Chapter 633 - 663: Parting on Bad Terms

Back when their daughter was heartbroken, she had been so dramatic about it that they were worried sick.

But not anymore. Their daughter was decisive and capable, able to stand on her own two feet. As her parents, they were incredibly gratified.

Qin Jiao turned to look at Sun Lili. "There was all that drama?"

Sun Lili clearly didn’t want to bring up her embarrassing past. She immediately pulled her parents away.

Qin Jiao didn’t tease her further. In truth, she didn’t consider herself some great benefactor; it was all thanks to memories from her past life.

She was working hard to use these advantages, including the Space Spirit Spring, to genuinely improve the lives of many people.

Of course, she only played a supporting role. Whether someone could ultimately turn their life around depended on their own efforts.

Because it was North City’s first restaurant with southern-style cuisine, many people came, drawn by its reputation. Li Xiaomei and her older cousin, Ji Yuehong, were among them.

They were wearing trendy overcoats. Colorful clothing had become all the rage, so Li Xiaomei’s coat was red, and Ji Yuehong’s was purple.

Beneath their coats, they wore pencil skirts and leather shoes, walking with their chins held high.

In reality, Shen Zhengfeng’s financial situation was far from optimistic. The paint factory had even started to miss payroll for its workers.

Just before leaving the house, Li Xiaomei had gotten into a fight with Shen Zhengfeng. He wanted her to go back to work at the hospital, but Li Xiaomei felt wronged. She had resigned from her job back then, not just taken an unpaid leave.

She had been gone for so many years; her position as department head was long gone.

’Am I supposed to go back and start over as a junior nurse?’

The two had parted on bad terms.

So, she took the opportunity to go out with Ji Yuehong. They had heard about a new southern-style tea house that had opened—a real novelty—so they came to check it out.

The restaurant was crowded today, so it was hard to find a table. Wanting to appear generous in front of her cousin, Li Xiaomei said directly, "Come on, let’s get a private room."

Private rooms cost extra and were meant for at least six people, but Li Xiaomei wanted to vent to her cousin today, so a private room was a better choice.

The semi-enclosed booths for two to four people would have been a good alternative, with no extra fee, but unfortunately, they were all taken.

Ji Yuehong took in the unique decor and remarked, "You know, this place is so simple and elegant, very stylish. It’s just a bit noisy because it’s the grand opening. Otherwise, I’d really feel like I was back in State City."

Li Xiaomei nodded. "I saw places like this when I went to the South with Zhengfeng. I really miss the rice noodles there. I wonder if they make them authentically here."

As they talked, they started to order. Looking at the prices, Li Xiaomei felt a painful pinch.

After all, whenever they went to tea houses before, Shen Zhengfeng had always paid. This time, it was up to her... and judging by her cousin’s attitude, she had no intention of paying.

Ji Yuehong was already used to her younger cousin, Li Xiaomei, handling the ordering. She brazenly ordered several of the most expensive items on the menu, making Li Xiaomei’s lips twitch.

She couldn’t help but say, "Cousin, that’s too much. We won’t be able to finish it all."

Ji Yuehong smiled. "It’s fine. We can just pack up the leftovers. I can take them home for my grandson. Can’t let it go to waste."

Li Xiaomei was speechless.

’How had she never realized before that her cousin loved to take advantage of others so much?’

Suppressing the ache in her wallet, she told the waiter to place the order. Then, Li Xiaomei turned to Ji Yuehong and began complaining about her mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, and her husband, Shen Zhengfeng.

Oh, and her son, Xiao Feng, too.

Li Xiaomei had a whole bellyful of grievances she was ready to pour out.