"Boss Tao can hire whomever he wants, what's it to you? What? You're so capable, are you worried the police won't be able to catch you?"
Fu Jue's tone was icy, seemingly nonchalant, yet clearly protective of Tao Zhizhi.
The two men, bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, immediately went limp when they met Fu Jue's cold, venomous eyes, forcing out stiff, fake smiles.
"No, no, how could this be—"
"Boss Tao, since you have someone you like, we need to hurry to the next company, so we'll be going now."
The man in the white t-shirt, pulling Lin Ming along, slunk away under Fu Jue's overwhelming and intimidating presence.
Tao Zhizhi would never hire such people to work in her shop. The two of them were clearly not telling the truth, and their intention to seize the shop was obvious, given that the shop was run by two women.
Lin Ming and Li Yi had indeed been working together for many years, but when they opened their shop, they either used promotions to sell cheap and unpalatable dishes, or they cut corners and mixed leftovers and food from the previous day together to sell. Eventually, they were reported by customers and had to close down.
The two men were still not satisfied after they left. When they got to the door, the dog sneakily peeked into the store. Seeing that they weren't paying attention to it, it kicked the door frame a few times.
Lin Ming's face twisted in rage as he viciously slandered them:
"Li Yi, what are you afraid of him for? He's just a tall, pretty boy. I don't believe they can keep running the shop that's run by two women."
Li Yi never embellished such matters; he inwardly despised it, but outwardly echoed Lin Yao.
The unpleasant little incident passed just like that. Tao Zhizhi knew that Fu Jue had only mentioned applying for the job to protect her, so she didn't take it seriously. She sincerely thanked him and gave him a free meal.
Fu Jue sensed her thoughts, looked into her eyes, met her gaze firmly, and pressed on: "Boss Tao, I'm serious."
"My name is Fu Jue. I live a clean and simple life. I don't smoke or drink, I'm morally upright, and I have no diseases. Do you think I'm suitable?"
Lan Xin stood silently to the side, gently gesturing with her elbow for Tao Zhizhi to accept him. Having had four or five relationships, how could she not understand his unspoken meaning? But such a perfect man was worth it for her sister!
Moreover, she could team up with Su Bai and keep Fu Jue under her nose, which would give her more peace of mind!
Tao Zhizhi thought to herself: This face could make her a fortune whether she went live or became a celebrity.
Tao Zhizhi remained unmoved, pursed her lips, and looked away.
“We’re hiring a kitchen helper. It’ll be a bit tiring, and it seems like you don’t need any work.”
Fu Jue chuckled. Zhizhi's face was as red as an apple. She didn't dare to look him in the eye, so he would just chase after her.
“I don’t really need a job. I have a small company now, and I’m short of funds to start it up. Boss Tao’s cooking is irresistible. I’m actually really in need of a job here.”
Fu Jue's relaxed demeanor made him look more like a small shop owner than a job applicant, and he lied without batting an eye.
If Chairman Fu heard these words, he would point to Tianyi Group, the largest private enterprise in Qingshui City with the most abundant funds, and then point to himself: You worthless piece of trash, look me in the eye and say it again!
"Boss Tao, please have mercy and take me in."
Fu Jue realized that she still wanted to reject his feelings, and a hint of grievance appeared in their eyes as they looked at each other, his tone sincere.
Seeing this, Tao Zhizhi swallowed the words she was about to say. Her lips parted slightly, and her eyes showed disbelief. When she saw her reflection in his eyes, she lowered her head slightly in embarrassment.
"Okay, I'll try it out for a week. I'll start work tomorrow."
"Alright, I will certainly live up to Boss Tao's expectations."
Dinner time was approaching, and Tao Zhizhi hurriedly grabbed Lan Xin and headed into the kitchen, leaving Su Bai looking around in confusion. Facing Fu Jue's ambiguous smile, she asked with a puzzled expression: "Huh? I don't have to help out anymore?"
Lan Xin, who was randomly chosen by Tao Zhizhi, obediently followed Tao Zhizhi's steps, looking at her with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Lan Xin crossed her arms, a teasing smile playing on her lips, and nudged Tao Zhizhi's shoulder, teasingly asking, "My dear little Zhizhi, what happened while I was gone—"
Tao Zhizhi heard the obvious mockery in her voice, and before the blush on her face had faded, she raised her head again and gave her a light punch on the shoulder.
"Don't talk nonsense, he just thinks the food at the small shop is delicious."
"Oh, oh, oh, what did I say? It's all self-defeating, my darling Zhizhi—"
Having spent so much time with her, Lan Xin could easily see through Zhizhi's little thoughts, and laughed heartily for a while before stopping:
"My Zhizhi is smitten! But he's really good-looking. I wholeheartedly support you, go for it!"
Tao Zhizhi was so embarrassed that she rushed forward and covered her mouth. Lan Xin's voice was quite loud, and it was unclear whether Fu Jue heard it.
If Fu Jue heard this, he would only secretly fantasize: Wife, wife, come and take me! (owo?)
Unfortunately, Fu Jue was being urged to return to the company by Chairman Fu on the phone and did not hear Lan Xin's voice.
"I want to take a vacation."
"I'll work the same hours you work, that's not acceptable!"
"Um"
Fu Jue was not surprised to hear his refusal; she had already made her own plans.
"telecommute."
"No—beep beep—"
Hearing the dial tone on his phone, Chairman Fu was extremely annoyed: "That little brat, is there a nail in his butt? He's always running off, but I haven't seen him bring a daughter-in-law home yet."
The other executives in the office remained silent, unsure whether to agree with Chairman Fu. They figured it was best to limit this kind of talk about Little President Fu to just Chairman Fu, and pretended they hadn't heard anything.
Once Fu Jue makes a decision, no one can change it. It's tough on our Secretary Gu, who has to run between the company and the restaurant while also playing along with President Fu's act.
In the kitchen, Lan Xin received a message in the work group urging her to hurry up. She pouted, not minding the grease on Tao Zhizhi's apron at all. She hugged Tao Zhizhi's slender waist and rested her head on Tao Zhizhi's shoulder, acting coquettishly.
"Zhizhi, I'm leaving. This company is pretty good. I'll stay a little longer and then come back to you. Baby, you won't abandon me, will you?"
"Of course not, my blueberry darling, Warm Food Shop will always welcome you!"
Tao Zhizhi used her free left hand to touch her head, knowing that she was about to leave, her voice full of reluctance.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Lan Xin had to leave. Tao Zhizhi packed a large box full of freshly made camphor tea duck and other dishes for her, and saw her off to the door without leaving her side. With a pout and tears in her eyes, she waved goodbye.
A magnetic voice came from behind: "Boss Tao, I have to leave first. See you tomorrow?"
Tao Zhizhi turned around, and Fu Jue's handsome face came into view. She wasn't used to having a boy so close to her, and was momentarily startled. She replied in a trembling voice:
"Okay, I understand."
Fu Jue looked at her flushed cheeks, his gaze slowly moving downwards. He stared at her peach-jelly-like lips for a couple of seconds, his eyes darkening. Afraid of embarrassing her, he took a step back and left with a smile.
Tao Zhizhi realized his staring gaze, her mind went completely blank, she bit her lip shyly, went back to the kitchen and drank a big gulp of water, looking forward to tomorrow.
"Boss, we have a customer!"
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