The younger sister mistakenly identified her brother when visiting relatives and was kissed by the c

"Come on!" Bai Zhengyuan suddenly picked up his wine glass, his resolute face full of sincerity, and said loudly, "Let's toast Bai Zhou first! Bai Zhou, while I was away for the past few days, thanks to your care for our Xin Xin, I will remember this kindness!"

Lu Baizhou did not refuse and picked up the glass in front of him that was printed with the Double Happiness symbol.

"bite--"

The two wine glasses clinked crisply in mid-air.

Both men were tough, hardened soldiers who had fought their way through the military. Without uttering a single word, they tilted their heads back, their Adam's apples bobbing, and with a "gulp," downed the strong liquor in one go.

"Oh dear, stop just drinking, eat some food! Drinking on an empty stomach is bad for your stomach!" Mother Bai quickly urged everyone to start eating, then turned to Qiao Xinxin and winked, "Xinxin, what are you standing there for? Hurry up and put some food on your brother Lu's plate! He's a guest!"

Qiao Xinxin understood immediately and, without any hesitation, picked up a clean pair of serving chopsticks and stood up.

She first picked up a piece of braised pork ribs, plump and coated in rich sauce, then with a turn of her chopsticks, she picked up a large, glistening, and trembling pig's trotter from the large enamel basin in the center and put it all into the large bowl in front of Lu Baizhou.

"Brother Lu, you must try this pig's trotter!" Qiao Xinxin's big, watery eyes sparkled, her voice soft yet full of confidence as she enthusiastically promoted it, "I simmered it over low heat for over two hours! It's so tender and flavorful, the meat falls off the bone with just a touch of chopsticks, it's incredibly delicious, you should eat more to nourish yourself!"

Lu Baizhou lowered his head and looked at his once empty bowl, which was now piled high with ribs and pig's trotters, and his lips twitched slightly imperceptibly.

He was used to the decisive and simple meals in the army, and he really wasn't used to being treated with such "pig-feeding" hospitality.

But he didn't refuse, not even flinching. He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of braised pork rib, and put it in his mouth.

The teeth tapped lightly.

Instantly, Lu Baizhou's pupils dilated slightly!

These ribs are absolutely amazing! They're so tender they practically fall off the bone, melting in your mouth. The rich, intense savory sauce explodes in your mouth, with a perfectly balanced sweetness that not only cuts through the greasiness but also brings out the meat's full flavor—it's simply unforgettable!

He, who usually has very low demands for food and only seeks to fill his stomach, suddenly found himself unable to control himself and immediately reached out with his chopsticks to pick up a second piece and put it in his mouth.

Bai Zhengyuan also quickly grabbed a piece of braised pig's trotter. He took a bite, and his eyes widened in shock. "My goodness! Xin Xin, this braised dish is absolutely delicious! It's incredible! It's ten times, a hundred times better than the braised dish from that supposedly amazing century-old shop in our hometown!"

Hearing her brother's praise, Qiao Xinxin raised her chin and smiled proudly, revealing two cute little tiger teeth: "Of course!"

Mr. Bai was a man of few words, but at this moment his chopsticks were practically blurry! He couldn't care less about talking, especially when it came to the plate of braised pork ribs. He devoured most of the plate by himself, his mouth greasy, his honest face full of satisfaction.

While chewing on the soft and tender lotus root slices, Bai's mother couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Xinxin, your cooking skills are truly amazing! I've lived most of my life and never eaten such delicious food! Now I can finally rest assured! Don't worry, with your skills, our business will definitely succeed! We'll definitely make a lot of money!"

Lu Baizhou, who had been eating quietly, paused slightly when he heard this.

He raised his deep, dark eyes and looked at Bai Zhengyuan: "Business? What business?"

Bai Zhengyuan quickly put down his chopsticks, wiped the grease from his mouth with the back of his hand, and raised his voice to explain, "Oh, it's like this! Xin Xin is quick-witted. She said that the policy has changed, and private businesses are now allowed. She wants to start a small business in the family quarters or market near our unit. She plans to start by selling braised dishes and cold dishes, save up some capital, and then open a trendy clothing store in the city!"

Lu Baizhou's gaze, like a searchlight, slowly shifted to Qiao Xinxin, his eyes filled with a hint of inquiry and scrutiny: "You're planning to open a shop?"

