077: "SSS-level targets are exceedingly rare and unlikely to appear until you reach Level 50. The higher the tier, the rarer and more challenging the pursuit."
Disappointed but resolute, Zhou Yi realized he must continue working diligently. Still, a Level B target like Jing Wen wasn't bad either, especially since he harbored no moral qualms about pursuing her.
Jing Wen emerged from the kitchen carrying freshly prepared dishes. With a warm smile, she invited Zhou Yi and Chef Lao Hai to join her for dinner. This intimate trio formed the entirety of the restaurant staff. Conversation flowed naturally between Jing Wen and Zhou Yi, with the former asking about his studies and offering maternal concern.
"How have things been at school recently?"
"They've been fine, Sister Wen."
"You've only just entered your second year—don't put too much pressure on yourself. Look at you, so thin! I bet you haven't been eating properly at school. Here, have some meat."
"Thank you, Sister Wen."
"No need to thank me. By the way, if any customers come later, you handle them first. I don't want you staying up too late—it's tough on your body."
Typically, Jing Wen and Zhou Yi alternated shifts. Zhou Yi worked from 5 PM to 9 PM, while Jing Wen covered the hours from 9 PM to midnight. Knowing that Zhou Yi was still young and needed time for his studies, she proposed swapping their schedules to allow him earlier rest. What she didn't know was that many of Zhou Yi's assignments weren't solely his own—he often helped others complete theirs.
Initially, according to Jing Wen's hiring standards, Zhou Yi should have worked until midnight. However, recognizing his academic burden, she generously adjusted his hours to ease his workload.
Zhou Yi paused mid-bite. "That won't do, Sister Wen. I can't let you work such late hours alone—I'll worry about you. Please don't push yourself too hard for my sake. If I can't even serve a few plates of food, how will I survive in the real world once I graduate?"
In the past, drunken men occasionally visited the restaurant, attempting to harass Jing Wen. Since hiring Lao Hai and Zhou Yi, however, such incidents had decreased significantly. Amused by Zhou Yi's earnestness, Jing Wen chuckled softly, her alluring eyes crinkling at the corners. There was a certain magnetism in her gaze—a blend of sensuality and wisdom born from life's trials.
Her beauty wasn't merely skin-deep; it was her aura of resilience and tenderness that truly captivated those around her. Zhou Yi felt his cheeks flush—he hadn't interacted much with women in their thirties before, and he found himself unexpectedly drawn to her.
Seeing his sincerity, Jing Wen accepted his offer with a grateful smile. "Alright, we'll finish together. If it's quiet later, you can do your homework here. It shouldn't be too busy."
Smiling, Zhou Yi nodded. "I'm done eating, Sister Wen. Take your time—I'll wash the dishes in the meantime."
Jing Wen hesitated, intending to stop him, but Lao Hai interjected quietly, "Let him do it. He wants to show his gratitude. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words."
Realizing this, Jing Wen looked thoughtfully at her hands, roughened by years of labor. Perhaps Zhou Yi noticed this too, choosing to take on the dishwashing duties as a gesture of appreciation. A tender warmth spread across her face, softening her smile further. Today, Xiao Yi seemed particularly thoughtful.
Back in the kitchen, Zhou Yi busied himself with the task, ensuring everything was spotless. Watching him, Jing Wen felt a sense of fulfillment she hadn't experienced in years. His care wasn't rooted in ulterior motives or superficial attraction—it stemmed purely from genuine concern, akin to familial love. For Jing Wen, this was a long-overdue reminder that she mattered beyond her beauty or status.
With a contented sigh, she observed Zhou Yi's industrious movements, her lips curling into a serene smile. In caring for another person, she rediscovered purpose in her own life.
[Jing Wen's heart rate is added 1, wealth value is added 5,000, attribute point is added 5. ]