Chapter 98 - 92: Welcome

Chapter 98: Chapter 92: Welcome

Ning He stood at the entrance, took a deep breath, and exchanged a look with Connie Ahui. Together, they cut the red ribbon in their hands.

At the same time, Youzhen, Vance, and a few others twisted the party poppers in their hands.

"POP"

"POP"

"POP"

...

Countless colorful pieces of paper shot into the air, fluttering down like butterflies. All the guests applauded, celebrating the birth of the small restaurant.

On the street corner, Gates sat in his car, watching the scene through the window. He let out a heavy, cold snort.

"How could a malatang place ever amount to anything? And yet so many people are willing to show up and support it."

His assistant beside him cautiously said, "I heard that besides malatang, they also have a vegetarian buffet."

Gates’s expression faltered for a moment, then his lips curled into a smirk. He laughed smugly.

"Looks to me like she’s backed into a corner, to even come up with an idea like that. A vegetarian buffet? The nerve! I can’t wait to see what they look like when they’re crying! Let’s go. We’ll go ’show our support’ too!"

"But..."

’Weren’t you chewed out enough last time?’

The assistant wanted to say something to dissuade him, but Gates had already gotten out of the car in excitement. The assistant could only hurry after him.

Ning He had already taken Leitel and a few others upstairs. The rest were busy welcoming guests, leaving only Connie and two trainees at the entrance, setting up plastic tables and chairs for the overflow of customers.

When Connie caught sight of him out of the corner of her eye, she first froze, then her face darkened. But with guests all around, she couldn’t cause a scene and could only greet him coldly.

"Well, if it isn’t Mr. Gates. What brings you here? We’re very busy today and don’t have time for idle chat. You should probably head back."

"Chat? I came to a restaurant to eat, of course. What, am I not welcome?" Gates, a good half a head taller than Connie, looked down at her with an arrogant gaze.

Connie didn’t back down. Instead, she took a step closer, her suspicious gaze sweeping over his face.

"You have so many high-end restaurants under you, yet you come to our little place. You wouldn’t happen to be up to something, would you? Today is our grand opening. It’s very important, so we don’t welcome guests with ulterior motives."

Gates had been a high-and-mighty corporate heir since birth. When had he ever been questioned so bluntly to his face?

His face darkened. He ground his teeth and said, "Don’t worry. As the dignified head of the Food Association, I wouldn’t stoop to such petty tricks. But if your food isn’t any good, don’t blame me for telling the truth. We’ll see if you have the guts to let me in."

Connie stared at him until he started to get the creeps, then she stepped aside.

"The buffet is on the second floor. This way, please."

Gates snorted and walked into the restaurant with his assistant.

By now, the first floor of the restaurant was packed to the brim.

The unique aroma of malatang filled the air as bowl after bowl, piled high with food, was brought out from the kitchen and delivered to the guests’ tables.

Vance and his classmates had plenty of experience working in restaurants, so serving and waiting tables was no problem at all. They could handle the rush without making mistakes. Everyone felt at ease leaving this floor to them.

The rich aroma of spices assailed his nostrils. Gates walked toward the staircase, his expression unchanging. The first thing he saw was a small blackboard on the wall. Written on it was "Vegetarian Buffet: 108 original coins/person," with a description of today’s specials below.

"How dare they charge this price? You’d be better off getting a barbecue set menu at a Level 3 Restaurant, don’t you think?"

Gates scoffed when he saw the price and spoke to the assistant following behind him.

A standard roasted chicken set at his top-tier Beiluo City restaurant cost less than two hundred original coins. And that price included the added value of the decor and service.

’Charging this much for vegetarian food in such a shabby little shop? They must be crazy.’ ℴ

"Indeed. It doesn’t look like many customers are paying for it," the assistant replied, glancing around.

They were right.

The price had indeed made some customers who were planning to try it hesitate. The vast majority opted for the malatang instead.

Gates’s mood immediately improved.

After promptly paying and receiving his dining card, Gates’s mood got even better when he reached the second floor.

Including them, there were no more than ten customers on the entire second floor.

’Tsk, how desolate.’

"Huh? Gates, what are you doing here? Come quick and try this! I guarantee you’ve never had vegetables this good!"

Gates looked toward the voice and saw it was Leitel. His eyes lit up, and he immediately walked over.

"Director, what brings you here?"

Leitel laughed. "Where there’s good food, I’m sure to follow. Quick, try this. It’s best right out of the wok."