Chapter 308 - 306: This Is Asking for a Favor?

Chapter 308: Chapter 306: This Is Asking for a Favor?

"What’s wrong? Did something happen at home?" Zhang Dazhuang asked with concern, looking from Lin Qiao to Lin Fu, who was clearly not in high spirits.

"Sigh, it’s a long story. You should have my dad tell you." Lin Qiao walked over and took the plucked chicken from Lin Fu’s hands. "Dad, I’m going to take this chicken straight to Grandma Wen in the kitchen." With that, she scurried off, leaving a slightly embarrassed Lin Fu behind. But as he watched her go, he couldn’t help but feel she was incredibly thoughtful, which in turn filled him with guilt. ’My daughter was worried I wouldn’t be able to bring it up, so she created an opening for me. Sigh, why was I so set on having a son back then, thinking a daughter wasn’t enough?’

"So what exactly happened at home?" Zhang Dazhuang turned to Lin Fu. He had been about to praise him for only bringing one prepared chicken this time, but he swallowed his words and asked with a concerned expression instead.

"Something did happen. Uncle Zhang, I actually came today because there’s a favor I need to ask of you." Lin Fu couldn’t help but feel apprehensive as the words left his mouth.

"If you need something, just say it. If I can do it, I’ll get it done for you. And even if it’s not easy, I’ll find a way." After spending a fair amount of time together, Zhang Dazhuang knew Lin Fu quite well. He knew the man didn’t like asking people for help. Apart from when he first borrowed money to start raising chickens, he had never tried to take advantage of their friendship to ask for anything. For him to be acting like this now meant he must have run into real trouble. That’s why Zhang Dazhuang was willing to make such a bold and sweeping promise.

"Actually, I came today about a job for my niece." Lin Fu’s face instantly flushed red. Despite all the mental preparation he’d done, he still felt incredibly ashamed to ask. He had already received so much help from the Zhang Family, yet here he was, about to trouble them again.

"That’s it?" Zhang Dazhuang looked at Lin Fu’s nod and couldn’t help but laugh. "Hah, is that really something to get so down about? Hmm, your niece? Don’t tell me your parents who play favorites forced you into this."

Over their long acquaintance, Zhang Dazhuang’s admiration for Lin Fu had grown daily; otherwise, their two families would never have become so close. Because he admired him, he paid more attention to the Lin family’s affairs. Lin Fu, for his part, didn’t hide much and would often tell him about his troubles at home. As a result, despite their age difference, they had long been friends who transcended generational gaps.

"They didn’t force me this time. It was my idea to ask you. That way, even if you refuse, I’ll be able to draw a clear line between us with a clear conscience from now on." A flicker of sadness crossed Lin Fu’s tanned face, but he quickly composed himself. Then, with an expression that clearly hoped for refusal, he said, "Uncle Zhang, I don’t want to hide anything from you, not that I could. My niece... her character isn’t the best. I doubt she’s at all suited to work at your family’s company."

"Ha, hahaha..." Zhang Dazhuang was stunned for a moment. Lin Fu looked completely serious. In all his years, he’d never seen someone ask for a favor while hoping to be rejected. He suddenly recalled Lin Qiao saying "it’s a long story" and guessed there was more to it. He couldn’t help but laugh and deliberately tease him, "It’s not every day you ask for something. Even if her character is questionable, I can’t just refuse you, can I? I have to give you some face. Don’t worry. When Zhang gets home tonight, I’ll have him squeeze her in somewhere. Come back the day after tomorrow, and I’ll have a definite answer for you."

"Uncle Zhang, that’s not right, is it?" Lin Fu’s face fell, and he looked miserable. "What if she actually gets into your company and creates a huge mess? Please, don’t do it for my sake. I’m just a farmer; I don’t care about saving face."

"Not to worry. Our company has strict rules and regulations. If she wants to pull any stunts, she’ll need to have the skills for it first." Zhang Dazhuang grunted confidently, a playful glint in his eyes. "Is this how you ask for a favor? If your parents saw this, they’d probably chase you down and give you a beating, wouldn’t they?"

"Uncle Zhang, I was wrong. I’m begging you, alright?" Lin Fu realized his little ploy had been seen through and quickly offered an apologetic smile, admitting his fault.

"Heh, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. Come on, let’s go inside and talk over some tea. I have to say, your way of asking for favors is a real novelty. In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like it." Zhang Dazhuang chuckled again. "I’m quite curious what could possibly drive a seemingly honest fellow like you to this."

Lin Fu scratched his head and gave a helpless smile.

--

"Grandma Wen," Lin Qiao said as she walked into the kitchen carrying the prepared chicken. She set it right on the countertop.

"Qiaoqiao, you’re here! Did you come by yourself or with your parents?" A warm smile instantly smoothed the wrinkles on Wen Xiu’s face.

"I came with my dad. He’s outside talking with Grandpa Zhang."

"Your parents have finally seen the light! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told them not to bring a whole pile of chicken and duck every visit. Our fridge gets so stuffed it’s daunting to even look at. This is so much better. Just one is the perfect amount." As she spoke, Wen Xiu took out a few oranges, rinsed them under the tap, and cut one into four wedges. She placed them on a small, gold-rimmed white porcelain saucer decorated with a butterfly-and-flower motif and handed it to Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao casually took the saucer and set it down. She picked up a wedge, broke it in half, and popped it into her mouth, her eyes crinkling in delight. She didn’t stop talking as she chewed. "My parents used to think that chicken and duck from the freezer tasted the same as freshly butchered ones. But yesterday, Nuannuan told them that’s not true, that frozen meat isn’t as tasty. She said that for the New Year, they should bring live chickens and ducks to your hometown for you to butcher and eat fresh. That’s why my dad only brought one over today."

"Nuannuan’s right. Oh my, why didn’t I ever think to say it like that?" Wen Xiu took out two large fruit platters. After she finished with the oranges, she got out some tangerines, apples, star fruit, and strawberries, washed them all, and arranged them on the platters. She smiled and said, "Nuannuan really is a smart girl. She always knows the right thing to say."

"She is. She’s the same way at school. She might not say much, but when she does speak, everyone is always convinced." Lin Qiao finished the orange on her little saucer, tossed the peel in the trash, and casually plucked a strawberry from the fruit platter. It was so big that she had to take two bites to finish it.