The food was quickly served at the table.
It was a feast for all senses - appearance, aroma, and taste.
Zhu Zi held her chopsticks with both hands, closed her eyes before the meal, and softly said, "Thank you for the food."
Then, she opened her eyes and looked at Xia Zhi, asking quietly, "Boss, would you like me to serve you some dishes?"
*She's quite thoughtful.*
*Starting to show some secretary-like qualities.*
Xia Zhi smiled and shook his head, "No need, I can manage. Please, eat."
Zhu Zi swallowed and said, "Please, you first."
Xia Zhi picked up his chopsticks, "Don't be so formal. I'm not from Liyue, so I don't stand on ceremony. Just treat me as a friend."
Zhu Zi finally started eating and exclaimed, "Oh! Boss, this Three-Strand Delicacy tastes even better than when I last ate here!"
Xia Zhi nodded, "Yes, they've made quite a few improvements."
"Boss, I heard her say it was based on your suggestions from yesterday?"
"That's right."
"Wow, Boss, you're amazing!"
"..."
How to put it... Although her praise was partially influenced by gratitude, it still felt nice to be complimented so admiringly by such a young and cute girl.
Living with this articulate young woman would surely make life interesting.
Xia Zhi smiled and continued eating quietly.
His appetite wasn't small; he finished half of the three dishes.
The other half was consumed by Zhu Zi.
It was clear that the young woman hadn't been eating well recently; she seemed quite famished.
She probably didn't bring much money when she came by sea, and staying in an inn had depleted most of it, especially since she couldn't find suitable work...
If this continued, she might have ended up as a homeless girl on the streets.
Fortunately, she met him, who not only provided her with a well-paying job with light duties but also offered her accommodation at the shop.
After finishing the meal, Xia Zhi called for Xiangling, as it was proper to express gratitude for her treat before leaving.
"Has Mr. Xia finished dining?"
"Yes, thank you for the meal."
"How did you find today's lunch, Mr. Xia?"
"The Three-Strand Delicacy was excellent."
"And the other two dishes? Did Mr. Xia notice anything that could be improved?"
Xiangling stared at him, her eyes sparkling with hopeful anticipation.
It seemed his actions from last night had successfully caught Xiangling's interest.
Xia Zhi pondered for a moment before offering his suggestions: "The other two dishes were also very good, but according to my personal taste, there could be some minor adjustments..."
Xiangling immediately asked, "Such as?"
Xia Zhi started with the seasoning proportions and offered some improvement suggestions: "For instance, the Come and Get It dish is a mixed dish, and different ingredients require different cooking times..."
Xiangling listened attentively while nodding continuously, like a diligent student. "Mr. Xia makes excellent points. I've noted them all down. Will you be dining at Wanmin Restaurant again tonight?"
Xia Zhi considered for a moment and said, "I should be."
Xiangling happily replied, "Then I'll prepare these two dishes again for you tonight, with the improvements you suggested."
Xia Zhi smiled and asked, "Are you treating me again?"
Xiangling smiled back, "Of course!"
Xia Zhi nodded, "Then I'll definitely come."
Xiangling nodded as well, "It's settled then."
After leaving Wanmin Restaurant, walking on the street, Zhu Zi couldn't help but exclaim softly, "Boss, you're incredible!"
"It's nothing special."
"No, it really is amazing! I just thought the food was delicious, but I couldn't explain exactly what made it good or what needed improvement."
Xia Zhi explained quietly, "Perhaps it's because I lost my vision, so my sense of smell and taste became more acute."
Zhu Zi suddenly fell silent, feeling she had accidentally touched upon a sensitive topic, experiencing a faint sense of guilt.
*Abilities gained at the cost of losing vision - if given the choice, the boss surely wouldn't want such abilities, right?*
The atmosphere between them suddenly grew quiet.
After walking for a while, they approached the wooden bridge over the rock crevice.
Xia Zhi asked, "Zhu Zi, would you like me to accompany you to your inn?"
"Ah? No need!"
"I could help carry some things, make it easier for you."
"Really, it's not necessary! Just wait for me at the shop, Boss. I only have a few clothes to collect."
"Alright then, I'll head back first. Remember to visit a tailor and order clothes made from the finest materials. Don't worry about the cost - if it's not enough, I'll provide more money."
"Yes! I understand!"
Watching Xia Zhi's retreating figure, Zhu Zi couldn't help but think that the boss was truly a kind person.
She first went to the Huishan market, asked several people, and finally chose a tailor shop with the best reputation. She carefully selected materials and styles, trying her best to negotiate prices. Although the boss said money wasn't an issue, saving even a little would help.
After all, the boss had just opened the shop and hadn't started making money yet.
After paying the deposit and arranging to collect the clothes in two days, Zhu Zi returned to the small inn near the harbor, packed her belongings, checked out at the front desk, and retrieved her deposit. She then bought some feminine necessities and new bedding before returning fully laden.
Entering the shop, she saw Xia Zhi sitting in his chair drinking tea.
The scene was similar to the morning, but her position was now different.
"Boss, I'm back."
"Mm, go upstairs and arrange your room first."
"Okay!"
Zhu Zi took her things to her room and made the bed, organizing everything briefly.
The room wasn't very large, but it was bigger than her previous inn room, and it had a balcony.
The other aspects didn't matter much; the main thing was that she could live here for free.
After all, this was Feiyun Slope - a room of this size would normally cost at least 5,000 Mora to rent through an agency.
So technically, her actual monthly income should include this 5,000 Mora of implicit value.
And the 15,000 Mora monthly salary was already equal to the front desk staff at established places like the Jade Chamber.
Plus, she got holidays here!
This advantage alone was overwhelming.
Satisfied with her room inspection, Zhu Zi returned downstairs.
Xia Zhi then took out a contract and handed it to her, saying, "This is the labor contract. Please review it and let me know if there are any issues. We can discuss modifications if needed."
Zhu Zi took the contract and read it carefully. The contents were basically the same as what they had discussed in the morning, and there weren't any strange breach of contract conditions.
"Boss, I've finished reading."
"How is it?"
"No problems."
"Then let's sign it."
"Mm."
They both signed their names on the contract.
Two copies were made.
Xia Zhi put away the contract and looked at her, "Miss Zhu Zi."
Zhu Zi looked back at him, "Boss?"
Xia Zhi smiled slightly and said softly, "Well then, I look forward to working with you."
Zhu Zi smiled brightly and nodded earnestly, "I look forward to working with you too!"