Jian Zhou: "..."
The doctor continued to prattle, "When I was young, I thought I was quite capable of handling spicy food. I went to a restaurant in Yingxiong City, Gan Province, and when ordering, the server asked if I wanted it spicy. I said, 'Give me the spiciest,' and she looked at me with a shocked expression."
"Seeing her doubt my ability to eat spicy food, I immediately patted my chest and declared, 'I am the undisputed king of spice in Xihu District! Give me your spiciest dish!' Upon hearing the title 'King of Spice in Xihu District,' the server's face lit up with understanding. She made a note on the menu and went off."
"Soon, the dishes arrived. When I first started eating, I felt the spiciness, but it wasn't as intense as people said. After finishing several dishes and paying the bill, before leaving the restaurant, I even told the server that your restaurant's food still wasn't spicy enough and to add more chili next time."
"However, I soon paid the price for my ignorance. That same night, back at the hotel, my stomach began to churn violently. I spent the entire night on the toilet, my backside feeling like it was about to fall off. Afterward, my friends took me to the hospital, where I had to receive IV fluids for three consecutive days before I recovered."
"Only later did I realize that Yingxiong City also had a Xihu District. The 'King of Spice in Xihu District' I referred to and what she understood were entirely different things. It was incredibly, unbelievably spicy!"
Jian Zhou: "..."
After being hospitalized due to the spicy tofu pudding, Jian Zhou found himself fortunate amidst misfortune.
Last year, when Jiang Ling was filming the final scene of "The Prince Becomes a Frog," she accidentally injured her back. Jian Zhou had taken care of her throughout that period until her release from prison.
Now, Jian Zhou was the patient, having ended up in the hospital because of the tofu pudding she made. Jiang Ling couldn't just stand by and watch.
Having gained an advantage, Jian Zhou's boldness grew.
During her days in the hospital, she feigned weakness, acting as if she would extort Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling was amused and exasperated, but Jian Zhou's good looks made it hard to refuse.
Originally a little puppy, her pitiable appearance after falling ill was even more irresistible.
With Jiang Ling by her side, Jian Zhou's days in the hospital, despite being sick, were exceptionally pleasant.
In contrast, Shen Mingjue had to contend with his cousin Shen Minghuang's schemes at the company and, after work, had to maintain the pretense of a loving couple with An Qiuyan.
Having been repeatedly humiliated by Jian Zhou and Jiang Ling, An Qiuyan's temper grew increasingly volatile, leading to frequent outbursts of throwing, smashing, and cursing; she had become a veritable shrew.
What's more, An Qiuyan held something over Shen Mingjue, forcing him to endure her behavior no matter how displeased he was.
At this opportune moment, a piece of news broke from Shen Group, quickly dominating the business headlines.
Shen Group's General Manager, Shen Minghuang, and Mei Group's heiress, Mei Ruohan, were deeply in love and would be holding their engagement ceremony at a five-star hotel in three days.
To celebrate this occasion, both families' affiliated businesses began offering discounts and a large wave of coupons to consumers.
Although both families had made their fortunes in real estate, over years of operation, they had diversified into numerous industries.
From food and daily necessities to cosmetics, they had a vast array of businesses, all participating in the discount celebration.
Moreover, these discounts were entirely straightforward, with no hidden tricks. Regardless of the purchase amount, all customers enjoyed discounts, along with various "buy more, save more" offers.
In an instant, the shops under their umbrella were thronged with customers, bustling with activity.
Jiang Ling was also quite surprised upon hearing this news.
In the original novel, Shen Minghuang did indeed intend to marry Miss Mei, but it was met with strong opposition from Old Master Shen.
To prevent the marriage, Old Master Shen had even issued an ultimatum: if Shen Minghuang dared to go through with the wedding, he would disown him as his grandson, and Shen Minghuang would receive no inheritance from the Shen family.