I'm Done with the Elite Marriage - Chapter 60

Early in the morning, Zhou Youling received a phone call from her female cousin, Rong Duanjing.

Rong Duanjing had married and settled in B City two years ago.

Recently, Zhou Youling decided to move to B City to raise her child, partly because Rong Duanjing was already there.

Rong Duanjing was a year older than Zhou Youling, and they had always shared a close bond since childhood.

Now, Rong Duanjing was living a blissful life and had just welcomed a child at the beginning of last year, bringing with her a wealth of experience.

On the phone, Rong Duanjing said to Zhou Youling, “It’s such a coincidence, there’s a perfect shop space available at South of the City’s plaza in B City. Besides that, I’ve found two other great locations for you to check out. Let me know when you can come over to take a look.”

Hearing this, Zhou Youling was overjoyed and immediately sat up in bed, saying, “I’ll come over today!”

Rong Duanjing replied, “Alright, I’ll send you the address.”

It takes just an hour on the highway to get from Nanzhou City to B City.

Since Zhou Youling couldn’t drive, she went to bother Bai Lingxue early in the morning.

Bai Lingxue had no choice but to get out of bed, quickly get ready, and drive Zhou Youling to B City.

The hour-long drive passed quickly, and once off the highway, Bai Lingxue said to Zhou Youling, “I thought you were just talking about coming to B City, but you actually are looking at shop spaces here.”

Zhou Youling smiled, instinctively touching her slightly rounded belly, and said, “I have to think about the long term.”

Bai Lingxue sighed, “Good thing you’re not moving abroad, or I’d hardly get to see you.”

Zhou Youling replied, “That won’t happen. I’m used to living in the country and don’t want to adjust to life abroad.”

Initially, Rong Huiying suggested moving abroad to avoid unnecessary troubles. But after considering it, Zhou Youling felt more comfortable staying in the country, especially since she couldn’t bear to leave her Food and Color restaurant behind. The best compromise was to leave Nanzhou City and minimize contact with the Fu Family.

Bai Lingxue didn’t oppose Zhou Youling’s decision, especially since B City was close to Nanzhou City.

Following the address sent by Rong Duanjing, Zhou Youling arrived at the destination.

Rong Duanjing was already waiting.

“Sis!” Zhou Youling shouted as she got out of the car, spotting her cousin across the way.

Rong Duanjing smiled and walked over, responding, “Take it easy!”

Two years ago, Rong Duanjing married her classmate Mu Shao. They had been dating since college, and Rong Duanjing had even chosen to attend a university in B City for Mu Shao, truly going from school uniforms to wedding dresses.

Although Rong Duanjing had given birth less than a year ago, she had regained her youthful figure.

Earlier this year, Rong Duanjing returned to Nanzhou City to celebrate the New Year.

Having seen Rong Duanjing just a few days ago, Zhou Youling felt no awkwardness at all.

Rong Duanjing couldn’t help but remark, “Why is it that you don’t even look pregnant at five months? You know, at five months, I was as big as a pig!”

Zhou Youling laughed and said, “I don’t know, all I see is a beautiful young lady in front of me.”

Rong Duanjing laughed heartily and took Zhou Youling’s arm affectionately.

Zhou Youling knew her female cousin was exaggerating a bit. She had seen Rong Duanjing pregnant, and she definitely wasn’t what you’d call “fat.”

But Zhou Youling’s slim figure was genuine. For one, she didn’t show much, and for another, she was deliberately controlling her diet. After the initial pregnancy symptoms, her appetite had opened up, especially for sweets, which are notorious for causing weight gain. While ensuring her daily nutritional intake, if Zhou Youling didn’t control her diet, her weight would balloon like a blown-up balloon.

Soon, they arrived at a shop with a “For Transfer” sign. Rong Duanjing first introduced the area to Zhou Youling before leading her inside.

The shop’s overall size was similar to the restaurant Zhou Youling was currently running. It was operating as a fast-food place, with the upstairs space vacant.

Rong Duanjing explained, “The restaurant’s boss is having financial difficulties. This property is under his name, and he’s only selling, not renting.”

The location wasn’t prime, as there was no commercial district nearby, but it was surrounded by schools. Not only were B City’s best junior high and high schools nearby, but University B was right in front.

Zhou Youling walked around the restaurant, inside and out, and immediately decided, “I’ll take this one.”

“Why don’t you think it over? Don’t rush into a decision. I have two more places to show you,” Rong Duanjing suggested.

Zhou Youling shook her head, saying, “No need.”

Thus, Zhou Youling spent the day preparing to handle the paperwork with the former boss. Meanwhile, the renovation team she had previously selected arrived promptly.

If she was going to do this, she would give it her all and take it seriously.

Zhou Youling hoped to have everything about Food and Color in B City settled before her baby was born.

