The Prince's Beloved Little Wife

Chen Mengyao sat in the back seat of the van heading to their lunch destination. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a serene glow on her profile. She squinted slightly, her fingers lightly tapping her knees as her mind raced, calculating the needs of the job applicants—these individuals had undergone rigorous physical tests that morning, some even over forty years old; though their bodies were strong, they couldn't withstand prolonged overexertion. She sighed softly, muttering to herself, "Ordinary meals won't be enough; I need to replenish my energy."

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if she had thought of something, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly: "That's right, let's go to my You Ran Medicinal Cuisine Restaurant." It's not only her brainchild, but also a high-end medicinal cuisine space that blends ancient Chinese medicine methods with modern nutrition science. Every dish is prepared by a senior Chinese medicine doctor, specially designed to regulate qi and blood, restore physical strength, and nourish the body. "They fought so hard today, as the 'host,' I have to make sure they eat something heartwarming and nourishing."

She immediately took out her phone and dialed the number of Qian Haochen, the manager of You Ran Health Center. After the call was connected, her tone was calm yet friendly: "Manager Qian, I'm taking a group of people who applied for security guard and martial arts instructor positions over for lunch. There are about thirty of us. Could you arrange three large private rooms, the quieter the better? We need you to prepare some medicinal meals to replenish our vital energy and nourish our bodies."

"Okay, I understand, Mr. Chen." Qian Haochen's voice came through the receiver clearly and decisively, as if he were standing right in front of him. His tone was both capable and showed respect for the other party, without the slightest hesitation.

He paused briefly, seemingly considering how to better meet Chen Mengyao's needs, before continuing, "Don't worry about the private room; I'll arrange for someone to prepare it immediately. Our restaurant currently offers a variety of dishes that can replenish your energy. Would you prefer a 'Rejuvenating Feast' as the standard, or would you like something a little more upscale?"

"Let's go with the 'Rejuvenating Feast,' a dozen or so dishes per table, including soup, main dishes, desserts, and drinks. Pay special attention to adding a few dishes that nourish the liver and kidneys and replenish qi and blood, such as astragalus stewed black-boned chicken, angelica and codonopsis pigeon soup, and some lingzhi and jujube cake and goji berry and walnut pastry. For drinks, serve yam and lotus seed dew and five-black tea, and make sure they're served warm," Chen Mengyao instructed clearly.

"Don't worry, I'll have the kitchen activate the contingency plan right away. All the herbs and ingredients were just delivered this morning, so they're guaranteed to be fresh and pure." Qian Haochen paused, then added, "I'll arrange for staff to wait for you at the entrance. As soon as your convoy arrives, they'll guide you inside immediately."

"Very good, you always pay attention to details." Chen Mengyao nodded in satisfaction and then hung up the phone.

She turned to look at the street scene rushing past the window, let out a soft breath, and then dialed Li Xiao's number again. The phone was answered after two rings.

“Xiaoxiao, listen to me,” Chen Mengyao said at a moderate pace, but with an undeniable decisiveness, “I’ve changed my route. We’re not going to any restaurants outside; we’re going straight to my Youran Health Spa. I’ll send you the address right away. You stay in the car and make sure the drivers behind you follow my car closely. If you lose them, send the address to a few of the drivers and let them navigate there themselves.”

Li Xiao responded readily on the other end of the phone, "Understood, Mr. Chen! I'll inform everyone right away. By the way, should I go to the health center beforehand to coordinate parking?"

"You've thought of everything very carefully." Chen Mengyao smiled slightly. "If you arrive early, you can first contact Manager Qian to see how the private rooms are arranged. Also, ask the staff to prepare some hot towels and herbal tea, as these people have just finished training and are prone to dry mouth and fatigue."

"Okay, received! I will definitely rush to the medicinal cuisine health center as quickly as possible and make all the necessary preparations in advance." Li Xiao's voice was clear and pleasant, full of energy and determination. As soon as she finished speaking, she quickly signaled the driver to speed up, decisively overtook the vehicle carrying Chen Mengyao, and sped towards the medicinal cuisine health center.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Mengyao dialed Lingzhen and Lingrui's communication channels again. Two intelligent robots were driving a specially made transport vehicle loaded with martial arts equipment slowly towards the villa area.

"Lingzhen, Lingrui, where are you now?" Chen Mengyao asked.

“Reporting to Master,” Lingzhen’s voice was calm and clear, “We have driven out of the valley and are expected to arrive at the east gate of the villa area in twenty minutes. The cargo on board, including eight sets of climbing wall components, twelve intelligent dummy targets, and two sets of Tai Chi wooden dummy systems, will be delivered safely.”

“Very good.” Chen Mengyao nodded. “Call me as soon as you arrive at the villa. I will have Xiaobai open a spatial passage to take you in for an energy replenishment. You’ve worked hard today too.”

"Understood." Ling Rui replied, his voice slightly mechanical yet warm. "We have completed our self-check. Our current energy level is 67%, but to ensure smooth deployment, we accept the charging command."

“You guys are always reliable.” Chen Mengyao chuckled. “By the way, be careful on the road and don’t speed. Those machines can’t withstand bumps.”

