The video showing the owner of the "Fly Restaurant" spitting and blowing his nose into the food spread like wildfire across all social media in Haixia City in less than an hour. The footage of the owner repeatedly contaminating the dishes with his bodily fluids left countless viewers feeling nauseous.
Simultaneously, a notice from the Food Safety Administration was issued. The Lijuan Small Stir-Fry Shop in District X was ordered to shut down for health violations. Everyone knew this closure was temporary, but with the video going viral, it was unlikely anyone would ever patronize the restaurant again.
Liu Ning and Feng Lijuan's business was utterly ruined. Being a former internet-famous restaurant, their identities were well-known, making it nearly impossible for them to start anew elsewhere without moving out of Haixia City. Their last bit of savings had been spent buying the high-priced unit 901 downstairs.
Now, they were left with only their two apartments, both of which had garbage piled at the door. As the couple was at a loss about what to do next, they suddenly received a call.
Their apartment was on fire!
"What? You mean Liu Ning's unit 901 is on fire?" Wu Zhiming was stunned when he received the call. Although he had taken measures to retaliate, arson wasn't part of his plan. He hung up the phone and immediately drove back home.
When he arrived at his building, the fire trucks were already there. Thick smoke billowed out from units 901 and 1001. Fortunately, the fire department arrived quickly, and the blaze was contained to just these two units. Based on the current situation, the fire likely started in 901 and spread to 1001 before being controlled.
A crowd of residents gathered below, pointing and discussing the incident. From upstairs came the sound of Feng Lijuan's heart-wrenching cries.
"What caused the fire?" Wu Zhiming asked someone nearby.
"Not sure. The fire department is still investigating," the person replied with a shake of their head.
"Is this divine retribution?" Wu Zhiming couldn't help but laugh. The newly purchased unit had caught fire, and it even damaged their original unit upstairs. Liu Ning and Feng Lijuan were truly down on their luck. If they hadn't bought 901, they could have received compensation for the damage to 1001. But now, since 901 was theirs, it was like their property had set their other property on fire—resulting in a total loss without compensation.
Wu Zhiming vaguely remembered that there was no fire insurance arranged for the building he lived in.
"Zhiming, come over to my parents' house for dinner tonight," Yao Jing called.
"What's the occasion this time?" Wu Zhiming asked.
"Nothing special, just a family dinner," Yao Jing replied.
"Alright."
"I heard unit 901 caught fire?" Yao Jing asked again.
"Yep," Wu Zhiming nodded.
"That's really unfortunate," Yao Jing said sympathetically.
"Why don't you ask if the fire had anything to do with me?" Wu Zhiming inquired.
"You didn't mention it, so it obviously has nothing to do with you," Yao Jing responded.
"Not bad," Wu Zhiming nodded in approval. He despised being wrongly accused or misunderstood, and Yao Jing's earlier misunderstanding had angered him. After that incident, she had become more astute.
In Wu Zhiming's view, a woman didn't have to be beautiful, but she had to be smart.
Wu Zhiming glanced again at unit 901 and felt no pity for the couple. He firmly believed the world was just; those who commit many wrongs will inevitably face retribution.
Leaving his neighborhood, Wu Zhiming made a stop at his company. By evening, Lisi Na drove him and Yao Jing to Zhou Yanqiu's house.
"The auto repair shop called this afternoon. Your car needs major repairs. Should we consider getting a new one? The current car has been in a crash; it's not auspicious," Wu Zhiming suggested.
"No need, let's stick with the same one," Yao Jing replied.
"Alright then," Wu Zhiming nodded.
The two of them continued the rest of the journey in silence.
As the afternoon unfolded, Yao Jing mentioned, "I had an interesting conversation with Wang Hai today."
"Oh?"
"He told me that the company which bought out Wu Group is called Yaojin Capital from the provincial city," Yao Jing explained.
"Mhm!" Wu Zhiming nodded.
"Wang Hai said you came up with the name. Why did you choose 'Yaojin'?" Yao Jing asked.
"It sounds good. 'Yaojin' means flaunting wealth, symbolizing prosperity!" Wu Zhiming replied calmly.
"Oh…" Yao Jing dragged the sound out thoughtfully.
"You don't think I named it 'Yaojin' because it sounds like your name, do you?" Wu Zhiming chuckled.
"I'm not in the habit of flattering myself," Yao Jing said matter-of-factly.
Wu Zhiming smiled and didn't say more.
The car soon arrived at Zhou Yanqiu's apartment building.
Yao Jing opened the car door and got out. Wu Zhiming pulled open a drawer in the car and took out two packs of cigarettes.
