Chapter 123 - 105: Brother and Sister
Chapter 123: Chapter 105: Brother and Sister
Suddenly, he remembered something.
"Why do I feel like I’ve seen this video somewhere before?"
He frowned for a few seconds, then suddenly pointed at William, his face full of disbelief. "You’re the adventurer, Knight Luo?!"
William’s expression froze. He quickly raised a finger to his lips, signaling for him to lower his voice.
"SHHH—don’t let anyone hear you!"
Karen was still in shock.
"Is it really you? You’re actually from Beiluo City!" He reined in his excitement and lowered his voice, his eyes full of pleasant surprise as he sized William up.
It was William’s first time meeting a fan, and he felt a little embarrassed.
"Hehe, it’s just a small hobby."
"Getting four hundred thousand followers isn’t just a ’small hobby.’ The stunts you do in your videos are incredible! I can’t believe Beiluo City has such a talented content creator. How about we do an exclusive interview with you!" Karen suggested excitedly.
"An exclusive interview?" William’s eyes widened, and he quickly refused. "No, no way. The whole reason I wear a mask is so I don’t get recognized. If my mom finds out, I’ll be in for it. You absolutely can’t tell anyone about this!"
William’s sapphire-blue eyes swept pleadingly across the other three people at the table. He looked as cute as a puppy asking for help.
Naturally, all three of them agreed.
"You three can sort out the rest. I have to get to work. You can have dinner here tonight, my treat."
Ning He glanced at the time and stood up, ready to start her shift in the kitchen.
"Thanks, Boss Ning!" William beamed, revealing a set of perfectly white teeth. "Oh, right, my cousin is coming over tonight too. Is that okay?"
Ning He waved her hand magnanimously. "Of course, it’s fine. Eat as much as you want!"
The three professionals—William, Cindy, and Karen—huddled together to discuss the video plan. Meanwhile, Ning He went downstairs and ran into Connie and Ah Huai, who had just arrived. After asking a few questions about the cafeteria, the three of them tied on their aprons and got busy.
"...Right, use a lighter coating of flour, or it’ll soak up too much oil when you fry it."
"...For the roasted eggplant, you have to wait until it’s completely soft on the inside before splitting it in half, otherwise, it’ll ruin the texture."
"Youzhen, these string beans need to be sliced even thinner. That way, they’ll cook quickly over high heat."
"Today’s lettuce is for the vegetarian meat rolls. Just wash it and put it in a bowl; it doesn’t need any other prep."
"The lemon flavor in the fresh chili sauce is a bit weak. Add some more."
"Connie, don’t be stingy with the vinegar, or the flavor won’t come out, and this tiger-skin pepper dish will be ruined."
In between cooking, Ning He offered pointers to the others. After more than a month of practice, Connie and the others could now hold up half the sky. Although there was still a slight gap in quality compared to her own cooking, their dishes were good enough to be served.
As they bustled about, the sky gradually darkened. The malatang customers had cleared out, and the dinner service officially began at five o’clock.
The moment the first dinner guest walked in, Ning He nearly dropped the bowl of vegetables she was holding.
’Isn’t this Director Caroline, the very person she’d been hoping to see?’
Noticing the obvious change in Ning He’s expression, Carolyn simply gave a slight nod.
"We meet again."
"Yes, yes... It’s my honor!" Ning He finally snapped out of her shock. Putting on her brightest smile and most enthusiastic demeanor, she personally escorted the distinguished guest upstairs to dine.
"Cousin!"
As soon as she got upstairs, she heard William’s delighted voice. Ning He’s gaze darted between him and the person beside him, and in a flash, she understood:
’This spirited young man is actually a member of the Caroline family!’
For certain obvious reasons, Ning He had specifically looked up information on the director of the Biological Safety Bureau, which led her to learn about the legendary Caroline family.
According to legend, the family possessed countless riches. Every member was exceptionally talented and outstanding. They were not only the preeminent family in Beiluo City but were also highly ranked throughout the entire Alliance.
Of course, the forum posts were inevitably exaggerated, but they were a testament to the Caroline family’s unique status and prestige in Beiluo City.
’I can’t believe this kid has that kind of background.’
Thinking about her good relationship with William, Ning He’s racing heart calmed down, and she even felt a secret thrill of joy.
’Does this count as indirectly building a connection with the Director?’
’It’ll be easier to ask for favors in the future.’
"So you’re William’s cousin! You are both truly dragons among men! No wonder I was in such a good mood when I woke up today—it was a sign that a distinguished guest was coming! Please, have a seat. I’ll go make a few more dishes. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied!"
After that string of flattery, Ning He felt she needed to back it up with action. She scurried back to the kitchen to prepare a couple of signature dishes specifically for the VIP.
Carolyn watched her leave, a trace of amusement in her eyes.
’So enthusiastic in her welcome, yet she doesn’t dare to look me in the eye.’
’Am I that scary?’
’Or... does she have a guilty conscience?’
Carolyn didn’t dwell on the question.
She wasn’t here for work.
"Have you finished your discussion?" she asked, sitting down next to William.
William exchanged a look with Cindy and Karen. "We’re done. It was nothing major, just helping out with a small favor."
Carolyn didn’t press for details.
"Good. Let’s eat, then. I’m starving."
"Okay! I’ll go get you some of the signature dishes. I guarantee you’ll love them," William said, leaving his seat.
"Um... we won’t disturb you, Dir—Ma’am. We’ll go eat over there."
Cindy had recognized the important figure before her and tensed up completely, pulling Karen to move further away.
"Stay. I’d like to listen to your conversation and relax a bit," Carolyn said with a small smile.
Cindy froze for a moment.
’The Director, famous for being assertive and cold, didn’t seem so scary after all.’
"Then... we’ll take you up on that."
The four of them sat at one table. With William there to lighten the mood, Cindy and Karen quickly relaxed and began to happily enjoy the delicious dinner.
Every so often, a server would casually bring a dish to their table. A closer look revealed that these were items not listed on the menu.
Clearly, the head chef was giving them special treatment.
Carolyn listened with a relaxed expression and a smile on her face as the three of them chattered about everything under the sun.
Although the decor here was average, the atmosphere was quite nice.
The patrons were well-dressed and had excellent dining etiquette. No one was pushy or loud; there was only the sound of soft chatter and occasional murmurs of praise.
She even saw a few familiar faces who nodded to her in greeting but were polite enough not to disturb her.
Then, Carolyn saw someone.
It was one of her assistants.
Carolyn only had to look at him for a few seconds to know he wasn’t just there for dinner.
As if sensing her scrutinizing gaze, the man looked back at her. Surprise flashed across his face, and he instinctively started to stand up.
Carolyn gave her glass a gentle swirl. The man paused, then sat back down.
A little over an hour later, Carolyn and William left the restaurant together.
Ning He made a point of coming out to see them off.
"Um... actually, I’ve always considered you my role model. I was wondering if there might be a chance for me to pay you a visit?" Ning He finally worked up the courage to ask.
"I’m usually very busy with work," Carolyn said. "If you want to see me, you can call the Bureau to make an appointment. If I have time, I’ll arrange it."
"That would be wonderful, thank you!"
Carolyn took in all of Ning He’s excitement. After returning to the castle with William, she stood on her bedroom terrace, enjoying the night breeze, and called her assistant.
"Tell me. What did you find?"