Meng Yu absolutely broke his own eating record of more than twenty years — he ate nearly forty dumplings, plus half a plate of marinated beef.
Ouyang Yunjian also ate more than twenty. Considering he used to think fifteen was a big milestone, this was impressive.
As for Chenchen, she ate six or seven dumplings. She wanted to eat more, but Ouyang Yunjian didn't dare let her continue — kids don't know when to stop, and eating too much at night can cause indigestion.
"Ah, I can't anymore, my belly's going to explode!"
"It's all my fault, my mouth was too greedy!"
"No, no, it's all Su Zhu's fault — who told you to cook such delicious food!"
Meng Yu complained while rubbing his belly, pacing around the yard.
He wasn't refusing to sit down — he just really couldn't!
"Serves you right for being so greedy!" Ouyang Yunjian said as he took Chenchen's hand. "Come on, Chenchen, let's go inside and take medicine!"
"Okay, let's go take medicine! Brother Meng Yu, you better cheer up! If you're too stuffed, the little people in your belly will get mad!"
Watching Chenchen skip happily inside with Ouyang Yunjian, Su Zhu looked surprised. Was she really that obedient?
Su Zhu knew the medicine was a bit bitter and every time it took some coaxing or promises to get Chenchen to take it.
"Su Zhu, can we talk about something?" Meng Yu came over, rubbing his belly with a cheeky grin.
"You're not going to talk about going to the capital again, are you?" Su Zhu smiled. "If that's it, you'll be disappointed. I'm really not thinking about that right now."
"No, no, I gave up on that idea right after you refused yesterday."
"What I mean is, I want to join your team for meals. I'll pay you for food and eat at your restaurant every day."
"I'm not picky. Whatever you make, I'll eat. I have just one request — a few slices of beef with every meal."
"Oh, that…" Su Zhu waved her hand with a smile. "No need to pay. Just come anytime you want."
"But just so you know, I only cook noodles,steamed buns, and dumplings. I can't do stir-fries."
Meng Yu was a friend of Ouyang Yunjian, who had saved Su Zhu's daughter's life. How could she charge him? Besides, a young guy can't eat that much.
"That won't do. We have to keep things proper."
Seeing Meng Yu insist, Su Zhu had to relent. "Alright then, eat first. When you stop coming, we'll settle up. Is that okay?"
"Just send me a message if you want something special, and I'll prepare it."
"Thanks," Meng Yu nodded with a bright smile.
After Chenchen finished her medicine, Meng Yu had paced enough, and Su Zhu cut a fruit platter. The three chatted while eating.
Chenchen quietly sat in Ouyang Yunjian's arms, very well-behaved.
When the topic turned to Chenchen starting kindergarten, Ouyang Yunjian's advice was clear: she should go!
Chenchen was fully recovered and a normal child. Going to kindergarten would not only lighten Su Zhu's burden but, most importantly, help Chenchen integrate into group life and develop social skills.
In the end, Su Zhu decided to let Chenchen stay home for another week and start kindergarten at the beginning of next month.
"Su Zhu, if you're really busy, you can call me. I'll help take care of Chenchen or pick her up from school."
"After all, I should be in Zhonghai for another month or two. I have plenty of time," Meng Yu said seriously.
"If something urgent comes up, you can even bring her to the hospital. Chenchen's very good and won't affect my work," Ouyang Yunjian said softly, looking at Chenchen in his arms.
Saying this, Ouyang Yunjian felt his face heat up. It was the first time in his life he had actively helped a woman, and it involved taking care of a child.
Fortunately, the light was dim, and he kept his head down so no one noticed his embarrassment.
"Thank you, thank you both," Su Zhu said gratefully. "I'm really thankful."
"The restaurant just hired someone, so I don't have much to do right now. I can still take care of her."
"If I really get busy and can't handle it, I'll definitely trouble you guys."
Seeing Su Zhu didn't refuse, Ouyang Yunjian quietly breathed a sigh of relief and let go of the worry he had been holding.
"By the way, Meng Yu, I heard during dinner you're going to Africa as a doctor without borders?" Su Zhu asked.
Meng Yu nodded. "Yes. If all goes well, I'll leave in two months and stay for about half a year."
Hearing this, Su Zhu couldn't help but feel respect.
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, is a non-profit organization made up of qualified doctors and journalists worldwide.
They mainly operate in war and poverty-stricken areas, providing humanitarian medical aid.
In conflict zones, they treat wounded from all sides without discrimination.
Being a doctor without borders means no salary, harsh conditions, and even life-threatening dangers. Few can persevere without strong conviction.
"Here, Meng Yu, a toast to you." Su Zhu said nothing more but raised her glass in his direction.
"Thanks," Meng Yu clinked glasses with her and smiled. "Hehe, it's not as grand as you think. I want to go partly to heal and save lives, but also to experience the cruelty of war and poverty firsthand — to refine and uplift my increasingly numb and mediocre soul."
Meng Yu's straightforwardness instantly raised Su Zhu's good impression of him.
She liked to interact with simple people — Ouyang Yunjian was like that, and now so was Meng Yu.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]