118 Unable to Refuse

Mr. Xiao is right. If Miss Sang isn’t happy working at the TV station, she can always resign. Although I sincerely hope to retain talent for our provincial station, if the station doesn’t appreciate her, we certainly shouldn’t let Miss Sang suffer,” Fan Jingyu said, echoing Xiao Yao’s sentiment.

The earlier suggestion from Lu Yahong about hosting online variety shows had already made Sang Qingye waver. Now, with Fan Jingyu directly offering a formal position at the TV station, she found herself unable to refuse.

Previously, despite her parents pulling countless strings, Sang Qingye only managed to enter a local TV station whose broadcast signal was limited to the city—and even then, she was relegated to menial tasks. Until she resigned, she never had a single opportunity to appear on camera.

Now, with a chance to join the provincial satellite TV station directly, the allure was overwhelming.

This opportunity was entirely different from her previous entry into the local station. The distinction wasn’t just between provincial and local stations; it was a matter of starting points. Before, lacking any influential background, she was just a low-profile employee who wasn’t valued and never got to appear on screen.

If she accepted Fan Jingyu’s invitation to join the provincial satellite station, the situation would be completely different. Being introduced by a high-ranking official like Fan Jingyu meant that, while she might not receive special treatment, she would at least be free from oppression or discrimination and assured of fair treatment.

Xiao Yao’s smile and encouraging gaze gave Sang Qingye an inexplicable warmth and sense of security.

She wasn’t ungrateful. Xiao Yao had already paved the way for her work and future development. To refuse now would be overly pretentious, and it might even jeopardize their friendship.

“Thank you, Director Fan, for your trust. You flatter me. Although I performed reasonably well during my studies, I lack practical work experience and cannot claim to be a talent. Our provincial station is filled with exceptional individuals. If I am fortunate enough to work there and learn even a little from the senior hosts, I would be truly satisfied,” Sang Qingye said humbly, subtly expressing her willingness to join the provincial station.

Earlier, she had decisively declined Ding Songqing’s job offer and had hesitated over Lu Yahong’s proposal. Fan Jingyu was genuinely worried that she might reject his as well.

At last, Sang Qingye agreed readily. Fan Jingyu smiled happily and said, “Miss Sang, you are too modest. With your demeanor and image, I believe you can easily lead a program as a host. Please be patient for a few days. I will communicate with the relevant leaders at the provincial station and expedite finalizing this matter.”

Arranging a position for Sang Qingye at the city TV station was a matter of a single word from Fan Jingyu, and he could certainly ensure a suitable role without her facing any grievances.

However, for the provincial satellite station, which was beyond his jurisdiction, he could only guarantee her entry. Any further, better arrangements would have to be made indirectly. Though this might seem trivial, since Xiao Yao was involved, Fan Jingyu had to be meticulous and thorough.

He owed Xiao Yao a tremendous favor and planned to maintain a close relationship with him in the years to come. Now that he had found an opportunity to repay him, Fan Jingyu naturally wanted to handle it well.

Unlike Ding Songqing and others, he couldn’t offer Xiao Yao financial returns. Yet, Xiao Yao’s starting point was so high that even as director, Fan Jingyu could find no better way to repay him.

Though Sang Qingye’s matter was minor, Xiao Yao’s special mention showed its importance. The more Xiao Yao valued it, the more Fan Jingyu felt compelled to see it through properly.

With Sang Qingye’s employment settled in a few words, everyone’s attention shifted away from the matter.

Focus turned instead to the dining table.

Before the official opening ceremony began, platters of fruits, candied snacks, pastries, and several cold dishes were brought out first.

Guan Yonggang, being an experienced hotel owner, was almost an expert on food. Seeing the candied snacks and cold dishes, he exclaimed, “Just looking at these appetizers and cold dishes makes me incredibly eager for today’s chivalrous banquet.”

“Look at these plates and cold dishes—they carry a strong sense of ancient style and charm. Both the presentation and the colors are distinctive, making one’s mouth water just by looking. I imagine the taste must be even better than expected. I can hardly wait to savor this chivalrous feast,” Guan Yonggang said. His praise was genuine; he truly found these starters remarkable.

Lu Yahong said, “Yonggang, as a hotel owner, you do have a keen eye. You should count yourself lucky Mr. Xiao only opened a high-end restaurant and hasn’t ventured into the hotel and lodging business—otherwise, you’d have some real headaches.”

“Lu, you sound so certain. Don’t keep us in suspense. What’s the reason?” Guan Yonggang asked, curious and unbothered.

“Yesterday, I had the privilege of enjoying a simple meal at Mr. Xiao’s home. The taste lingers in my mind even now,” Lu Yahong said, swallowing hard. “I’ve tasted dishes from many renowned chefs, but they can’t compare to the level of Mr. Xiao’s home cooking. If today’s chivalrous banquet reaches even half that standard, I’ll definitely become a regular.”

“That’s true. Yesterday’s meal at Mr. Xiao’s house was exquisite. Every dish was a supreme delight. Even a foodie like me, a hefty fellow, can’t forget the taste in my lifetime,” Wang Xiaoxian said sincerely.

“You might wonder why I’m so invested in the opening of Taste Quest. It’s because after tasting that home banquet at Mr. Xiao’s, I could never forget it. Hearing that his restaurant was about to open made me ecstatic. That’s why I insisted everyone come. After tasting today’s chivalrous banquet, I’m confident you’ll understand how I feel,” Ding Songqing, who had also dined at Xiao Yao’s home, expressed feelings similar to those of Lu Yahong and Wang Xiaoxian.

“No wonder the prices on the menu are so high. Looks like we’re in for a treat today,” Chen Guangzhi said, setting down the menu.