53 Interrogate (2/2)

Helian Jing's anger dissipated when he heard that big Yaoyao fell ill. What illness did he contract? He would have to get the royal physician check on him after he gets back.

Seeing his expression ease, Ye Jiayao continued, ”Little Jingjing, you're a prince. To civilians like me, you're unreachable. I admit, I hesitated because I don't know how to approach you in your mansion. I was going to look for you once I've made a decent living here in Jing Ling. I wanted to look for you for the sake of old friends catching up, not to charge you for your debt or beg for something to eat. I didn't want you to look down on me, little Jingjing.”

Helian Jing was so touched, the tears he was holding in almost fell. He had always dislike how big Yaoyao calls him little Jingjing, but now, it felt like a term of endearment. It was just like how he sometimes call him 'big Raorao' to get on his nerves.

Big Yaoyao did not forget me!

Helian Jing stood up and pulled a chair out for Ye Jiayao. ”Big Yaoyao, take a seat.”

Ye Jiayao sat down on the chair he offered. The young prince immediately pushed all the dishes she cooked right in front of her. ”You must be hungry? Quick, eat.”

Um? Talk about a personality change!

”No, that's okay. You go eat, I am not hungry. These are made especially for you,” Ye Jiayao replied courteously.

”You eat, you eat! I already had my fill. Besides, if I want to eat the food you prepare, I can just come here every day.” Helian Jing smiled happily.

Everyday?

”That... Little Jingjing, I know that your family is wealthy, but even if you have a lot of money, this is not the way to spend it. Eating in a restaurant every day would not look nice in the eyes of others. They would think that you are idle. A man should have some accomplishment, like serving your country and the commoners. Anyway, I am contractually bound to this place for three years. You can come here occasionally if you have guests or you want to socialize. When I open my own restaurant in the future, you can go over there every day if you wish.”

Helian Jing laughed out loud. ”Alright, I will listen to you.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him and he suggested, ”Why don't you open one now? I can lend you the capital if that's what you're worried about.”

The more thought he put into it, the more that Helian Jing was convinced that it was a superb idea. Opening a restaurant together would bound him to Big Yaoyao legitimately. Besides, with Big Yaoyao's culinary skills and his connections as a royal, the restaurant was sure to be bustling with business. They could easily compete and defeat Xiang Yi Restaurant, Heavenly Residence, and Man Ji.

Unexpectedly, Big Yaoyao rolled his eyes. ”What are you talking about? I just signed a contract, do you want me to breach it?”

Helian Jing shrugged. ”So what if you breach the contract? I will talk to Shopkeeper Li, see if he dares to not let you go.”

”Don't you dare,” Ye Jiayao told him fiercely. She has only just settled down in Jin Ling and there were still a lot more for her to learn. Moreover, she got this job because of the help of Shopkeeper Du and his wife. She couldn't just abandon the job they so generously gave her. Also, she wanted to open a restaurant that completely belonged to her. She does not want to bring in other people to partner up. She has seen too many failed business ventures in the modern times just because the partners ceased being friends. She didn't want that to happen to her.

”We can always discuss opening a restaurant in the future. First, we have to learn how to walk before we run. Opening a restaurant is not as easy as it seems,” Ye Jiayao lectured.

Helian Jing pouted.

”Oh, also, you can bring anyone you want here but not the person who brought you back in Jin Ling.” Ye Jiayao said, suddenly coming up with a solution to one of her problems.

Helian Jing was puzzled. ”Why?”

Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes again. ”Because I hate him.”

What? Helian Jing was baffled. How did brother Chunyu provoke big Yaoyao? They don't even know each other. Could it be... could it be that big Yaoyao detests brother Chunyu for bringing him back to Jin Ling, causing them to part?

Helian Jing's heartbeat involuntarily increased as he thought of this. Is that really the case? Oh, my god! This is awesome!

Ye Jiayao picked up a slice of potato, watching Little Jingjing stare at the wall, smiling like a fool.

”You do know you look ridiculous when you smile like that, right? Hold up a mirror and I'm sure you'd scare yourself.” Ye Jiayao missed teasing him.

Helian Jing managed to restrain his smile for a while. After a few seconds, it burst out of him again, his eyes glistening like the spring sun reflecting in the ripples of the Qin Huai River.

”Big Yaoyao, I am so glad I found you.”

Ye Jiayao could not help but laugh. Such a cute little child!

”Mm, I am also happy to see you.” Ye Jiayao nodded.

That was not a lie. She was indeed fond of this little brother.

Helian Jing smiled even more brilliantly, the joy in his heart indescribable.