Chapter 142: Chapter 137: Life Is Like a Play—It’s All About Acting!

Qian Guoxiang finished his work, gently stretched his 60-year-old back, feeling a hint of fatigue, but his heart was filled with satisfaction.

He walked to the dining area, served himself a lunch, and carried the tray to the canteen.

There weren’t many people in the canteen; the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.

From a distance, he saw Liang Yinqiu sitting in the corner, merrily chatting with two gentlemen across from her.

One of the gentlemen had a tall, distinguished figure and seemed extraordinary, catching Qian Guoxiang’s attention and invoking a sense of curiosity.

Oh?

Could this person be… Runan Group’s Liu Shiwei, Chairman Liu?

He stopped walking, scrutinizing the gentleman, surprised: It really is him! I didn’t expect to see Chairman Liu here, and judging by the looks of it, he seems quite familiar with Director Liang!

Since he’s seeing a familiar face here, it would be rude not to greet him, right?

Qian Guoxiang adjusted his collar slightly with his hand, walked over with a smile.

“Ah, Chairman Liu, what a coincidence to meet you here!” Qian Guoxiang warmly greeted.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shiwei glanced over, seeing Qian Guoxiang without showing too much surprise in his eyes.

After all, any surprise regarding Qian Guoxiang had already faded upon learning he was assisting in the kitchen here.

At this moment, he was left with a feeling of joy, smiling kindly, and said: “Elder Qian, hello, it is indeed a coincidence. I just talked with Director Liang about you, and learned you’re currently working in the kindergarten’s kitchen. Your post-retirement life is truly fulfilling and meaningful.”

Qian Guoxiang returned the smile and nodded gently: “Indeed, Chairman Liu, after retiring, I found my life lacked a certain busyness and sense of fulfillment. As it happened, Dorami Kindergarten had a vacant position, so I applied for it.”

He turned to look at Liang Yinqiu beside him, his eyes filled with gratitude: “I’m truly grateful for the trust and support Director Liang provided, she gave me this opportunity to continue contributing here.”

Although the words included some flattery, they brought a smile to Liang Yinqiu’s face and warmth to her heart.

Qian Guoxiang paused briefly, then asked Liu Shiwei with curiosity and concern: “Chairman Liu, did you come to our kindergarten for a special plan or arrangement this time?”

Liu Shiwei smiled and candidly replied: “Actually, I came this time because my daughter wants to transfer to your kindergarten. To better understand the educational environment, teaching staff, and children’s living conditions, I made a field trip here. Recently, after discussing with Director Liang and observing, I found the educational philosophy and atmosphere here meet my expectations, especially the quality of the meals deepens our favor. Therefore, I preliminarily decided to let my daughter transfer here…”

Got it!

The previous praise was just a preface; the main point was the canteen’s meal quality won Chairman Liu’s heart.

Regarding this, Qian Guoxiang wasn’t too surprised.

After all, with Huang Jun’s exquisite culinary skills, winning over the heart of a diner like Liu Shiwei is indeed expected.

Yet, Chairman Liu wanting his daughter to transfer here did surprise him a bit and sparked some curiosity.

Curious why Liu Shiwei’s daughter suddenly wants to transfer to Dorami Kindergarten?

But then.

Is there a special reason or story behind it?

Yet he didn’t ask further, as it was a personal matter.

He nodded, and a faint smile appeared on his lips: “Chairman Liu, your care for your daughter is very touching… Honestly, our kindergarten meals receiving your approval makes me, as a kitchen team member, very proud… If your daughter really transfers here, our meals will certainly benefit her health and growth greatly…”

Liu Shiwei nodded in agreement and eagerly invited: “Elder Qian, please sit!”

“Ah, alright!”

Qian Guoxiang accepted the invitation and sat comfortably beside.

Liu Shiwei, from a close range, sniffed the enticing scent of Qian Guoxiang’s lunch. His stomach, which was already eighty percent full, now embarrassingly growled again.

He regretted his impulsive invitation to Qian Guoxiang to sit with him.

Now what!

He could only watch the other enjoy the meal while he refrained from reaching for another bite.

After all, helping himself to one meal was awkward enough, but going for a second…

He couldn’t abandon his face!

Liu Shiwei turned his eyes to Liang Yinqiu, with a glint of expectation, hoping that silent eye contact could convey his desire for the meal and prompt her to offer him a serving.

Unfortunately…

Liang Yinqiu didn’t seem to catch the subtlety in his eyes, merely returning a polite smile mixed with a hint of confusion.

Oh well~

Seems it’s not happening!

Liu Shiwei sighed inwardly and accepted reality with resignation.

In fact.

Liang Yinqiu had fully understood the meaning in his gaze.

