### Chapter 286: Plans and More Plans
Plonk! Jiang Hanhan rubbed her sore head and continued to blabber, “I didn’t say anything wrong in the first place. Otherwise, Little Ling would also join me and feel the benefits. Just follow me, dear, and you’ll live like royalty!”
“No way!” Xia Ling bonked Jiang Hanhan on the head again and rebutted with pride, “If anyone’s joining, it should be you joining me! I’ll guarantee that you’ll eat the finest foods too.”
“Oh really? You don’t seem as rich as me. Are you planning to start a business to support me? That’s going to be quite a grind.”
Jiang Hanhan grinned mischievously, completely disregarding what Xia Ling had said. As the second young lady of the Jiang family, she knew just how tough it was to make it big from scratch. But hey, with her, Jiang Kekai, and Xia Yu around, if Xia Ling truly wanted to start a business, she wouldn’t be starting from zero – they’d be pulling some strings behind the scenes. That said, that’s all for another time.
Ignoring the two blabby loli troublemakers, Jiang Kekai chose to wrap her arm around Xia Yu and bypass them, saying, “Since we’ve decided this, Little Yu, think about where you want to open the restaurant. I’ll take care of the rest to ensure your satisfaction.”
Xia Yu was taken aback. She sure as heck didn’t want to burden Little Ning with extra costs: “Here? It’s crowded here. Opening a restaurant here should be costly, no?”
“But isn’t it also densely populated with people who come to eat? As long as you like it, right?”
Little Ning is so coddling! Xia Yu found herself a bit at a loss: “Sure… Ning’er, you handle it, wherever it may be. You know, after all, I’m doing this for what reason.”
“Are you really trusting me with everything?”
“Yeah.”
“Well then, you can trust me. If we start selecting the location, renovations, hiring staff, stocking supplies, obtaining the necessary licenses, and opening, it should take about half a month to a month! In other words, before you go back, you’ll get to eat there at least once.”
“Really soon? I thought it would take half a year.”
“Did you think we were building skyscrapers? Jiang Kekai pinched Xia Yu’s cheek while holding her shoulder, “Your main concern now is naming the restaurant, since this is your baby. Hanhan said she only puts up the money and doesn’t participate in registering it.”
“How about calling it ‘Gourmet Feast’?”
“Not great, it’s too common. Someone must have registered it already.”
“What if we call it ‘Budget Buffet’?”
“A Budget Buffet?” Jiang Kekai couldn’t help but laugh at Xia Yu, patting her head, “Whatever makes you happy, darling.”
Suddenly, Jiang Hanhan, who was trailing behind, seemed to remember something and caught up with Xia Yu, “Speaking of which, Little Yu, I heard Uncle and Aunt’s company is going to be acquired by the Lin family, which means they’ll definitely lay off most of the employees and replace them with their own. So wouldn’t it be better to offer work at your restaurant?”
“Hmm …”
Xia Yu was thrown off because she knew exactly the financial struggles of starting a new venture and didn’t want her parents to worry over such huge steps.
Understanding Xia Yu’s hesitations, Jiang Kekai had an ace up her sleeve: “Easy peasy, we just won’t mention it’s yours. When recruiting managers, tell them to apply directly. We’ll keep their salaries the same as before, and if the restaurant does well, give them bonuses.”
“Really? Is that okay?”
“It’s fine, Mom and Dad always said they’d prefer working back home if not in Peng City. They miss grandpa and grandma too much. Thus, you could open one in our town and manage it from there.”
“Is that true? You never mentioned this before.”
Xia Ling rolled her eyes at Xia Yu, mimicking Jiang Hanhan with smugness, “To them, you’re still a boy, so why would they share these details with you or Brother?”
Xia Yu felt a wave of annoyance.
“Okay okay.” Jiang Kekai patted Xia Yu slightly disappointedly, “I think Xiao Ling’s idea is good. If Uncle and Aunt agree, let’s arrange it that way. Every little bit helps.”
Watching Jiang Kekai hug Xia Yu closely with no resistance, Xia Ling was more than a littbit sour that her little sister wasn’t being equally indulged.
