An Unexpected Encounter (Part 1)

  I thought I wouldn't have any more dealings with this person, but unexpectedly ran into them again in a small town half a month later.

  I have two partners, one named Peng Ye and the other Shen Jiahe. Peng Ye is the designer of that data simulation software, responsible for all related technologies, while Shen Jiahe is specifically responsible for receiving orders for me, she has a wide network of contacts and strong interpersonal skills. I am mainly responsible for behind-the-scenes operations, of course, various ideas are also mine to think of.

  Settled the bill, and the remaining payment was collected. Jiahe proposed a self-driving tour trip, which originated from an announcement issued by the group owner of a business group she often visits, inviting everyone to go to a small town to breathe in the spirit of nature. I had no objection, Pengye raised both hands in agreement, and it was settled.

  We set off in the morning and arrived at our destination near dusk. The leader of Jiahe's group was called Old Wu, and there was also a man and a woman with him. After exchanging pleasantries, I turned around and exchanged a smile with Jiahe. Having been in this line for some time, my ability to read people has also become more acute, and at a glance, I could tell that the couple brought by Old Wu were not what they seemed. Perhaps after some development, they might become future business partners, which was also one of the reasons I agreed to this self-driving tour.

  Old Wu gathered everyone to this small town to visit the nearby mountain valley, said to be incredibly scenic. Nowadays people are not interested in famous historical sites, but instead like original natural beauty, taking photos and posting them online to show off. I actually came along just as a companion, my task list must be completed on time, these days have been arranged, if I entered the mountain valley I'm afraid there won't even be a signal, so the next day they went out, I stayed in the hotel.

  After they left, I fell asleep in the room. Last night, I was grinding for a single child all night, and my eyelids were almost impossible to open this morning. This sleep is very deep, and it's woken up by hunger. When I opened my eyes, the sky outside was dark, and I actually slept for a whole day.

  After washing up, I went out to find something to eat downstairs, my stomach was already empty and uncomfortable. As I walked to the wooden stairs, I wasn't paying attention and was bumped into by a careless person, it didn't hurt much, but I stumbled backward half a step before regaining my balance. When I looked up, I met a pair of bright black eyes, I was slightly stunned, the other person stared at me for a moment, without apologizing, quickly brushed past me and left.

  I shook my head with a wry smile, wondering if men these days have become so rude just because they've got a bit of good looks.

  Went downstairs and asked the hotel owner about where to eat, saying that going out and walking two steps to the right would have a small restaurant. The boss was indeed an honest person, and it was really two steps away, just next to the hotel, as for the restaurant, it was indeed small, with only three tables in total.

  As soon as I entered, I saw that only one table was surrounded by guests, and the other two were empty. I chose to sit at the entrance, and soon the boss came over to take my order, but he spoke in a dialect that I couldn't understand. I asked for a menu, but he shook his head. A middle-aged man from the next table leaned over and said: "Little girl, the boss is a Yi ethnic minority, and his Mandarin is not fluent. This is just a small shop, there's no menu like in your city. Do you want me to recommend two dishes for you?"

  It's unexpected that there is a Yi ethnic restaurant in this town. The boss's Mandarin is not only poor, but he doesn't even speak it. I don't know how he runs the store. The person next to me didn't have any malicious intentions, just being enthusiastic. I nodded and let him help me order three dishes. While waiting for the food, they chatted and laughed at the table next door, clinking glasses from time to time. When my food arrived, that big brother spoke up again: "Sister, are you from the city? A university student? You city people like to run to our mountainous areas."

  I dressed myself up and looked at it, wearing a T-shirt with a denim shirt on top, and a pair of jeans on the bottom, like a college girl? Maybe that middle-aged brother had too much wine to drink, so he talked more, telling stories and rumors about the local Yi people. Anyway, I didn't have anything else to do, so I listened while eating, occasionally inserting a sentence, gradually becoming more interested, taking out a jar of rice wine from my handbag, this wine was self-brewed, sweet and sweet when entering the mouth.

  I have a habit, when I'm in a good mood, I'll take a small sip or two, but not too much. Tonight is rare and exciting, so I brought it out and passed it to the next table, letting them try my fine wine as well. However, after big brother took a sip from his cup, he shook his head and said it was too weak, not strong enough.

  I secretly smiled, this wine is a strong finish. But they didn't like it on their table, I didn't force them, so I quietly sipped the small wine on one side and chatted with them in a casual manner.