1994: Starting with unpaid leave

Dong Jianguo glanced at Li Wan and noticed that she was also looking at him with a smile. He guessed that this matter was not as simple as Li Tianming had said.

It's very likely that my old classmate has secretly helped me a lot again.

However, Dong Jianguo's body reacted faster than his mind; he immediately grabbed Li Tianming's hand and shook it frantically.

"Uncle Li... you're letting our factory's braised eggs be on the plane... I never dreamed such a good thing could happen! I'm so grateful to you for giving me this opportunity!"

Li Tianming smiled and said, "At the moment, this is just an idea."

"Furthermore, airplanes are different from trains. If your product is to be used on an airplane, we will need a designated agency to issue a safety inspection report..."

"Of course, no problem!" Dong Jianguo nodded eagerly in agreement.

"Also, if we can collaborate, I hope you can provide our company with a special version..."

"A special edition?" Dong Jianguo was taken aback, not understanding what the other party meant.

"Yes, at the very least, there shouldn't be as much braising liquid inside as there is on the train..."

Hearing Li Tianming's words, Zhou Xiuyun was stunned, not understanding why he would do this.

Dong Jianguo, however, was quick-witted:

"I understand, Uncle Li. You're worried that if you spill soup or water everywhere on the plane, passengers will blame the airline for poor service, right?"

"Hmm? That's right, that's exactly what I'm worried about! So, Xiao Li, you've flown before?"

Dong Jianguo smiled and shook his head in denial:

"I've never flown on one. I've only ever seen it in TV dramas. I always thought airplane passengers were hard to please, so I just guessed."

He was telling the truth. He had flown in an airplane in his past life, but as for this life, he only took a train for the first time when he went to Harbin last time...

Li Tianming nodded, and couldn't help but take a closer look at the intelligent young man in front of him.

He's smart, quick-witted, and good-looking.

No wonder my niece kept recommending him to me.

It's just a pity that we got married a little too early...

"Then it's settled. I'll be staying in Hecheng for three days during this vacation. Once everything is ready, you can contact me anytime to pick up the samples. I'll also stop by your factory on the way..."

After giving a brief explanation, Li Tianming didn't linger for long. He made an excuse that he had other things to do and left Shunyu Barbecue.

After seeing Li Tianming off, Dong Jianguo looked at the smiling Li Wan:

"Oh, old classmate, we were just thinking of treating you to a meal to thank you for all the trouble you went through getting my documents done last time, and now you've given us such a big gift! We can never repay this kindness!"

After saying something like "I can never repay the debt of gratitude" at the Korean restaurant, Dong Jianguo felt a little agitated...

"What nonsense are you talking about? My uncle was still craving your braised eggs when he got home, and I just happened to see it. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered to talk to him..."

After saying that, Li Wan smiled and reached out to take Zhou Xiuyun's arm:

"Come on, Sister-in-law Xiuyun, sit over here and tell me what it feels like to be a mother soon~"

Although Xiuyun was a little reluctant, she couldn't refuse because the uncle had just negotiated such a big deal with her husband, so she could only sit down next to Li Wan.

The two sat together; one was beautiful and lovely, the other was intellectual and poised.

Worried about getting the smell of barbecue on them, the two of them took off their coats and trench coats, revealing that they were both wearing turtleneck sweaters underneath.

Xiuyun was wearing a white dress, while Li Wan was wearing a black dress.

The close-fitting sweaters accentuated the curves of their upper bodies.

Xiuyun already had a good figure; she was slim where she should be and curvy where she should be.

If it weren't for her protruding belly, her figure would definitely be able to confuse 99% of the men in the world.

Back when he was in school, he wore his school uniform all the time, so Dong Jianguo never really noticed.

I never expected that my old classmate Li Wan would be so knowledgeable.

Today I certainly got to feast my eyes on something beautiful.

"Come on, my wife and Li Wan, eat as much as you want today, I'll take care of you two!"

As Dong Jianguo spoke, he called the waiter to bring over a charcoal grill pan.

Once the baking pan is slightly warm, get up and grease it with lard.

Large chunks of pork fat sizzled on the baking tray, and soon the heated grease made the entire tray shiny black.

As soon as the marbled beef on the plate hit the grill, a steaming cloud filled with the aroma of meat rose up.

The mixed meat sauce contains not only meat, but also onion rings coated with plenty of butter.

When the two flavors are combined, it becomes the authentic Heicheng Barbie Q.

While waiting for the meat to cook, Xiuyun and Liwan chatted while eating Korean-style spicy kimchi and pickled radish slices.

At first, Xiuyun and Li Wan were a little unfamiliar with each other.

However, as they chatted, they realized that the other person didn't have any bad intentions, and they gradually became familiar with each other.

After all, nothing actually happened between Li Wan and Dong Jianguo.

Moreover, they not only helped her a lot when she applied for the factory license, but now they've also introduced her uncle to discuss cooperation. It's only fair that she shouldn't neglect them.

Thinking this, she took the initiative to pick up the grilled beef from the grill for Li Wan.

"Come on, Li Wan, try Jianguo's cooking~"

"Don't just focus on me, you eat too!"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Dong Jianguo's porcelain bowl remained empty despite his constant work of turning over the meat.

"Jianguo, don't just focus on serving us, join us for dinner!"

"No rush, let's grill some more meat and eat it together later."

Dong Jianguo chuckled: "Honestly, I never imagined Li Wan's family had so much influence. Your uncle actually works for an airline—that's a guaranteed lucrative job!"

"What's so special about that? I think it's really impressive that you're so young and already own your own food factory!"

"Am I right, Xiuyun? Tell me, what's it like being the factory director's wife?"

Xiuyun blushed and glanced at Dong Jianguo:

"What's the point of feeling this? I have to work in the factory too."

"Our Xiuyun might be the one who made it; the braised eggs your uncle mentioned were made by her."

"Wow, really! Xiuyun, you're amazing! My dad says even a dog wouldn't eat the food I cook, but we're about the same age, and you already have your own secret recipe!"

Li Wan, who works within the system, has a very high EQ; she always speaks very politely and never lets anything fall flat.

In contrast, Xiuyun was much more silent.

However, this is exactly what Dong Jianguo likes about her.

Sometimes, all you need is a down-to-earth woman who is willing to put in the effort for you.

The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.

Worried that it wouldn't be safe for Li Wan to go home alone, the couple took a taxi to send her home first.

After Li Wan went upstairs, she asked the driver to take them to Xiju Residence.

Upon entering the house, Dong Jianguo noticed that his wife seemed a little down.

"What's wrong? Aren't you full?"

"Get lost! If you keep eating like that, you'll turn into a little piglet!"

"Why do you seem a bit down?"

"I think Li Wan is amazing, and her relatives are amazing too..."

"Unlike me... I can't help with anything at home..."

Dong Jianguo was taken aback. Was his wife... feeling inferior?