Chapter 59: Exchange Complete!
Chapter 59: Chapter 59: Exchange Complete!
Ever since Zhang Yan became wealthy through the system, he had indeed dined at quite a few restaurants he could never afford before. But in all fairness, while there were huge gaps in service and atmosphere, the difference in taste really wasn’t that significant. A five-star hotel would dare charge 185 yuan for a fried egg and 377 yuan for fresh orange juice, but the fried egg was still just a fried egg, and the orange juice was nothing more than ordinary orange juice.
Today, however, the food at this restaurant called Good Taste was truly extraordinary. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what made it different, but if he had to describe it, it was just one word—delicious!
The plating was exquisite with vibrant colors. The aroma was tantalizing but not overpowering. The texture was perfectly tender, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavors were incredibly layered, gradually releasing with every bite and chew.
"It really is delicious!"
Seeing Zhang Yan enjoying the meal so heartily without putting on any airs, the Chi brothers, Chi Chenglong and Chi Chenghu, finally let their guard down. They had been worried that a child from a wealthy family like him might have different eating habits. They wondered if he would be overly particular or have a much pickier palate. But Zhang Yan’s behavior was remarkably down-to-earth. Just like them, he shoveled food into his mouth, slurped his soup loudly, and even rolled up his sleeves when he got really into the meal.
"Eat more if you like it! We can order more if it’s not enough!" Chi Chenglong greeted Zhang Yan enthusiastically.
Chi Chenghu, however, immediately noticed his daughter’s slight oddity. "Sweetheart, why do your eyes look a little red? Have you been crying?"
"Dad, what are you imagining things for? Why would I cry on such a happy day! Didn’t I just catch some extra sleep earlier? It’s probably just from that."
"Oh." Father Chi nodded. Today was indeed filled with joyous events; there was no reason for tears.
Feeling awkward, Zhang Yan could only furiously shovel meat into his mouth. Seeing Father Chi act like such a fiercely protective father, Zhang Yan knew that if the man found out he had just made Chi Xinyue cry, blood would likely be spilled on the spot. Still feeling a lingering trepidation, Zhang Yan took advantage of a brief pause in eating to place his hand on his junior’s thigh, using that smooth, soft sensation to soothe his "fright."
The meal lasted a long time. Just as everyone was about to head home in high spirits, the system progress Zhang Yan had been keeping an eye on finally changed!
[Bride Price Card Redemption Complete]
[Acquired: Property rights to all storefronts on East Unity Road]
[System Prompt: Please deliver the bride price within one week. Otherwise, it will be doubly deducted from the host’s future rewards.]
Not long after Brother Tongzi’s notification arrived, Zhang Yan’s phone rang.
"Hello."
"Is this Mr. Zhang, Zhang Yan?"
"Speaking."
"This is Xingcheng Law Firm. We have finalized the contract project you entrusted to us through online negotiations and have signed a letter of intent. Please make a final confirmation of the transaction details and grant your final authorization. Once done, the funds in the escrow account will be transferred to complete the transaction..."
Zhang Yan received a detailed document on his phone. He tapped it open, taking a quick glance, and immediately felt a headache coming on.
"I’m currently in Bai City and won’t be back for a while. Are there any documents I need to sign in person?"
"Your entrustment can be entirely completed online. However, Mr. Zhang, did you say you are in Bai City?"
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner outside the restaurant, Liu Dafu hurried out and answered his phone.
"Hello, Mr. Ren? Where are you right now? Actually, on my end..." Liu Dafu said.
"I’m sorry, but an urgent matter came up on my end that I need to handle immediately. I might be a little late. How about we cancel today’s dinner?"
"Ah... No need, no need! I’ll just wait for you!" Liu Dafu quickly replied.
"I’d feel too guilty about that."
"It’s fine, really! It’s my honor to host you, Mr. Ren. Waiting a bit is the least I can do."
"Alright then. I’ll contact you once I’m done here."
"Sounds good! Take your time, Mr. Ren!"
Hanging up the phone, Liu Dafu let out a long sigh of relief. He muttered to himself, "Chi the Second, oh, Chi the Second. You refused free money and nearly ruined my big plans. Fortunately, heaven helps the worthy. Hmph, I’ll settle this score with you slowly in the future!"
Since he didn’t know exactly when Mr. Ren would arrive, Liu Dafu thought for a moment before walking over to knock on the door of another private room.
"Come in."
Liu Dafu pushed the door open. Sweeping his gaze across the room, he saw nothing but familiar faces—all fellow shop owners from the street.
"Oh, it’s Old Fu. What a coincidence! Are you here to eat too?"
"Haha, yeah," Liu Dafu chuckled. "You guys are all gathered here. Could you be discussing the rent hike?"
"Exactly. How could we not? Everyone’s shop leases are expiring this year. Mr. Ren is raising the rent by so much all at once, demanding a minimum five-year lease with the rent paid entirely upfront. We’re all stressing out over it."
"Sigh, look at this mess. If I had known you guys were here discussing this, why would I have wasted my breath arguing with that stubborn mule, Chi the Second, next door?"
In truth, Liu Dafu had known they were there all along. He had merely wanted to negotiate some terms on his own. Now, he had just changed his approach.
"What do you mean?" The group all turned to look at him.
"Actually, through a cousin’s connections, I managed to get in touch with Mr. Ren himself. I invited him to lunch today."
"Damn, that’s impressive, Old Fu!"
"Amazing! I heard Mr. Ren is a prominent figure in Meng City. Inviting him directly to our little place is no easy feat!"
A smug look appeared on Liu Dafu’s face. "It was just good luck, really. Mr. Ren’s ancestral home is in Bai City, and he just happened to return to handle some affairs. With a little help from my cousin, the connection was made!"
"That just shows you have face and connections, Old Fu!"
Basking in their flattery for a moment, Liu Dafu finally adopted a serious expression. "Actually, I have a proposal. I wonder if you gentlemen would be interested?"
"Stop keeping us in suspense, just say it!"
"Hurry up, tell us!"
"My cousin hinted to me that Mr. Ren probably has a financial deficit elsewhere and is desperate for cash flow, which is why he raised the rent.
"I was thinking we could all pool our money and just buy out our own shops on this street. It would save us the hassle of paying rent year after year!"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, appearing rather uninterested. If Liu Dafu had enough money himself, he wouldn’t have planned to share this meeting opportunity with them at all. Not getting a satisfactory response was clearly unacceptable to him.
"Gentlemen, since Mr. Ren is desperate for cash, the price will definitely be negotiable. I reckon if we pool together about eight or nine million, we could probably secure the deal!"
"Old Fu, everyone here has a net worth of at least a few million, if not ten million. But having to cough up a million in cash all at once? That would severely strain anyone’s finances. Let’s shelve this for now."
Just then, someone knocked on the private room door again.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man wearing glasses walked in. He exuded an air of dignified authority.
Having carefully memorized Mr. Ren’s appearance for this meeting, Liu Dafu recognized the man at first glance. It was Mr. Ren! But he couldn’t help feeling a bit confused. Mr. Ren hadn’t contacted him yet; why did he show up so suddenly?
However, entertaining this esteemed guest was far more important than a trivial doubt.
"Mr. Ren! Your esteemed presence brings light to our humble..."
"Sorry, I have the wrong room."
The man glanced around the room, frowned slightly, and backed out, closing the door behind him.
He left a room full of people staring blankly at each other.