The car came to a steady stop outside Chunyu Pavilion. Lin Xiao got out with Pei Yanzi, and they gazed at the imposing building before them.
When Pei Yanzi saw the plaque that read Chunyu Pavilion, her heart skipped a beat.
Although I’ve never been to Chunyu Pavilion, I know it’s the best restaurant in Jinling City. Realizing this, a sense of panic rose in her heart. After all, I only have a thousand yuan on me. That’s just a drop in the bucket for a meal in a place .
But Pei Yanzi didn’t know how to bring it up with Lin Xiao. Her expression grew increasingly panicked, and the excessive anxiety had caused her charming face to turn pale.
Lin Xiao noticed her state and said with a smile, "Don’t worry, I have a membership card for this place. The meal is free!"
"But Brother Lin, we agreed that I would be treating you," Pei Yanzi said, her face flushed with shame. She truly wanted to treat him to a proper meal, especially since he had already saved her several times.
"Next time," Lin Xiao said with a laugh. "Next time, you can take me to your school cafeteria. I’ve lived this long and have never eaten in a university cafeteria before!"
Pei Yanzi’s beautiful eyes lit up. "Brother Lin, when can you go?"
"I’ll contact you when I have the time!"
Pei Yanzi nodded quickly.
Just as Lin Xiao was about to lead her into the restaurant, a surprised voice called out from behind them.
"Lin Xiao, Yanzi, what a coincidence!"
Pei Yanzi swiftly turned and saw her idol, Chu Xiangxue. Her charming face immediately blushed, and her star-like eyes shone with excitement.
"Hello, Xiang Xue!" Pei Yanzi greeted shyly.
Lin Xiao also saw the enchanting Chu Xiangxue. Today, she wore a pink long dress that made her look absolutely stunning. However, his gaze fell on the young man standing beside her. The man was handsome and well-dressed, a clear sign of a distinguished background. After all, that kind of bearing can’t be faked.
"Hello, Yanzi!" Chu Xiangxue said with a smile.
Pei Yanzi grew even more flustered. It couldn’t be helped; she was standing before her idol, and she had a naturally pure and shy personality to begin with.
"Here for a meal?" Lin Xiao asked with a smile.
Chu Xiangxue nodded obediently. Looking at Lin Xiao with gentle eyes, she asked softly, "Are you two here to eat as well?"
"No, we’re here to see the big star!" Lin Xiao joked.
The joke made Chu Xiangxue giggle. Her laugh was like a blooming rose, captivating beyond compare.
"Since you’re here to eat, why not join us?" Chu Xiangxue suggested with a smile.
"Would that be convenient?" Lin Xiao asked in return.
Before Chu Xiangxue could speak, the young nobleman laughed. "Of course, it’s convenient! Since you’re friends with Xiang Xue, you’re friends of mine, Huang Xingcheng. It’s no trouble at all to have a meal together!"
Lin Xiao glanced at Pei Yanzi, clearly asking for her opinion.
Chu Xiangxue noticed this. Fearing Pei Yanzi might refuse, she smiled and linked arms with her. "Yanzi, let’s have a meal together, okay?"
How could Pei Yanzi possibly refuse an invitation from her idol? She nodded eagerly.
"Let’s go then!" Chu Xiangxue smiled.
The four of them headed inside. Lin Xiao had been about to ask the waiter for a private room. After all, with a top celebrity like Chu Xiangxue present, eating in the main hall would undoubtedly cause a commotion. But Huang Xingcheng had already given his name at the front desk, and a waiter immediately led the four of them straight to the ninth floor.
After they entered the private room, Chu Xiangxue smiled and said, "I’m going to the restroom."
"I’d like to go too, Xiang Xue," Pei Yanzi said shyly. Her palms were sweating from nervousness, and the sticky feeling was very uncomfortable.
Chu Xiangxue smiled. "Alright, let’s go together."
Pei Yanzi hurriedly followed her, leaving Lin Xiao and Huang Xingcheng alone in the spacious room.
"Friend, what’s your name?" Huang Xingcheng asked with a smile.
"Oh, just call me Lin Xiao."
"How did you and Xiang Xue meet? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to pry, just purely curious," Huang Xingcheng said with a grin.
Lin Xiao smiled. "I’m a security guard at a bar. The great celebrity Chu Xiangxue came by for some fun, and that’s how we met."
"I see. But my friend, you’re probably not telling me the whole truth, are you?"
Huang Xingcheng laughed. "You say you’re a security guard, yet you bring such a beautiful girl to a posh place like Chunyu Pavilion for dinner. Surely, you’re more than just a simple security guard, right?"
"Would you believe me if I said Pei Yanzi was the one who brought me here?" Lin Xiao countered.
To be honest, Lin Xiao wasn’t deliberately trying to be difficult, but Huang Xingcheng’s relentless questioning annoyed him. They had only just met, and Lin Xiao felt no obligation to reveal anything about himself. Besides, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this guy was trying to dig up information on him.
Huang Xingcheng laughed and gave him a thumbs-up. "My friend, you’re impressive. Getting a stunner like Pei Yanzi to treat you to dinner, and at a high-end place no less. I’m genuinely impressed!"
"Thanks for the compliment," Lin Xiao chuckled.
Huang Xingcheng’s smile suddenly vanished as he changed the subject. "My friend, listen, I need to ask you for a favor."
"Forget the favors. If you have something to say, just say it."
Huang Xingcheng nodded. "Straightforward, I like it. Alright, I’ll be direct. I’m currently pursuing Xiang Xue, so..."
"So, you think we’re in the way and you want me and Yanzi to eat somewhere else?" Lin Xiao asked, a smile playing on his lips.
Huang Xingcheng slapped his thigh. "You’re a smart man, my friend! That’s exactly it. But don’t worry, I’ll cover all of your expenses for lunch today. And I mean *all* expenses—eat what you want, drink what you want. On top of that, I’ll give you an extra 10,000 yuan as compensation." Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel·fire·net
Lin Xiao gave him a thumbs-up. "That’s very generous of you, Mr. Huang. So, you like Chu Xiangxue?"
"Of course! Who wouldn’t be into a top-tier goddess like her?" Huang Xingcheng said.
"I see," Lin Xiao nodded.
"So, for the sake of my happiness, are you willing to eat somewhere else?" Huang Xingcheng asked, looking at Lin Xiao expectantly.
With the temptation of money, a beggar-like man won’t refuse me. He wouldn’t dare.
Lin Xiao looked at Huang Xingcheng, a faint smile on his lips. "Sorry, but I’m not willing."