Chapter 51: Chapter 51: I Have a Beautiful Wish
After a morning of running around, Gu Bai’s legs were almost numb. On the other hand, Qi Man seemed more energetic, truly proving that women can’t be understood with common sense.
"Aren’t we almost done? If not, I’ll give you money to shop on your own. I really can’t walk any further."
Gu Bai didn’t care about maintaining his composure anymore and slumped into the nearby public rest area like a dead dog.
Qi Man glanced at the shopping bags piling up, many of which couldn’t even be carried. She arranged for the staff to have them delivered directly to their home. By midday, Gu Bai had spent around 500,000 to 600,000, making it seem like money was flowing away.
"Maybe we should stop shopping and go grab something to eat."
Upon hearing that they weren’t shopping anymore, Gu Bai immediately perked up.
"Alright, let’s go eat. I’ll make the arrangements."
With that, Gu Bai pulled out his phone and dialed a call to the Shangri-La Hotel.
"Please prepare the presidential suite for me; I’ll be there in 20 minutes."
Hearing the content of Gu Bai’s conversation, Qi Man couldn’t help but shiver, "Isn’t it a bit inappropriate to do this in broad daylight? Maybe we should go tonight, since you’re tired anyway..."
Gu Bai glanced at her, "What are you thinking? Is going to a hotel only for sleeping?"
Without another word to Qi Man, he headed toward the exit of the mall, and Qi Man quickly followed.
.............
"Mr. Gu, welcome back to the Shangri-La."
Standing at the hotel’s entrance was Gu Bai’s previous room service manager, Dylan, with a name carrying a hint of Western flavor but being a standard Hua Country native.
Handing the car over to the valet, Gu Bai led Qi Man into the hotel.
"Shall we eat first?"
He turned and asked Qi Man.
Dylan only glanced at Qi Man before focusing on Gu Bai, never letting his gaze rise above Gu Bai’s chest, providing the guest with an undeniable sense of superiority. This is the professional quality of high-end hotel room service staff.
"Please arrange a lunch for us."
Upon hearing this, Dylan quickly inquired, "Would Mr. Gu prefer Western or Chinese cuisine? I recommend Western, as our hotel’s Western chef is currently free and can personally prepare your lunch."
Gu Bai looked at Qi Man, "Do you want Chinese or Western food?"
"Let’s go with Western; I’ve always wanted to try it."
Of course, Qi Man had eaten Western food before, but it was her first time experiencing it at a prestigious hotel like the Shangri-La.
Upon receiving Gu Bai’s indication, Dylan led the way, guiding them to the restaurant.
Although the restaurant at the Shangri-La isn’t Michelin-starred, it’s quite famous in Shanghai. Most people dine here to experience the hotel’s integrated services, making it hard to judge which is better compared to dedicated restaurants.
"This way, please. We reserve this spot especially for our presidential suite guests."
Dylan led Gu Bai and Qi Man to a secluded area, quite a distance away from the regular dining tables.
The server accompanying them quickly pulled out the chairs, inviting Gu Bai and Qi Man to sit.
It’s currently lunchtime, and there are quite a few diners nearby. Noticing the attentive service in the VIP section, they quietly started murmuring.
Because of the distance, it was unclear what they were discussing, and Gu Bai’s expression remained unchanged as he continued scanning the menu handed over by Dylan. Qi Man gazed at Gu Bai with a slightly enthralled expression.
"That’ll be all."
He handed the menu back to Dylan.
"Mr. Gu, please wait a moment while I arrange this for you."
After Dylan departed, Gu Bai turned to the grinning Qi Man and asked, "Why are you smiling?"
Qi Man shook her head, giving an evasive answer.
"Is this your usual lifestyle?"
Gu Bai raised an eyebrow, "What makes you think that?"
"I just feel like you’re totally at ease in such settings. That’s probably the difference between us. This is the first time I’ve experienced something like this, buying luxury items I only dared to look at before and dining in a five-star hotel."
Gu Bai took a sip of water from the glass poured by the server to moisten his throat.
"Would you believe me if I said I’ve only recently started visiting such places?"
Qi Man looked earnestly into Gu Bai’s eyes and slowly shook her head.
"Actually, I used to think the same way as you. I thought the so-called vibe of the wealthy was something cultivated over years. But when inexplicable things started happening to me, I realized I was entirely wrong."
"For example?"
"For example, when I first experienced this lifestyle, I just took it for granted. Not because of anything else, but simply because my pockets were full, full enough that I didn’t have to worry about being considered an outsider here for anything I said or did."
"I don’t quite understand."
"Let me put it another way. Kids might get nervous when they can’t afford something at the convenience store for the first time. Would you?"
