Into the Night, Jiao Jiao Gets Kissed by a Business Tycoon
Chapter 175: [Extra] I Don’t Care About These

Chapter 175: Chapter 175: [Extra] I Don’t Care About These

Zhou Ming had often heard about Haidilao, but this was his first time eating there. He had thought it was just an ordinary hotpot restaurant, but he didn’t expect the prices to be so expensive.

Even though Jiang Yurou was treating him, Zhou Ming ultimately handed the tablet back to Jiang Yurou and just drank water himself.

"Do you not like these dishes?" Jiang Yurou asked carefully, frowning slightly.

"No, I had something on my way back. I’m not very hungry now. You order what you like," Zhou Ming shook his head.

Jiang Yurou also noticed Zhou Ming’s restraint. She glanced at the tablet; the prices weren’t that high. It was much cheaper than the restaurant she had previously visited with Tan Bo.

However, Jiang Yurou didn’t press Zhou Ming further. She ordered a few signature dishes and then directed the waiter to start serving.

Afterwards, Jiang Yurou didn’t ask Zhou Ming anymore. When preparing the dipping sauces, she made an extra portion for him and placed it in front of him, "You must try this sauce later, it’s really tasty!"

Her smile was sweet, and the look in her eyes was filled with anticipation as she pulled out a bottle of red wine from behind her, "And this, let’s also try the boiled red wine that’s been popular online lately."

"Boiled red wine?" Zhou Ming asked.

"Yes, although I’ve never tried it myself, many people say that boiled red wine is very delicious. Let’s give it a try," Jiang Yurou said, licking her lips.

Seeing her do that made Zhou Ming’s heart skip a beat, and he looked at Jiang Yurou in a somewhat unnatural way before clearing his throat and looking down.

To prepare the red wine, Jiang Yurou specifically ordered a four-compartment hotpot base and had one section emptied by the waiter. Then, she poured the red wine into it. As the water temperature rose, she started adding various fruits like strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and grapes, as well as auxiliary ingredients like star anise and cinnamon, and finally a bit of honey. Soon enough, the aromatic red wine was ready.

The scent of the red wine instantly filled the air, mingled with the fragrances of the fruits and other ingredients, lending the atmosphere an especially romantic flair.

Jiang Yurou asked the waiter for two empty cups, then poured one cup of red wine and handed it to Zhou Ming, "Go on, have a taste."

Zhou Ming didn’t refuse anymore. After taking the cup, he blew on the hot steam and took a light sip. The boiled red wine aroma was even richer, and with the addition of the fruits and honey, it had a hint of sweetness. The spices and fruits were all added in just the right amount, not too strong and not too much like fruit juice. Overall, it was quite nice.

"How is it, tasty?" Seeing that Zhou Ming was silent for a long time, Jiang Yurou couldn’t help but ask.

"It’s not bad." That was how he felt.

"Really?" Jiang Yurou smiled and then served herself a cup to taste.

Jiang Yurou nodded in satisfaction, "I didn’t expect that the internet was actually telling the truth; it is indeed delicious."

Hearing Jiang Yurou’s words, Zhou Ming didn’t express agreement but instead just glanced faintly at the various fruits in the pot and the bottle of red wine that looked expensive. All of these ingredients combined, even boiling plain water would probably taste good...

After finishing the wine, most of the dishes were served, and they began cooking the hotpot items.

Noticing that Zhou Ming hadn’t started eating yet, Jiang Yurou began placing food into his bowl, "Look at you, you’ve been tired all day. Eat more, your body is your capital for the revolution!"

Seeing Jiang Yurou’s concerned expression, Zhou Ming really couldn’t refuse and replied, "Didn’t you say earlier that you were starving? You should eat too."

"Okay."

If it were any other time, Jiang Yurou might have already cleared the table of food, but since this was her first meal with Zhou Ming, she didn’t abandon her manners as she might have done while eating with Tan Bo.

Jiang Yurou began to chew slowly like the other girls, to the point where she was only half full after an hour of eating.

To maintain her image in Zhou Ming’s eyes, Jiang Yurou painfully put down her chopsticks and elegantly wiped her mouth, "I’m full."

Zhou Ming glanced at the nearly untouched dishes in front of her, his gaze flickering with understanding, "Are you really full?"

Jiang Yurou, gritting her teeth, nodded, "Mhm, I’m full. I have a small appetite, so I can only eat so much."

Seeing her resolute face, Zhou Ming suddenly smiled, "Jiang Yurou, you can be yourself around me. If you’re full, you’re full; if you’re not, just keep eating. I don’t care about these things."

Zhou Ming actually wanted to say he didn’t care about a girl’s figure and that health was what mattered, but in the end, he decided not to say it.

"Really?" Jiang Yurou asked with a surprised and sweet demeanor.

Zhou Ming, "Mhm."

"Then, okay. Actually, I’m not full. I just didn’t want you to think I was a girl with a big appetite."

"What’s wrong with a big appetite? It means you can eat a lot, which means you’re healthy."

Jiang Yurou hadn’t expected Zhou Ming to respond like that, feeling somewhat delighted, "Do you really think that way? Don’t all you guys prefer girls with small appetites?"

"I don’t know what they like, but I won’t disdain a girl just because she has a big appetite," Zhou Ming said seriously, looking into Jiang Yurou’s eyes.

Jiang Yurou paused, then smiled, "Then according to you, you don’t actually dislike me, right?"

Zhou Ming frowned slightly, "When did I say I disliked you?"

"Then why did you always not want me to come see you before?"

Zhou Ming sighed, "I just didn’t want you to waste your time on me..."

Jiang Yurou shook her head, retorting, "How could that be a waste of time? Are you saying you’ll never intend to have a girlfriend in your life?"

"I..." Zhou Ming was at a loss for words.

Jiang Yurou continued, "If you don’t speak, that means you do plan to have a girlfriend someday. If that’s the case, why can’t that person be me?"

A shadow of melancholy flickered in Zhou Ming’s eyes as he forced a smile and slowly said, "Wait till you know me a little more... maybe then you won’t say that."

Jiang Yurou was taken aback, not expecting that kind of reply from Zhou Ming. However, his words didn’t discourage her but rather strengthened her resolve, "Is that so? Then I will definitely get to know you well."

Zhou Ming didn’t reply, instead handing her a new pair of chopsticks, "Alright, weren’t you hungry? Hurry up and eat, or the dipping sauces will dry up."

Jiang Yurou took the chopsticks, looked at him, and said, "Then I want the beef in front of you."

Zhou Ming passed the plate to her.

However, Jiang Yurou didn’t take it but said, "I want the beef that’s already been cooked in your bowl."

Holding the plate, Zhou Ming paused, somewhat helplessly, but still placed the beef into Jiang Yurou’s bowl.