Momo's Gradual Change

C146. Earning Approval.

Chapter 146: Earning Approval

Wen Xianxian glared at Song Yimo with a fury that burned in her eyes, as if she could devour her whole. Even as she was all but dragged away, her gaze remained fixed on Song Yimo, sharp as knives.

Zhai Muyang rose to his feet and stepped between them, blocking her sightline. With a final look, he shut the door in Wen Xianxian’s face; had she leaned forward even a little, the door would have closed right onto her nose.

Wen Shen stood up, his face full of regret. “I never expected her to be so out of line. Muyang, I’m truly sorry. I had no idea she’d followed you overseas. When she came back, all she said was that you’d saved her life. I tried asking for details, but she wouldn’t say more, so I thought she was making it up. If I’d known… well, I’d never have let her cause you so much trouble.”

“Forget it,” Zhai Muyang replied calmly. “I didn’t bring you all here to talk about that. Let’s enjoy ourselves. Jiuhua Restaurant’s dishes are unique among the first eight places I’ve taken you all—this is local fare, so savor the taste. Zhou Xin?”

Zhou Xin entered from outside. “Yes, boss?”

“Bring out the food.”

Right on cue, the waitstaff began to serve, each dish arriving hot and steaming.

Zheng Senlin, a known enthusiast of food, drink, and merriment, was the first to comment, exclaiming, “Looks like everything’s steamed?”

“Indeed, it’s all steamed,” Zhai Muyang said, reaching for the closest plate. He took a piece of sparerib and placed it in his bowl, prompting everyone else to pick up their chopsticks.

Knowing Song Yimo loved fish, Zhai Muyang reached across the table to the large dish in the center and took a piece from the steamed fish head.

Steamed fish head was a famous local specialty in Xinghu, renowned for its tender, spicy flavor. Nearly every household here had their own unique recipe, and no two dishes tasted the same. Zhai Muyang had tried several, and all were delicious.

Zheng Senlin watched longingly as his favorite piece—the fish’s cheeks—ended up in Song Yimo’s bowl. He didn’t dare to protest, settling instead for a piece of tender belly meat.

“I have to admit, this is really good!” said the man sitting beside Zhai Muyang, catching Song Yimo’s attention. She recognized him as the one who had spoken up for her brother earlier.

“That’s Zou Mo. You can call him Zou-ge,” Zhai Muyang explained, smiling.

Zou Mo? Zouzi?

Song Yimo blinked. Was this the same person who had stayed abroad all those years, caring for his ailing mother?

Zhai Muyang nodded, confirming her thought.

So Yimo obediently addressed him. “Zou-ge.”

“I’ve heard of you already, and you’re just as wonderful as they say.” Zou Mo looked over at her, offering a rare smile. The warmth of his smile pierced his usual gloom, like a single sunbeam breaking through overcast skies, casting away all shadows.

If before he had looked somewhat less than kind, now Zou Mo appeared like a genuinely warm older brother.

With a firm belief that her brother’s friends were all worthy of trust, Song Yimo gave a radiant smile in return, bowing her head to focus on the mountain of food Zhai Muyang had piled into her bowl.

Zou Mo exchanged a glance with Zheng Senlin, who shrugged as if to say, “See? I wasn’t lying.” Zou Mo gave a subtle nod of approval as he looked back at Song Yimo.