Momo's Gradual Change

C16. Change of Address.

Chapter 16: Change of Address

The restaurant "One Bowl (Lai Yi Wan)" in Xinghu County town was quite popular. The portions were generous, the food was delicious, and most importantly, the prices were reasonable. Business was booming.

However, compared to the places Zhai Muyang had visited, the environment here was a bit lacking in refinement. Tables were placed haphazardly, the floor was damp and slippery, leaving footprints with every step.

He hurriedly grabbed hold of one, saying, "Be careful, don't slip."

Before he could finish his sentence, Song Yimo slipped, and Zhai Muyang quickly let go of Miao Zhiruo's hands to catch her. Song Yimo instinctively grabbed onto his strong arm, narrowly avoiding a fall.

"Sorry, sorry, it's slippery here." The landlady hurried over with a mop, vigorously mopping the floor. Song Yimo felt sorry for her, as she realized that using a wet mop on the already wet floor would only make it more slippery.

Zhai Muyang's expression soured a bit, thinking it might be better to find another place to eat. He didn't want to embarrass the young girls over a meal.

Song Yimo shook her hand and suggested, "Mr. Zhai, there's a seat over there. Let's sit there."

Suppressing his thoughts, Zhai Muyang didn't release his grip on her hand. Instead, he turned to the landlady and asked, "Do you have private rooms?"

"Private rooms? Oh, private dining rooms? Yes, we have them upstairs." The landlady, with sharp eyes, knew he was someone who wouldn't mind splurging a bit, so she handed him a menu as they passed the cash register.

There were four private rooms on the second floor. With few customers at this time, the environment was a bit more peaceful than the bustling first floor, so Zhai Muyang decided not to be too picky.

"What dishes would you like to order? Would you like to try our special squid dish? It's a favorite among filial children."

"Sure." Zhai Muyang glanced at the menu and then handed it to Song Yimo. "I'm not sure what you and Miao miao like to eat, so you can choose."

Song Yimo passed the menu to Miao Zhiruo, recalling her friend's desire for more delicious dishes on the way.

Miao Zhiruo flipped through the menu but only ordered a chicken soup with radish. She then handed it back to Song Yimo, who understood why after looking at the prices – they were rather expensive considering current expenses.

"Does the boss have two menus in this restaurant?"

The landlady smiled, "Just from the way you ask, I know you've been here before. We don't have two menus, as our regular customers don't need them. They're familiar with our dishes and don't rely on menus. The items listed on this menu are pricier, as they are personally made by my husband, who was a chef in a big city for many years. His skills are superior to others', so rest assured. I've been running this restaurant for several years and have a reputation to uphold; I wouldn't deceive you."

The prices were indeed steep, with each dish costing forty to fifty. A meal here could easily cost a few hundred dollars, which Song Yimo, already struggling financially, found hard to accept. Just as she was about to suggest ordering a few items as before, Zhai Muyang asked, "Can Yimo and Miao miao handle spicy food?"

Both nodded. The locals here loved spice.

"In that case, boss lady, please have your husband prepare a few of his signature spicy dishes: four dishes and a soup, all with a bit of heat."

"Alright." The boss lady smiled as she made a note and headed downstairs. She loved accommodating such easy-going guests.

Song Yimo felt a bit embarrassed. "Mr. Zhai, I didn't know the dishes here were so expensive."

"It's not too expensive compared to big cities. As long as it's delicious." Finally finding the opportunity, Zhai Muyang patted her shoulder, a mix of satisfaction and a tinge of pity for her slender frame. "And you don't have to address me so formally. I'm 25 this year, a few years older than you. Just call me 'big brother', both you and Miao miao."

A simple change of address didn't bother Song Yimo, who readily complied, "Big Brother (Dage) Zhai."

Miaozhiruo chimed in, "Big Brother Zhai."

"Good." Zhai Muyang couldn't explain his sudden happiness, feeling as though a nagging itch in his heart had been scratched just right, making him feel at ease all over.

He had checked up on Yimo and was aware of the troubles in her family. Naturally, he wouldn't bring up such matters. "High schools in China are known to be challenging. How are you both adapting?"

At this, Miao Zhiruo perked up, looking proud. "Big Brother Zhai, you have no idea how amazing Yimo is. She's really popular at school."

"Oh?" Zhai Muyang pressed for more information. "Is Yimo doing well in her studies?"

"Of course, she's excellent in all her subjects. There's nothing she can't do academically. The math and physics teachers always call her up to the board in every class to solve problems and explain her thought process. Now, our class is the fastest in learning the sophomore curriculum, and we're just waiting for Yimo to go through the questions first."

"That's exaggerated." Song Yimo felt as though she was growing calluses on her face from the daily praise. Surprisingly, she didn't feel embarrassed by her friend's compliments this time.

"Don't listen to her, Big Brother Zhai. I'm not exaggerating at all. Our classmates even say they can't understand the teachers' explanations, but they grasp everything by looking at Yimo's notes. They joke that if they could hire Yimo as a tutor, they would all definitely get into good universities."

"I didn't know Yimo was this amazing." Zhai Muyang nodded with a smile, not at all surprised. In his mind, Yimo was likely one of those naturally talented students who excelled academically without much effort.