The night falls, it’s time for dinner.
Three Bentleys are driving through the bustling yet ancient old town district of Celestial Sea City.
Across the river, the lights are splendid, and the towering buildings are lit with colorful neon lights, competing with the stars in the sky.
In contrast to the modern atmosphere across the river, the three Bentleys turned into the old town’s alleys, where dense street trees cast mottled shadows under the lampposts.
After getting out of the car, Liu Mei and the others, led by Li Jing, walked along a quiet and timeworn road.
Everyone looked around curiously, not knowing where Li Jing would take them for dinner.
At this moment, Liu Mei took a few quick steps, came next to Li Jing, and whispered: "Don’t choose an expensive place, we can eat something simple, it’d be best if there’s a Hunan restaurant."
"Mom, now that you’re in Celestial Sea City, why would you still want to eat Hunan cuisine?"
Li Jing found it amusing: "Just rest assured, your son isn’t someone who wastes money carelessly; I know what I’m doing, so just relax and enjoy."
"Exactly, why come here if you want to eat Hunan food?" Li Weijun, who was behind them, retorted.
"What do you know? If you’re capable, don’t let your son pay, you pay!"
Liu Mei glared at her husband and then looked at the surroundings with unique, ancient architectural styles, nostalgically sighing: "Back when we were young, the posters had buildings with this style. I never thought I’d get to see them in person as I got older..."
Hearing this, Li Weijun also looked towards the surrounding houses, the silhouettes standing in the twilight like an ancient painting.
This time, he didn’t argue but showed a melancholy gaze, as if reminiscing his past.
Later, the group stopped beside an old mansion in a deep alley.
The mansion’s style resembled the affluent neighborhood architecture of the 80s and 90s, a typical Western style, giving it a mysterious and ancient look.
As of now, the antique-styled door gently closed, with only a very modest sign on it reading "Old Tianhai Private Cuisine."
While the group was captivated by the mansion, a woman in a form-fitting cheongsam immediately opened the door, warmly and warmly approaching: "Miss An."
This restaurant was found and booked by An Tong at Li Jing’s arrangement. To avoid mishaps, An Tong specifically came two days in advance to book, so the woman instantly recognized An Tong in the group due to her striking appearance.
An Tong immediately turned and explained: "This is our boss President Li, I reserved this meal for him and his family."
Upon hearing this, the cheongsam woman subtly changed her expression and quickly showed a professional smile to Li Jing: "Welcome to our restaurant, President Li. I’m your exclusive steward Lisa for today."
Li Jing raised an eyebrow and curiously asked: "You arrange exclusive stewards even for dining here?"
Lisa extended her hand to guide Li Jing and the others inside while smilingly explaining: "Our restaurant has three floors, with each floor having an exclusive steward, and each floor only accepts bookings from one table of guests."
"One table of guests?"
Next to her, Zhang Xinxin exclaimed: "You mean this whole building only accepts three tables of guests?"
"Yes." Lisa displayed enough kindness to everyone and gently explained: "Our three floors have different price points, one floor is three thousand per person, the second floor is four thousand per person, and the third floor is five thousand per person. President Li booked our third floor."
"Five thousand per person?"
As the other finished speaking, Liu Mei noticeably tensed up, quickly reaching out to grab Li Jing’s arm.
Li Jing knew what was on her mind, smiled, patted her hand, and consoled: "Mom, as I said, just enjoy."
Hearing this, Liu Mei knew they couldn’t back out now as they entered the restaurant. She exchanged a glance with Li Weijun, our elderly couple instinctively moved a bit closer.
Li Fuguo, who was at the back, frowned upon hearing and stepped forward to tell Li Jing: "Li Jing, this restaurant is too expensive. It’s right for you to let your parents enjoy it, but Xiaoxiao and I shouldn’t waste your money."
Li Xiaoxiao was also shocked to hear the price per person, and when her father spoke first, she immediately nodded in agreement.
Behind them, Ge Qin did not speak, merely standing silently aside, secretly observing the subtly luxurious decorations inside the restaurant, feeling a bit of envy and longing in her heart.
"Uncle, you can’t just let you go hungry."
Li Jing saw that the other party’s expression was serious and said: "How about this, it’s your first meal in Hai City, it’s only right to have something good, and I promise we’ll choose a less expensive restaurant afterward."
Hearing this, Li Fuguo saw everyone looking at him, and he finally nodded, saying: "Alright then."
Seeing everyone following Lisa upstairs again, Li Fuguo went up to Li Jing alone, and thanked quietly, "Li Jing, thank you, uncle will just shamelessly enjoy this big meal this time. Your grandpa would be very proud to know how accomplished and filial you are."
Li Jing paused for a moment upon hearing the mention of his late grandfather, looked at the other’s weathered and sincere face, and slightly nodded.
The group went to the third floor, through a corridor, and the view suddenly opened up.
Zhang Xinxin and An Tong couldn’t help but brighten their eyes.
The whole space on the third floor was spacious and luxurious, decorated in a typical medieval European aristocratic style, with leather seats and pure wooden long tables neatly arranged in the room.
Throughout the room, various types of tables and decorations were set up, seemingly for guests to chat and admire before dining.
In the center, unlike Chinese dining, there was a typical long rectangular high-end solid wood table, meticulously arranged with romantic candles and flowers, and some complex Western decorations.
Upon being seated under Lisa’s guidance, Li Jing noticed a delicate metallic bell on the table. Before he could ask, the sharp-eyed Lisa immediately smiled and explained: "President Li, this is our service bell. I will be waiting by the side, and if you need anything, ring the service bell, and I’ll promptly come over."
Upon hearing this, Li Jing understood, then glanced at his family members seated, and told Lisa: "Everyone must be hungry, so let’s serve the food directly."
Lisa respectfully left.
Meanwhile, everyone at the table displayed different states.
An Tong sat beside Li Jing the whole time, keeping a gentle and kind demeanor, ready for Li Jing’s orders and requests.
Zhang Xinxin had already taken out her phone to start filming, a face full of excitement, gathering today’s moments for her social media.
On the other hand, Liu Mei, who sat opposite Li Jing, appeared somewhat cautious.
Li Weijun was about to pick up a table decoration to look at when Liu Mei secretly pulled him, quietly scolding him not to mess around to avoid causing trouble for their son, and then continued to sit on the seat obediently.
In her mind, cooperating obediently without embarrassing her son was the only thing she could do for him.
Li Fuguo, sitting on the side, was relatively composed, turning his head to inspect the luxurious decorations surrounding him, nodding slightly, seemingly marveling at the lavish life of the wealthy.
Li Xiaoxiao and Ge Qin were seated together, whispering to each other, trying to keep their voices low, fearing to disturb the ambiance here.
"Xiaoxiao, can you help me take a photo?"
"Here? Sure, are you going to post it?"
"Yes, I find this place beautiful, and I want to take a few. Could you help take a photo of me with your brother later?"
"You want a photo with my brother?"
"Don’t look at me like that, I just thought that since I haven’t seen him for so long, I should have a memento."
"Alright, talk to him later, and I’ll take it for you..."