Chapter Forty-Three: Bai Mengqing in Trouble

Since that day, Song Yi’s dishes had become increasingly appealing, drawing many people who came just for his reputation. Some were willing to order just a cup of coffee and wait over an hour to secure a spot. Indeed, Song Yi’s grand meals required taking a number, and after 1:30 p.m., he stopped cooking! At his pace, from 11:30 to 1:30, he could thoughtfully prepare meals for about fifty to sixty guests; any more, and problems would arise.

To prevent customer complaints, Chen Xin deliberately obtained a cash register from out of town, equipped with a number-taking function. Behind the cashier, a screen displayed the remaining numbers and the current orders being prepared.

Because the kitchen was separated by transparent glass, customers nearby could admire Song Yi’s culinary prowess from start to finish. Besides Song Yi, a young man had been hired to assist, helping with chopping and preparing ingredients.

A few days later, Chen Xin’s interview aired on television. Though it was only a fifteen-second segment, the shop name and decor were clearly shown, including a five-second glimpse of Song Yi cooking. Those hands alone were enough to leave many viewers craving the food.

With Song Yi anchoring the restaurant, and Cheng Jie lately having some friction at her job—she wasn’t going in regularly and would drop by the shop to help whenever she had time—she claimed it was to change her mood and avoid depression.

Since the shop didn’t need her presence for now, Chen Xin devoted her energy to her translation work. This time, her manuscript included sections on the effects of certain herbs and flowers, which coincided with her nearly finished book. Once she delivered the manuscript, she intended to retreat and focus on writing her own book.

The chubby toddler had recently become obsessed with reading. At just two years old, he would grab picture books and babble through them. If he didn’t know a word, he insisted Chen Xin not tell him, preferring to look it up in the dictionary himself.

Occasionally, Chen Xin would teach him English nursery rhymes. The child was quick-witted, learning to sing after just two or three tries and even using words to gesture with Chen Xin.

On the afternoon of April 30th at four o’clock, Chen Xin organized her translated manuscripts and delivered them to the business company. They were frequent collaborators, and after a quick review, the company promptly paid her. It happened to be festival bonus time, and the boss instructed the accountant to give Chen Xin a bonus as well.

Mr. Huang greatly admired Chen Xin and had always wanted to recruit her into his company. Seeing her entrepreneurial spirit on TV only increased his respect for her. He would occasionally send his wife to Chen Xin’s shop to patronize and chat.

Mr. Huang’s wife was not highly educated—after failing to get into college, she worked at his company when it was still small, dabbling in ventures like karate clubs. After their marriage, she worked tirelessly to handle his social affairs, even while pregnant, to the point of nearly risking premature birth. That scared Mr. Huang into forbidding her from helping out anymore. Now, she was essentially a full-time housewife, focusing on their twin children’s education.

Previously, because Mr. Huang treated Chen Xin so well, his wife was nearly consumed by jealousy. To resolve this, Mr. Huang encouraged his wife to interact with Chen Xin, believing his own behavior had caused her insecurity and hoping Chen Xin could reassure her. After they met, Mrs. Huang finally let go of her doubts, but still kept a close eye on her husband’s schedule. Her insecurity was deep-seated, and until she gained confidence, no amount of advice would help.

Just after leaving the business company, Chen Xin was about to buy some summer clothes for Zhang Zhang when she received a call from a classmate.

“You’re saying Bai Mengqing was hit by a car? Where? Is it serious?”

Chen Xin was so shocked her legs nearly gave way, and she had to steady herself against the door. Mrs. Huang happened to be visiting, saw Chen Xin’s pale face, and immediately parked and hurried over to help her.

“What happened?”

“Yan, could you do me a favor and take me to First Hospital? My classmate was hit by a car and is still in emergency care. The hospital needs payment, so I have to go and cover the costs.”

“No problem. Don’t worry, I’ll drive you there right away. Just stay calm.”

Mrs. Huang’s surname was also Huang, and her name was Huang Yan. She was seven or eight years older than Chen Xin, so calling her “sister” felt natural and close. Huang Yan drove her two children to school every day and was a skilled driver. The hospital wasn’t far; following the riverside, they could reach it in fifteen or sixteen minutes.

When they arrived at the hospital entrance, Chen Xin barely had time to thank Huang Yan before rushing out, anxious to reach the emergency room. Huang Yan originally planned to leave, but after thinking it over, she called her husband, found a parking spot, and followed Chen Xin to the emergency room.

A few young people stood outside the emergency room as Chen Xin spoke with one of them. When Huang Yan approached, she overheard the person sobbing, explaining that the car involved in the accident had sped off before anyone could react. Everyone was focused on Bai Mengqing, so no one thought to record the license plate. In those days, few students had mobile phones, and even fewer had the presence of mind to take photos for evidence.

After the culprit fled, they immediately called the police, who said they were investigating but couldn’t guarantee finding the perpetrator.

“Let’s not discuss it now. How much is Bai Mengqing’s surgery fee? I’ll pay it first.”

No one knew exactly; the doctor said a deposit of five thousand was required, and they urged them to contact Bai Mengqing’s parents quickly. Unfortunately, none of them had her parents’ contact information, and the counselor couldn’t be found either. Mao Xiaohong and others were still at school looking for someone.

Chen Xin vaguely remembered having Bai Mengqing’s mother’s phone number, since they had spoken a few times for translation work. But when she called, no one answered—whether busy or otherwise, she couldn’t tell.

“Forget it, I only have a little over a thousand on me. I’ll pay that first and supplement the rest later.”

At the payment counter, she found out the deposit had to be paid in full at once, though they could allow a two-hour grace period to gather the money.

Chen Xin could go to the shop for emergency funds, but there was no direct bus; she would have to walk two blocks. Hailing a taxi was nearly impossible, usually requiring a wait of ten minutes or more.

“Don’t worry, I’ll cover it for now. You all focus on contacting her parents.” Huang Yan pulled a wad of cash from her purse and handed it to the cashier.

“Yan? You didn’t leave?”

“I was worried about you, so I followed.” Huang Yan patted Chen Xin’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about the money. Saving her comes first.”

The classmates, seeing the payment made, felt relieved and quietly waited outside for news from the emergency room.

Chen Xin kept dialing Bai Mengqing’s mother’s phone, but after more than ten minutes, there was still no answer.