83: Special concern, tears streaming down my face

Jiang Chuan and the other two took a car to a shop called "Imperial Chef Old Shop" deep in the alley.

"Mr. Jiang, you're here."

After Jiang Chuan and the other two got out of the car, Qin Lingwei greeted them with a smile.

"Ms. Qin, for you to personally wait for us here, it truly flatters us."

Jiang Chuan hadn't expected Qin Lingwei to personally wait for their arrival outside the restaurant, and he said, flattered.

"Let's go in."

Qin Lingwei merely smiled and said nothing more, inviting the three of them to enter the Imperial Chef Old Shop together.

The facade of the Imperial Chef Old Shop looked very dilapidated, and its plaque had faded in color.

The four entered the Imperial Chef Old Shop, where there was a small front desk with a Young Man working as a cashier.

"Ms. Qin, you've arrived. Your private room is ready for you; I'll lead you there."

The cashier recognized Qin Lingwei, an old customer, upon her arrival and said with a light smile.

"Xiao Wei, no need to trouble yourself. I can go over by myself. Please tell Master Xu to start serving the dishes."

Qin Lingwei smiled and said to Xiao Wei, then led Jiang Chuan and the others into the backyard.

The backyard was very large, a siheyuan (quadrangle courtyard).

The siheyuan had more than a dozen rooms, but only ten of them had different names displayed, clearly indicating that these rooms were private dining rooms.

Qin Lingwei led Jiang Chuan and the others to the Nine Dragons United private room.

The private room was very large, enough to accommodate dozens of people dining together, making it feel very spacious for four people.

"Are… are you really Academician Qin?"

As the four slowly sat down, Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes sparkled with irrepressible excitement, gazing directly at Qin Lingwei, her voice slightly trembling as she asked. It was as if time had frozen at that moment, and the whole world was left with just the two of them.

Qin Lingwei was slightly taken aback, her gaze falling upon the seemingly young, perhaps even underage, girl in front of her. She couldn't help but feel a little surprised, not expecting such a tender face to know her identity. With a hint of curiosity and doubt, Qin Lingwei softly asked in return, "You know me?" Her tone revealed a touch of astonishment.

Hearing this, Lin Xiaoxiao seemed to ignite, her emotions growing even more agitated. She nodded vigorously, her eyes full of reverence, and said, "Yes! I've always been deeply interested in physics and have carefully studied every book you've written. You are not only a leader in academia but also my spiritual role model! I aspire to be like you one day, to become an outstanding Huaxia researcher, contributing my strength to the prosperity and strength of the nation, and striving tirelessly for the beautiful future of our motherland!"

By the end of her speech, Lin Xiaoxiao's voice was choked with emotion due to her fervor, but she still gazed at Qin Lingwei with determination, openly revealing the longing and aspiration deep within her heart. At this moment, she had finally met her long-cherished idol, and the fervent dream in her heart burned like a raging fire.

"Child, your goal is excellent. The future world will surely belong to you vibrant Young Men. I sincerely hope that you can stay true to your original aspirations, bravely climb the peaks of science, and use practical actions to change Huaxia, making our motherland shine with even more dazzling brilliance!"

Facing such a sincere and ambitious Young Man, Qin Lingwei couldn't help but show a gratified smile. She gently patted Lin Xiaoxiao's shoulder, encouraging her. These words were like a spring breeze blowing across Lin Xiaoxiao's heart, giving her immense encouragement and motivation.

"Okay, Academician Qin, I will definitely work hard. I wonder if you could give me an autograph? And take a photo?"

Lin Xiaoxiao, encouraged by Qin Lingwei, became even more excited and made a small request.

"Of course."

Qin Lingwei looked at the lovely Lin Xiaoxiao in front of her and naturally agreed.

"Old Jiang, why didn't you tell me that the person we're having dinner with today is an academician?!"

Xu Jia, knowing Qin Lingwei's identity, subtly glared at Jiang Chuan and whispered.

Jiang Chuan, feeling guilty, said nothing, only spreading his hands.

Xu Jia didn't say much either; at this moment, he also became a bit more reserved. This was an academician, one of Huaxia's top scientists, and such people deserved the respect of every Huaxian, including him!

After the dishes were served, Qin Lingwei suggested having some wine, and no one refused.

Lin Xiaoxiao was not yet an adult, so she could only drink beverages.

Although Qin Lingwei was an academician and not young, she was approachable, which made them feel less constrained, and they communicated with each other like Young Men.

"Xiao Xiao, you two siblings have such a good relationship."

Qin Lingwei had a little wine, and her face was a bit flushed. She watched Jiang Chuan constantly putting food on Lin Xiaoxiao's plate, worried that Lin Xiaoxiao would be hungry, and said with a light smile.

"Auntie Qin, my second brother and I are not blood siblings; there's no blood relation between us. My eldest brother, second brother, and I were all children picked up by our Old Man when we were young. We are all orphans, raised by our Old Man alone!"

The four of them had gotten to know each other, and their relationship had become a bit more familiar. Lin Xiaoxiao heard Qin Lingwei's words and, without concealing her and Jiang Chuan's backgrounds, directly said with a smile.

"Ah?!"

"I'm sorry, Xiao Xiao. Xiao Chuan brought up your sad past."

Qin Lingwei learned that Jiang Chuan and Lin Xiaoxiao were not blood siblings and that they were orphans. She apologized, her heart stirring again, and her gaze towards Jiang Chuan once more filled with hope.

Qin Lingwei did not continue discussing their backgrounds, only occasionally asking Lin Xiaoxiao and Xu Jia about Jiang Chuan. The two didn't think much of Qin Lingwei's inquiries and told her everything without reservation, almost revealing how many times Jiang Chuan went to the restroom daily or how many bowls of rice he ate each day.

Jiang Chuan heard that all of Qin Lingwei's inquiries were about him. Although he was curious, he didn't say much, only thinking that Qin Lingwei was concerned about him because he had donated the lithography machine to the country and she knew he was an orphan.

After the meal ended, Qin Lingwei learned a lot about Jiang Chuan. She hadn't expected Jiang Chuan to have suffered so much in his childhood, and she felt very sad, but her face showed no reaction.

"Thank you, Auntie Qin, for treating us to dinner today. Next time, we'll treat Auntie Qin to dinner."

After eating and drinking their fill, Jiang Chuan intended to have someone send Qin Lingwei home, but she refused. After seeing Qin Lingwei get into her car, Jiang Chuan and the others also left. Before parting, Jiang Chuan extended an invitation, which Qin Lingwei gladly accepted.

"Brother Li, I've found our child."

Sitting in the car, Qin Lingwei thought of Jiang Chuan's experiences over the years, tears streaming down her face as she dialed a number.