This was the umpteenth time Song Qi'an had checked the time, until his assistant came in and asked.
"Manager, haven't you had your lunch yet?"
Song Qi'an felt a slight throbbing pain in his stomach. He closed the document in his hand and was about to speak.
Then came a series of hurried footsteps, and two panting people appeared at the office door.
"Xiao Song, we've brought you food."
Song Qi'an waited nearly two hours for these words.
The assistant didn't know who the two people were, and upon hearing that they were food delivery people, immediately began to criticize them.
"What time is it? You're delivering dinner, aren't you?"
Zhou Dayong and Zhou Peng blushed as they were told off; it was truly their carelessness.
Despite Zhou Sui's repeated instructions, they should take the food to Song Qi'an as soon as they arrived at the construction site.
Because when they get busy, they may not have time to spare.
The two of them were so nervous that they forgot about the matter. Even after they finished, Zhou Peng felt that he had forgotten something, but he couldn't remember it.
It wasn't until the last two people finished packing that Zhou Peng noticed the tightly wrapped lunchbox.
"Xiao Song, I'm so sorry, it's all my fault."
Zhou Dayong scratched the back of his head in self-reproach. What a terrible memory he had! He couldn't even handle something this simple.
The daughter also said that she was able to sell boxed lunches here thanks to Song Qi'an.
The assistant was about to swear, but Song Qi'an stopped him.
"It's alright, Uncle, you can give it to me now."
Zhou Peng hurriedly took the lunchbox and frantically helped Song Qi'an open it.
"Today, Sui Sui made your favorite braised pork and a refreshing winter melon soup."
Song Qi'an's dishes were naturally different from those in the takeout meals; basically, whatever the Zhou family ate, he would bring them.
However, when Zhou Peng opened it, he found that the once steaming hot dish had begun to solidify due to the long time it had been sitting there.
Looking at the lard next to the braised pork, Song Qi'an felt his stomach hurt even more.
The assistant glanced at it and couldn't help but say, "How are we supposed to eat this? All of you..."
Song Qi'an raised his hand to interrupt him, "You can go out now."
Zhou Dayong knew the dish was inedible and felt even more guilty.
"Little Song, what do you want to eat? Uncle will buy it for you."
"Why don't you go to the restaurant to eat? We'll cook you something new."
The thought of seeing Zhou Sui at the store made Song Qi'an's stomach cramps feel a little better.
Zhou Meimei had just handed the menu to the kitchen when she turned around and saw a black sedan drive past the store entrance, making a smooth turn and stopping beside her.
When she saw the license plate, a hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Meimei's eyes. She quickly took out a mirror from her bag, tidied her hair, and pursed her lips.
She realized her lipstick wasn't red enough and was about to reach for it when the man strode over.
Zhou Meimei casually placed the mirror on the counter, a smile playing on her lips, her voice warm and sweet.
"Hello, please..."
Before she could finish speaking, Song Qi'an had already walked past her.
Zhou Meimei's smile froze for a moment until Song Qi'an stopped and turned around to ask.
Where is Sui Sui?
Just then, the older woman who had finished serving the food overheard this and answered the question in front of Zhou Meimei.
"Sui Sui went out shopping, and I guess she'll go straight home after she's done."
"Mr. Song, are you here for a meal?"
After the older sister learned that Song Qi'an was the person in charge of the construction site, she always called him Boss Song.
Are you having lunch or dinner at this time?
After hearing his elder sister's words, Song Qi'an frowned.
He hadn't eaten anything all day, and the smell of spicy food in the store made his stomach cramp again.
This damn stomach!
Zhou Meimei came out from behind the counter. "What would you like to eat? I'll have the kitchen make it for you."
As she got closer, she realized that the man was even more handsome; even the way he frowned was charming.
"Something light."
Since he was already there, Song Qi'an could only choose to eat something first.
"Okay, please have a seat for a while. I'll talk to the kitchen right away."
Zhou Meimei glanced at Song Qi'an again before turning to find Li Qiuju.
Li Qiuju had just turned off the stove and was wiping it when she asked, "Xiaomei, are we having guests again?"
There probably aren't many places to eat around this time.
"It's that guy named Song Qi'an. He said he wanted something light."
"Xiao Song?" Li Qiuju looked outside in surprise. Hadn't she prepared food for him? Did he not like it?
"I'll go ask," Li Qiuju said, putting down the rag and going out.
Only after asking did Li Qiuju learn what Zhou Dayong and his gang had done, and she was utterly humiliated.
Song Qi'an stopped her from blaming herself, saying, "Auntie, it's nothing serious. I'll be here soon."
"I just want something light, or I'll have some soup if there isn't any."
"How can you just drink soup? Auntie will make you some rice soaked in chicken broth, until it's soft and fluffy."
Li Qiuju knew that if she was too hungry, her stomach would feel uncomfortable, so she needed to eat something easily digestible and not too filling.
She turned around and went back into the kitchen.
After listening, Zhou Meimei realized what had happened, and she thoughtfully poured her a cup of hot water.
"Drink some hot water first. My aunt cooks very quickly, it will be ready in a little while."
Song Qi'an said thank you in a low voice, picked up the water glass, took a sip of water, and then put it back in its place.
Seeing that no guests were coming in, Zhou Meimei decided to strike up a conversation with Song Qi'an.
"I'm Sui Sui's cousin, Zhou Meimei. Everyone calls me Meimei. I heard from your aunt that your maternal grandfather's family is from Sanyuan Village?"
Song Qi'an nodded expressionlessly.
"So that means we're from the same hometown."
Zhou Meimei tucked the hair in front of her forehead behind her ear. "It's just that our family moved to the town a long time ago, so we don't know how much the village has changed now."
“I used to love playing by the river at the east end of the village; it was the liveliest place.”
Zhou Meimei racked her brains trying to recall things that happened in the village, and finally Song Qi'an responded.
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