Chapter 1263 - 1265
Since they wanted to avoid Luo Zijun, they chose a new spot for this lunch outing; overall, they ate to their hearts’ content.
"Eating Sichuan cuisine in the heat of summer is really quite satisfying, and thank goodness for air conditioning."
"No wonder this place is so popular."
Gong Ruini observed how everyone said they wouldn’t eat much spicy food, but as they ate, they quickly devoured everything, signaling to Gong Ruini that this restaurant was bound to thrive.
The transformation of her uncle’s career was indeed executed remarkably well; it was a success.
As a Sichuan girl, Qiao Yanran had adapted quite well to studying and living in Beijing, though she was only ever dissatisfied with the food.
If she hadn’t always brought a load of spicy sauces to Beijing every semester, Gong Ruini would worry whether she could adapt to life there.
"So, how is it?" Asking a genuine Sichuan girl if Sichuan cuisine is to her taste is natural.
Qiao Yanran wanted to give a thumbs up, but she realized that a single thumbs up couldn’t convey her immense satisfaction.
"Perfect, absolutely perfect."
"It’s great that this restaurant opened. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have dared let my siblings come to Beijing for university."
Thinking back on those early days in Beijing made Qiao Yanran nearly cry — it was genuinely tough.
"Ni Zi, who owns this place? Why didn’t they think of this sooner?"
"I think this restaurant must have been opened by someone from Sichuan," Qiao Yanran confidently concluded, "otherwise, the taste wouldn’t be so authentic."
These words pleased Gong Ruini, attesting that her uncle’s efforts were worthwhile. "Next time there’s a new dish, you can come for a taste test."
A taste test? Such an opportunity? Qiao Yanran felt delighted and joyful, and suddenly, "Did you open it?"
Oh my God, while everyone else worried about their careers, this woman had been growing her business all along during her studies.
Now entering the culinary world, and doing it so smoothly, Qiao Yanran couldn’t help but feel a mix of envy and admiration.
With everyone having the same 24 hours a day, why was heaven so partial to Gong Ruini?
Gao Jing and the gang weren’t even surprised, glancing at Gong Ruini; she was simply beyond shocking.
If it were anyone else, they would be astonished, but with Gong Ruini, nothing seemed surprising; whatever she did, it never shocked anyone.
"It’s not owned by me; I’m too busy." Gong Ruini shook her head quickly, "I’m planning to go abroad. How could I handle such an endeavor?"
The food industry can definitely be lucrative, but it requires a lot of effort, something only Cai Ming could manage.
"Then who?" If not Gong Ruini, then who among the talented could it be?
"My uncle."
"Ah, your uncle." Though not much acquainted with Gong Ruini’s uncle, he was a well-commented figure at Jing University.
At the outset, people commented on why a prominent figure hadn’t joined a government office or state-owned enterprise and instead went into business, critiquing his choice.
"Yes, my uncle is quite impressive." Back when Cai Ming chose to work for Wan Qiweng, many criticised him as if he wasted his education.
It was quite the scandal at the time; though Cai Ming insisted he didn’t mind, did he really?
If he truly didn’t care, he wouldn’t have skipped reunions for years, just because some classmates called him a loser at the graduation dinner.
"So sometimes what seems like a mistake initially may turn out to be surprising a few years later."
"As society progresses, you’ll never fully know if your past decisions were right." Making quick decisions and overzealous evaluations seem foolish to Gong Ruini.
Gong Ruini couldn’t say how many successful individuals were among Cai Ming’s peers, but she doubted many surpassed Cai Ming’s success.
At least, Cai Ming was thriving now, and her uncle was eager to venture into another field.
"Exactly." Those who harshly judged Cai Ming are now looking at his progress and are nowhere to be found.
It shows their work hasn’t brought promotions, missing out on good opportunities and stagnating, as newcomers rise in ranks.
"Why should we worry about others? We’ll keep working diligently and won’t miss our chances," Qiao Yanran resolved to grab onto Gong Ruini’s coattails.
Qiao Yanran believed that even as Gong Ruini went abroad, she’d eventually return, and wouldn’t forget her college friends.
Even if Gong Ruini couldn’t provide much help, her connections could ensure Yanran wasn’t troubled, unless she opposed the Dai Family or Chu Family.
Gao Jing and others weren’t naive; being acquainted with Gong Ruini might not give much leverage, but knowing friends always benefits future endeavors.
"We’ll wait for Ni Zi to return and reunite."
"Yes, yes, Ni Zi, after you go to the United States, take lots of pictures and tell us about it over there." The United States, it sounded dreamlike.
It was just something to muse about, even though work might provide opportunities to further studies there. But are such chances abundant?
Who knows how many opportunities arise in a few years? A limited spot might garner fierce competition, especially for those without strong backing or outstanding skills.
"That’s a must-have." Willing to maintain friendships, Gong Ruini would not arrogantly refuse.
Though they seem insignificant now, in five or ten years, they’ll no longer be nobodies.
Every Jing University graduate maintains alumni bonds; with their charming, intelligent nature, as long as they avoid grave mistakes, their future won’t be bleak.
"More than scenery from the U.S., I’m interested in its legal cases." Gao Jing wanted to hang onto Gong Ruini but also aimed to advance through personal effort.
Uh, compiling U.S. legal cases wasn’t troublesome for Gong Ruini; studying it allowed her to hone her specialty.
The issue was that Gao Jing was staying in China, joining the court system vastly different from America’s, making it irrelevant for her.
"I want to study more economic cases," Gao Jing shyly said. "I’ve researched it; more foreign enterprises are entering the country, leading to future commercial disputes."
"I may not face any now, but I surely will later, so I must strive harder." While Gao Jing restrained herself publicly, she felt no need to do so with Gong Ruini.