Chapter 10: Handing Over the Paycheck Card

Fu Tingxi parked the car at the hospital entrance and waited as Meng Ning supported her mother out of the hospital. He got out of the car too, helped open the door, and when Meng Ning got in, he carefully shielded her head with his hand, concerned she might bump it.

Meng's mother noticed these details and smiled with satisfaction.

Back in the driver's seat, Fu Tingxi said, "Meng Ning, it's already one o'clock in the afternoon. Your mother must be hungry too. The doctor advised regular meals. Shall we find a place to eat now?"

Fu Tingxi's thoughtfulness surprised Meng Ning. "Sure, wherever you decide."

"Alright." Fu Tingxi started the car, and half an hour later, they arrived at an elegant Chinese restaurant.

Meng Ning glanced at the restaurant's decor and whispered, "Is this place expensive?"

She had just bought a car and didn't have much money left. Normally, to save money, she rarely ate out. When she did go to a restaurant, she first assessed its decor—if it was too upscale, she hesitated to enter.

This restaurant was not only luxurious but also in a prime location in Beijing. It was a chain, so prices were definitely not cheap.

Fu Tingxi smiled and said, "It's okay to splurge occasionally. It's our first official meeting with your parents and our first meal together. Don't worry about the money for this meal; you've saved on our wedding expenses."

They were already at the entrance, and with Fu Tingxi saying this, Meng Ning couldn't say anything more. She helped her mother inside.

Fu Tingxi had already arranged a private room upstairs. After they settled in, Fu Tingxi said, "Scan the QR code on the table to order. Order whatever you like."

Normally, each private room had at least two waiters attending, but Fu Tingxi was concerned Meng Ning might feel uncomfortable, so he had them removed.

Meng's mother looked at the luxurious decor of the room and lightly tugged at Meng Ning, saying, "Just order two dishes; we won't finish more."

She was mainly worried about the cost.

Meng Ning nodded. "Okay, Mom, I understand."

Despite wanting her mother to eat well, Meng Ning hesitated when she scanned the QR code and saw the menu. It wasn't just the dishes; even a bottle of mineral water cost fifteen yuan.

Normally, she wouldn't even look at a drink that cost ten yuan. Only when she was really thirsty did she buy a two-yuan bottle of mineral water. Seeing Meng Ning's reaction, Fu Tingxi knew what was on her mind. He said, "Let me take care of it."

Meng Ning quickly responded, "Or maybe we should go somewhere else. This place is too expensive."

Fu Tingxi smiled, "It's okay. I have a coupon from a client that gives us a fifty percent discount here. Plus, we can get a receipt from the restaurant for reimbursement at the company."

"What?" Meng Ning was surprised and whispered, "Isn't this using the company's money for personal use? Isn't it risky if we get caught?"

She had worked at a company before where many colleagues used company funds for personal expenses by getting receipts from restaurants. Several people were eventually fired when the company found out.

Meng Ning was worried that Fu Tingxi might be making the same mistake.

Her surprise stemmed from not expecting someone as accomplished as Fu Tingxi to engage in such practices.

Fu Tingxi chuckled at Meng Ning's reaction. "I'm just kidding. Any dietary restrictions? How about some fish?"

"Anything is fine," Meng Ning said. "My mom is right, just order two dishes. We won't finish more."

Meng's mother added, "Yes, Xiaofu, don't order too much."

Fu Tingxi smiled. "Alright."

Concerned about the mother and daughter, Fu Tingxi ordered four dishes and a soup, all of which were the restaurant's signature dishes.

Meng Ning glanced at the prices. Even though she wasn't paying herself, it still made her wince.

Soon, the dishes were served. Fu Tingxi stood up and personally poured tea for Meng's mother and Meng Ning, displaying impeccable manners. He then took out a bank card and handed it to Meng Ning.

"Here is my paycheck card. In front of my mother-in-law, I'm handing this card to you. From now on, you'll be managing this household," Fu Tingxi said, then turned to Meng's mother and continued, "Mother-in-law, I will take good care of Meng Ning and ensure she never suffers."