The dishes were served one after another. Li Si took a few bites and, using the excuse of going to the restroom, headed to the office to find Cui Hao.
She pushed open the door to see Cui Hao sitting on the sofa, a cigarette in hand. The ashtray already held several extinguished butts.
"Uncle Cui, is there something wrong?"
Li Si sat down, coughing twice from the smoke, and asked curiously.
"Li Si, the man you just saw is the head chef of our restaurant's kitchen. He was introduced to me by a friend. I originally thought he was trustworthy since we were all acquaintances. Who would've thought he'd pull something like this!" Cui Hao stood up to open the window for some fresh air, then turned back and let out a sigh.
Li Si nodded, signaling him to continue. "Since the opening, our reputation for the food has been excellent, and we've had a lot of repeat customers. According to the contract, we've already been paying the staff the highest standard wages. But just now, he came to negotiate terms. Besides his salary, he wants all kitchen staff's wages doubled. Otherwise, they'll leave together!"
Li Si rubbed her fingers thoughtfully. Money wasn't the issue—the problem was his attitude. Did he think just because of his cooking skills, he could suddenly raise his terms? If they gave in this time, what about next time? Would something like this keep happening?
"Uncle Cui, what are you planning to do?"
"The day after tomorrow is New Year's Day, and after that, it's close to the Spring Festival. This is the worst time to hire replacements. He likely thinks we have no way to deal with them!"
"Can you still find kitchen staff, Uncle Cui?"
"I can do it, but I'm worried it might affect our business. That's why I wanted to discuss it with you. If things slow down during this critical period, it wouldn't be good!" Cui Hao couldn't help but feel frustrated. If this were his own business, he would have replaced them without hesitation. But since it was Li Si's business, he felt it was important to consult with her first.
"Just replace them, Uncle Cui. Since I've entrusted you with the business, do as you see fit. We're not afraid of this kind of loss!" She made up her mind to stockpile the walk-in refrigerator before her trip to Beijing.
"By the way, how's my relative doing here?"
"Doing well. I've placed her in the kitchen, solely in charge of serving rice. It's an easy, low-stress job. But your relative is a bit restless—she's always helping out others!"
Li Si smiled. Her aunt truly had that kind of personality. Though soft-spoken, she had a kind heart. "Keep her salary at the same level: 1600 yuan in cash. Quietly have her open a bank account, and deposit 1500 yuan there each month as a bonus."
Cui Hao was taken aback and couldn't resist asking, "Li Si, who exactly is this relative of yours?"
"Uncle Cui, I might as well tell you. She's my aunt. But at home, she doesn't have much say, and her husband controls all the money. I just want to help her out a bit, but I don't want her to know. There's too much to explain, and it's not easy to put into a few words."
Cui Hao nodded with a knowing smile. "Got it. Aren't you here with a friend? You should head back. If anything comes up, I'll call you!"
"Alright, I'll head back then!" Realizing she'd been gone for quite a while, Li Si hurried back.
Returning to her seat, Yin Xian and Beibei both looked worried. The moment they saw her, they quickly asked why she was gone so long.
Li Si made up an excuse about a long line and chatted briefly. Yin Xian picked up the freshly prepared takeout dishes, and the three of them headed back to the hotel.
Mrs. Han seemed to have taken a nap and looked much better. "Go ahead and eat. You kids still remembered this old lady, huh? Li Si, I'm so sorry. Earlier, I wasn't feeling well and couldn't speak much. I hope you don't mind!"
"Aunt Han, what are you saying? Do you feel better now?" Li Si helped Yin Qi set the four dishes on the table one by one.
"Much better. It's just old age and recurring ailments—I'm used to it. Sigh, you really can't fight aging. Li Si, did you eat well earlier? You've been so busy with Beibei, I bet you didn't eat properly. How about joining us for some more?" Mrs. Han invited warmly.
"Don't worry about me, Aunt Han. I'm full, and Beibei has been very well-behaved!" Li Si had lost her mother at a young age and deeply craved parental care. Seeing Mrs. Han's health in such poor condition, she wondered if giving her some of the river water might help.
Just then, hearing Mrs. Han mention wanting a drink, Li Si said, "I'll pour you some water!" She stood up, found Mrs. Han's cup in the room, and, while everyone else was in the dining area, secretly poured some river water into the cup from her private space.
She held the cup up to the light to verify that the water appeared normal and had no smell. It seemed safe enough.
Feeling a bit nervous, Li Si placed the cup in front of Mrs. Han and discreetly observed her reaction.
Mrs. Han and Yin Qi ate a few bites and kept praising the food, saying it had been a long time since they'd had something so delicious. Mrs. Han soon drank the water, finishing it in a few gulps. Li Si exhaled in relief.
Even after the meal, Mrs. Han showed no abnormal reaction. Checking the time, Li Si realized it was getting late. Since they had to get up early the next day, she decided to leave.
Just as she stood to say goodbye, Mrs. Han suddenly cried out, clutching her stomach as she rushed to the restroom and locked the door behind her.
Li Si and Yin Qi hurried to her side. Standing outside the restroom door, Yin Qi anxiously asked, "Mom, are you okay?"
A moment later, Mrs. Han's voice echoed from inside, sounding pleasantly surprised, "I'm fine, kids. Don't worry. Yin Qi, why don't you let Xiao Xian take Li Si home? Don't you all have to get up early tomorrow to go to the ski resort?"
"Right, Li Si, you've been helping me take care of Beibei all day; you must be exhausted. Go home and rest. Xiao Xian, make sure to take Li Si home safely!" Yin Qi said with a smile.
Yin Xian gently grabbed Li Si's wrist, noticing her reluctance. He whispered, "Let's go. Everything seems fine now. Don't worry!"
Li Si let herself relax and sighed in relief. Thankfully, nothing serious had happened. It was only as they reached the elevator that she noticed Yin Xian was still holding her wrist.
"Ahem, you can let go now!" Although she was no stranger to adult relationships, being held like this by Yin Xian still made her feel a bit uneasy.
"Alright." Yin Xian let go lightly, and his hand unconsciously brushed against his palm, as if savoring the lingering softness of her skin.
As the elevator descended, Li Si couldn't shake the feeling that Yin Xian was watching her intensely. But each time she turned to look, he was staring straight ahead with a perfectly composed expression.
Once they left the hotel, the atmosphere between the two became subtly awkward. Not a word was spoken until the car stopped in front of Li Si's apartment. She quickly opened the door, forcing a casual tone, "Thanks. Drive safe!"
Yin Xian's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes gleaming with warmth. "Got it. See you tomorrow!"
The more time he spent with her, the happier he felt. Watching her retreat as if in a slight panic, he called out teasingly in a loud voice.
Li Si didn't feel at ease until she'd closed the door behind her. Her heart was still pounding in her chest. She wasn't sure if it was from rushing up the stairs or because of Yin Xian.
She lightly patted her burning cheeks and muttered to herself, "Calm down, calm down. Don't overthink this, Li Si. Remember, he doesn't see you that way. Don't let yourself get carried away. It's just holding hands—nothing more. Be rational. Love isn't for you! Haven't you already learned enough from past mistakes?"