The growth system comes at the age of 30

Chapter 240 Sorry, I'm busy! (4.5K)

After some playful banter, they continued strolling hand in hand.

After walking around the entire mall, it was almost time for them to eat, so the two decided to find a place to eat.

Finally, we stopped in front of a Fujian cuisine restaurant on the third floor of the mall.

"This place must be newly opened, right?" Li Beixing asked doubtfully.

Chen Jingle spread his hands: "Don't look at me, I haven't been to Dongxin for a long time."

Li Beixing rolled her eyes at these words. She took out her phone and said, "Let me check the online reviews first... Hmm, there are quite a lot of positive reviews overall. I'll give it a try. It shouldn't be a disaster."

"Row!"

Chen Jingle had no objection.

Although Fujian cuisine is one of the eight major cuisines, it doesn't have a very high profile. The most well-known dishes seem to be Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and oyster omelet and satay noodles, which are more like snacks and fast food.

As for other dishes, such as Eight Treasure Red Crab Rice, Lychee Pork, and Ginger Duck, their popularity is much lower.

Chen Jingle had only eaten Fujian cuisine once.

When I was working in the provincial capital, I went to eat with friends at a Michelin-starred restaurant, but in hindsight, it was just so-so.

Maybe that restaurant wasn't authentic enough.

He only gained some understanding of Fujian cuisine after he started studying cooking, but it was just that—understanding—and he didn't study it in depth.

Fujian cuisine is characterized by its light, fresh, mellow, and savory flavors, often featuring soups. It is known for its use of red yeast rice and sweet and sour seasonings. It is a combination of three distinct regional styles: Mindu cuisine, Southern Fujian cuisine, and Western Fujian cuisine, each with its own local characteristics.

Min cuisine, for example, is light, refreshing, and fresh, emphasizing the use of broth to enhance its flavor; Southern Fujian cuisine focuses on seasonings and emphasizes freshness and aroma; Western Fujian cuisine emphasizes saltiness and spiciness, and mainly uses mountain delicacies.

The local environment shapes the local food culture.

Don't be fooled by restaurants claiming to serve Fujian cuisine; you need to know where the owner and chef are from. Different schools and lineages will result in different flavors.

The restaurant in front of us is called "Minnan Renjia," which means it serves Minnan cuisine.

Southern Fujian cuisine encompasses dishes from Quanzhou, Xiamen, Zhangzhou, and other areas. Due to geographical location, the local eating habits tend to be a blend of Chinese and Western styles, embracing a diverse range of influences.

They might not be able to get used to the food.

But Teacher Li said she wanted to eat it, so let's give it a try.

Go inside, find a seat, and look at the menu first.

"They have Buddha Jumps Over the Wall!" Chen Jingle exclaimed in surprise.

The price isn't too expensive, at 28 yuan per serving. The ingredients certainly can't compare to those of a restaurant like Juchunyuan, but it's not exactly a different kind of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. It's a basic version, suitable for most people.

However, Chen Jingle did not order it.

The reason was that after asking, I found out it was a traditional practice that involved rice wine, and the alcohol content was not low. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to drive after consuming it.

Unfortunately, all I can say is next time.

However, dishes like satay beef, ginger duck, fried pork in vinegar sauce, and oyster omelet are acceptable.

Perhaps due to their taste preferences, only two of the four dishes suited their tastes. The other two tasted a bit off, and it's unclear whether it was due to the chef's skill or just how the dishes were supposed to taste.

After all, Chen Jingle hadn't eaten much Fujian cuisine.

When asked, Li Beixing said she hadn't eaten it much either.

Ok.

Given that people in different regions have different tastes, it's normal for them not to be used to the food from other regions.

Just like in some places, braised pork ribs require a lot of sugar, resulting in a sweet and sticky dish, while people in Guangdong mostly use pork ribs to make soup.

Fortunately, the price wasn't high, so I just treated it as a novelty and it's nice to change things up once in a while.

After quickly finishing his meal and sending Teacher Li back to school, Chen Jingle rushed home.

He had finished eating, but his mother and Chen Qiyun at home hadn't eaten yet. Fortunately, there was still time; simply cooking the dishes wouldn't take much longer.

