Chapter 133: Meeting Xia Jiaojiao at the Hot Pot Restaurant
There were all sorts of comments under that online post.
Yun Zijin scrolled down and read several of them, most of which were slanderous.
"Zijin, don't mind these people. They have no idea what's really going on—just a bunch of fence-sitters believing whatever they hear. You don't need to let them bother you," Qin Sitong said quickly, worried that reading these nasty remarks would upset Yun Zijin.
But Zijin truly didn't care much. The photos in the post were all factual; there was nothing to hide. Besides, Meilin had never tracked down the previous poster—if he dared to post again today, he'd have to be ready for Meilin to find him.
"Don't worry, it's just a trivial matter, not worth fretting over. You shouldn't read it either—full of false info. I'll reserve the right to pursue legal action against him," Zijin said calmly.
As soon as the poster was identified, she planned to safeguard her legal rights to the fullest extent. Qin Sitong felt slightly more at ease hearing that.
"As long as it doesn't affect your mood! But I bet loads of students have seen the post. Maybe we can go off campus for lunch?"
If they went to the cafeteria, there was a high chance they'd be surrounded by onlookers. Even though Qin Sitong believed Zijin, she wasn't sure she could handle all the gawking and gossip.
"It's okay. I heard several new restaurants opened on the 'food street' near school. Want to go have a look?" said Zijin.
She didn't even know if new shops had opened. She mostly wanted an excuse to check up on that street she'd recently acquired. She wondered if Meilin had begun handling matters—perhaps she could collect some rent soon.
"Alright, alright!"
Qin Sitong didn't mind, as long as they avoided the cafeteria.
"Then it's settled. Bike or drive?" asked Zijin.
"Just ride the bike. It's only lunch—no need to break out your fancy car," Sitong replied.
She really didn't want to show off on campus. With Zijin's tendency to draw negative attention, someone could snap a photo and stir things up again.
"Okay. Then give me a ride," Zijin said.
Sitong didn't object, climbing onto the front seat and waiting until Zijin had settled behind her before pedaling off. Even so, as they rode from the campus library to the main gate, countless passersby stared. Though they couldn't hear exactly what people said, Sitong was sure it wasn't flattering.
Irritated, she biked faster than usual. A twenty-minute trip took her barely ten minutes.
"Don't be angry—it'll just make you old. Lunch is on me, pick whatever you like!" joked Zijin, waving a hand as if to cast aside Sitong's worries.
"I want hot pot!"
Although born in the capital, Qin Sitong's mother was from Province C, so she had a particular fondness for spicy hot pot.
"Sure! Let's eat hot pot. Let's see who's got the best in the area…" They knew they'd get hot pot, but hadn't decided which restaurant.
"I do! Q City Hotpot is super authentic, tastes nearly like my mom's. The owner's supposedly from Province C," Sitong answered.
If the owner wasn't local, that explained the genuine flavor. Zijin, who'd only worked part-time in that area before and hadn't actually eaten there, had no objections.
At that moment, Ling Er emerged from the shadows and trailed behind Zijin. Neither Zijin nor Sitong reacted; they were used to his mysterious comings and goings.
The three stepped into Q City Hotpot together. A waiter greeted them.
"Hello, how many?"
"Three," Qin Sitong said, glancing back at Ling Er behind Zijin.
"Alright, let's do a table for four. Follow me, please."
The waiter gestured for them to follow. After winding through the busy restaurant, they reached a four-person table.
"Dinner rush is crazy, and this table's a bit tucked away. Is that okay?"
He looked apologetic; evidently, it was the best the place had left.
Qin Sitong glanced at Zijin—she was the one treating, after all, so the choice was hers.
"It's fine, same anywhere," said Zijin. She'd worked in service before, so she understood. Plus, a more secluded table was quieter—she liked that.
Hearing Zijin's easygoing response, the waiter brightened. "What would you like to order? I can put it in right away."
He rarely met such amenable customers, so his attitude became noticeably friendlier, hinting at giving them a little preferential treatment. Zijin, Sitong, and Ling Er sat down and opened the menu. Having grown up with hot pot at home, Sitong rattled off a list: "Beef rolls, sliced beef, tripe…" She paused occasionally to ask Zijin or Ling Er if they had any dislikes.
"Okay, let's start with that. If we need more, we'll add on," she said, closing the menu confidently. Zijin nodded in approval. She liked not having to fuss.
Sitong chuckled, saying it was just hot pot—she had no clue about other cuisines. The waiter soon departed with their order, returning a short while later pushing a small cart piled with the items. Zijin got up to help but Sitong stopped her, insisting that since Zijin was treating, she'd handle the rest.
Zijin smiled, appreciating a bit of free time. Sitong, half from Province C, demonstrated impressive hot pot know-how, cooking items systematically with serving chopsticks and making sure Zijin and Ling Er had everything they needed.
"Elder sister?"
A jarringly sweet voice suddenly interrupted their meal.
Zijin recognized that nauseating "sister" without looking up—Xia Jiaojiao. She raised her eyes, replying coldly, "If you have something to say, say it. If not, scram."
She'd thought that after so long without seeing Jiaojiao, the girl had finally quieted down. Yet here she was, in a hot pot place—odd for someone who always boasted about high-end dining. It was indeed unusual for a self-proclaimed wealthy lady to show up at such a modest hot pot joint.
Xia Jiaojiao didn't speak immediately. After Zijin's brusque remark, she simply stood at the aisle beside their table, tears welling as she put on a pitiful face.
"What's your problem? Jiaojiao was so happy to see her sister here! Why are you being so mean?"
Sure enough, once Jiaojiao acted pitiful, a latecomer popped up to defend her.
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