Back to Three Years Old: Crushing Scumbags on a Parenting Reality Show 197

Chapter 197

Life always moved forward; regrets couldn’t change the past.

Like He Rongzheng, emerging from his tent, despite his decision, he couldn’t help but wonder if, without the surveillance, they would be somewhere else now, guided by fate.

The chubby pig snorted, the chubby granddaughter panted, He Rongzheng chuckled and sat down next to them as they finally stopped running, he looked at the orange in his granddaughter’s hand.

A small, chubby thumb poked the orange, releasing its refreshing scent.

He Rongzheng, who had just taken a nap, felt a pang of thirst.

So did Wen Xixi, after running around.

Their expectant gazes, silent yet intense, made Wei Maomao feel obligated.

The first segment of the orange went into He Rongzheng’s mouth.

The old man, his eyes narrowing at the sweet and sour taste, glanced smugly at the pig, who was oinking and opening its mouth expectantly.

Then, the second segment went into the pig’s mouth.

He Rongzheng: “…”

Left, right, left again, then right… The little one, with a serious expression, performed her task mechanically, fair and efficient, leaving no room for complaints.

And now the question was…

He Rongzheng, his lips twitching slightly at the overly fair treatment, looked at his little granddaughter, who had just fed the pig and only had one segment left… Why did she stop? Couldn’t he, as her grandpa, have more than a pig?

The proud grandpa couldn’t bring himself to complain, but the sensible pig lay down and nudged the little chubby feet next to it.

Why were there nine segments in this orange? Unfazed by the expectant gazes, Wei Maomao popped the last segment into her own mouth, grabbed a handful of oranges, and ran off.

The well-behaved pig: “???”

He Rongzheng: “Heh…”

Wei Maomao, holding the oranges, ran to Cheng Tingyan and saw Jiang Heye and Shen Zilin whispering, Shen Zilin’s eyes glazed over, his expression one of utter despair, she hesitated, her hand, which had been reaching out with the oranges, retracting. And Wen Jiangyue next to them was covering her mouth, giggling, her little face wrinkling with suppressed laughter…

“Have some oranges.” Wei Maomao said, handing one to Wen Jiangyue, she asked curiously, “Yueyue, what are you laughing about?”

As the orange peel was being peeled, Wen Jiangyue briefly explained the missed business expansion plan and Jiang Heye’s attempt to join their team.

After hearing the story, Wei Maomao, having peeled her orange and given it to Cheng Tingyan, looked at the two remaining oranges in her hand and sighed. “They’re working so hard, I’ll get them some apples…”

“Sit down, you’re all sweaty.” Cheng Tingyan said, wiping the little chubby, red face with a handkerchief. “I’ll get them some drinks later. Are you thirsty? I saw red bean soup and coconut milk over there, they’re both warm.”

“Coconut milk~~~” Wei Maomao said, smacking her lips.

She had been so focused on those two intense gazes earlier that she forgot to get a drink.

Now that she mentioned it, she felt even thirstier, Wei Maomao stood up, then was pushed back down by Cheng Tingyan.

“I’ll go.” Cheng Tingyan said concisely, she peeled half an orange and fed it to the little chubby bunny, who was licking her lips, then looked at Wen Jiangyue. “Yueyue, what do you want?”

“I’m fine with the orange. I’ll go with you.” Wen Jiangyue said, starting to get up.

Cheng Tingyan waved her hand, refusing, and left.

“Yan Yan is still so cool~~” Wen Jiangyue said, slurping on her orange segment, she turned to Wei Maomao. “Maomao, do you want to be the CFO?”

Wei Maomao, holding an orange in each hand, quickly made a cross with her chubby arms.

Her chubby face firm with refusal, Wen Jiangyue swallowed the words she had prepared, wanting to explain the role of a CFO and maybe even persuade her.

Shen Zilin and Jiang Heye also noticed Wei Maomao’s arrival, they paused their conversation, Shen Zilin walked towards Wei Maomao, wanting to discuss the horrifying events that had just transpired with his most valued partner.