……

at the same time.

Meanwhile, Lin Liyun returned home, handed the children over to the nanny, and was about to go pick up her two older children.

Suddenly I received a message: "Shumin and I are coming back tomorrow. Are you free in a couple of days? Would you like to come out and have dinner with us?"

It was sent by Feng Jingjing, my high school classmate and good friend.

Lin Liyun asked in surprise, "You two are back? Were you on vacation?"

“No, I resigned. That idiot company cut salaries and forced people to quit voluntarily. I couldn’t stand it, so I just left. It just so happened that Shumin was also unemployed, so we came back together,” Feng Jingjing replied.

Lin Liyun said, "We can have dinner, but is there anyone else besides the two of you?"

Feng Jingjing replied: "Me, Shu Min, Brother Feng, Ah Kun, Mingzai, if I add you, there are six of us."

Well, they're all from their high school circle.

Apart from Feng Jingjing and Liao Shumin, the others all returned to Jiangbei after graduating from university. They all came from relatively well-off families and didn't have to worry about food or drink.

They either run a small business, or their parents helped them find a job, or they passed the civil service exam.

In short, everything was paved by the family.

Lin Liyun thought for a moment and said, "It's fine if it's just a meal, but it's also okay if we don't play mahjong too late."

Feng Jingjing said, "Okay, then I'll add you. We might not play mahjong after dinner; we might find a quiet bar to sit in for a while. If it's inconvenient for you, you can leave first."

"Yes, the child is still young, so I shouldn't stay out outside for too long."

Lin Liyun suddenly remembered something and changed the subject: "By the way, I have a question for you."

"Ok?"

"Do you know what Chen Jingle's current situation is? Or does anyone know?" Lin Liyun was still a little curious.

Feng Jingjing found the question strange: "Chen Jingle? Why bring him up all of a sudden? He doesn't get along with any of us. I remember he got along better with Liang Cheng, Wang Xian, Lao Zheng, and a few other guys, maybe with Taozi and Liyu as well."

Lin Liyun retorted, "Aren't you quite familiar with him too? You two even went to the same university."

Feng Jingjing rolled her eyes and said, "I was his high school class monitor, so it's normal for me to be familiar with my classmates. We went to the same university, but not the same major or class, and we were on different campuses, so we rarely had a chance to meet. To be honest, I haven't seen him for many years since graduation. You still haven't told me why you suddenly brought him up."

Lin Liyun said, "I ran into him when I went for a walk today."

"And then?" Feng Jingjing asked curiously.

Lin Liyun thought for a moment and said, "He's quite handsome now."

"Huh?" Feng Jingjing sent a shocked husky emoji.

It's hard to believe that such words actually came from Lin Liyun's mouth.

I remember when the girls used to chat about the boys in their class, Lin Liyun complained that Chen Jingle was dark-skinned, thin, and unfashionable.

Lin Liyun replied: "No joke, he's really handsome, more handsome than many celebrities, much taller than when he was in school, fair-skinned, and very good at dressing. I didn't even recognize him at first; he was the one who greeted me first."

"you sure?!"

Feng Jingjing found it hard to imagine that Chen Jingle could be associated with the word "very handsome".

Although the last time she saw Chen Jingle was at her class's graduation ceremony, when Chen Jingle and a few other classmates came to give her flowers as relatives and friends, that was already the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh time...

Uh, that was seven years ago.

At that time, Chen Jingle looked much more mature than he did in high school, and his skin wasn't as dark, but to say he was handsome would be a stretch.

They're at best a little better than a passerby.

After graduation, we all went our separate ways and didn't keep in touch much.

I had a high school reunion in Shenzhen once before, but I didn't see him that time.

All I know is that he is still alive.

When Lin Liyun told Feng Jingjing that he had become very handsome, her first reaction was that it was absurd.

Could it be that Chen Jingle has really become more handsome after all these years since graduation?

Well, it's not impossible. After all, it's been seven years. If they're willing to spend time on fitness, skin whitening, skincare, and makeup, they might undergo a complete transformation, but there will definitely be changes.

He immediately asked jokingly, "What? Are you interested?"

