rest.”

Liang Qi took the menu but didn’t look at it. She set it aside and said to the waiter: “A mango salad is enough for me.”

“Just the mango salad? Alright. I’ll bring these out first; let me know if you need anything else.” The waiter left.

“I had a late lunch, so I’m not very hungry,” Liang Qi explained with a smile.

“I see,” Lin Ruoyan smiled understandingly, pouring water for both of them, “Did you have lunch with Xiao Yuan?”

“Yes, we ordered fried rice at my house.”

Lin Ruoyan looked surprised: “How come you didn’t go out to eat with her?”

Though she wanted to befriend Liang Qi, she knew they were still strangers. Their bond was nowhere near the friendship between Jiang Yuan and Liang Qi. Eating simple fried rice with Jiang Yuan but treating her to an expensive buffet?

One does not visit the temple without a reason; there is no such thing as a free lunch. It made Lin Ruoyan wonder. Was it truly just a pure desire to be friends?

The waiter soon served the food. The ingredients were fresh and professionally prepared; the aroma alone was enough to whet the appetite.

Lin Ruoyan tried a mussel. Seeing Liang Qi hadn’t moved, she reminded her: “I ordered double portions. Eat while it’s hot.”

“Okay.” Liang Qi didn’t say much and ate quietly.

“The flavor here is indeed excellent. Xiao Liang, you chose a good place,” Lin Ruoyan praised.

“It is quite good,” Liang Qi scooped a spoonful of mango salad, “Though, I think the taste isn’t quite as sweet as the mangoes Yuan Yuan brought over today.”

“Is that so?” Lin Ruoyan gave a radiant smile, “Actually, that gift box was one Xiao Yuan picked out specifically. It’s one we sell at our shop. The boss gave her the lowest price because she was giving it as a gift. I’m glad you liked it.”

“The taste was indeed great. But a fruit box that high quality probably isn’t cheap, is it?”

“It’s not bad. Only 230.”

To Lin Ruoyan, 230 certainly wasn’t expensive for someone like Liang Qi. Compared to the price of this dinner, it was nothing. If she called it expensive, she feared Liang Qi would look down on her.

Liang Qi repeated the number in her head. 230.

She had grown up in a wealthy family and had never wanted for money. Her allowance was always significantly higher than her peers. But she understood perfectly well what 230 meant for someone in Jiang Yuan’s financial situation.

“Sister Yan, isn’t that box a bit expensive?”

“It’s all imported fruit, so the price is naturally a bit higher. It was a sincere gesture from Xiao Yuan; you shouldn’t worry about it too much.”

“I see. That’s very thoughtful of her,” Liang Qi said, choosing not to expose the lie about the imported fruit, “However, the nutrition and taste of fruit aren’t necessarily better just because they’re expensive. Take this mango salad; it’s pricey, but not as sweet as the one you had Yuan Yuan bring. I think gift giving is the same; one needn’t be restricted by packaging. Loose fruit from a stand isn’t necessarily worse than a fancy box.”

“Xiao Liang, that’s not quite right. Didn’t you say the mangoes she brought were sweet? That shows the quality is good; they’re at least hand picked. Fruit stands have good ones too, but they’re small, and the chance of getting a sour one is higher.”

Hearing this, the smile on Liang Qi’s lips faded slightly.

Lin Ruoyan was Jiang Yuan’s colleague, the benefactor who lent her money, and the tutor who taught Jiang Mu art. Jiang Yuan would have to interact with her for a long time, so Liang Qi didn’t want to turn their relationship sour.

But some things had to be said.

Liang Qi spoke quietly: “Sister Yan, I’ll be honest with you. Yuan Yuan’s family isn’t wealthy, and they really need money right now. These unnecessary gifts, she really shouldn’t be buying them. I know it was a kind gesture from both of you, and I know she respects and trusts you. But giving overly expensive gifts doesn’t bring any benefit. I think there’s no need to waste this kind of money in the future. Don’t you agree?”

