It was quite uncomfortable being the center of attention in the cafeteria. But since they were already there, leaving wasn't an option. Besides, Li Zhiyu seemed very interested; perhaps it was her first time in such a place.
The dining areas for security and cleaning staff were separate from those for mall and office employees since security and cleaning staff ate for free.
"Find a place to sit. I'll get the food," Ye Chen instructed.
"Okay!"
"Chen, over here!" Zhao Peng called out, waving.
"Go over there," Ye Chen directed Li Zhiyu towards where the captain and others were seated.
"Alright."
Li Zhiyu wasn't security or cleaning staff, so she couldn't get her own food. Ye Chen had to handle it. He grabbed two trays and headed over, while Li Zhiyu went to sit with the captain and the rest.
"Two servings, please," Ye Chen requested.
"What do you want?"
There were six dishes available, and each person could choose three. Ye Chen thought for a moment. "One serving with these three, the other with those three."
"Can we have a bit of everything?" Li Zhiyu suddenly appeared and asked just as the server was about to dish out the food.
Ye Chen initially thought the server wouldn't comply because they were usually strict about the three-dish rule. But to his surprise, the server glanced at Li Zhiyu, smiled, and said, "Sure, a bit of everything, right?"
"Yes, please," Li Zhiyu nodded.
Ye Chen watched in astonishment as the server added a bit of each dish to both trays. He didn't expect this special treatment just because of Li Zhiyu. Even the captain could only get three dishes at a time.
"Thank you," Ye Chen quickly expressed his gratitude.
"No problem. If it's not enough, come back for more."
"No need, this is plenty," Ye Chen assured.
"Thank you!" Li Zhiyu also thanked the server with a giggle.
"You're welcome."
"Let's go," Ye Chen said, handing one of the trays to Li Zhiyu.
The server's unusual leniency puzzled Ye Chen. According to the rules, Li Zhiyu shouldn't be allowed to eat there since she wasn't part of the security or cleaning staff.
When they returned to their seats, the captain and others looked at Li Zhiyu in surprise. The captain had initially tried to stop her from going to get food, fearing the server wouldn't serve her. But not only did she get served, she got a bit of everything, including more substantial portions.
The captain noticed Li Zhiyu's sweet and sour ribs had six pieces, while he only had two small ones, despite being limited to three dishes. It seemed unfair, especially when Ye Chen's tray also had a similar bounty, practically four meat dishes considering the portion sizes.
"Discrimination, blatant discrimination. Why do single dogs get such lousy treatment?" the fat guy complained after gulping down the rest of his rice and heading back for a refill. He was a big eater and often needed seconds to feel full.
"Enough, stop staring. Eat up and then let's go rest," Captain Li Gang said to Wang Yong and Zhao Peng.
"Captain..." Ye Chen called out.
"I spoke with Team Five. After lunch, we can rest in their dorm," the captain informed.
"Got it."
"This isn't good," Li Zhiyu commented after trying the shredded pork with garlic sauce and spitting it out into the trash.
"Miss, be thankful there's food. Can you not be so picky?" Ye Chen admonished.
"It tastes bad! Here, you take it," Li Zhiyu said, transferring the dish to Ye Chen's tray.
Ye Chen shook his head but didn't stop her. With the dish added to his tray, Li Zhiyu continued sampling the other items.
"Oh, the sweet and sour ribs are nice."
Ye Chen felt relieved. If she had rejected another dish, he wouldn't know what to do. His tray was now piled high with food.
"I've got plenty of ribs. You guys want some?" Ye Chen offered.
Even though he hadn't started eating, and thus it wasn't leftovers, he still shared the ribs with the captain and the others, leaving three pieces for himself. Despite sharing, he still had more ribs than Li Zhiyu initially had, which was why the fat guy had earlier voiced his frustration.
Interestingly, while Li Zhiyu picked at the meat dishes, she ate all the vegetables without complaint.
After lunch, they all headed back to the basement. The captain and the others went to Team Five's dorm first, while Ye Chen escorted Li Zhiyu to their dorm.
The dorms were adjacent, one for Team Five and one for Team Six.
"Alright, stay here. I told Fu Zhu you could eat the snacks, but don't wander around."
"Got it, you're so naggy."
After ensuring Li Zhiyu was settled, Ye Chen joined the captain and the others in Team Five's dorm, finding an empty single bed to lie down on.
Ye Chen slept until six in the evening. Checking his phone, he got up quickly, letting the others sleep. By now, the nightclub next door should be open.