Lin Liyun rolled her eyes and replied, "His girlfriend is much prettier than me."

"what?!"

On the other end of the internet, Feng Jingjing was shocked again: "He has a girlfriend? And she's prettier than you?!"

Lin Liyun has already had three children, so it's normal for Chen Jingle to have a partner. He's not bad-looking, and with a slight change in his style of dress, he'd be presentable.

Aside from being a bit poor.

It's not that Feng Jingjing looks down on poor people; it's just an objective description.

When we were in school, everyone knew perfectly well who came from a poor family and who came from a rich family, but no one said it out loud.

Students like them couldn't get along with Chen Jingle, let alone the students from the wealthiest families in the class.

Of course, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between.

The problem is, Lin Liyun said Chen Jingle's girlfriend is prettier than her, and Feng Jingjing doesn't quite believe it. Is it true? Or is she joking?

After all, Lin Liyun was the prettiest girl in her class.

Even after graduating from university, Feng Jingjing had met so many people, and there were very few who were prettier than Lin Liyun; they were all rich, beautiful, and successful.

What merits does that kid Chen Jingle possess?
Did I just step in dog poop and get incredibly lucky?
Lin Liyun said, "Hmm. I feel like his girlfriend doesn't come from an ordinary family, even though she was dressed very casually at the time. So I wanted to ask you if you know anything about his current situation."

"You didn't ask them when you saw them, but now you're asking me?" Feng Jingjing just wanted to roll her eyes.

Lin Liyun smirked and typed a reply: "I asked, and he said he's setting up a calligraphy and painting studio, the high-end custom kind."

"what?"

Feng Jingjing was dumbfounded again.

Chen Jingle? Calligraphy and painting studio? High-end customization?

Ugh, I feel like my brain isn't working properly.

Lin Liyun laughed: "Right? I was surprised too."

Feng Jingjing pondered for a moment: "Now that you mention it, I remember he posted a calligraphy-related update on his WeChat Moments around the Mid-Autumn Festival. It was indeed exceptional. But if you hadn't mentioned it, I wouldn't have known he was in Jiangbei."

"He really knows calligraphy?" Lin Liyun exclaimed in surprise.

Feng Jingjing replied: "It should be, but I don't know what level it is. You should still be able to see that post in his WeChat Moments."

Lin Liyun quickly took a look and found that it was indeed true; it was written quite well. Unfortunately, she didn't understand calligraphy and didn't know what level it was.

Feng Jingjing, however, was pondering another question.

In her memory, Chen Jingle should be in the provincial capital.

I heard some classmates mention it when I had a get-together with them before.

However, even though they live in the same city, they haven't seen each other for many years.

After all, the provincial capital is so big, with nearly 20 million people. Without actively making plans, it's harder to bump into someone in the vast sea of ​​people than to win the lottery.

Let alone a city, even in the same village, two people might not have the chance to meet unless they deliberately seek each other out.

Especially Chen Jingle, who has been a very still person since his student days, able to stay in the classroom all day long, it's hard to get him to leave school.

If you don't take the initiative to contact him, he definitely won't take the initiative to contact you.

"Alright, I'll go ask!"

Feng Jingjing's gossipy nature was also piqued.

She's a pretty gossipy person.

……

After ending her conversation with Lin Liyun, Feng Jingjing immediately found Chen Jingle's WeChat friends.

Send a message: "Hi, long time no see. How have you been?"

When Chen Jingle received the message, he had just finished eating at home. Since he had already eaten with Li Beixing once, he only ate a little over one bowl of rice at this meal.

He was surprised to receive Feng Jingjing's message.

Uh oh, could it be they're here to borrow money? Or is it a wedding invitation?
It's been many years since he last contacted Feng Jingjing.

After thinking for a moment, I replied, "Jingjing, long time no see. It's alright, I won't starve. Is something wrong? Are you getting married and sending me an invitation?"

Feng Jingjing was speechless when she saw the reply: "Go ahead, it's still a long way off. I heard you're in Jiangbei?"

"Hmm."

"When did you come back?"

"It's been a long time, but I haven't gone out much. I'm too lazy to interact with people."

