Jiang Xiaoli clapped her hands to stop the two of them from bickering, "Alright, it's been a while since we had a get-together. Today happens to be Comrade Xiao Zong's birthday, so the general rule is to eat and drink well!"
This was the first time Jiang Chengle had celebrated his birthday with them. "Xiao Li, really? There's not even a cake?"
Jiang Xiaoli looked at Zhong Yuan, who slapped his forehead, "Oh dear! I was so busy today that I completely forgot about the cake!"
Dafu was a little speechless, "What can you do!"
Zong Jiayu smiled and said, "It's okay, the cake isn't important, what's important is that we're all together."
Hu Jingxin smiled knowingly, "You already had your special cake last night, right?"
Zhong Yuan pretended to cover her mouth, "Xin Xin, just whisper it, we'll just keep it to ourselves."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Jiang Xiaoli rested her chin on her hand and looked at the two of them. "Brother Yuan, your birthday is next month. You won't be able to eat cake with us, will you? Oh, what a pity."
Zhong Yuan's smile vanished instantly. "Little Pear, that's not funny..."
Hu Jingxin blushed and called out, "Little Pear~"
Zong Jiayu smiled and put a large shrimp on her plate. "Alright, stop bullying them, let's eat."
Jiang Xiaoli ate shrimp with a smile, and didn't forget to call out to everyone, "Eat and drink well, everyone!"
A short while later, there was a knock on their private room door, and Manager Xu from "Heyiju" came over with a group of employees, followed by a trolley.
On the cart were a two-tiered cream cake and a bowl of longevity noodles.
Manager Xu said with a smile, "When General Manager Jiang booked the private room, he mentioned that today is Boss Zong's birthday. All the staff at 'Heyiju' wish Boss Zong a happy birthday."
The employees behind him spoke in unison, as if they had practiced, "Happy birthday, Boss Zong!"
Zong Jiayu smiled and said, "Thank you, Manager Xu, for your thoughtfulness."
Manager Xu said with a smile, "This bowl of longevity noodles is made from a whole strand, and it was made by the master chef himself. I hope Mr. Zong likes it."
"Thanks."
After Manager Xu led the employees outside, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" and then shared the cake.
Only Jiang Chengle stared curiously at the bowl of longevity noodles.
Zong Jia raised an eyebrow. "Brother Le wants noodles?"
Jiang Chengle waved his hand, "I've eaten longevity noodles before, but they were always a thicker strand. Is this bowl of noodles really a single strand? How was it made?"
The others also became interested. Zong Jia simply took a pair of chopsticks and an empty bowl, found one end of the longevity noodles, and picked the entire noodle into the empty bowl little by little.
Everyone was heartbroken to see this; the noodles were so thin, and even though they were already cooked, they could be easily broken with chopsticks with just a little force.
Two or three minutes later, Zong Jia received a noodle and a bowl of noodle soup.
Jiang Chengle clicked his tongue in amazement, "This chef's skills are absolutely amazing!"
Jiang Xiaoli couldn't help but say, "Now I can really see the sincerity of 'Heyiju' (a restaurant chain); they definitely don't go to such lengths to prepare noodles normally."
Dafu smiled and nodded, "This place has almost become our regular hangout spot. Auntie was quite upset the other day when she found out we weren't going to 'Guizhi Restaurant' for our get-togethers. Could the owner please not serve any more snacks?!"
Li Guizhi did indeed have some objections to this matter.
Li Guizhi's culinary skills are outstanding among amateurs, but the dishes at "Heyiju" are among the best of the professional team; the two have different flavors.
Jiang Xiaoli touched her forehead a little guiltily, "I'll bring my mom to try it next time, then she'll understand us."
Zong Jiayu said with a smile, "There's no time like the present, let's pack some of my godmother's signature dishes today."
As he spoke, he picked up the menu and ordered a few more dishes.
The packed food was prepared, and they ate most of it.
Zong Jiayu held Jiang Xiaoli's hand and said, "Then we'll head back first. You guys take your time eating, and remember to get Chengcheng and Zhiyi home safely."
Ren Zhiyi shook her car keys. "I'm driving now, don't worry about me."
Hu Jingxin hugged Yan Chengcheng and said, "You guys go back first. Chengcheng and Xiaoyue are coming to my place today."
Jiang Xiaoli nodded, "Everyone, once you've made the arrangements, let's go!"
When they came out, they found someone following them.
Jiang Xiaoli turned around and asked, "Brother Le, why are you out here too?"
Jiang Chengle's eyes darted away a little. "I just wanted to go home and rest. Flying is quite tiring."
Jiang Xiaoli squinted at him, "You know that hospital visits stop at 9 o'clock, right?"
"What!" Jiang Chengle glanced at his watch. "It's already 8:50! Why didn't you say so earlier!"
She shrugged. "Brother Le, well... this is common sense."
Jiang Chengle immediately deflated, "I wish I were in my own hospital."
Jiang Xiaoli patted his shoulder reassuringly, "Get some rest early today, we can go tomorrow."
"Alright, then you two take me home."
Zong Jia was speechless. "Brother Le, let me take you home. Your godmother's food is getting cold."
Jiang Chengle felt as if the whole world had abandoned him. He snorted and walked to the side of the road to silently flag down a car.
Jiang Xiaoli smiled and pulled Zong Jia into the car to go home.
Seeing them return at this hour, Li Guizhi was a little surprised. "Weren't you having dinner together tonight? Why are you back so early?"
Zong Jia placed the food and a packaged cake she was carrying on the table, saying, "Godmother, we can't forget you on your birthday."
Li Guizhi sat down at the table with a smile and said, "Xiao Zong, happy birthday! You're another year older."
Zong Jia nodded, "You've taken care of me for another year, thank you for your hard work."
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