And Jiang Heye, after a moment of hesitation, walked towards Shen Jianghe.

Shen Zilin’s problems, surely CEO Shen could handle them…

“You want to sign with Shen Zilin’s… that entertainment company we just discussed, the one that hasn’t even been registered yet? But last year, I asked you through Director Qin if you were interested in signing with my company, and you refused…”

“And you also want to partner with them and open a restaurant?”

“You want to endorse Big Baby’s Home Cooking? Film a promotional video for free?”

Shen Jianghe, a veteran in the business world, was still shocked by Jiang Heye’s simple words, he couldn’t help but ask.

Of course, the surrounding area was empty, his hand, instinctively reaching out, grasped at air, but he did ask the questions.

“Mmm. I wasn’t sure about my career path back then, so I temporarily signed with Director Qin’s friend.” Jiang Heye said with an apologetic smile. “I’m truly sorry. Do you think I still have a chance to join Little CEO Shen’s company? He seemed a bit hesitant, he felt he couldn’t provide me with enough resources, he suggested I sign with your company. But I think, resources… I can also find them myself, Director Qin said he has a suitable script for me, we can start preparing next year if there are no issues. And there are also a few commercials and dramas that contacted me recently, I think resources aren’t a problem, we can take it slow.”

Shen Jianghe coughed slightly. “Then wouldn’t it be the same if you joined my company directly…?” He said, subtly trying to poach her, feeling slightly guilty, but this was Jiang Heye… She became famous after just one film with Director Qin, it had only been a few months since its release, and she had already won so many awards, her followers had reached tens of millions, and almost all the comments about her were positive…

“I want to join Little CEO Shen… their company…” Jiang Heye said, her words slightly hesitant, but her tone firm.

Shen Zilin’s company, he was also the one helping them set it up… He would provide support and resources, of course, but a newly established company, there were many things to prepare and adjust, while his own entertainment company was already very mature, she could take off immediately… His business instincts told him to persuade her, but his rationality told him to give her some time to think, he changed the subject. “What are your plans for the stationery and clothing stores? Do you need my help finding locations, hiring staff? What about suppliers…”

“No, no, no need… I was just saying hello. We’ll be neighbors after the stores open; we can help each other out.” Jiang Heye said, waving her hands, after her assertive statement, she added more hesitantly, “Of course, if CEO Shen can offer some advice, I would be very grateful!”

“…“ Shen Jianghe decided to skip this potentially time-consuming topic. “Big Baby’s Home Cooking, although they’ve started looking for locations, there are still many things to consider regarding their business model. It’s not a mature project yet, regardless of which company you join, with your current popularity, I think you should choose more established endorsements. It’s not beneficial for either the restaurant, which still needs time to develop, or for you, who’s already so successful, to be tied together now.

“CEO Shen and Little CEO Shen sound so alike. He also said this when I suggested it to him.” Jiang Heye said with a smile. “He said they wanted to build the restaurant in their own way, create their own style and reputation, not become an instant internet sensation by using my current fame.”

Shen Jianghe was surprised that Shen Zilin, at such a young age, could think of this, but hearing “their own way,” “their own style and reputation,” he shook his head slightly. “Shen Zilin still wants to have the staff call adult customers ‘baby.’ But you’ve seen it yourself, when Mr. He called you ‘baby’ earlier, it was quite… awkward. If they do that at the restaurant… So I’m saying, you endorsing them now isn’t suitable. This restaurant, it’ll probably encounter some setbacks, since we know, there’s no need for you to be dragged down with them. Just wait…”

“Wait…” Jiang Heye said, interrupting him, a bit surprised. “‘We know’? I don’t know… CEO Shen, are you saying they’ll fail, so you don’t want me to endorse them?”

“…Uh, you’ve experienced being called ‘baby’ by Mr. He this morning, do you still think it’s a good idea?” Shen Jianghe asked, also surprised.

