Chapter 94: with translation of chapter title

Ya Li laughed, "Alright, Chairman Zhao, let's have dinner together tonight."

Sun Dajun said, "President Kang, how about we go to the Zaocheng Grand Hotel for dinner tonight?"

Ya Li said, "Going there again isn't necessary for the three of us, right."

I said, "Let's go to the food street for a night market, so President Kang can taste the traditional Zaocheng cuisine."

"Sure, that's what I mean; we've been eating at the hotel these days. The dishes there have become bland," Ya Li said.

"Since my dad said so, we'll go to the food street tonight. Dad, you handle your business first; I'll pick you up this evening," Sun Dajun stood up and said.

I looked at Sun Dajun and thought to myself, Has this kid really changed? That change came far too quickly.

I smiled and said, "Alright, President Kang, see you tonight."

"See you tonight, Chairman Zhao," Ya Li said with a smile.

Ya Li and Sun Dajun both left the office.

Just after seeing them off, my phone rang,

I saw it was a call from Xiao Feng,

so I hurriedly answered,

Xiao Feng said over the phone, "Jianqiang, are you at the office now."

I replied, "Xiao Feng, I've been at the office all along; if I weren't, where could I go? I can't even move with a crutch."

Xiao Feng laughed, "You're on a crutch and still manage everything. I still don't know you well."

"Xiao Feng, your words embarrass me. Stop joking with me. When will you return? I'm still waiting for you; I have matters to discuss," I said.

"Tomorrow, because there's a typhoon in Hainan these days and flights are grounded. If there's a flight tomorrow, I'll go back," Xiao Feng said.

"That's great, Xiao Feng, could you ask Brother Ye why the Zaocheng Mining Group has stopped cooperating with Qi He Mine?"

"Brother Ye has contacts in the Zaocheng Mining Group; he'll surely get the real information," I asked Xiao Feng.

"Oh, not cooperating? I only heard you mention it today. I always thought they were cooperating. Fine, I'll have Lao Ye ask about it for you," Xiao Feng said.

"With Brother Ye's help, this will be easy to resolve. Let me know what time you arrive tomorrow, and I'll dispatch a car to pick you up," I said.

"Okay, when I arrive I'll contact you again. How is Zhou Wei now?" Xiao Feng asked.

"He's the same, still not waking up. Sigh, it worries me to death," I said helplessly.

"I heard there's a Chinese medicine doctor here who specializes in treating vegetative patients; I'll ask if he can help," Xiao Feng said.

"That's perfect; please investigate. We need a combination of Chinese and Western medicine to find a way to wake Zhou Wei. Only if Zhou Wei wakes up will everything be fine," I said.

"That's it then. Alright, you've talked enough; I have other matters. I'll contact you when I get to Zaocheng. Goodbye, Jianqiang," Xiao Feng said.

"Goodbye, Xiao Feng," I said.

After Xiao Feng hung up,

I thought that having Xiao Feng ask Ye Jianming about why the Zaocheng Mining Group isn't cooperating with Qi He Mine would be much better. I'll speak again after clarifying the reason.

I'll go back to deal with Qi He Mine.

Evening arrived quickly,

Sun Dajun had the driver pick me up and take me downstairs,

The three of us soon arrived at Zaocheng's food street.

To boost the popularity of Xin Cheng in Zaocheng, Kong Shi set up a food‑street night market, gathering all of Zaocheng City's delicacies in one place,

so that Xin Cheng residents can stroll at night and sample Zaocheng's cuisine.

The three of us chose Wu's Lamb Soup from Lanling,

a famous lamb soup in Lanling County that draws crowds every day during the peak of summer.

Boss Wu has opened another branch on Xin Cheng's food street.

When Ya Li saw Wu's Lamb Soup,

she whispered in my ear, "Brother Yansheng, you remember, back when we were at the demolition department, you often took me for Wu's Lamb Soup."

Ya Li's words made me recall the past,

Back then, Wu Xiezi always joined us for lamb soup. I remember him, while drinking, telling me that from Ya Li's walking posture he concluded that Tian Bin had already slept with her, and her gait had changed from inward‑toed to outward‑toed.

I looked up at Ya Li's gait and recalled Wu Xiezi's words.

Wu Xiezi was so talented, but he has already gone to heaven,

and thinking of that makes me a little sad.

"The past is like wind, Ya Li; I'm sure today's lamb soup tastes even better than back then," I whispered.

Ya Li smiled and said nothing more.

We had already booked a room,

Sun Dajun busied himself ordering dishes and drinks.

Ya Li and I sat inside chatting,

a plate of peanuts, a plate of hot‑seasoned lamb, a plate of fried lamb intestines, and a plate of fried lamb blood,

and a large bowl of clear broth was served quickly.

Sun Dajun said, "Dad, Boss Wu has created two specialty dishes—a spicy braised lamb neck and a hand‑torn lamb chop. He's asking if we'll eat them."

I said, "Now President Kang is here, we have to try them."

"Alright, I'll arrange that right away," Sun Dajun said.

In a short while, two large plates of the specialty dishes arrived.

Ya Li said, "I haven't tasted the flavor of my hometown in ages; you can't find such food down south."

After speaking, Sun Dajun used chopsticks to pick a large lamb chop for Ya Li,

"Then today, let President Kang enjoy the hometown cuisine. Dad, are you still drinking?"

Sun Dajun asked me again,

"Such good food, such a good night, such a beautiful woman—how could we do without wine?" I said with a smile.

After Ya Li heard me finish speaking,

she laughed,

"Chairman Zhao, won't you recite a poem to match this mood and scenery?"

"Let's drink the wine first, then recite. Dajun, pour the wine." I said.

Sun Dajun poured wine for all of us,

I then raised my wine cup,

"General Manager Kang, I won't repeat my thanks. Since you came to our company, everything has been developing in a good direction."

"Dajun, this is my son. Frankly, we grandfather and grandson haven't eaten together like this in a long time."

In the past, whenever we met, we would argue.

Since General Manager Kang arrived, our relationship has also recovered.

"This shows that General Manager Kang's charm is not ordinary. I'll first raise a glass to General Manager Kang."

Having said that, I raised my cup and drank it all in one go.

Ya Li then quickly said, "Chairman Zhao, with such praise, I'll be proud. Thank you, Chairman Zhao."

Ya Li also took a sip of wine.

I had Sun Dajun pour Ya Li a bowl of clear soup,

I then said to Ya Li, "General Manager Kang, try this lamb soup; is it still the same taste as before?"

Ya Li took a sip,

and said with a smile, "It's still the old flavor, making one nostalgic."

Upon hearing that, I laughed heartily.

Sun Dajun raised his wine cup and said, "I haven't seen Dad this happy in a long time. Dad, when I was young and immature, don't take it to heart."

Since General Manager Kang arrived, he often chats with me,

communicates with me, letting me improve our relationship.

General Manager Kang, I also want to thank you,

I raise a glass to you.

After saying that, Sun Dajun also downed a cup of wine.

"You two grandfather and grandson, what are you up to, trying to get me to drink more? I can't do that; we're having dinner tonight, just chatting casually."

No need to keep saying thanks; as long as the company develops well.

repaying our company's money,

I would have fulfilled my duty.

After saying that, Ya Li raised her cup and took a small sip,

"General Manager Kang, rest assured—when father and son are of one heart, their profit cuts through metal. As long as Dajun and I work together, I believe Da Heng Group will surely overcome its difficulties." I raised my cup happily.

"Dad, as long as you believe in me, I will surely strive to get the company back on track as soon as possible." Sun Dajun also raised his cup happily.