In a retaliatory move against Jiang Kekai’s coddling, Xia Ling hugged Jiang Hanhan and dragged her to a nearby snack stand, “Hanhan, I’m hungry. Go buy me something to eat!”
“Cut, weren’t you supposed to be spoiling me? Running out of cash already?” Jiang Hanhan kept chattering, though she knew she had plenty.
Xia Ling wasn’t about to back down, “Future me will buy them for you, why the sourpuss act?”
Even as Xia Ling dragged her away, Jiang Hanhan continued her antics, “I’m rich, I get to do whatever I want, I’m proud, and I’m happy!”
Xia Ling sighed.
After a night of adventures out, when they returned to the Jiang family villa, all four little girls were covered in sweat due to the barbecue feast and the walking. No surprise there—eating heaps of BBQ and traipsing around certainly led to a workout.
But no worries, a quick rinse would fix that.
Contrary to Xia Ling and Jiang Hanhan taking turns for a shower, Jiang Kekai was more straightforward, dragging Xia Yu to the bathroom together for a wash—also an opportunity to strengthen their bond.
Tonight, Xia Yu’s courteous demeanor left a lasting impression on Jiang Kekai. Wasn’t their relationship close enough? Xia Yu was unpredictable sometimes, making it hard to guess what was in her sweet little head.
Jiang Kekai played along and eventually concluded: “Why not marry this cute thing sooner? Then, Xia Yu would understand her position more clearly instead of keeping her distance.”
Although Jiang Kekai’s thoughts were lofty, reality was harsh. Jiang Kekai was still unsure about how to go about it.
Deciding to take it slow, she thought Xia Yu still had time to grow up a bit, and with Xiao Yu’s gender identity in flux, they could get married and adopt a role model.
After a refreshing shower, Jiang Kekai dried Xia Yu’s hair and entered their room. Xia Yu opened up again, leaping onto the soft princess bed, light as a feather.
Seeing Xia Yu like this, all Jiang Kekai could do was give in, “Be careful, go to sleep early. We’ve got training tomorrow.” Jiang Kekai joined her, turned off the lights, feeling quite content with her daily routine.
But Xia Yu couldn’t sleep yet, recalling Jiang Kekai’s promises earlier, filled with excitement. Tossing and turning with anticipation.
Seeing Xia Yu restless, Jiang Kekai decided to embrace her cutely fidgety side, “Alright, Little Yu, time to sleep. Or else…” She threatened lightly.
This move usually worked on Xia Yu, but tonight she shrugged it off, burying her head into Jiang Kekai’s embrace tightly. Clearly wanting Jiang Kekai to feel her sentiments.
Jiang Kekai felt it too and laughed softly, stroking Xia Yu’s head, “That good?”
“Yep,” Xia Yu replied, nestling into Jiang Kekai’s embrace, “Without you, my dreams might never come true.”
“You’re happy, and that’s all that matters. Starting businesses might lose money, but it’s worth it. Don’t feel pressured, Little Yu. I’ve got many ways to earn, surplus income’s always a win.”
“Got it, Jiejie. Here’s an idea: The old grandfather and grandmother who sell vegetables, they struggle, so I want to help them. You think?” Jiang Kekai got it instantly, “Supplying from them, huh? The quality control could be tricky; if something goes wrong, hard to trace back.”
“But… is it not possible?” Xia Yu sounded a bit disheartened.
“Not impossible. Let’s just hire someone to check the veggies. That way, no issues! If anything happens, we hold someone accountable.”
“Suppose they’re lazy and avoid buying from the old people?”
“Not happening. Look, my inspection team is robust. They’ll make sure.”
“Who’d take the fall if bribes happen?”
“They’d ruin their legacy. Don’t fret; my contract terms would reveal all. You’re amazed by my team’s size?” Jiang Kekai prodded Xia Yu, “Feel special? Want to marry a genius?”
The hint landed on deaf ears. Xia Yu was too shy to respond. Jiang Kekai sighed with relief — finally, peace and quiet.
