Why did the system take my request to take photos with a cosplayer seriously?

I'm serious.

Ding Heng said sincerely, "Your restaurant has been operating in Xingcheng for over 20 years and has always had a good reputation. With the rise of social media, it's not impossible to find a team to package it and turn it into a chain brand."

Xie Baoyang remained silent.

"If your dad is too busy, he can hire someone. The formula is in his hands, but the core technology still belongs to you. When the branch opens, you'll be in charge of management, and your dad will be in charge of the technology. Isn't that great?"

Xie Baoyang stared at the empty road ahead, his expression somewhat dazed.

"Old Ding."

"Ah."

"Why...why do you suddenly want to help me?"

"You're thinking of your brother even though you have a turtle, isn't it only right that I help you?"

Xie Baoyang choked.

After a while, he spoke again, his attitude suddenly becoming serious.

"Actually... my dad asked me to come today."

Ding Heng did not respond.

"He said you've made it big now, and I should see you more often. Don't just stay at home playing video games, come out and broaden your horizons."

"and then?"

"Then I couldn't refuse, so I had no choice but to come to you."

Xie Baoyang shrugged: "He also asked me to bring the soft-shelled turtle, saying that wild ones are very nutritious."

What Ding Heng just said was exactly what his father had been thinking about recently; it was like someone immediately offering a pillow when you're about to fall asleep.

Logically, Xie Baoyang should have gone along with Ding Heng's offer at this point.

But... he felt uneasy!

"Old Ding."

"Ok?"

"That thing you mentioned... about opening a branch."

"how?"

Xie Baoyang remained silent for a few seconds.

"My dad probably won't be able to handle it all."

He lowered his voice: "You know him, he's spent his whole life running that little shop. He doesn't have the ability to open a branch. He should just stick to making a little barbecue until he retires."

The green light came on, and Ding Heng stepped on the gas.

"Then forget it. Come find me again when you've figured things out."

The car stopped in front of Xie Baoyang's barbecue restaurant.

Xie Baoyang unbuckled his seatbelt: "Old Ding, why don't you stay for dinner tonight?"

"No, I have family at home."

"Oh... okay."

Xie Baoyang got out of the car and turned back: "My house will be open on the second day of the Lunar New Year. You can come over if you're free. I can arrange a seat for you anytime."

"Row!"

"It's a deal then!"

Xie Baoyang grinned and waved at him.

Ding Heng watched Xie Baoyang's figure disappear and let out a long sigh.

The steady stream of people coming to pay their respects made Ding Heng realize that he had already achieved a certain social standing.

If he wanted to, he could get Lin Man to give in a little, and the gifts would immediately fill the room and warehouse.

Those who came today are all relatively close to him, and each of them basically has their own agenda.

Some seek peace of mind, others seek financial gain... and similar situations will only intensify in the future!

The phone rang again, and Ding Heng showed some impatience, but when he picked it up and looked at it, his expression softened.

"Hey?"

"Brother! Happy New Year!"

Bai Ma's clear and resonant voice eased Ding Heng's mood slightly.

He said sarcastically, "Oh, the first day of the Lunar New Year is almost over, and you only just remembered to call your brother to wish him a Happy New Year."

Baima chuckled and said, "Then let me ask you, am I the first sister to wish you a Happy New Year?"

"You're third."

"Huh? Who's here before me?"

"Wen Shu and Hua Yue".

Baima said "cut".

"They're not your biological sisters, so they don't count. I should be your first biological sister, right?"

"Who do you think you are, my dear sister?"

"Brother, you've hurt my feelings by saying that! It's the New Year, can't you at least try to comfort me?"

Baima pouted, then changed the subject: "Brother, were you unhappy just now?"

Ding Heng was taken aback: "How did you know?"

"Your voice sounds off, so listless. What's wrong? Tell me so your little sister can cheer you up?"

"Are you asking for trouble?"

"Heh heh, you come and deal with me then?"

Baima retorted defiantly, "I'm in Tibet. Do you think you can fly over here?"

Ding Heng took a deep breath, trying hard to control his impulse.

Forget it, I won't stoop to her level. That brat will have to go back to Xingcheng sooner or later.

"Pema".

"Ok?"

Do you know what "the sun never sets" means?

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone.

"The sun never sets?"

"Do you know what 'female suspension' means?"

"What are you talking about, brother? Have you had too much to drink?"

Baima asked, puzzled, "What nonsense are you spouting in broad daylight?"

"If you keep messing with me..."

Ding Heng gave a forced smile: "You'll find out sooner or later!"

Chapter 258: The Daughter Who Favors Outsiders

It was the second day of the Lunar New Year, and it was still dark.

After settling the girls in his family, Ding Heng drove alone onto the highway.

More than an hour later, the car came to a stop downstairs in Zhao Yanxi's residential complex.

Ding Heng turned off the engine, got out of the car, took out several boxes of gifts from the trunk, walked into the building, and went upstairs to knock on the door.

The door was practically kicked open.

"Brother Ding Heng!!!"

Zhao Yanxi, dressed in a bright red dress with her long, rose-red hair flowing freely, looked like a dancing flame as she plunged into Ding Heng's arms.

"It's the Lunar New Year, so be careful with your money!"

Since they were at Zhao Yanxi's house, Ding Heng couldn't be too affectionate.

"hey-hey……"

Zhao Yanxi stepped out of Ding Heng's arms, looked up and smiled with her eyes crinkling, and reached out to straighten his collar.

"You look pretty handsome today."

"Isn't that right?"

"Vanity."

The two were arguing when Zhou Rongmei leaned out and called out to them.

"Little Ding is here? Don't just stand there at the door, come in quickly, it's cold outside."

Ding Heng changed his shoes and walked into the living room, placing the gift he was carrying on the coffee table.

Zhou Rongmei followed over, her gaze sweeping over him briefly. She didn't say or ask anything, but simply gestured for Ding Heng to sit down.

Have you had breakfast?

Not yet.

"That's perfect, the dumplings are fresh out of the pot."

Zhou Rongmei brought out a plate of steaming dumplings from the kitchen and poured him a dish of vinegar.

At the same time, Zhao Xingguo walked out of the study and nodded happily to Ding Heng.

After everyone sat down and exchanged a few polite words, the topic quickly turned to Ding Heng's father.

Zhou Rongmei asked curiously, "Didn't your dad come back for Chinese New Year this year?"