Meng Zhao's expression remained unchanged, as if he didn't care about Xiao Youzhi's words at all. Seeing this, Xiao Youzhi couldn't help but feel a little suspicious, "Aren't you worried that he'll get cold outside?"
"You're his boss, if you're not worried, why should I be?"
Xiao Youzhi chuckled, his tone teasing: "Who told you to always call him 'Brother Xiao Wu,' 'Brother Xiao Wu,' I thought you really considered him a brother."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao's lips curled up slightly. "How about this, let's make a bet. If I don't go out, you'll do me a favor. If I do go out, I'll agree to do something for you. How about it?"
A hint of interest flashed in Xiao Youzhi's eyes, and he nodded in agreement.
Then, Meng Zhao asked a series of questions, from talent cultivation to information transmission, from logistics and transportation to financial management, and even the reward and punishment mechanism. Xiao Youzhi was indeed the person in charge of Chunfeng Tower, and he had his own unique insights into everything.
His answer was very thoughtful and detailed, which was much better than Meng Zhao trying to figure it out bit by bit by reading the book. Before they knew it, the two of them had been chatting in the room for a long time.
Seeing that Meng Zhao had been sitting for so long, Xiao Youzhi couldn't help but feel a little puzzled. "Aren't you worried that Chen Xiaowu will catch a cold outside?"
From what he knew, Meng Zhao didn't seem like the kind of person who would wholeheartedly chat with someone even if they knew they were freezing.
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao finally raised his head, a meaningful smile appearing on his face: "You'll know once you go out and take a look."
Xiao Youzhi was half-believing and half-doubting. He got up, lifted the curtain, and took a few steps outside. He found that Chen Xiaowu was indeed guarding the entrance to the courtyard, but he was wearing a thick cloak and there was a charcoal stove with tea boiling on it next to him. His treatment was almost the same as Xiao Youzhi's.
The difference was that Chen Xiaowu had several golden fruits on his stove!
When Chen Xiaowu saw him come out, he thought he was going to leave, so he quickly took two steps to meet him. Xiao Youzhi didn't want to leave, so he waved for him to go back, and then went back into the house.
Looking at Meng Zhao, who was still writing and drawing, he couldn't help but utter a few words: "Birds of a feather flock together."
She didn't go out, nor did she give any instructions. It was obvious who sent the gifts. Indeed, like master, like maid.
After Xiao Youzhi sat down, his tone carried a hint of helplessness: "Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
Meng Zhao put down his pen, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. Xiao Youzhi, startled, instinctively backed away and asked warily, "What do you want to do?"
Meng Zhao blinked, her tone tinged with a hint of probing: "How about you give me that subordinate you mentioned who's really good at raising carrier pigeons?"
Xiao Youzhi's expression hardened. "No, that person has been following me for a long time and knows many of my secrets. How can I just give him away like that?"
Meng Zhao pursed her lips, "Alright then." She didn't press the matter; it was just a casual remark anyway, so if they disagreed, so be it.
Seeing her answer so readily, Xiao Youzhi felt a tightness in his chest. After a moment of hesitation, he finally relented: "However, he does have a disciple who is about to graduate."
Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Xiao Youzhi nodded, his tone tinged with helplessness: "I'll go back and take a look. If he's suitable, I'll send him to you then."
"Wow, you're so generous!" Meng Zhao couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, then continued to praise, "Truly worthy of being the owner of Chunfeng Restaurant! If you ask me, how can those other restaurants compare to Chunfeng Restaurant? They're all overestimating themselves! Young Master Xiao is generous, knowledgeable, and a model of conduct!"
Xiao Youzhi glanced at her sideways, a slight smile playing on his lips. No matter how much others flattered him, none of their few words had ever made him feel so comforted.
Meng Zhao waited until the snow stopped before seeing Xiao Youzhi off and made an appointment with him to come over for dinner on New Year's Eve.
On New Year's Eve, Meng Zhao's courtyard was bustling with activity. She specially invited Gu Changwu and Zhao San Niang's family, Gu Yun, Xu Ping, Shun'er, as well as Li Yunxiang and Er Ya, to come and celebrate the New Year together.
After everyone finished cooking, a carriage pulled up at the door. Meng Zhao teased, "Young Master Xiao, you timed this perfectly. We just finished cooking and you're here."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Youzhi glanced at Chen Xiaowu behind him with displeasure. Chen Xiaowu shrank back and hurriedly explained, "Madam Meng, we actually left early this morning, but the snow on the road hadn't melted, and the carriage was moving slowly, which is why we're late."
Meng Zhao had already mentioned to Xiao Youzhi that there would be many people eating together today, and if he minded, she could cook a meal for him separately another day. Xiao Youzhi said he didn't mind at the time, which led to today's arrangement.
She smiled and welcomed them in. Just as everyone was about to sit down, there was a knock at the courtyard door. Meng Zhao asked in surprise, "Everyone's here. Who is it this time?"
Gu Yun quickly got up: "Sister-in-law, don't move, I'll go open the door." After saying that, she walked into the yard.
Meng Zhao had specially prepared a smaller table for Xiao Youzhi, but as soon as he was seated, Gu Yun lifted the curtain and ran over, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, guess who's here?"
Meng Zhao shook his head with a smile: "Who is it? Why are you being so mysterious?" Just as he finished speaking, a man and a woman walked in, followed by Fang Muyun.
She rubbed her eyes, thinking she was seeing things, until Xu Yunrong spoke up: "Zhaozhao, are you happy?"
Meng Zhao then realized what was happening. Without thinking, she rushed over and hugged Xu Yunrong and Meng Dashan tightly, her voice choked with sobs: "Father, Mother, why are you here?" As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.
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