Chapter 223: Listen to Me, You Two Aren't a Good Match

When Yang Ruying picked up her chopsticks, everyone else started eating too. The atmosphere at the table returned to normal, and it wasn't as awkward anymore.

No matter how capable Yang Ruying was, she was still just a department head. Without the halo of the Nanjing City Cultural Tourism Promotion Department, she would be just an ordinary girl in the crowd. If it weren't for her position, she wouldn't even have the qualification to sit and dine with these people. After all, those at the table were either bosses or high-paid senior assistants. In terms of excellence, she really couldn't compare.

But this was just what everyone thought privately. Regardless, Yang Ruying's status was still respected. After all, it was rumored that Lang'ai Hotel was chosen as the host for the Charm Nanjing Island Marathon Friendship Race because of her research report. Though she appeared inconspicuous, the materials she wrote were substantial and significant. So, they definitely had to build a good relationship with her.

"This black stuff... is it ink?" Su Jie picked up his chopsticks and dipped them into the black sauce next to the food, then tasted it curiously.

He frowned. "Is this octopus ink?"

Chen Jianhai responded warmly, "Yes, it's octopus ink. Our 'Dafei Zhouzhang' theme dish concept is to use octopus ink as paint, paired with ancient anecdotes, incorporating art into the food."

Yang Ruying found it interesting and said, "I remember that squid ink is also an invisible ink."

Chen Jianhai smiled, "That's right. Squid ink is protein, and when mixed with fish bone glue, it decomposes. I used to bring it into exams by mixing it with glue, then wetting the cloth to make the ink reappear and reveal the writing when sprinkled with dust."

Yang Ruying was intrigued, "Chen Boss, you cheated on exams?"

Chen Jianhai, looking ashamed, sighed, "If I didn't cheat, I'd get beaten at home for failing the exams!"

...

That afternoon, Chen Jianhai took Yang Ruying and the others around the various spots on the small island, claiming that she had missed many places in her initial investigation. He personally guided them, warmly inquiring about her well-being and serving as a tour guide. With Su Jie, a seasoned professional, by his side, they both catered to Yang Ruying's needs enthusiastically.

Though Yang Ruying maintained a calm exterior, she was internally stressed. She felt overwhelmed by Chen Jianhai's hospitality, despite appreciating it. Compared to him, she was insignificant, both in salary and position. However, her office experience taught her to keep a low profile. The more enthusiastic Chen Jianhai and Su Jie were, the calmer she appeared, speaking less and responding minimally.

Her calm reaction made Chen Jianhai think she was difficult to please, so he became even more enthusiastic, creating a vicious cycle. By the end of the tour, both Chen Jianhai and Yang Ruying were exhausted, while Su Jie remained unbothered.

Liu Qinglu observed the interaction silently, occasionally casting unreadable glances at Chen Jianhai. She thought about how different things might be if she had been more humble. Perhaps she would be the one standing beside Chen Jianhai, hosting Yang Ruying and Su Jie, instead of being a mere observer.

...

After touring the island, they returned to the hotel in the evening. Chen Jianhai led them to a beachside dining table, enthusiastically introducing the fresh seafood dishes prepared by their expert chef. Yang Ruying, captivated by the beach scenery, felt a pang of guilt. Chen Jianhai had gone out of his way to accommodate her, yet she had initially written a report without thoroughly understanding the hotel. She decided to spend Sunday refining her report to better meet the requirements, ensuring it showcased the development value of the small island.

She realized the potential of the "Dafei Zhouzhang" concept dish and considered incorporating it with Nanjing's historical culture, which could promote the city's maritime tourism and cultural heritage. This strategy could position Nanjing as a pioneer in the province's tourism industry. She felt this was the best way to repay Chen Jianhai's hospitality.

...

"Goodbye, Chen Boss. Thank you for your generous hospitality," Yang Ruying said, finally extending her hand with genuine gratitude.

"You're welcome. I hope I managed to take good care of you this afternoon," Chen Jianhai replied warmly, shaking her hand.

He signaled to a few employees, who brought over delicate gift bags. "Yang Section Chief, I know our work has strict rules, so these are just some small cookies made by our chef."

"Cookies? Could they be star-shaped sugar cookies?" Yang Ruying's eyes lit up as she peeked into the bag, finding six beautifully packaged star-shaped cookies. Unlike the ones sold in stores, these were exclusive to hotel guests.

As Yang Ruying and her team departed, Chen Jianhai massaged his sore face from all the smiling. "I smiled so much my face is stiff," he muttered.

But he was genuinely surprised that a few cookies could delight Yang Ruying so much. For someone not impressed by the grand "Dafei Zhouzhang" dish, this reaction was unexpected.

"Boss, who was that woman who just got on the boat?" Sheng Yupian asked, appearing beside Chen Jianhai with a knife.

"Who?" Chen Jianhai asked curiously.

"The one with glasses," Sheng Yupian clarified.

"You mean Liu Qinglu? What's up with her?"

"She's pretty. I'm interested in her. I want to pursue her," Sheng Yupian declared confidently, his knife gleaming.

Chen Jianhai was stunned, thinking their personalities didn't match at all. "Brother, listen to me. You two aren't suitable for each other. There are plenty of good women out there. Let's find someone else."

"Why not?" Sheng Yupian protested, displeased.

Chen Jianhai sighed, "Let's not even discuss other reasons. If you get together with her, Bai Cheng and Xiao Qiu will tear you apart first."