“Of course, it is. Grandpa He was dragged into it by Dongdong; of course, it felt a bit… insincere? Unnatural? But when he said it to Maomao’s mom, although it wasn’t very natural, it was sincere. We can hire older staff who can treat the customers like their own children, or staff who can act like loving elders.” Jiang Heye said, her eyes sparkling. “We have to have faith in this restaurant for it to be successful. If we think it’ll fail, why even do it? If you’re worried that my endorsement will be affected if the restaurant fails… then don’t worry, I don’t think it will.”

Shen Jianghe: “…“

“CEO Shen… Forgive me for saying this, but you probably haven’t experienced… those difficult times, feeling exhausted and unsupported, right?” Jiang Heye said, carefully choosing her words, her gaze dimming slightly. “Like working overtime until late at night, no one at home, no food, can’t even get a taxi, walking alone on the street, starving, feeling like life is meaningless. Being wronged at work, but having to endure it for the money, unable to even talk to your family about it, not wanting to be lectured. Feeling stressed, wanting to eat, but healthy food takes too long to prepare, and time is precisely what you don’t have… Wanting the taste and feeling of home, but not having a home, or not being able to bear the burden of a home, at times like these, even a bit of fake warmth is important. The babies’ idea, it’s difficult to implement, but… their intentions are noble.”

Her words were so relatable that Shen Jianghe could even imagine those scenes, he could even, for the first time, visualize what that restaurant should be like.

It might not be a very profitable business, it might even become niche.

But… it could also become something important?

As Shen Jianghe pondered these thoughts, Jiang Heye continued.

“Little CEO Shen said, ‘Some restaurants sell taste, some sell affordability, some sell novelty, if there’s a restaurant that sells feeling, wouldn’t that be good too?’ I think it’s a great idea, so I want to make this feeling more real, that’s why I offered to endorse them and film the promotional video. But I don’t know much about business… If you think it’s not suitable, then it’s not suitable. If you need me in the future, just contact me.” Jiang Heye said with a smile. “It’ll be free. I’m very optimistic about the babies’ idea; I have faith in them~~~”

Shen Jianghe: “…“

If one couldn’t have genuine love, could they find comfort in feigned affection?

A bit of comfort, or perhaps a self-deceptive comfort…

Cheng Tingyan, eating the other half of her orange, went to the dessert table and picked up a few warm drinks, she was about to go back when…

“Grandpa He, do you want a drink?” Cheng Tingyan asked, unable to ignore his persistent gaze, she stopped in front of He Rongzheng, holding up the drinks.

He Rongzheng’s gaze shifted from Cheng Tingyan’s slightly puffed cheeks to the colorful drinks in her hand, he nodded slightly.

“…“ Cheng Tingyan stepped closer. “Coconut milk, red bean soup, soy milk, milk… which one?”

“Whichever Maomao is having.” He Rongzheng said, holding back his true desire.

Cheng Tingyan put down the coconut milk and went back to get another one, as she passed by He Rongzheng again… she was stared at again.

“Anything else?” Cheng Tingyan asked, she recognized that look, it was the same look he had when waiting for the little chubby bunny to feed him at the villa…

Although the fruit and dessert tables were close, it was still a bit of a walk for an elderly person.

But…

“If you want more after finishing these, just let me know…” Cheng Tingyan said, placing the fourth drink next to He Rongzheng, she decided to stop this seemingly endless feeding.

“I also want an orange.” He Rongzheng said slowly, stopping Cheng Tingyan, who was about to leave.

Cheng Tingyan looked at the fruit platter next to He Rongzheng: “…“

What else could she do? She started this; she had to finish it.

She picked up an orange, moved it ten centimeters, and placed it next to his hand.

Cheng Tingyan, seeing that He Rongzheng wasn’t even looking at the orange, but at her, her head started to hurt, she asked tentatively, “… Should I peel it for you?”

He Rongzheng, sitting upright, nodded slightly.

Cheng Tingyan: “…“ Look at her, offering to peel it for him.

Why was this old man being so… demanding…

Whatever, if she didn’t peel it, the little chubby bunny would, her little paws were already stained yellow from peeling oranges earlier.

