novelraw Chapter 453: Establishing Some Family Connections (Part 1)
Chapter 453: Establishing Some Family Connections (Part 1)
The boss wore a miserable expression like a bitter melon, heartaching over the money that just flew out of his pocket.Fortunately, although Ji Rui, following Le Tong’s advice, didn’t buy those excessively expensive fish and instead picked some reasonably priced but nice-looking goldfish, he habitually chose the most expensive tanks and equipment.
This time, Le Tong couldn’t find any reason to protest because the boss claimed that these items were durable and had a high safety coefficient; even a child wouldn’t get hurt from occasional bumps. The cheap products couldn’t guarantee the same. Concerned about Baobao’s safety, Le Tong naturally didn’t hesitate to spend, and the boss’s face finally transformed from a bitter melon to a blooming flower.
The three enthusiastically strolled around the market, purchasing a bunch of items. Most stores promised home delivery within three days. Without any burdens, Ji Rui hoisted Baobao onto his shoulder. The little one laughed gleefully, proudly riding on Ji Rui’s neck, chattering away about a host of amusing stories, hardly stopping.
By the time they left the plant and bird market, it was near noon. Ji Rui suggested finding a nearby restaurant for lunch. Le Tong and Baobao had no objections, and conveniently, there was a popular Chinese restaurant chain not far away, so they walked over since they hadn’t driven.
As they stepped into the restaurant courtyard, the manager seemed to recognize Xiao Li. "Brother Li, what brings you here today?"
Xiao Li pointed to the family of three ahead, "Oh, I’m here with our CEO for lunch."
The manager hadn’t seen Ji Rui before, so after Xiao Li’s introduction, he quickly ran over to lead the way, guiding them to the best private room in the restaurant.
The private room had large floor-to-ceiling windows, and Baobao, like a little monkey, couldn’t resist pushing open the glass door and running out. Outside, there was a small fish pond with multicolored goldfish and a cluster of green bamboo nearby. From the private room, the view was expansive and pleasant.
"I’ve never dined here before, the environment is quite nice."
Ji Rui accepted the tea the manager handed over. While pouring tea for Le Tong, the manager respectfully said, "Mr. Ji, please try our signature dishes today and give some feedback. Later, I’ll get VIP cards for both you and Mrs. Ji. If you like it, you can come back anytime."
Ji Rui politely agreed, and after the manager made a round of tea, he went out to personally arrange their meal.
"Baobao is very happy today!" Ji Rui sipped his tea lightly, his gaze falling on the small figure by the fish pond, playfully chasing and teasing a group of goldfish with a small bamboo stick.
"Kids are naturally playful. Baobao is outgoing by nature, and after being cooped up for half a year, of course, he feels like a bird out of the cage."
Le Tong’s gaze also followed Ji Rui’s line of sight to Baobao.
"Oh, by the way, while you and Baobao were buying fish food earlier, Doctor Dong called."
Ji Rui didn’t want to discuss this in front of Baobao.
"What did he say?" Le Tong looked nervous, afraid of hearing any bad news.
Ji Rui placed his hand gently over hers, soothing her, "It’s nothing, it’s good news!"
Le Tong finally breathed a long sigh of relief and heard Ji Rui say, "The results from Baobao’s last check-up—Doctor Dong’s mentor looked at them. After studying them for a few days, he said Baobao’s recovery is better than others with the same condition over three years. It’s a case worthy of writing a research paper."
Le Tong’s face gradually showed a smile, "So, this means Baobao has safely passed the observation period?"
Doctor Dong previously mentioned that cases like Baobao’s usually take three years to be considered safe past the observation period. Therefore, Le Tong and Ji Rui had been very cautious about Baobao’s health.
Ji Rui neither nodded nor shook his head, causing Le Tong’s anxiety to rise once more.
"That point, Doctor Dong didn’t confirm, but he assured Baobao’s current situation is very promising. He also mentioned his mentor will visit before the Lunar New Year for a more comprehensive and in-depth examination. By then, we should have a definitive answer."
Le Tong slightly furrowed her brows and thoughtfully gazed at Baobao outside, letting out an almost inaudible sigh.
Ji Rui naturally heard her sigh, squeezed her hand, and gently reassured her.
"Don’t worry, Baobao is optimistic and has a strong constitution; he will pull through."
Le Tong ignored him, her frown seemingly becoming more pronounced.
"Doctor Dong mentioned this illness could be hereditary..."
Ji Rui’s heart tightened. What Doctor Dong said was just one of the potential causes—not conclusive—but knowing Le Tong, he worried she’d blame herself. Hence, he previously asked Doctor Dong not to mention this possibility to Le Tong.
But despite his caution, she still thought along these lines.
"Le Tong, you’re overthinking it. There are many factors causing this illness. Heredity is just one potential cause, and Baobao will certainly be fine. Focusing on blame is meaningless."
Despite Ji Rui’s words, Le Tong understood. But as a mother, unless she was certain of Baobao’s 100% recovery, she’d always feel guilt and a sense of debt in her heart.
After the dishes were served, Le Tong, having spent a good while playing with Baobao in the yard, finally felt a little more at ease. With a smile, she led Baobao back into the private room.
The food was delicious, and both foodie Le Tong and Baobao ate with great joy. Baobao even astonishingly ate two large bowls of rice.
When it was time to settle the bill, the manager came in with two VIP cards for Ji Rui.
"Mr. Ji, was the meal to your and your family’s satisfaction?"
In truth, his question was a bit unnecessary. The eight dishes plus a soup and dessert were nearly finished, clearly indicating that the food was indeed quite good.
"Yes, it was very good!"
Ji Rui took the VIP cards and handed them to Le Tong. He himself hardly used VIP cards since his mere presence was more effective than any card.
"In the future, I hope both you and Mrs. Ji will continue to visit. It turns out our restaurant has a bit of a family connection with your family too, Mr. Ji."
That puzzled Ji Rui, raising his eyebrows as he glanced at the manager, "Oh?"
"Mr. Ji, you’re a busy man, so it’s no wonder you weren’t aware. Our restaurant changed ownership about a year ago; the new owner is the brother-in-law of the younger second master from the Ji Family."
Initially, Ji Rui didn’t pay much attention to the manager’s words. Later, sitting in the car, as he thoughtfully reflected, he began to ponder.
"Xiao Li, have someone investigate Ji Wen’s father-in-law’s family matters over the recent years, as detailed as possible."
Originally, Le Tong was chatting with Baobao when she heard this and looked at him in surprise, but Ji Rui showed no intention of explaining, so Le Tong wisely swallowed her rising questions.