In the end, she didn’t go over.
Neither did Sister Liang beside her.
Though the reason for Elder Nie’s retirement was never publicly revealed, it was common knowledge in their circle—he’d stepped back due to health reasons, choosing to focus on recovery.
He’d even reined in his indulgence in food.
For a gourmet, not being able to freely taste food was akin to failing his calling. Because of this, he’d turned down all the limelight that came with his reputation.
No interviews. No appearances.
If they went up now, it probably wouldn’t end well.
Not only would it upset the old man, but it would also be disrespectful to the restaurant.
Jiang Ji had invited them to eat for free. If they caused trouble just for the sake of news coverage, it would be… tasteless.
So Zhang Yuan and Sister Liang stayed put. The two cameramen behind them simply stood with their gear, unmoving.
Zhang Yuan: “Should we just head out?”
Sister Liang nodded. “With three big names already showing up, Jiang Ji’s got more than enough buzz. As for Elder Nie… let’s let him enjoy his peace.”
Nie Guotao wasn’t blind. Of course he’d noticed the reporters and their long lenses.
If it were any other day, he would’ve slipped away early.
But today…
He glanced at the polite young lady before him, savoring the long-lost pleasure that Phoenix Takes Flight brought his taste buds.
He made a decision: if the reporters came up, he’d give Jiang Ji a glowing shout-out. It was the least he could do after the girl clarified his doubts and the delicious meal put him in such a good mood.
He even started mentally drafting his speech: “aroma wafting for miles,” “crispy and tender,” “perfectly seasoned”…
But those two reporters just stood there like statues, not moving a muscle.
The old man was getting anxious. He’d already sent several glances their way—could they really not take the hint?
Zhang Yuan: “Sister Liang, is Elder Nie… looking at us?”
“Hmm? I think he is. Maybe he’s waiting for us to leave.”
“Oh! Then we should go quickly…”
“Yes, yes.”
They turned to leave.
Nie Guotao: What?! You’re actually walking away?! I’ve hinted this much—am I that forgotten now? No way!
He was determined to do the interview today!
He immediately signaled his grandson with a look.
Nie Chen: What’s going on now?
Grandpa started winking and motioning dramatically toward the front.
Nie Chen followed his gaze—reporters?!
Suddenly it all clicked, and he rushed after them.
The old man looked pleased, straightening his collar and clearing his throat, ready to be camera-perfect.
He turned to Jiang Fuyue with a serious face: “Little girl, thank you for clearing that up for me. As the saying goes, ‘you give me a melon, I return you jade.’ Now, I don’t have any great abilities, but I can eat—and I’ve built a bit of a name doing so. Later, I’ll give your shop a free promo. No charge, don’t worry. What’s that internet word again?”
Cao Dou: “Organic fan?”
“Yes! That’s it—an organic fan!”
Jiang Fuyue smiled, not putting on airs: “Sounds great.”
Nie Guotao appreciated her straightforwardness even more. He liked this girl! His eyes lit up with an idea—
“Ahem… young lady, how old are you?”
“Just turned eighteen.”
“An adult, good,” he nodded seriously, “that’s perfect.”
Perfect for dating.
“My grandson is twenty, just two years older than you. See—” he motioned forward, “that one over there.”
Jiang Fuyue didn’t quite understand, but politely responded, “Oh.”
“Hehe… what do you think of him?”
“Uh?”
Behind her, Xie Dingyuan, Ling Qingzhou, and Yi Hansheng all sensed danger at once.
Sure enough—
The old man cheerfully introduced: “His name is Nie Chen, currently studying at Q University. Pretty decent grades, calm personality, no bad habits. Looks aren’t bad either—of course, not as handsome as me—but he can cook and even does housework!”
Jiang Fuyue’s expression turned odd.
“Sir—”
All three men spoke at once. For once, they weren’t bickering.
Ling Qingzhou: “I think your grandson might be better off being praised at home… with the door closed.”
Yi Hansheng nodded: “This teapot… doesn’t quite match that lid.”
Nie Guotao looked puzzled: “You are…? The girl’s uncles? That’s great, counts as family input—”
Ling Qingzhou’s face darkened.
Yi Hansheng nearly lost it.
Only Xie Dingyuan remained composed, lips curved slightly: “Sorry, sir. She’s still in high school.”
“What?!” Nie Guotao froze.
Jiang Fuyue nodded calmly.
“Still in high school?! Ay… look at me…” The old man scratched his head awkwardly. “Well then, you can be friends! Good friends.”
Meanwhile, completely unaware, Nie Chen was over there politely talking with the reporters.
“…My grandfather’s been retired a long time. Coming to Jiang Ji was just a coincidence. Please don’t include him in any news pieces…”
Zhang Yuan: “Actually, we didn’t shoot anything.”
“Wait—what?”
“We didn’t film him. We know he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, and we respect that.”
“Oh… I see…”
Nie Chen returned to the table, feeling slightly dazed: “Grandpa, all sorted. They didn’t take photos, so I didn’t ask to check their cameras.”
Nie Guotao stared at him, dumbfounded: “What do you mean, sorted?”
“You told me to stop them from filming you, right? I even told them you don’t do interviews anymore…”