Her words were tactful, but she believed Lin Ruoyan was sharp enough to take the hint.

Lin Ruoyan froze. Meeting Liang Qi’s gaze, her prepared excuses died in her throat. She prided herself on her life experience, yet in front of this high school girl, she felt a maturity that didn’t match her age.

She sighed: “You have a point. I didn’t consider that carefully enough.”

“You’re being too polite, Sister Yan,” Liang Qi touched the base of her glass, raising it as if to toast, “I’m telling you this because you’re a very important friend to Yuan Yuan. I know you’ve helped her a lot and that you’re a loyal person. I really hope to become friends with you too, if you’ll have me.”

“Xiao Liang, look at you. Xiao Yuan and that boy Jiang Mu have a deep history with me. I’m very happy to know her friends. Why would I ever refuse?”

“I’m glad you feel that way,” Liang Qi slowly set down her glass, “There’s one more thing. Yuan Yuan mentioned that when Auntie Xu was unwell, she bought some supplements from you. I’m sure your recommendations are excellent, but for Yuan Yuan, I’m afraid they might be exceeding her budget.”

At this, Lin Ruoyan’s expression showed a hint of helplessness: “I know that. But Auntie’s health has always been poor. The supplements I have Xiao Yuan buy are for strengthening the body; drinking them long term is beneficial. I get the stock from someone I know and try to give her the lowest price, but I really can’t lower the cost any further.”

“I understand your difficulties, and I know you’re a straightforward person,” Liang Qi said, “How about this? Why don’t you sell them all to me instead?”

“To you?” Lin Ruoyan was startled. Looking at Liang Qi, she sensed a concern for Jiang Yuan that surpassed that of a regular friend.

“I won’t haggle. Whatever price you sold to Yuan Yuan, sell it to me for that much. However, I hope you can keep this a secret from her. Once you sell to me, please stop selling to her.”

“This,” Lin Ruoyan hesitated. She had already guessed what Liang Qi was trying to do.

She needed money. Helping her second uncle move stock only resulted in occasional sales; with Jiang Yuan’s limited means, she couldn’t buy in bulk. But Liang Qi was different. To Liang Qi, buying these supplements was as easy as buying fruit from a stand.

In that case, why not?

Lin Ruoyan let out a soft sigh: “I didn’t realize you cared for Xiao Yuan so deeply.”

Liang Qi didn’t confirm or deny it. She just asked: “So, Sister Yan, do you agree?”

Lin Ruoyan nodded: “Alright. I’ll help you keep it a secret.”

That night, Jiang Yuan received a call from Lin Ruoyan.

“Xiao Yuan, I’m so sorry. My uncle’s stock of supplements has sold out. I won’t be able to sell them to you for a while. I’ll let you know when we have more.” Lin Ruoyan’s voice sounded through the phone, full of apology.

“Okay, I understand. It’s no problem. Thanks anyway, Sister Yan.”

Jiang Yuan hung up and curled up on her bed, her chin resting on her knees as she looked out at the bright moon in the night sky. The moonlight was beautiful, but it was also cold. Her mother hadn’t recovered, it would take forever to pay back Sister Yan, Jiang Wangjie might show up again at any moment, and her schoolwork was becoming more and more intense.

She suddenly felt so tired.

Jiang Yuan buried her face in her knees. She closed her eyes, feeling as though if she just stopped looking at the world, she wouldn’t have to face its hardships and could sleep forever in her dreams.

She was drifting off when her phone vibrated a few times. Opening her drowsy eyes, she turned her head and saw unread WeChat messages.

Cookie Biscuit: Yuan Yuan, I have good news! You don’t have to buy supplements from Sister Yan anymore.

Cookie Biscuit: I was cleaning up today and found some supplements my mom’s former students gave her. My mom hates the bitter taste, so they’ve just been sitting there, nearly forgotten.

Cookie Biscuit: She told me to get rid of them, so I might as well just give them to you.

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