In the early 1980s, being a self-employed individual was not a prestigious title, and many people were reluctant to accept it, let alone a delicate young woman in her early twenties.

Qiao Xinxin met his intensely piercing gaze without flinching. Her playful smile vanished, replaced by an unusually serious tone: "Yes! Brother Lu, the policies are much better now. The country is encouraging economic recovery—this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I want to try and make a better life for my whole family with my own hands!"

Looking at the ambitious, fiery light shining in the girl's eyes, Lu Baizhou remained silent for a moment.

He then put down his chopsticks and slowly spoke, his deep voice echoing across the table: "My mother owns quite a few shops in Beijing. If you need, I can recommend a few in good locations."

Upon hearing this, the once lively dinner table instantly fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone at the table was astonished!

Bai Zhengyuan was the first to react, his chopsticks clattering onto the table. He stared at his sworn brother with a look of utter disbelief: "Wait... Bai Zhou, what did you just say? Your aunt has shops in the capital?! And 'quite a few' of them?!"

Lu Baizhou's expression remained calm, as if he were merely commenting on the pleasant weather. He nodded lightly and said, "Yes. My mother is a businesswoman. In recent years, she has acquired some properties in the capital. The number isn't large, but the locations are all quite good, with high foot traffic, suitable for doing business."

Qiao Xinxin sat next to her, her big eyes wide open, her heart churning with turmoil!

My God!

Owning multiple shops in Beijing during the 1980s—that's hardly the kind of "some businesses" he described.

This is clearly the legendary super-rich second-generation heir, the hidden ultimate boss!

It's only been a few years since it opened up, and people are already making so much money?

Bai's mother was so shocked her jaw almost dropped. She quickly picked up the chopsticks Bai Zhengyuan had dropped, exclaiming repeatedly, "Oh my goodness, Xiao Lu, your mother is in big business? That's amazing! What an incredible woman she must be!"

Bai's father also looked at Lu Baizhou with admiration. He originally thought that Lu Baizhou was just a promising young officer, but he did not expect that not only was Lu Baizhou capable, but his family background was also unfathomable.

Seeing the family's shocked expressions, Lu Baizhou shook his head slightly, his tone still calm: "It's nothing, just a small business."

He didn't dwell on the topic, turning to look at Qiao Xinxin, who was still in a daze, and continued, "If you're really determined to open a shop, I can help you ask around and see if there are any shops of suitable size and in good locations. As for the rent, don't worry, I should be able to offer you a very favorable price."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xinxin was so excited that she almost jumped off her chair!

Just when you're feeling sleepy, here's a pillow for you!

She's been worried about where to find a good location for a shop these days. Good shops are in high demand and impossible to rent!

Unexpectedly, this great god Lu Baizhou actually delivered himself to our door!

"Really?! That's wonderful!" Qiao Xinxin slapped her thigh excitedly, her bright eyes shining with amazing light. She didn't hold back her praise. "Brother Lu, thank you so much! You're simply a living saint who descended to save us from suffering! You're my destined benefactor!"

Looking at her ecstatic expression, her mouth brimming with praise as if coated with honey, Lu Baizhou's usually cold and hard face finally revealed a very faint, yet genuine, smile.

"You're welcome, it was nothing."

Bai Zhengyuan was also incredibly excited. He slapped Lu Baizhou's broad, sturdy shoulder and laughed loudly, "Good brother! Baizhou, you've really gone to a lot of trouble this time! I'm not good with words, so I won't say much. If you ever need any help in the future, don't hesitate to ask, even if it's a mountain of knives or a sea of ​​fire!"

Mrs. Bai's face crinkled with joy as she clasped her hands together in gratitude, saying, "Xiao Lu, you've been so good to our family, helping Xin Xin time and time again. I feel so indebted; I don't know how to thank you enough!"

Surrounded by his family's enthusiastic and sincere attack, Lu Baizhou coughed lightly as a tactic. A rare, slightly unnatural expression appeared on his usually cold and hard face, which had never changed color even in the midst of gunfire.

"You really don't need to thank me, actually..."

He paused, his dark gaze slowly sweeping over the table full of exquisite delicacies that had been almost completely devoured, before finally settling on Qiao Xinxin's charming smiling face.

"Just don't kick me out when I come over for a free meal in the future."