He Rongzheng, satisfied, watched as Cheng Tingyan went to wash her hands, then started peeling the orange for him.

Hmph, little rascal granddaughter, look at this other child, so much better!!!

The entire orange, it was all his!!!

Just then…

Cheng Tingyan had just peeled half the orange when Wen Xixi, who had been playing elsewhere, came running back, attracted by the scent, the several-hundred-pound pig skidded to a halt, kicking up dust, she rolled on the ground, then tilted her head and opened her mouth, looking adorable.

He Rongzheng narrowed his eyes.

New Year’s, shouldn’t they be preparing the ingredients for twice-cooked pork?!

Under his silent supervision, the peeled orange segments were placed on a plate, one after another.

Four drinks, five oranges, Cheng Tingyan, looking at the results, patted her slightly yellowed fingers, she said hesitantly, “Maybe… not too many oranges…”

“Okay, thank you, Yan Yan, you can go.” He Rongzheng said, waving her away, he glanced at the pig, who had been rolling around on the ground, getting nothing.

“…“ Cheng Tingyan, speechless, stepped back, she grabbed an apple from the fruit platter, stuffed it into Wen Xixi’s mouth, and hooked her finger. “Xixi, let’s go~~”

He Rongzheng: “…“ Annoying, his happiness was halved!

But at least Yan Yan peeled five oranges for him and didn’t peel the apple for the pig. He Rongzheng tried to console himself, then looked at the little rascal, running towards Cheng Tingyan to take the drinks from her.

Hmph!

Speaking of which, what did that stinky Lili say Yan Yan liked last time?

Mmm… Dance? No… Martial arts?

He Rongzheng took out his phone and started typing, after a while, he looked up and met Shen Jianghe’s gaze. They both put on their business smiles, Shen Jianghe approached.

“Mr. He, having some oranges…” Shen Jianghe said, then paused, noticing the number of peeled orange segments on the plate.

“Yes, having some oranges.” He Rongzheng said, picking up a segment and taking a bite to assert his ownership, he then gestured towards the unpeeled oranges on the fruit platter. “You should also have some, they’re sweet and sour.”

Shen Jianghe, following his lead, picked up an orange and started peeling it slowly, he then changed the subject to He Rongzheng calling people “baby” this morning.

“Don’t even mention it, I wouldn’t have agreed if I had known.” He Rongzheng said, stopping him before he could even elaborate, he sighed. “Yan Yan’s grandma was smart, she found an excuse and left, and I, having made a promise, couldn’t escape. Sigh, it’s like signing a contract without reading it, you can’t be careless just because it’s a child.”

“If we open a restaurant, hire older staff, and have them call adult customers ‘baby’…” Shen Jianghe said, his mind still filled with Jiang Heye’s words, he was seeking a rational opinion.

“Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying!” He Rongzheng said, swallowing his orange segment, his eyes widening slightly. “CEO Shen, please don’t… I heard you have the Midas touch, don’t ruin your reputation!”

Right, even Grandpa He said so.

Shen Jianghe felt his rationality, which had been swayed by Jiang Heye’s emotions, returning. He smiled faintly. “It’s not me, it’s the children who want to open it. I also think it’s a bit cringey, not a good idea.”

“Didn’t they already open a Baby’s Home Cooking for schoolchildren? Calling them ‘baby’ is fine.” He Rongzheng said, confused. “Why adult customers?”

Shen Jianghe briefly explained their new business venture and the origin of the “calling adult customers ‘baby’” idea.

He Rongzheng remained silent after he finished.

Just as Shen Jianghe cleared his throat, wanting to break the awkward silence, He Rongzheng looked up and said coldly, “This new restaurant, they asked for your help again… Am I not capable of running a business?”

Shen Jianghe: “???” Did he even hear himself…?

He Rongzheng, his voice laced with jealousy, looked at Shen Jianghe. “Why do you think it’s not a good idea? Isn’t Little Maomao’s idea great! Are you incompetent? If you can’t do it, let me do it!”

Shen Jianghe: “…“ Why don’t you recall what you just said?