Really or Fake

Sit here first. Uh... I only have small stools here. Lao Guan looked at the small stools originally kept for customers at the stall, and couldn't help but hesitate. President Ye, let's find a coffee shop to sit down instead.

It's fine, having a place to sit is good enough. Ye Shuang simply plopped down on the small stool. At the same time, he glanced over at the stall, where Luo Xi was selling teppanyaki squid alongside that boy who was also from Yinshan College.

Judging from the boy's skillful technique, it seemed he had helped out here quite a lot.

Is Luo Xi your niece? Ye Shuang asked.

She's my daughter, Lao Guan replied immediately.

Ye Shuang was taken aback. Such an old daughter...

In Ye Shuang's memory, although Lao Guan was already in his forties, he had never married, let alone suddenly having a daughter the same age as Yu You.

Ah, she's the daughter of my wife and her ex-husband. I'm her stepfather. Lao Guan smiled open-mindedly, seemingly unafraid of what Ye Shuang might say. That was also why Luo Xi didn't share his surname.

I see. But by the looks of it, she often comes over to the stall to help? Ye Shuang asked.

Yeah, she's a sensible, good kid... And you might not know this, but she sings beautifully too. Lao Guan said, then noticed the formal suit Ye Shuang was wearing.

President Ye, what are you doing now?

I'm currently working over at the Chen Group, Ye Shuang said directly.

Which... Lao Guan paused for a moment, then as if realizing something, he asked tentatively, Could it be that...

Yes, that one. I'm currently a vice president there.

Lao Guan opened his mouth and couldn't help but sigh with emotion. Your position as vice president there is who knows how many levels higher than your previous president title.

Sure enough, capable people will never go unnoticed no matter where they go.

Are your abilities lacking? Why are you setting up a stall here? Ye Shuang's gaze swept over the nearby squid stall; there weren't many customers.

While I'm not saying you can't make money from a stall, it's mostly hard-earned money. With your abilities, fighting for foot traffic among so many stalls here... is a bit of a waste of your talents.

Lao Guan just shook his head. President Ye, you flatter me. What talents do I have? I was just working hard to execute your plans, that's all.

He paused and asked, President Ye, you coming all this way shouldn't just be to catch up with me, right?

Just as Ye Shuang was about to speak, the boy watching the stall walked over carrying a plate of grilled squid.

Freshly grilled squid. Would you like some beer to go with it?

Thank you... I drove here, so just some juice will be fine.

Alright, coming right up. The boy smiled.

Ye Shuang looked at the boy's back and asked casually, Your son?

No, no. He's Luo Xi's classmate, hmm... her little boyfriend? Lao Guan said cheerfully.

Luo Xi immediately turned around, seemingly a bit shy. N-no he's not! We are just friends.

You're in college now, it's perfectly normal to date, Lao Guan said.

Hmph. Luo Xi's face instantly turned red.

That boy has a good character, it's just that he's a bit too popular with girls. At this moment, Lao Guan shook his head and commented to Ye Shuang.

Ye Shuang didn't pay it much mind. Alright, let's not talk about this... We've known each other for so many years, so I'll be straightforward.

Lao Guan, come with me to the Chen Group. I'll arrange a department for you.

With your abilities, paying you forty to fifty thousand a month is no problem.

Hearing this, Lao Guan seemed to have already guessed it, but a troubled look appeared on his face, as if he had some unspoken difficulties.

I...

President Ye, thank you very much for your kindness.

What's wrong? If you're not satisfied with the salary, we can negotiate. Just as Ye Shuang finished speaking, he saw the other party shake his head. Satisfied, of course I'm satisfied... Running a stall here, I work exhaustingly for a whole month and only bring home ten or twenty thousand.

But...

Seeing that Lao Guan couldn't continue, Ye Shuang said, If you have any difficulties, just tell me directly. You know I dislike beating around the bush the most.

Well...

Luo Xi's mother, my wife... she's not in very good health. Basically, she can't be left alone. Lao Guan sighed and continued,

Since Luo Xi has to study, apart from preparing ingredients during the day, I basically need to stay at home and take care of her.

Ye Shuang opened his mouth, never having expected this to be the reason.

You...

So that's why you chose to come out and run a stall?

Lao Guan smiled. Running a stall gives me more flexible hours. I even did food delivery before, and it wasn't easy to finally settle down with this teppanyaki squid stall.

Ye Shuang pondered for a few seconds.

Then he asked, Could you hire a nanny?

A nanny... is too expensive. And if I remember correctly, the Chen Group is quite far away, right? Lao Guan said. If I work there, I can't guarantee I'd be able to come back here every day.

After all, I sold my car too.

Looking at Lao Guan, who seemed to have aged a dozen years, Ye Shuang thought for a moment and had no choice but to say,

Think about it again. I can provide you with free accommodation, arrange for your wife to live nearby, and providing a car is no problem either.

Hearing Ye Shuang offer such generous terms, Lao Guan's expression began to show hesitation. He wasn't worried that Ye Shuang couldn't deliver; after all, Ye Shuang always kept his word. This was exactly why they, as his subordinates, trusted him so deeply.

Seeing the other man so conflicted, Ye Shuang gave a faint smile.

I made this special trip because I trust you. But you don't have to give me an answer right away. These squid skewers seem to be getting cold, let me taste them first.

...

Afterward, the two chatted about some everyday matters. During this time, Ye Shuang also told Lao Guan about Luo Xi's excellent performance at the college. After all, with her good grades and frequent hosting of various events, she was a promising talent.

Lao Guan smiled when talking about Luo Xi, and then shared some of the things he had experienced since leaving his job.

After finishing his juice, Ye Shuang sat for a while and then got up to leave.

Before leaving, he also praised the young girl, The squid tastes great.

Thank you. School doctor, please come visit often when you're free, Luo Xi immediately smiled sweetly.

There will be chances.

After Ye Shuang turned and left, watching his retreating back, the boy grilling squid curiously asked Lao Guan beside him,

Uncle Guan, what did that uncle want with you?

He invited me to work at his company, offering me four to five hundred thousand a year.

Really? Is he a boss?

...