After seeing off Liu Xining and the others, Jiang Yu checked the ti—it was almost ti to start work.
He rembered what Lu Shuwu ntioned last night, that Xiong Bingsheng had co looking for him, so he didn’t rush back to the dining hall. Instead, he took out his phone from his pocket and dialed a number.
The call was answered after just two rings:
"Hello, is this Jiang Yu?"
"Good morning, Teacher Xiong, it’s !"
Jiang Yu responded with a smile and then said,
"I heard from Xiaowu that you ca to find yesterday? You could have just called directly; there’s no need to co in person."
"It’s not really a big deal. I was planning to have a al at the dining hall anyway, so it was on the way." Hearing Jiang Yu’s words ward Xiong Bingsheng’s heart, making him feel respected. He chuckled as he spoke,
"I roughly explained the matter to Xiaowu yesterday; he must have told you, right?"
"Yes, he gave a general idea. He said that in a couple of days, there’s a foreign university visit group of about thirty people coming to our school for an exchange visit, and for now, the school plans for our Seventh Dining Hall to host them."
Jiang Yu briefly recalled and reiterated, then continued,
"However, I’m not clear on the details, so I called to ask Teacher Xiong about it. Once I understand the situation, I can determine whether the Seventh Dining Hall has the capacity to host them."
"Yes, the visiting group is composed of people from the University of Bristol and Lofubo University in England. It’s not thirty-plus people; the exact number is 25, including one team leader, two teachers from each university, and ten students."
Xiong Bingsheng explained in detail and said,
"The visiting group will only stay at our school for two days.
The school’s intention is that guests from afar are to be warmly welcod. We need to demonstrate the hospitality of Huaxia people and showcase the splendid and excellent culture of our country. Thus, we plan to handle their dining during the visit through the Seventh Dining Hall.
Of course, Xiaojiang, you don’t have to worry; all expenses for the visit will be covered by the school."
"I’m not worried about that."
Jiang Yu chuckled and asked, "I just wanted to clarify whether these 25 people are to be arranged to eat at Dining Room Seven, or on the first floor of the student cafeteria?"
"I also asked Vice Principal He this question."
Xiong Bingsheng paused; he spoke with so hesitation,
"His suggestion is that it would be best to arrange them in Dining Room Seven. The first floor is too crowded with students; squeezing around doesn’t look good. Furthermore, while we do have foreign students at the school, their numbers are relatively small.
Suddenly having 25 foreigners dining in the cafeteria could lead to so embarrassing situations. If such a thing were to happen, it’s not just the school’s image at stake—it’s the image of Great Huaxia we should be concerned about."
"Alright, I understand."
Jiang Yu pondered for a mont; he pretty much grasped the situation. He didn’t care much about which group was visiting and was unlikely to draft a special nu just for this group of foreigners.
If they order dishes, that’s best—he’ll prepare them accordingly. If they don’t order, then they’ll eat whatever he prepares.
Currently, Dining Room Seven opens only four private rooms daily; adding these 25 people ans just six private rooms in total. Based on the current kitchen staffing, it’s entirely manageable.
Most importantly, the Seventh Dining Hall is still Jiang University’s dining hall. Although he runs it, he can’t truly disregard the school leadership’s stance. If he were to do that, would he still plan to continue operating it in the future?
So, he said to Xiong Bingsheng, "Teacher Xiong, I’ll take on this matter. As you suggested, let’s host them at Dining Room Seven."
Seeing Jiang Yu agreed, Xiong Bingsheng imdiately felt relieved. He said with a smile,
"Good, if there are any updates from this side, I’ll inform you promptly."
"Alright."
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Yu let out a small sigh and returned to the kitchen.
...
In the Taoyuan Conference Hall.
"Chenchen, you’re already awake? Then quickly freshen up and after you’re done, hurry back to eat sothing."
Liu Xining carried the takeaway of soup dumplings and pork congee with century egg from the Seventh Dining Hall. As soon as he entered, he saw Pan Jingchen, dressed in pajamas and her hair unkempt, sitting blankly by the bed, staring out the window.
Outside the window was a carefully tended small garden, where the deciduous shrubs sprouting tender green leaves appeared vibrant.
After a few spring rains, the grass, dormant all winter, began to wildly grow. Red, yellow, and purple unidentified wildflowers blood under the sunshine with abandon, infusing everything with life and vitality—a scene full of spring’s vigor.
Hearing Liu Xining’s words, Pan Jingchen turned her head and asked with anticipation, "Is it still tomato-braised oat noodles?"
She unconsciously licked her lips as she spoke.
Clearly, yesterday’s serving of tomato-braised oat noodles greatly appealed to her. Despite a night’s passing, she was still savoring it.
"I’m not telling you yet, quickly go freshen up."
Liu Xining’s eyes curved into crescents, his face wearing a mischievous expression, "When you co back after freshening up, you’ll definitely have a big surprise."
"Oh."
Pan Jingchen’s eyes dimd. She particularly liked the tomato-braised oat noodles from last night because it tasted like what her grandmother used to make.
After her mother passed away, her father, besides gambling with others, never cared about her well-being. It was her grandmother who took her in, supported her schooling, and made her favorite tomato-braised oat noodles.
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