"Big Willow Tree, Wanbao Hall."
As soon as he heard the name, Nie Feng’s eyes lit up, "Lao Cao, you have no idea how popular Xiao Chen’s restaurant has been recently!"
"Really?" Cao Yue also became interested.
"Wanbao Hall too! It is said that their chefs learned their craft from the descendants of royal chefs, the dishes they make are so authentic! And, the atmosphere there is wonderful, ancient and elegant with a unique charm!"
Upon hearing this, Chen Cheng quickly explained, "Sister-in-law, it’s not a heritage thing. But they indeed have a team of Michelin-starred chefs in charge of cooking."
Cao Yue had not been back to Beijing for over half a year, hearing Nie Feng talk about it this lively, he also became interested, "Next time I’m home, I must try Xiao Chen’s place."
"Definitely worth a try, but you need to book a reservation." Nie Feng said with a smile, "I’ve tried going a few times with my colleagues but couldn’t get a spot."
Chen Cheng: "Brother, sister-in-law. Wanbao Hall has limited capacity each day, they focus on quality when it comes to food preparation."
"Just let us know in advance next time, I’ll reserve a seat for you both," he said with a smile.
"Of course, of course!" Nie Feng nodded repeatedly, "Xiao Chen, next time we go, you gotta give us a discount."
"Sister-in-law, you jest. If you grace us with your presence, I wouldn’t mind letting you dine for free," Chen Cheng said with a laugh.
"That’s settled then!"
Cao Yue gestured, "Money still needs to be paid. Separate matters."
"Alright, alright." Nie Feng said, "I know you’re an honest guy."
Chen Cheng and Cao Yue drank another round, Nie Feng then asked, "So, Xiao Chen, how long will you and Xiao Meng be staying here?"
"It depends on the next project Brother introduces to me," Chen Cheng responded timely.
Cao Yue put down his whisky glass, "It’s in Xingyi, 2 billion."
Chen Cheng didn’t show any reaction, Cao Yue continued, "I’ve already spoken with the leaders there; you can go and talk directly."
Chen Cheng raised his glass, "Brother, I really don’t know how to thank you."
"It’s nothing, we are peers and friends, no need for such formalities."
Cao Yue smiled, "You’ve helped me, I won’t let you down."
The two drank their third glass.
"How did we end up talking about work?" Nie Feng controlled the pace of the gathering, "Today, we are having dumplings, something you only get at home."
"That’s right, look at me," Cao Yue gave Nie Feng one.
Nie Feng looked towards the well-mannered Meng Wanning, "Is Xiao Meng working now?"
Meng Wanning nodded, Chen Cheng helped her explain, "Wan Ning is a Beijing Opera actress, a major female role. Her singing is really beautiful!"
Upon hearing this, both Cao Yue and Nie Feng were surprised.
Cao Yue did not expect that this volunteer who traveled a long way to help had such a talent.
And in Nie Feng’s eyes, a light flickered.
"You can sing opera?"
Meng Wanning spoke calmly and confidently, "I am a student of the renowned Cui Xiaoling, currently at Wanshou Peking Opera Troupe."
"Lao Cao, why didn’t you tell me earlier?"
Cao Yue shrugged, "I just found out too."
Nie Feng excitedly looked at Meng Wanning, "Xiao Meng, can you convince your master to come out of retirement?"
"The master has been retired for many years," Meng Wanning shook her head.
"What’s wrong?" Cao Yue asked with concern.
"Spring Festival, Beijing Opera, missing one role."
Nie Feng directly said, "The Spring Festival Gala team wants to invite Mr. Cui to perform, as the finale for this year’s gala, but they haven’t received a response from Mr. Cui, and the final audition is nearly upon us!"
"So that’s the case." Cao Yue nodded, looking at Meng Wanning, "Xiao Meng, see..."
"My master’s health is not good, she’s lost her voice," Meng Wanning said regretfully, "It really isn’t possible."
"What a situation we have here."
Chen Cheng’s eyes twinkled, "Sister-in-law, Wan Ning, she’s also a true inheritor!"
With this sweet murmur, both Cao and Nie could already imagine Meng Wanning’s majestic presence on stage.
"Look, Wan Ning is Mr. Cui’s final disciple, a true inheritor. Just her voice alone would dazzle everyone," Chen Cheng said with a smile.
He cheerfully looked at Meng Wanning, "Right? Wan Ning?"