Under Liu Ming's comfort, Xiao Lingyin gradually calmed down.
However, perhaps because of what just happened, she was a little shy and embarrassed to face Liu Ming, so she hid behind the counter and wouldn't come out.
"I'm here again, this door is still so hard to open," at this moment, the door opened and a middle-aged uncle walked in.
Liu Ming remembered that yesterday, when they were looking for a restaurant, it was this uncle who told them the location of this diner.
"Oh, young man, you're here today too. I told you, dining here is definitely the right choice. Xiao Lingyin, get me a cup of hand-ground coffee."
The uncle also recognized Liu Ming, greeted him, and then ordered a cup of coffee from Xiao Lingyin behind the counter.
"You're right, this place is really good," Liu Ming nodded in agreement.
"Right? Hahahaha," the uncle laughed proudly.
A moment later, Xiao Lingyin brought over a cup of coffee and placed it in front of the uncle.
"Does Brother Xiao Ming also know the uncle?" This time, Xiao Lingyin didn't hide back behind the counter. Holding the tray, she looked at Liu Ming curiously.
"Yes, yesterday, this uncle introduced me to eat here with you. This is all fate," Liu Ming said with emotion.
If he hadn't dined here, he wouldn't have met such an optimistic and strong Xiao Lingyin, and he wouldn't have decided to take her in.
"Is that so?" Xiao Lingyin looked at the uncle curiously.
The uncle took a sip of coffee before nodding in agreement. Then, he suddenly reacted.
"Xiao Lingyin, you're too much! I've been here so many times, and you still call me 'uncle'. He's only been here a few times, and you're already calling him 'brother'. Is it because he's handsome? You can't treat customers differently like this, you know," the uncle said, feigning dissatisfaction.
"That's not true," Xiao Lingyin waved her hands repeatedly.
"Hehe, isn't this normal?" Liu Ming pulled Xiao Lingyin to his side and gently ruffled her head. "I plan to take her to live with me."
Hearing this, the uncle's smile faded, and he looked at Liu Ming with serious and scrutinizing eyes.
Liu Ming didn't mind and let him look.
After a while, the uncle spoke, "Are you serious?"
"Of course."
"Why? You've only seen Xiao Lingyin a few times, haven't you? Why would you make such a decision? Your motives are very suspicious."
"How should I put it? Maybe it's her smile, or perhaps her resilience. To put it in one sentence, I was moved by her and couldn't bear to see her continue living this kind of life. Actually, you don't need to be so wary of me. I'll follow proper procedures; I won't just take her away directly.
Moreover, if you're really worried, I can leave my phone number, and even my address, with you. You can visit her anytime you're free.
Of course, if Xiao Lingyin misses this place, I'll bring her back to visit."
"Oh, and 'GrandBlue,' that dive shop, do you know it? Their whole family knows me. They're all locals here, so it's not like they'd help an outsider like me hide things from you. I'm currently staying there and will be leaving in about 3 days. You can go there anytime to find out more."
The uncle fell silent. Although he would occasionally come to support Xiao Lingyin, that was already his limit.
Even though he still had many doubts, if Xiao Lingyin could truly find happiness, he certainly wouldn't stop her.
Provided that the other party genuinely had no issues.
"Xiao Lingyin, what's your decision?" The uncle looked at Xiao Lingyin.
"I think Brother Xiao Ming is a very good person," Xiao Lingyin shyly lowered her head.
Although she didn't say it explicitly, the uncle already understood that Xiao Lingyin herself had agreed.
"What you said is well-reasoned, and I can't refute it. But for Xiao Lingyin's safety, I'll follow along the entire time, and I'll also call her teacher. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course, no problem. Xiao Lingyin leaving will definitely be communicated to her classmates and friends, so they can say a proper goodbye.
And she's so young, she'll need to go to school when she comes to my place. Her teacher will be troubled with the transfer arrangements.
How about this: tomorrow, you bring the relevant people to 'GrandBlue,' and we'll have a gathering. Xiao Lingyin, you can also invite your classmates and friends; consider it an early farewell party for you."