“Yes, Master. We will maintain a constant speed, activate the full-dimensional perception system, and avoid all potential risks,” Lingzhen said firmly.

After the call ended, Chen Mengyao leaned back in her seat, gazing at the winding road ahead, a quiet sense of peace settling in her heart. She knew that today's meal was more than just filling her stomach—it was a physical recovery, a gathering of hearts, and a silent test: she would use the most meticulous care to select the most resilient souls.

Thirty minutes later, sunlight filtered through dappled clouds and bathed the earth in its glow. Chen Mengyao, Ouyang Han, and their drivers, along with other security guards and martial arts instructors, arrived at the medicinal cuisine and health center in a grand procession. The convoy of gleaming vehicles was neatly arranged at the entrance, resembling a giant dragon poised to pounce.

Li Xiao was already standing gracefully at the door, dressed in an elegant business suit, her face beaming with a warm smile, her eyes revealing professionalism and competence. She methodically directed the drivers to park their vehicles in the spaces she had carefully reserved, each gesture precise and crisp, her words clear and concise: "Park here, be careful not to bump into the cars next to you," "Back up slowly."

After the cars came to a smooth stop, the doors opened one by one, and Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han were the first to step out. The other security guards and martial arts instructors also got out of the cars. They looked around and were slightly taken aback—what they saw was not the grand hotel or the bustling restaurant they had imagined, but a medicinal cuisine and health center called Youran Pavilion.

Some of them had been fortunate enough to dine here before and knew that the place was renowned for its exquisite medicinal cuisine. They couldn't help but show their delight, whispering among themselves, "I never expected to come here!" "This place looks so comfortable; I feel like I'll be eating something delicious." Everyone was deeply grateful for Chen Mengyao's thoughtful and considerate arrangements.

Chen Mengyao's clear voice rang out: "Everyone has worked hard today! This is a medicinal cuisine restaurant I own. I asked the manager to reserve a private room for us in advance, and we've also prepared dishes that are especially suitable for you. Please come in with us."

After saying that, she and Ouyang Han, politely led by Li Xiao and the waiter, walked in first with light steps. Zhang Yu, Wang Menggang, Li Yina, Liu Haitao, Zhao Leiting, Zhou Zhiyuan, Lin Wanwan, Su Haotian, Ye Zhiqi, Chen Yangxi, Liu Yanran, Wang Fulin, Chen Haowei, Liu Fanghua and more than 30 others also filed in.

The well-trained waiters led Chen Mengyao and her group to three spacious, bright, and elegantly decorated private rooms before quietly leaving. Soon after, steaming cups of tea were served, the rising steam carrying a delicate fragrance; followed by warm, soft towels for each person. They gently wiped their hands and faces with the towels, their fatigue instantly easing.

Just then, Lingrui's call came in. Chen Mengyao got up and walked out of the private room to answer. Lingrui's voice on the other end of the line was steady and powerful: "Master, I've moved everything to the yard." Chen Mengyao nodded slightly and instructed, "Then please unplug all the exercise equipment in the hall and move it to the yard as well. I'll have Xiaobai put it into my spatial storage later." Lingrui replied firmly, "Yes, Master!" Soon, he efficiently directed the guards to get to work.

Not long after, Lingrui called again to report, "Master, everything has been moved." Chen Mengyao closed her eyes and concentrated her mind to summon Xiaobai for help. Under her control, the fitness equipment, martial arts equipment, Lingzhen, and Lingrui in the villa's yard were slowly brought into the mysterious space. Five minutes later, Xiaobai's childish and cheerful voice came, "Mission complete!" Chen Mengyao quickly checked carefully with her mind, confirming that all items, including the two intelligent robots, were safe and sound in the space, before gently saying, "Thank you." Then she turned and returned to the private room.

Meanwhile, dishes were being served one after another at the tables in the private room. Qian Haochen personally led the service team, moving among the tables with his tall, handsome figure and gentlemanly demeanor.

With each dish served, he would smile and introduce it in detail: "This is Astragalus Stewed Black Chicken. It is made by simmering high-quality black chicken with Astragalus, which nourishes the liver and kidneys, over low heat. The soup is rich and mellow, and the chicken is tender and juicy. It has excellent effects in replenishing qi and blood." "This Angelica and Codonopsis Pigeon Soup is the best of the best. Angelica and Codonopsis complement each other and are incorporated into the delicious meat of the pigeon. With one sip, you can feel the qi and blood flowing smoothly in your body."

When talking about pastries, his eyes sparkled: "Look at this Ganoderma lucidum and jujube cake. The rich aroma of Ganoderma lucidum is mixed with the sweetness of jujubes, and the texture is soft, glutinous and sweet. And this Codonopsis pilosula, wolfberry and walnut pastry is crispy and delicious. Wolfberries are good for the eyes and skin, and walnuts are good for the brain and intelligence."

