The Billionaire's Hidden Affection-Chapter 566 - 563 Time’s Up 5_1

The food was delicious, and the setting elegant. Huang Xiaojue never skimped when treating his parents to a meal.

His mother was extremely pleased. She had gradually grown accustomed to these high-end dining establishments.

After a few rounds of drinks, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

A waiter stood at the entrance of the private room. Behind him was Zhou Ting, her face lit with a smile. "Hi, Auntie Huang, you’re all having dinner here too? What a coincidence."

His mother immediately stood up, grinning from ear to ear. "Quickly, come in, Zhou Ting! Waiter, bring another set of bowl and chopsticks."

"Auntie, I’ve already eaten."

"Don’t be polite. Have a bit more soup; it’s excellent. It was just served, and we haven’t even started on it yet..."

His mother allowed no refusal. Without waiting for the waiter, she quickly served Zhou Ting some soup herself, pulled out a chair, and bustled attentively. "Have a little; it tastes great," she urged.

"Thank you, Auntie."

Zhou Ting sat down, poised and gracious.

Of course, it wasn’t really such a coincidence. Huang Xiaojue’s mother had sent her a text message on the way. Zhou Ting, having her own agenda, naturally played along.

Zhou Ting was an eloquent speaker. With Huang Xiaojue’s mother being exceptionally excited, the group chatted and laughed, making the atmosphere very lively. Finally, as it was getting late, Huang Xiaojue’s mother stood up and took a Jade Pendant from her bag. "Zhou Ting, I don’t really have anything to give you. This Jade Pendant was passed down from my maternal family. It’s said to be quite old. Though it’s not worth much, it’s a token of my affection."

Zhou Ting quickly waved her hand. "Auntie, I really can’t accept this."

Huang Xiaojue was surprised, completely unaware that his mother had planned this. He immediately said, "Mom, you can’t put her in an awkward position."

His mother glared at him. "What’s there to be awkward about? I like Zhou Ting; I felt an instant connection with her, as if she were my own daughter. This small gift is something I’ve wanted to give her for a long time. Zhou Ting, please, take it."

"Auntie, I really can’t."

"Why not? You’ve given me so many gifts too."

Zhou Ting, however, was straightforward and accepted the gift with both hands. "It would be impolite to refuse. Thank you, Auntie Huang."

Huang Xiaojue’s mother then pulled her husband. "Dear, let’s head out first and let the two youngsters take a walk."

Huang Xiaojue’s father, clearly reluctant, left first.

That left just the two of them strolling along the tree-lined path.

After walking some distance, Zhou Ting asked, "Xiaojue, have you really decided on the job transfer?"

Huang Xiaojue chuckled. "I’ve submitted my transfer request."

She hesitated for a moment. "Is there any chance you could stay?"

His expression showed a hint of surprise.

Zhou Ting was very direct. "Several business units in our company were previously managed by my second uncle. However, the operations became too sprawling, and the integrity of some individuals became questionable. My father doesn’t want them using the family name to swindle people and tarnish our reputation, so he dismissed two senior executives. You’re an expert in this area; have you considered changing jobs?"

Huang Xiaojue was indeed very surprised.

It was a large company. Though he wasn’t intimately familiar with it, he had certainly heard of it.

"Xiaojue, you could consider it."

He couldn’t respond immediately, just shaking his head as he said, "I’m afraid I might not be up to the task."

Zhou Ting was an intelligent woman. Hearing the hesitation in his tone, she naturally didn’t press the matter further and changed the subject.

When she arrived home, her father was waiting for her in the study.

Seeing the exhaustion on his face, Zhou Ting felt a pang of concern as she realized her father’s signs of aging had become increasingly pronounced recently. She sighed softly, then placed her hands on his shoulders and began to gently massage them. "Dad," she said softly, "why aren’t you resting yet?"

Old Zhou sighed. "Tingting, you’re the only one who can help share my worries now." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"How are things with Second Uncle?"