At the Beginning, the Villain Is Secretly Loved by the Protagonist’s Mother

Chapter 16: Foodie Lin Keqing:

Seeing Lin Keqing’s response, Wang Zhenxing nodded to himself. Over the past few days of training, his little secretary had become almost entirely obedient when it came to work. This was exactly the outcome he wanted.

Lin Keqing spent the entire morning busy with tasks. By noon, she finally finished processing the documents and reported to Wang Zhenxing in a concise and orderly manner.

“Not bad. I thought you wouldn’t be able to finish it,” Wang Zhenxing said, nodding in satisfaction.

Hearing this rare compliment, Lin Keqing’s face lit up with joy. 

A sense of pride and accomplishment filled her heart, and a smile tugged at her lips. For such a demanding boss to offer praise was no small feat.

Lin Keqing, who had no relationship experience, didn’t realize how “dangerous” this situation actually was. When a woman becomes easily swayed by a man’s words or actions, it’s only a matter of time before she starts falling for him.

In the afternoon.

Wang Zhenxing took Lin Keqing to meet business partners to negotiate a contract renewal. Zhenxing Group primarily produced daily chemical products like shampoos and shower gels, requiring long-term partnerships with supermarket chains. This particular meeting was to discuss the renewal of a recently expired contract.

Lin Keqing brought along all the necessary documents and accompanied Wang Zhenxing. During the negotiations, he occasionally let her speak. Unused to such work, Lin Keqing was understandably nervous.

The contract renewal negotiations dragged on for hours, with both parties bargaining fiercely over purchase prices. In the end, however, the renewal failed. By the time Wang Zhenxing and Lin Keqing left the meeting, the sky had already turned dark.

“Boss, I’m so sorry! It’s all my fault for lacking the necessary skills,” Lin Keqing apologized timidly, shrinking her neck as she noticed his somber expression.

Glancing at her lightly, Wang Zhenxing didn’t say anything. He knew the failed negotiations had nothing to do with Lin Keqing’s abilities. The real issue was that rival companies were intentionally lowering their prices, squeezing Zhenxing Group’s profits to the point of being unviable.

For supermarket chains, where the quality and reputation of products are similar, cheaper goods were naturally the better choice.

This wasn’t the first time a contract renewal had failed this year. If the situation continued, Zhenxing Group’s finances would only worsen, potentially leading to bankruptcy. The mastermind behind all this was none other than the son of Qingling’s richest woman.

Wang Zhenxing understood that a direct confrontation wouldn’t work. Their family’s wealth far exceeded his own. Competing with them in a price war was a losing battle. But as the saying goes, “Capture the king to win the war.” If he could handle the mother, would the son dare act disobediently?

As these thoughts lingered, he began considering his next move. However, there was no need to rush. Before dealing with external threats, he first needed to secure his foundation and settle those around him.

“Boss, what can I do to help?” Lin Keqing asked again, breaking the silence.

“Buy me something to eat,” Wang Zhenxing said.

Lin Keqing’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t dare argue. “Yes, boss.”

Wait… treat my boss to dinner? she thought nervously. With her small salary, how could she afford that? Wouldn’t one meal bankrupt her? Without a word, she followed as Wang Zhenxing walked along the street instead of taking the car.

After walking for a while, they passed by a food stall.

“This is it,” Wang Zhenxing said, sitting at an empty table and ordering food skillfully.

Lin Keqing stared at him in disbelief. She hadn’t expected her high-class, demanding boss to be so down-to-earth. It felt as if she was seeing him for the first time.

“Boss, are you sure you’re okay with this?” she asked worriedly.

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s not like I haven’t experienced tough times. I used to come to places like this often,” he replied, a hint of nostalgia in his tone.

Hearing this, Lin Keqing’s heart softened. She felt closer to him somehow and happily ordered some food for herself.

[The heroine Lin Keqing’s favorability towards the host increased by +5. Current favorability: 45 (Close).]
[The host affects the plot direction and gains 300 counterattack points. The protagonist Qin Yi’s luck decreases by -50, and the host’s luck increases by +50.]

Seeing the notifications, a subtle smile appeared on Wang Zhenxing’s face. 

Did he really like food stalls? Of course not.

This food stall was always busy, filled with young people—many of whom looked rough, with tattoos covering their arms. A beautiful girl like Lin Keqing naturally stood out in a place like this, attracting lingering gazes.

Though no one approached her, it was enough for Wang Zhenxing to remain cautious. 

Lin Keqing, on the other hand, was completely oblivious. All her attention was focused on her boss as she tried to find a way to lift his spirits after the failed negotiations.

Unfortunately, comforting others wasn’t her strong suit. Despite wracking her brain, she couldn’t come up with anything.

Soon, their food arrived—two bowls of fried noodles and a table full of barbecue.

“Boss, please eat. You know, whenever I’m upset, I like to eat. It helps me turn all my negative emotions into food. Once I’m full, I feel much better!” Lin Keqing said earnestly, looking at the food with hopeful eyes.

“Are you stupid? How does eating fix anything? Will stuffing myself magically renew the contract?” Wang Zhenxing shot her a sharp look.

Lin Keqing shrank her neck, embarrassed. “Well, that’s true. Boss, I really don’t know how to comfort people. How about… you scold me? If that makes you feel better…”

Hearing this, Wang Zhenxing raised an eyebrow in surprise. 

Did he scold her too much recently? Had she developed Stockholm Syndrome, actually asking him to scold her?

“If scolding you doesn’t work, should I hit you a few times?” he teased.

“Ah…” Lin Keqing was left speechless.

“Stop being silly. Eat,” he said gruffly.

Realizing he was joking, Lin Keqing laughed, picked up her chopsticks, and started eating. After a full day of work, she was starving. Her love for food couldn’t be hidden anymore.

Lin Keqing was, at heart, a total foodie. Her greatest joy was eating delicious meals.

In just half an hour, all the food on the table was gone. Most of it had gone into Lin Keqing’s stomach.

Watching her eat, Wang Zhenxing glanced at her curiously and then, unintentionally, at her figure. No wonder she’s grown so much… She eats like this every day.

…

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