She was fully aware of Liu Shiwei’s lingering desire for more of her kindergarten’s delicious dishes, and knew how much he wished to have another taste at this moment.

But she deliberately acted unaware, choosing to ignore his hints.

This wasn’t for any reason other than to playfully return his earlier “freeloading” behavior.

Ah…

What can I say… Life is like a play, it’s all about acting!

To avoid torturing himself further with Qian Guoxiang’s dishes, Liu Shiwei reluctantly changed the subject, trying to divert attention away from the food.

He looked again at Liang Yinqiu, smiled and said, “Director Liang, I’ve noticed that your kindergarten’s teaching and office buildings, as well as the kitchen and other facilities, seem a bit aged. Have you considered refurbishing or updating them? If your kindergarten needs any support, be it financial or otherwise, I am willing to lend a helping hand.”

This offer took not only Liang Yinqiu and Qian Guoxiang by surprise, but even Dong Yuantao felt a bit astounded.

He didn’t expect their boss would proactively propose to fund the renovation or updating of Dorami Kindergarten.

But then he thought.

The boss’ precious daughter is about to join this kindergarten; no wonder he wants a better environment for her growth.

With that in mind, it’s easy to understand why he’s so generous!

Liang Yinqiu was also touched by Liu Shiwei’s proposal.

Faced with this unexpected kindness, she couldn’t help but ponder.

Although her kindergarten is indeed a bit aged and the facilities slightly outdated, it hasn’t reached the point of needing urgent renovation.

Moreover, she always believed that education isn’t just about material accumulation; it’s more about the interaction and growth between teachers and children.

Thus, Liang Yinqiu gently declined, “Chairman Liu, I really appreciate your generosity. However, our kindergarten is currently operating well and doesn’t require large-scale renovations or updates for the time being. Besides, it’s the start of the school year, and large-scale renovations might inconvenience the children. So, I believe we do not need your funding for now.”

What’s with people nowadays, refusing money?!

When Liang Yinqiu resolutely declined Liu Shiwei’s aid, both Dong Yuantao and Qian Guoxiang widened their eyes, as if hearing unbelievable news.

After all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

You miss this chance, and it’s gone!

At least promise to accept it first!

Qian Guoxiang shot a look at Liang Yinqiu, wearing an expression of “the emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is,” and shook his head in regret.

Liu Shiwei was slightly taken aback.

He didn’t expect Liang Yinqiu to refuse so graciously.

In his experience, people usually scrambled for his aid, and someone like Liang Yinqiu, who turned it down for the children’s welfare, was indeed rare.

He couldn’t help but glance at Liang Yinqiu a few more times, raising his esteem for her.

After thinking briefly, he added, “Director Liang, I understand your concerns. Since a large-scale renovation isn’t suitable during the school start, perhaps we can start with other areas. For instance, do you have any expansion plans for the kindergarten? Or any other needs for support? Just say the word, and I will do my utmost to assist.”

Liang Yinqiu: “…”

This is like being urged to accept a gift!

Chairman Liu, do you have too much money to spend?

She initially intended to refuse again, but she suddenly recalled the teachers’ previous suggestions.

They hoped the kindergarten could have an employee activity room and purchase some fitness equipment for the children, so teachers could work out during their spare time, and it would also promote the children’s health and holistic development.

Thinking of this, Liang Yinqiu figured that since a benefactor has come knocking, eager to give her money, it wouldn’t make sense to refuse!

She looked at Liu Shiwei, smiling, and said, “Chairman Liu, actually, we do have an expansion plan. We plan to convert a room under the office building into an employee activity room and equip it with some fitness equipment, so teachers can exercise during their breaks. Additionally, we plan to buy some suitable sports equipment for the children, encouraging them to engage in more physical activities after class to promote their physical and mental health and comprehensive development.”

Employee activity room? Fitness equipment? Children’s sports equipment?

Is this… a concern about the teachers and kids getting chubby?!

However, this idea is indeed superb!

Considering Chef Huang’s culinary skills, such concerns are justifiable!

Liu Shiwei immediately understood her intention and thought highly of Liang Yinqiu’s expansion plan, while inwardly lamenting slightly: Oh, these days, it’s really hard to give money away!

He responded without hesitation: “Director Liang, I’ll have my assistant contact you to assist with the relevant matters. Rest assured, we will fully support your expansion plan.”

“Yes, Director Liang, whatever needs arise, please feel free to contact me. I’ll spare no effort to assist you,” Dong Yuantao quickly expressed his stance.

The proactive stance is not without a little hidden personal agenda!

If this expansion plan could be implemented smoothly, perhaps he could find more chances to enjoy the kindergarten’s meals too!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep