After the car drove away, Xiaohua looked at Zhou Musheng sitting next to her, and quickly organized the words she wanted to say in her mind.
I want to say thank you, but a simple thank you seems too stiff and insincere. How can I express my gratitude to him?
She could ask him what gift he wanted and buy it for him, but that didn't seem right either. Mr. Zhou was such a big shot; he had seen all sorts of good things. With her meager savings, what kind of nice gift could she possibly buy for him?
If we bring it out then, it will only make us a laughing stock.
Let's forget about it!
But how could she thank him? This troubled Xiaohua greatly, leaving her completely bewildered.
Zhou Musheng nudged her arm with his elbow: "What are you thinking about? You're so engrossed in your thoughts that I called you several times but you didn't answer."
Xiaohua snapped out of her daze and asked Zhou Musheng with a blank look, "Mr. Zhou, what did you call me for?"
"I asked you what you were thinking about just now. Was it something to do with work? If you have any other problems or difficulties, just tell me, don't be shy!"
Zhou Musheng's words made Xiaohua feel even more indebted, and she looked at him with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.
“Mr. Zhou, I feel like I’m always troubling you. I’m so embarrassed to have you help me so many times. Doesn’t that make me seem... thick-skinned? I’m really so sorry.”
She was genuinely embarrassed, not just putting on an act or saying anything fancy or insincere.
Thinking back on the many times Zhou Musheng has helped me since I met him, I've gotten so used to it that whenever I encounter trouble, I can't help but think of him and want to go to him for help.
And he always agreed to my every request without hesitation.
This is really not good. It feels like Zhou Musheng is helping her as if it's his duty, as if it's his right.
Wouldn't this make her seem shameless? Would Zhou Musheng think so too?
He's a gentleman and very courteous, so it's hard to refuse.
Zhou Musheng looked at her in surprise: "Why would you think that?"
He patted her hand again: "What are you thinking about all day long? I'm just accompanying you on this trip, how much trouble can it be? Don't be so formal with me in the future. We've known each other for so long, why are you talking about trouble?"
We still have some connection, so don't keep saying sorry or "let's do it next time," or I'll really feel bad.
Xiao Hua nodded with a respectful expression.
“Mr. Zhou, from now on you will be my mentor in the business world, my guide on the road to entrepreneurship, and my guide on the road of life. You have shown me the direction of my life.”
Xiao Hua flattered him with a grin.
Zhou Musheng was amused by her and affectionately patted her head: "You little rascal, you're so quick-witted. You could sell someone out and they'd still be counting the money for you."
“I can’t sell Mr. Zhou. It’s Mr. Zhou who sold me. I’m counting the money for Mr. Zhou.”
Xiao Hua playfully raised her eyebrows at Zhou Musheng.
Zhou Musheng played along with her, echoing her words, "Even if I were to sell anyone else, I wouldn't be willing to sell you, Ye Xiaohua."
Xiao Hua patted her chest proudly and said, "That's right, I, Ye Xiao Hua, am a real treasure. Whether I'm of any other use to you, Mr. Zhou, or not, I can entertain you and make you happy. Isn't that great?"
Zhou Musheng was amused by her.
"You don't need to try to amuse me. Just standing there and seeing you is enough to make me happy."
Xiao Hua cupped her face in disbelief, feigning shyness: "Wow, I never expected that I, Ye Xiao Hua, would be so charming?"
Zhou Musheng nodded firmly: "Without a doubt, you are very charming. Don't doubt yourself."
The two got off the car and went to a Chinese restaurant. Xiao Hua had known Zhou Musheng for quite some time and had basically figured out his preferences.
While Zhou Musheng went to the restroom, she had already ordered the food, choosing almost all of Zhou Musheng's favorite dishes.
Knowing what dishes he likes and dislikes, and knowing that he prefers mild flavors over spicy ones, I ordered dishes that he liked.
When Zhou Musheng returned from the restroom, he saw the waiters serving dishes one after another, all of which were his favorites.
He felt an indescribable joy, not because of the dishes he liked, but because someone had thoughtfully remembered his preferences.
"Why did you order only bland dishes? Why don't you order some spicy ones? Don't you like spicy food?"
Zhou Musheng only liked light and bland dishes, which showed that Xiaohua only thought about what he liked to eat and didn't think about herself.
It feels pretty good to be noticed and cared for!
"I prefer light flavors now; spicy food makes me feel hot and bothered," Xiaohua lied.
In fact, she is the kind of person who can't live without spicy food and can't eat without chili peppers.
Zhou Musheng didn't believe her. He called over a waiter and ordered several Hunan dishes that Xiaohua liked.
Xiao Hua looked at the Hunan dishes that were served and seemed to be deep in thought.
How should I put it, the two of them seem to understand each other very well, but they don't seem to be particularly close to each other.
Their relationship seems to be closer to friends than lovers, and Xiaohua thinks this kind of relationship is fine, and perhaps it can last longer.
However, managing this kind of relationship is very challenging; one cannot become distant or cross boundaries, and must always be mindful of the appropriate limits.
It took a lot of effort!
"Mr. Zhou, let me toast you. I am truly grateful for your help once again today. I have no way to repay you. I will drink this cup to the last drop. Please feel free to drink as you please."
After saying that, Xiao Hua downed the whole glass of liquor in one gulp. It was a glass of baijiu, and drinking it like that would make her very drunk.
Zhou Musheng initially wanted to stop her from drinking, but seeing how engrossed she was, he didn't stop her. After all, getting drunk occasionally is a form of enjoyment in life, and sometimes life shouldn't be too rigid.
Zhou Musheng stared at Xiaohua's slightly flushed face, his heart warmed, and he blurted out, "If you really want to thank me, then repay me with your body."
Zhou Musheng said in a half-joking tone, seemingly both serious and untrue!
Xiao Hua was clearly stunned for a moment. She was at a loss for what to do and looked at Zhou Musheng blankly, trying to glean some other information from his eyes.
Seeing that Xiao Hua was stunned, Zhou Musheng immediately laughed and said, "I was just joking with you. You didn't take it seriously, did you?"
Xiaohua breathed a sigh of relief and joked, "Yeah, I really took it seriously. Even if I can't be your wife, Mr. Zhou, I can still live a life of luxury and never have to worry about anything if I'm your mistress. Why should I bother striving? I might as well just lie down and relax."
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