"As expected of you. At least come out for a walk. I remember a lot of classmates from Class 2 of high school stayed in Jiangbei. Why don't you go visit them?"

"I don't know, and I'm not interested."

Upon seeing this reply, Feng Jingjing couldn't help but roll her eyes and grit her teeth: "I give up. I'm going back to Jiangbei tomorrow. Are you free to come over for a chat tomorrow or the day after? I've heard that you've changed a lot recently, and I'd like to see just how much."

You heard it from someone? From whom?
Chen Jingle raised an eyebrow and instantly thought of Lin Liyun, whom he had just met today. Could it be that she was the one who said it?

Hmm, that's most likely it.

After all, he hadn't seen any of his former classmates during this period.

Apart from Liangcheng.

The problem is that Liang Cheng certainly wouldn't be so bored as to mention his affairs to others.

As for class reunions and the like, Chen Jingle wasn't interested; he was always too lazy to get involved in these things. However, he still habitually asked, "Who's there?"

Feng Jingjing said, "Me, Liao Shumin, Lin Liyun, Huang Feng, Long Kun, and Xie Yiming."

Chen Jingle knew exactly what kind of gathering it was just by looking at the names; it was no surprise.

So he decisively declined: "I'm sorry, I'm quite busy these days and I'm afraid I won't have time. I just hope you have fun."

Apart from Feng Jingjing, he was not familiar with anyone else; he was the kind of person who hadn't spoken more than a few words to anyone in his class during their three years of high school.

There's no need to make a fool of yourself.

"Alright, I knew it. It's not easy to get someone as important as you to do things."

Fortunately, Feng Jingjing was prepared to be rejected from the beginning.

She knew the old Chen Jingle quite well.

Apart from her, the others were not in Chen Jingle's circle at all, and forcing them together would only increase the awkwardness.

I'm just curious about how big the changes Lin Liyun mentioned really are.

Hmm, it seems that although Chan King-lok's appearance has changed, his personality hasn't changed much.

"So what are you busy with now?" Feng Jingjing asked.

Chen Jingle casually replied, "I set up a calligraphy and painting studio and commission people to create various calligraphy and painting works."

"It looks really impressive. Is it expensive?"

"There are both expensive and convenient options; that's all I can say."

"Not bad, looks like you're doing alright, that puts my mind at ease."

"Heh, just trying to make a living, as long as I don't starve to death, that's fine."

"Have you found a girlfriend yet?"

"Yes, I've got it."

"Sure, sure, remember to send me an invitation when you get married."

"Definitely, definitely, you too."

"..."

Feng Jingjing ended the conversation and, reflecting on their chat, realized she had gleaned very little useful information, which immediately deflated her.

Wow, Chen Jingle, how come he's become so slippery now?
He could only reply to Lin Liyun: "I wanted to ask Chen Jingle if he was free to come over for a while, but he said he was busy. He didn't say much about his girlfriend either; he's very tight-lipped."

Lin Liyun said disappointedly, "Then forget it."

Unwilling to give up, Feng Jingjing suddenly remembered someone.

Liangcheng!

Yes, Liang Cheng and Chen Jingle have such a good relationship, he must know some other information.

So he inquired again: "Liang Cheng, have you seen Chen Jingle recently?"

As a result, Liang Cheng received the news and immediately told Chen Jingle.

After all, he could still tell the difference between his class monitor, whom he didn't usually keep in touch with, and his own brothers.

Chen Jingle: "..."

This class monitor is such a gossip! Why does he have to ask about his whereabouts?

So I asked, "She was just asking around, she didn't say anything else?"

Liang Cheng replied, "No, I only have this one question to ask."

“Okay, ignore her. Just say you don’t know,” Chen Jingle said.

Liang Cheng was also curious: "It's been a while since I've seen you. What have you been up to lately?"

Chen Jingle smiled and said, "I was quite busy, but thankfully I'm all done now. Are you free this weekend?"

Liang Cheng: "I have to work overtime on Saturday, but I'm fine on the weekend. How about dinner or milk tea?"

Chen Jingle: "Milk tea is fine, we'll talk about it when we meet."

You can skip pointless social engagements, but you'll definitely have time to go out for bubble tea with your buddies.

(End of this chapter)