The meeting concluded. The elderly residents left in twos and threes, discussing the matter as they walked. "Oh, dear," said an elderly woman.
"My son is coming next week. He said he'd bring his wife, but now he can only bring one person." "Then have your son come alone," said the elderly man next to her.
"You can bring the daughter-in-law another time." "That's true," the elderly woman nodded. Grandpa Wang and Grandma Liu were walking at the back.
"Old Wang," said Grandma Liu. "Your son is coming next week. Is he bringing a friend too?"
"No, he's not," Grandpa Wang shook his head. "He'll come by himself." "That's good," said Grandma Liu.
"That saves us fighting for seats." The two of them smiled and returned to their respective rooms. That afternoon, the news spread.
The family members who had registered for next week's slots all received calls from the elderly residents. "Son," Grandpa Wang called Wáng Xiǎojūn. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it, Dad?" Wáng Xiǎojūn asked. "Next week," Grandpa Wang said.
"Just come by yourself. Don't bring any friends." "Why?"
Wáng Xiǎojūn was a bit surprised. "The nursing home has a new rule." Grandpa Wang explained the new regulation.
After listening, Wáng Xiǎojūn was silent for a moment. "Dad," he said. "This is for the best.
It'll just be you and me, father and son, having a good meal." "Okay," Grandpa Wang was very pleased. "Then it's settled."
He hung up the phone. Grandpa Wang sat in his chair, his heart feeling warm. His son's words showed that he truly wanted to visit him, not just for a meal.
On the other side, Lǐ Jìng also received a call from her mother. "Jingjing," Grandma Liu said. "I have something to tell you."
"What is it, Mom?" "When you come next week," Grandma Liu said. "Don't bring your girlfriend."
"Why?" Lǐ Jìng asked. Grandma Liu explained the new rule.
Lǐ Jìng was a little disappointed after listening. "Alright then," she said. "I'll tell her."
"Okay," Grandma Liu said. "I'll bring her next time." "Okay," Lǐ Jìng hung up the phone and sent a message to her girlfriend.
"Sorry, I can't make it next week. The nursing home has a new rule. Each person can only bring two relatives.
My mom's slots are full." Her girlfriend quickly replied, "No problem. Let's do it next time.
There will be plenty of opportunities in the future." Lǐ Jìng put down her phone, her heart filled with mixed feelings. On one hand, she felt the rule was necessary.
On the other hand, she thought that this proved how popular Master Lin's cooking was, so much so that guests weren't even allowed. That evening, Director Zhang was in his office, organizing the new registration forms. "This should keep things under control," he muttered to himself, but he still felt uneasy.
What if people didn't abide by the new rules? He sighed and looked out the window. The lights in the cafeteria were still on.
Lín Xuān must be preparing tomorrow's ingredients. "Little Lin," Director Zhang murmured. "Your culinary skills truly bring me both joy and worry."
The next morning, Xiao Wang set up a table at the entrance of the cafeteria, with a registration book on it. He sat there, ready for anything. At half-past eleven, the elderly residents started arriving one by one.
Xiao Wang checked their names. "Grandpa Wang," he said. "You didn't make a reservation for any relatives today, did you?"
"No," Grandpa Wang nodded. "My son is coming next week." "Alright," Xiao Wang checked a box in his book.
"Please come in." It was Grandma Liu's turn. "Aunt Liu," Xiao Wang said.
"Your daughter isn't coming today, is she?" "No," Grandma Liu said. "She's coming next week."
"Alright," Xiao Wang let her pass. Everything went smoothly. No one caused trouble, and no one violated the rules.
Director Zhang watched the surveillance cameras in his office, finally feeling relieved. "It seems everyone is cooperating," he nodded, believing the decision was the right one. But he didn't know this was just the calm before the storm.
The real test was yet to come. At seven in the evening, Director Zhang was in his office when Xiao Wang knocked and entered. "Director," he said.
"I've prepared tomorrow's registration form." Director Zhang took it and looked it over. "Mm," he nodded.
"You'll have to work hard tomorrow. Enforce the rules strictly. Anyone without a registration won't be allowed in."
"Understood," Xiao Wang said. "I'll uphold the rules." Director Zhang patted his shoulder.
"You can go now. Get some rest." After Xiao Wang left, Director Zhang sat for a while longer.
He looked out the window. The lights in the cafeteria were still on. Lín Xuān must be preparing tomorrow's ingredients.
"Little Lin," he murmured. "Thank goodness for you. Otherwise, I don't know what this nursing home would have become."
He turned off the lights and locked the door, then headed to the dormitory. Tomorrow would be a new day, and the first day the new regulations would be fully implemented. He hoped everything would go smoothly.