In addition, there are Astragalus and Red Date Glutinous Rice Cake, Angelica and Longan Steamed Rice Cake, Ginseng, Poria and Yam Cake, Ganoderma, Honey and Sesame Balls, Donkey-hide Gelatin and Walnut Glutinous Rice Balls, Lily, Lotus Seed and Tremella Cake, Black Sesame and Mulberry Blood-Nourishing Cake, Schisandra, Tangerine Peel and Hawthorn Cake, Rehmannia, Polygonatum and Goji Berry Cake, Polygonatum, Lily and Snow Pear Soup, Longan, Red Date and Ginger Tea, Mulberry Loranthus, Eucommia and Cashew Cake, Polygonum Multiflorum, Black Bean and Walnut Cake, and Ligusticum chuanxiong, White Peony and Rose Cake.

The beverages are equally impressive: "This is Yam and Lotus Seed Dew, made from fresh yam and lotus seeds, carefully ground to a smooth and delicate texture, beneficial for the spleen and stomach; Five Black Tea is made from five black ingredients: black beans, black rice, black sesame seeds, black goji berries, and black fungus, rich in nutrients, nourishing yin and tonifying the kidneys. Other options include Goji Berry, Chrysanthemum, and Cassia Seed Drink; Yam, Gorgon Fruit, and Job's Tears Paste; Codonopsis, Polygonatum, and Longan Drink; Rose and Angelica Beauty Tea; and Adenophora, Polygonatum, and Snow Fungus Dew."

Finally, other dishes such as ginseng stewed pigeon, donkey-hide gelatin and red date soup, astragalus stewed chicken, angelica mutton stew, codonopsis steamed pork ribs, wolfberry stir-fried shrimp, lingzhi stewed pork heart, yam stir-fried with wood ear fungus, red date and glutinous rice steamed pumpkin, he shou wu stir-fried pork liver, lotus seed and lily stewed with white fungus, eucommia stir-fried beef tenderloin, poria steamed crucian carp, longan and red date stewed eggs, cordyceps flower steamed lean meat, chuanxiong stir-fried eggs, rehmannia braised tendon, astragalus steamed crucian carp, ginger and jujube stir-fried mutton, and other medicinal dishes were presented one by one.

After all the dishes were served and introduced one by one, Qian Haochen bowed deeply politely, then gracefully turned and left the room. Meanwhile, Chen Mengyao stood up and went to the adjacent private room. She glanced at the security guards and martial arts instructors present with concern and said, “You’ve all worked so hard to come here for the assessment today! These dishes are specially prepared for you; they’ll help you quickly recover your energy and nourish your bodies. Please don’t be shy, eat as much as you like! If there’s not enough food, or if you’d like anything else, just let me know.”

At this moment, Wang Zhijie, a senior security guard, said with deep emotion, "General Manager Chen, you are so considerate! Working under you makes us feel safe and warm from the bottom of our hearts." Shi Jinlin Wanwan also nodded in agreement, "That's right. We've never seen a leader as considerate as you before, even though we haven't officially become your subordinates yet."

Chen Mengyao smiled and waved her hand gently, saying, "This is all part of my duty. By the way, I'd like to ask for everyone's contact information. I'll notify everyone of the hiring results as soon as they're available. Even if you don't end up working for my security company, it's okay. I'll arrange for you to work in security positions at affiliated schools, patrol positions at art galleries, security maintenance at pharmacies, or access control at clothing stores. I'll make sure everyone can find a suitable job."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes welled up with tears, and they said in unison with deep gratitude, "Thank you, Mr. Chen! You've really done us a favor!" Immediately afterward, enthusiastic applause rang out in the private room.

Then, everyone took turns giving their phone numbers, which Chen Mengyao carefully saved on her phone. She also shared her own number with everyone. Once everyone had memorized her number, she left the private room and went to another room with security guards and a martial arts instructor. There, she repeated her kind words, exchanged contact information, and then left. After doing all this, Chen Mengyao returned to her own private room.

By now, everyone's stomachs were rumbling with hunger. After all, they had expended so much energy that morning, and unable to contain their anticipation, they picked up their chopsticks and began to feast. Someone picked up a piece of astragalus-stewed black-boned chicken, put it in their mouth, and chewed it slowly, exclaiming, "Wow, this chicken is so tender, the taste is amazing!" Someone next to them took a sip of angelica and ginseng pigeon soup and squinted their eyes in satisfaction: "This soup is so delicious, it makes me feel warm all over." The person tasting the lingzhi and jujube cake was also generous with their praise: "This cake is sweet but not cloying, the more you eat, the more addictive it becomes."

For a moment, the three private rooms were filled with laughter and exclamations of amazement at the delicious food. As everyone enjoyed the feast, they sincerely remarked, "President Chen is so generous and considerate! Knowing we've been working so hard this morning, he specially prepared these medicinal dishes to replenish our energy." Some even vowed, "When we officially start working, we will definitely give it our all and live up to President Chen's trust!"

In this warm and harmonious atmosphere, a sumptuous medicinal cuisine feast drew to a close. Everyone's face was filled with satisfied and happy smiles. They not only savored the delicious food but also felt Chen Mengyao's deep care and respect. This affection, like a gentle stream, flowed into everyone's hearts, filling them with anticipation and confidence for the future. Chen Mengyao and Ouyang Han were also very pleased to see everyone enjoying the meal so much.