Transmigration: The Little Chef Calls The Shots
Chapter 240 - 240 240 Kissed with a Puff (3)_1

Chapter 240: Chapter 240: Kissed with a Puff (3)_1 Chapter 240: Chapter 240: Kissed with a Puff (3)_1 Lin Yuan smiled and nodded her head, and Meng Liangdong returned the gesture with a bow, “A pleasure to meet you, indeed.”

Once they were both seated, Liuzi attentively poured tea for them.

Taking advantage of this moment, Lin Yuan observed Meng Liangdong more closely.

Truthfully speaking, Boss Meng really wasn’t cut out for business; even as a teacher, he would be the kind who’s so meticulous that he borders on being pedantic.

He was dressed in a coarse cloth robe, with every button at the collar neatly fastened.

Even the cuffs were folded perfectly straight, without the slightest angle off.

It wasn’t just his attire but also his posture.

Unlike others who would sit fully on a stool, he sat tentatively on just the half of it, his fists half-clenched and resting demurely on his knees.

With his head slightly bowed, his eyes didn’t wander around but instead looked straight ahead.

Only when Liuzi handed him a teacup did he raise his head to accept it with both hands, repeatedly expressing his thanks.

This mannerism of his was genuinely amusing for Lin Yuan.

Frankly speaking, since she had arrived in this era, it was her first time coming across such a rigorously precise man.

“Why does Boss Meng wish to sell his shop?

I’ve heard that it has been in business for over a decade.

Could it be that Boss Meng is willing to part with it?” Lin Yuan naturally knew the reason, but she asked the question with a hint of jest.

As expected, Meng Liangdong didn’t disappoint her.

Seeing her speak to him, Meng Liangdong, who had just raised his teacup to his lips, promptly set the cup back on the table, his hands again half-clenched on his knees.

Even as he spoke to her, his eyes tactfully avoided looking at her.

“Alas, every family has its own difficult scripture to chant.

Since Miss Lin has inquired, I shall speak candidly.

Indeed, this shop was bequeathed to me by my father, but unfortunately, I am not skilled in managing it and have failed to meet my father’s expectations.

Now, the shop’s revenues cannot cover its expenses.

If I don’t act soon, I fear the savings accumulated over these many years will be squandered by my hands.

I have no choice but to part with it painfully and seek someone destined to take it over.”

Off to the side, Liuzi scratched his head in vexation, his mouth twisting bitterly—he found Boss Meng’s way of speaking incredibly tedious and didn’t understand a single sentence.

Lin Yuan, however, did understand, but she was almost dizzy from his incessant use of “I” in such a formal manner.

Her guess was not wrong: Meng Liangdong really was the teaching kind, and based on her observation, likely a very learned man at that.

If that was the case, could it be that Meng Liangdong was planning to sell the shop and travel to the capital to sit for the exams?

With that thought, Lin Yuan posed the question.

Without asking, things were fine, but her question turned things on their head as the formerly expressionless Meng Liangdong suddenly looked disconsolate and heaved sighs.

“Miss Lin truly has a discerning eye and gets to the heart of matters.

I have indeed dabbled in scholarship for a few years and have participated in the provincial examinations several times.

However, alas, for some reason, every time full of confidence as I entered the exam hall, my mind would go blank upon seeing the exam papers.

I couldn’t recall anything I had studied.

Only after leaving the examination hall could I write down the content word for word.

I took the triennial provincial exams three times, with the same result every time, until I finally abandoned the idea of pursuing official credentials.”

Lin Yuan had heard of such a condition where one could usually write smoothly but would fail to perform in an exam—simply put, it was a lack of mental fortitude.

Moreover, from what Meng Liangdong implied, he must have spent over a decade attempting to achieve officialdom, which explained why he carried an aura of a defeated man.

In front of this young girl barely in her teens, he hadn’t once raised his head.

Understanding his situation, Lin Yuan felt some sympathy for him.

After all, it was rare for someone to persist with something for a decade.

Putting everything else aside, just his perseverance alone was enough to earn Lin Yuan’s admiration.