Chapter 180: old woman
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Today, as usual, Liao Ning arrived at the hotel to inspect the day’s business situation. Upon entering the hotel cafeteria, her gaze fell upon the familiar elderly woman who had been a regular presence for the past few days. Seated in her customary spot, the elderly woman had a pot of green tea and a plate of cold, peeled bananas in front of her.
However, today was different. Two sets of cutlery adorned the elderly woman’s table, and there was an additional set of cutlery placed opposite her. On the plate across from her lay a peeled banana, and a cup of tea stood beside it. Yet, the food remained untouched, the contents had turned cold, and the cutlery bore no signs of use. Clearly, the elderly woman had come alone today.
“Would you like me to reheat your food for you?” Liao Ning’s pleasant voice jolted the elderly woman back to reality. Looking up, the elderly woman realized that the one speaking to her was a young and beautiful attendant.
With a kind smile, the elderly woman gently replied, “Thank you, young lady, but there’s no need. The delicacies I ordered today are not for myself. They were specially ordered for an old friend, but unfortunately, I’m afraid he won’t be able to partake in them.”
Liao Ning nodded and had an idea. She said to the elderly woman, “By the way, the hotel is preparing to introduce a new beverage soon. I believe you have a fondness for sweet treats, don’t you? If you’re willing, I’d like to invite you to try this new drink and hear your feedback. If there’s anything amiss, we can make adjustments before it’s officially launched.”
“Of course, I would be more than happy to assist you, young lady.”
The elderly woman was delighted to offer her help to Liao Ning. She instructed the attendant to notify the chef and request a cup of Taro Paste milk tea.
Before long, the Taro Paste Bubble milk tea arrived. Knowing the elderly woman might prefer a warm drink, Liao Ning had specifically instructed the kitchen to serve it at room temperature.
“The texture… I truly adore it!” After taking a sip of the milk tea, the elderly woman was immediately captivated by the novel sensation it provided. She took a few more sips.
“The smooth Taro Paste, coupled with the luscious milk tea and the delightful burst of the tapioca pearls in your mouth, is nothing short of a delightful surprise. These three elements create an excellent combination!”
The elderly woman relished the surprise that the milk tea brought. After a while, she let out a sigh and uttered, “If he were still alive, he would unquestionably love this.”
Unaware of the nature of the relationship between the old woman and the person referred to as “he,” and the experiences they had shared, Liao Ning could only respond, “He would most certainly enjoy it.”
“Thank you, child. I’ve noticed that you frequent this hotel. Are you in charge here?” The elderly woman had been dining at the hotel since its opening. She had observed Liao Ning visiting almost daily, and the hotel staff treated her with great respect.
Liao Ning smiled and chose not to reveal that she was, in fact, the owner of the hotel. “You’re welcome. I should also thank you for helping me evaluate the new product.”
“Child, if you don’t mind, sit with me for a while.”
With no pressing matters at hand, Liao Ning gladly took a seat beside the elderly woman. “It’s my honor to keep you company.”
“Young people these days are just as charming as my old friend!” The elderly woman chuckled, amused by Liao Ning’s playful remark.
After the laughter subsided, the old woman turned to Liao Ning and said, “If you’re willing to listen, let me tell you about my old friend.”
Through the old woman’s words, Liao Ning began to grasp that their story could be described as a tale of tragic love.
Forty years ago, the elderly woman was a young girl of merely 19 years old.
During that time, a truce was forged between the alliance and the empire. Hailing from a wealthy merchant family within the alliance, she held a deep fascination for the ethnic minorities residing within the empire. Thus, with the reestablishment of commercial trade following the truce, she embarked on a journey to the empire as a trading companion, venturing onto imperial lands.
Their first destination for trade was the verdant forest planet, the dwelling place of the elves. It was on this enchanting world that she forged an extraordinary friendship and discovered a love that would endure for the remainder of her days..