…

Zhou Youling spent several days busy in B City. When she returned to Nanzhou City, she was surprised to find her Food and Color restaurant surrounded by crowds.

Honestly, she was used to such scenes, but the sight still shocked her.

Outside stood mostly young girls, many holding light boards. Despite the cold weather, Zhou Youling noticed some girls with bare legs, which made her frown, worried they might catch a cold waiting outside.

Afraid of the cold herself, Zhou Youling was bundled up tightly. She even wore a furry hat that covered her ears and nearly hid most of her long face.

Queuing at Food and Color wasn’t news, so the restaurant provided plenty of benches outside and board games for entertainment.

As she got closer, Zhou Youling overheard some girls discussing:

“Oh my gosh, I’m so excited! I really saw him just now!”

“I heard he used to come here to eat when he didn’t have money. I regret not coming earlier!”

“Where is he now? Is he in a private room?”

“No! He’s in the main hall!”

Following the girl’s gaze, Zhou Youling saw nothing. But she did notice several light boards.

One board had a single character: Ze.

Another board read: Yijiaren.

It was clear that a celebrity had arrived.

Zhou Youling was no stranger to celebrities visiting the Food and Color restaurant, given its fame.

As Zhou Youling reached the restaurant entrance, a waiter spotted the boss and exclaimed with delight, “You look adorable today!”

Dressed in a white furry coat, Zhou Youling showed no signs of pregnancy, yet her cuteness was undeniable.

Zhou Youling had a remarkable relationship with almost every staff member at the restaurant. She was approachable, and often, it was the Front Hall Manager, Zhou Xiaoming, who played the bad guy.

“Who’s inside?” Zhou Youling asked.

The welcoming waiter replied, “Xu Jiaze! He’s dined here before.”

“Oh, it’s him,” Zhou Youling said, a bit surprised.

Since Xu Jiaze participated in a talent show, he had skyrocketed to fame in just a few months.

Xu Jiaze’s meteoric rise became a phenomenon that caught everyone in the industry off guard. Unlike a mere pretty face, Xu Jiaze was a jack-of-all-trades, excelling in multiple musical instruments and showcasing impressive creative talent.

Thus, Xu Jiaze became a true idol.

However, Zhou Youling hadn’t seen Xu Jiaze in person for quite some time. Understandably, Xu Jiaze was no longer “free,” with many of his actions being restricted.

Zhou Youling deeply wished Xu Jiaze well in his newfound fame. She felt fortunate for her past “act of kindness.” Despite Xu Jiaze’s soaring popularity, Zhou Youling never boasted about their past encounters to outsiders.

As Zhou Youling was about to enter the restaurant, a girl behind her protested, “Why does she get to go in? Is this cutting in line? There’s no number calling now, and she doesn’t have a waiting number. I’ve been waiting for almost an hour!”

Zhou Youling turned to look at the girl, who had dyed pink hair and seemed straightforward.

Before Zhou Youling could explain, the welcoming waiter quickly smiled politely and explained to the girl, “She’s not a waiting customer; she’s the boss of our Food and Color restaurant.”

The pink-haired girl widened her eyes and grabbed Zhou Youling’s hand, exclaiming, “Ah, Elder sister, it’s you! I didn’t recognize you, please don’t be mad at me!”

Zhou Youling chuckled, “Why would I be mad?”

The girl replied, “You helped our Ah Ze once; you’re Ah Ze’s benefactor. Since you’re Ah Ze’s benefactor, you’re my benefactor too.”

Zhou Youling was almost dizzy from the conversation.

Benefactor? What did she do exactly?

Soon, other girls began to recognize Zhou Youling.

It was only because Zhou Youling was bundled up tightly today, but even with all those layers, it was clear she was a beauty.

Quickly, Zhou Youling was surrounded by a small circle of young fans, with the pink-haired girl politely saying, “Let’s not bother Elder sister. We’re all Yijiaren, and we should act like Yijiaren.”

“Right, let’s not trouble Elder sister. Don’t block the restaurant!”

“Everyone, take your seats.”

They were indeed a well-behaved group of kids.

Zhou Youling looked on with satisfaction.

Perhaps a positive idol influences their fans.

Just then, a commotion erupted inside the restaurant.

Then, Zhou Youling heard the pink-haired girl scream, “Ah! It’s Ah Ze!”

“It’s him! It’s really him!”

“Ah Ze came out!”

“Ahhh! I finally saw him in person! He’s so handsome!”

One moment, Zhou Youling was praising these young girls in her mind, and the next, she was almost squashed.

Xu Jiaze suddenly emerged from the restaurant, causing the uproar.

In the chaos, Zhou Youling was accidentally tripped. She lost her balance and fell to the ground.

Pain surged through Zhou Youling’s body, and she instinctively protected her belly as she lay on the ground.

“Don’t come over…” Zhou Youling cried out in agony.