"Boss, you're not very good at pleasing women," Lisi Na commented.
Wu Zhiming laughed and said, "Want to join us for dinner?"
"No thanks, I'll order some takeout down here," Lisi Na replied.
"Alright." Wu Zhiming nodded, carrying the cigarettes as he got out of the car.
Yao Jing was already waiting by the elevator. She glanced at the cigarettes in his hand but said nothing and walked into the elevator.
With a smile, Wu Zhiming followed her in.
"If I had said I named the company 'Yaojin' because it sounds like your name, would you have been moved?" Wu Zhiming asked.
"Yes," Yao Jing replied.
"You're very honest," Wu Zhiming said, slightly surprised.
"If a woman finds out her husband, after years of struggle, named an investment company after a play on her name, I think any wife would be touched," Yao Jing explained.
"Oh." Wu Zhiming made a sound of acknowledgment, then added, "I won't lie just to make you happy."
"I know." Yao Jing nodded.
"But maybe subconsciously, I did think of you at the time," Wu Zhiming said.
"That feels like an awkward attempt to make up for your previous words," Yao Jing noted.
Wu Zhiming gave an awkward smile.
As the elevator reached their floor and stopped, Yao Jing took Wu Zhiming's arm.
"When you go back to your mother's home, you should act the part," Yao Jing said.
"Has your mom still been talking about that Li Shao guy?" Wu Zhiming asked.
"You knew?" Yao Jing looked surprised.
"I'm not deaf or stupid," Wu Zhiming laughed.
"She hasn't mentioned him recently," Yao Jing shook her head and opened the door to Zhou Yanqiu's apartment.
The aroma of food wafted through the air.
Yao Jianying was busy in the kitchen, while Zhou Yanqiu was watching local news from Haixia City in the living room.
Just as Wu Zhiming entered, the news was broadcasting a segment on Liu Ning's Fly Restaurant, showing him spitting into food. Reporters surrounded Liu Ning and Feng Lijuan, who were desperately trying to avoid them.
As that segment ended, another news piece followed about the fire at Liu Ning's home. The couple sat amidst the ruins, covered in soot, facing a barrage of questions from the reporters.
One particularly intriguing question came from a reporter who asked Liu Ning if he thought the fire was divine punishment.
Liu Ning, with a face of utter desolation, did not answer.
Yao Jing walked into the kitchen to help Yao Jianying with dinner, while Wu Zhiming sat on the couch, enjoying the television coverage of Liu Ning's plight.
"I heard from Jingjing that you bought the unit below yours, 902?" Zhou Yanqiu inquired.
"Yes," Wu Zhiming nodded.
Zhou Yanqiu smiled but didn't say anything further.
Shortly after, the meal was ready, and everyone gathered at the table.
Midway through dinner, Zhou Yanqiu put down her chopsticks and spoke, "Jingjing, your brother has found a girlfriend in college. He plans to bring her home this weekend."
"Really? That's great," Yao Jing responded.
"It seems like just yesterday he was a kid, and now he's bringing home a girlfriend. He'll be submitting his thesis next month, and I've arranged a position for him at your grandfather's company. Once he graduates, he'll start working there," Zhou Yanqiu continued.
"Following the family tradition," Yao Jing nodded.
"His girlfriend is from another city. According to your brother, she'll be moving here to live. Living with us might be uncomfortable for her, given my temperament, and it could strain their relationship. But if they don't live with us, we don't have another place for them to stay. We can't just let them rent, right? A girl moving here deserves a proper place to live. Today, while discussing this with your dad, you mentioned buying the unit below yours. Since you and Zhiming don't have children yet, and your place has plenty of extra rooms, why don't your father and I move in with you? What do you think?" Zhou Yanqiu suggested.
Hearing this, Yao Jing put down her chopsticks and looked at Wu Zhiming.
"You decide. You're the head of the household," Wu Zhiming smiled.
"Mom," Yao Jing turned to Zhou Yanqiu, "Is my brother's girlfriend from a wealthy family?"
"How did you know?" Zhou Yanqiu asked, surprised.
"If she weren't, first, you wouldn't approve of their relationship. Second, you wouldn't agree to him marrying someone from a less well-off background. And third, if she weren't wealthy, you wouldn't suggest giving up our house. Given your personality, a daughter-in-law would be expected to adapt to living with her in-laws. The fact that you're concerned about her comfort and willing to vacate the house means she must come from a very affluent family," Yao Jing explained.
A look of embarrassment crossed Zhou Yanqiu's face.