Chapter 43: A Father's Status Rises Because of His Son

Seeing his posture, a hint of surprise flashed in Nan Jiao's eyes, but she didn't rush to help him up; she simply looked at him calmly.

Tell me, what did you do?

Qi Han lowered his head slightly, seemingly finding it difficult to speak.

He came from an artistic family where people valued integrity above all else and disdained associating with those vulgar beastmen.

Because of the humiliation he suffered, and driven by desire, he did something wrong, and his conscience has been tormenting him ever since. Especially when he saw Nan Jiao's gentle and considerate care for Kang Kang, he felt even worse, and was plagued by guilt every day.

He's been distracted at work lately, and his boss has threatened to fire him if he continues to be out of sorts. He feels he can't go on like this.

"There's something I lied to you about..."

Nan Jiao's heart skipped a beat, and she had a vague guess: "What is it?"

"I deliberately asked you for the sachet to make Lu Xiao misunderstand. Also... I met with him privately and lied to him, saying that we were in love and about to get married. I also threw his luggage out..."

“So that’s how it is…” A look of understanding flashed across Nan Jiao’s eyes, but her gaze remained calm: “No wonder Xiao Chen said he didn’t see Lu Xiao go upstairs that day…”

"Yes..." Qi Han couldn't lift his head: "Now that things have come to this, I don't expect you to forgive me. I was filled with hatred and..." He paused: "I'm sorry to you. Whether it was using this method to get revenge on him or... being with you was too despicable. I, I'm really not human..."

He raised his head, his melancholy eyes glistening with tears.

"Give me a beating to vent your anger."

Nan Jiao raised her hand, then lowered it in mid-air. She sighed, "Never mind, whether you're involved or not, the outcome for him and me won't change much."

She still remembered the predictions in the comments and the intimate actions between Lu Xiao and Feng Ran, all of which she couldn't stand.

"What...does this mean?" Qi Han's expression brightened with joy.

Nan Jiao didn't answer, but said to him, "There's no future for us either, don't waste your time on me."

Qi Han's joy faded again, and he clenched his fists, saying, "No matter what... I will not give up easily."

"Please get up, this is too much of a gift."

Qi Han patted his knees and stood up: "Jiaojiao, do you really not have even the slightest bit of affection for me?"

Nan Jiao thought for a moment, then shook her head: "I know you are a very outstanding person, but I am not attracted to you."

"...Is it because I once had a wife?"

Lu Xiao was right about one thing: males who have married into the family do not have much of an advantage in the marriage market.

Nan Jiao frowned slightly and shook her head: "No."

Qi Han's face grew even more dejected. Seeing that Nan Jiao was about to say something, he quickly stood up and said, "I... I'll go back first."

Nan Jiao watched his hurried departure and then returned to the restaurant.

She was preoccupied with worries the whole way.

*

"Boss, the Qiu family has sent an invitation, saying they want you to continue to be in charge of the final dish at the banquet. Oh, by the way, the fee has been increased by 20% this time!"

Last time it was 500,000 Star Coins, this time it's 600,000 Star Coins.

"What time? Did they say so over there?"

"It's tomorrow. It's said to be Madam Qiu's birthday banquet."

Nan Jiao nodded: "I don't have any plans for tomorrow, you can go and tell them that's fine."

"Okay, I'll go tell them right away."

Footsteps sounded beside her. Nan Jiao saw Yan Yan sleepily snuggle into her arms. She smiled and looked down at him, asking, "Are you awake?"

Yan Yan nodded.

Nan Jiao sat at her desk looking at a research report, and then handed Yan Yan, who was sitting on a high chair next to her, a children's book to look at.

The two, one big and one small, sat at the desk, bathed in the warm yellow light of the room, creating a cozy and harmonious atmosphere.

Flipping through the research report, Nan Jiao was pondering the location for the branch store.

With ample supply of raw materials, standardized management of store staff, and excessive demand exceeding supply, the opening of branch stores has become a priority.

Nan Jiao looked at several locations, all in the city center.

While it's true that good wine needs no bush, and a high-quality product will always attract customers from afar, in densely populated areas, the number of customers will only increase.

No one ever complains about earning too much money.

After reviewing the specific location analysis, Nan Jiao plans to first choose a location in the city center of Lant as a trial operation location for the branch. If it meets expectations, then she will open several other branches, also in relatively prosperous areas.

After contacting the renovation team, Nan Jiao started looking for employees on recruitment websites, planning to provide them with unified training.

After finishing all that, it was almost evening. Nan Jiao stretched and was about to ask Yan Yan what she wanted to eat when she saw Lu Xiao leaning against the door frame, watching them for who knows how long.

When did you arrive?

Not long after.

Hearing the noise, Yan Yan turned her head and exclaimed with delight, "Dad, you're back!"

Lu Xiao walked over and patted his hair, then looked at the high stool under his bottom with some surprise: "Why are you sitting so high?"

"Yan Yan wants to read with me; he doesn't like the other tables."

Lu Xiao smiled and gently flicked Yan Yan's forehead: "Little adult."

Because Lu Xiao insisted on getting a free meal, the number of people at the table increased from two to three.

Lu Xiao was extremely busy at the moment, constantly serving food to Nan Jiao and Yan Yan.

Nan Jiao looked at the ever-increasing amount of rice in her bowl and said, "Don't put any more in, there's too much."

"Then I'll get you some more after you've finished eating."

Nan Jiao seemed to want to say something, but kept quiet for the sake of Yan Yan next to her.

She didn't like arguing with Lu Xiaoqi in front of Yan Yan.

He placed another piece of food on Nan Jiao's plate, and seeing her hesitant expression, Lu Xiao couldn't help but smile.

He ruffled the hair of Yan Yan, who was eating glutinous rice balls next to him.

"Good son."

He managed to get on the table thanks to his son.

No one understands the concept of a father gaining status through his son better than him.

*

That evening, Lu Xiao asked to stay again.

“Lu Xiao…” Nan Jiao leaned closer to him and whispered, “Don’t force me to hit you.”

Lu Xiao coughed lightly twice, not taking it seriously: "I'm really worried about Yan Yan. I'll be wherever Yan Yan is. Besides..."

He looked down at Yan Yan: "Son, can't you sleep without your dad?"

Yan Yan's big eyes darted around, and she nodded vigorously: "Mom, please let Dad stay. Without Dad, Yan Yan really can't sleep..."

Lu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief and gave Yan Yan an appreciative look.

Yan Yan gently shook Nan Jiao's hand with her soft little hand: "Mommy, Daddy will be very obedient and a good adult, so please let him stay."