Chapter 102: The Owner of Linxian Pavilion
Translator: _Min_
Zhou Ci’s eyes sparkled when he saw the person in front of him. After he let Zhou Ye know, he dashed toward Gu Dai.
Out of breath and waving his hand, Zhou Ci excitedly exclaimed, “Daidai, I’ll cover today’s meal cost. Could you grant me the chance to share a table with you?”
Gu Dai turned, and upon spotting Zhou Ci, her eyebrows knit together in a frown. She coldly reminded him, “Mr. Zhou, we’re not close. Kindly refrain from addressing me so intimately.”
Instantly correcting himself, Zhou Ci said, “Alright, Gu Dai, would you allow me to join your table? My grandfather is particularly fond of this restaurant. Despite waiting for hours, we haven’t secured a seat, as the reservations are full.”
Gu Dai’s words of refusal halted at her lips as her gaze drifted toward Zhou Ye.
The elderly Zhou was clad in a black Zhongshan suit, his face rosy. Curiously, he peered in their direction.
Though Gu Dai wasn’t particularly fond of Zhou Ci, the Gu family had once worked together with the Zhou family. She had met the elderly Grandpa Zhou several times in the past and remembered him as a kind and approachable figure. Moreover, from a young age, she had been taught to respect her elders.
After some contemplation, Gu Dai addressed Zhou Ci, “You can bring Grandpa Zhou over.”
When he received Gu Dai’s approval, he let out a jubilant cheer and raced toward Zhou Ye.
Supporting Zhou Ye, Zhou Ci headed for Linxian Pavilion, laughing as he said, “Grandpa, I’ve arranged with someone 1 know for us to share a table.”
However, as many turned their attention to Gu Dai, especially those who didn’t manage to secure a reservation, emotions flared. One particularly animated individual pointed at Gu Dai and shouted at the attendant, “Didn’t you say all slots were taken? Why can she dine without even waiting in line? Is the Linxian Pavilion now accepting backdoor entries?”
Another chimed in, “What?! I’ve been standing here for hours, and some people can just waltz in without waiting?”
“Where’s the owner? We demand an explanation!”
The growing commotion overshadowed the attempts of the staff to clarify.
Gu Dai let out a sigh, took the restaurant’s megaphone, and calmly stated, “What explanation do you desire?”
Her cool, melodic voice echoed in every ear. The surrounding noise instantaneously ceased, leaving behind a profound silence.
After a brief pause, someone finally retorted, “We’re here for the owner. What’s a line-cutter like you doing adding to the chaos?”
As one person spoke out, others regained their bearings and shouted in agreement, “Exactly! We’re here to speak with the owner.”
Witnessing this scene, Gu Dai nonchalantly added, “I am the owner.”
Someone exclaimed in disbelief, “What? You’re the owner?”
A staff member, seizing the moment of control, took the megaphone from Gu Dai and clarified, “Indeed, this lady is the owner of Linxian Pavilion!”
The staff member then added, “If you’re a regular, you’d know that the Pavilion has a private dining area reserved for the owner. Her dining here doesn’t affect your reservation slots.”
The interior of Linxian Pavilion was opulent, but within its luxury lay an even more extravagant owner’s dining area.
Some peered through the windows into the interior, their eyes widening in amazement. Every piece of decor was crafted by top designers from around the world, featuring unique designs that couldn’t even be found online.
Many had assumed that the owner of Linxian Pavilion would be an elderly individual of refined taste. The revelation that the owner was a young woman completely upended their assumptions.
Concluding their explanation, the staff member emphasized, “Linxian Pavilion doesn’t concern itself with revenue. If anyone disagrees with how we operate, we sincerely apologize, but we don’t intend to change.”
“Everyone knows the owner’s dining area was designed long ago.”
“You’ve done nothing wrong. We have no objections!”
“Still, the daily reservation slots are so limited. Wish there could be more.”
“Instead of dreaming, better to show up two hours earlier tomorrow to queue!”
Zhou Ci gazed at Gu Dai, who stood there exuding an air of confidence and poise. He was lost in his thoughts for a long time.
Zhou Ci found it even harder to understand how Song Ling could overlook someone like Gu Dai, choosing instead to fancy Jiang Yue, who clearly appeared to be scheming. However, he mused, it might have been a blessing.. Otherwise, how could he ever have a chance?