Seeing that Qi Man still looked puzzled, Gu Bai smiled and didn’t continue the conversation. Some things are hard to explain. Even before he got his system, he wouldn’t have understood if others had told him these things.
As the two were chatting casually, Dylan returned, bringing along a slightly plump white man in a black-trimmed chef’s uniform and a few waitstaff.
"Mr. Gu, let me introduce you. This is Ackman, our hotel’s executive chef."
Ackman spoke in fluent Chinese, "Good afternoon, Mr. Gu."
Gu Bai remained seated and barely moved. He nodded slightly towards him, "Hello."
Noticing Gu Bai had no intention of small talk, Ackman signaled to the waitstaff behind him, and several exquisite dishes were brought over.
"Mr. Gu has ordered steak as the main course, but steak is best enjoyed freshly cooked. If it cools, it affects the taste, and insufficient resting time also impacts flavor. Here are three appetizers to whet your appetite, and the main course will be served shortly."
After Ackman left, Dylan thoughtfully unveiled the dishes for Gu Bai and Qi Man.
"This is the first course of today’s meal, caviar from the Caspian Sea. It’s made from the eggs of Beluga Sturgeon over 60 years old. This type of caviar can fetch up to 700 USD per ounce at its peak, but of course, that’s the market price. Even in our Shangri-La, it’s a rare ingredient, so we usually reserve it for distinguished guests like you."
Gu Bai had spent over a million just on accommodation at the Shangri-La, the equivalent of buying a house in a small city, so calling him an honored guest was entirely appropriate.
Qi Man looked at the tiny, pearl-like caviar in the pristine white dish before her and discreetly swallowed a gulp of saliva.
Gu Bai gently scooped up a small amount and tasted it. A salty flavor burst in his mouth, different from other preserved products. This Caspian caviar had a marine freshness unique to sea creatures.
"How is it?"
Qi Man couldn’t help but nod. Although she didn’t find the taste particularly amazing, it was delicious and brought her a sense of mental satisfaction.
After Gu Bai finished tasting the caviar, Dylan uncovered another dish.
"This is the second course of today’s meal, creamy mushroom soup. It’s made from freshly picked white mushrooms and light cream. Please give it a try."
Perhaps due to some indifference towards Western soups, Gu Bai wasn’t particularly impressed with this dish. He could only say it was acceptable.
Standing nearby, Dylan noted Gu Bai’s change in expression, silently committing his preferences to memory.
"The third dish is the side dish of this meal, grilled salmon fillet with herb sauce and black olive paste. This is the last dish before the main course. Chef Ackman should be bringing out the steak shortly."
Gu Bai said nothing, picked up his knife and fork, cut a piece of salmon, dipped it in a little olive paste, and placed it in his mouth.
The salmon was grilled to a crispy perfection, and its fresh and fragrant taste filled his palate. No wonder it was made by the executive chef himself, rivaling signature dishes from starred restaurants.
Gu Bai ate while engaging in light conversation with Qi Man. He didn’t have any quirks about not speaking during meals; he did whatever made him happy.
After a while, Ackman, who had left earlier, reappeared.
He directed the waitstaff to bring in the steak.
"Mr. Gu, the steak is ready. Please, both of you, enjoy it slowly."
Gu Bai carefully cut a piece of the steaming steak and used a fork to bring it to his mouth.
He wasn’t a complete novice with Western cuisine and knew how to use the utensils correctly. While he could opt to eat with his hands if he pleased, understanding Western dining etiquette meant sticking to it when appropriate, rather than unnecessarily using chopsticks for a unique sense of presence.
The A5-grade Wagyu beef did not disappoint. It was imbued with a sweet, fragrant beef fat aroma. Each bite was entirely devoid of tendons, with the juiciness flowing in his mouth, truly melting at the essence of every bite.
"Delicious."
Since it was tasty, Gu Bai was naturally generous with his praise.
Upon hearing Gu Bai’s compliment, Ackman immediately smiled and replied, "As long as Mr. Gu likes it."
"Chef Ackman’s skills are indeed impressive. I must try more of your dishes when I get the chance."
Ackman smiled and said thank you.
As the executive chef of a five-star hotel, his status wasn’t low, so he had no need to be subservient. His meticulous attention towards Gu Bai was simply the industry’s standard respect for esteemed guests.
Seeing Qi Man had put down her utensils, Gu Bai smiled and asked, "Are you full?"
Pretending to dab her mouth elegantly, Qi Man gently nodded.
"Let’s rest for a bit, and later I’ll have Dylan arrange a spa session for us to relax."
Upon hearing Gu Bai’s words, Dylan quickly responded, "You go ahead and rest first. I’ll arrange it right away. Just call me when you’re ready."
After hearing Dylan’s words, Mr. Gu nodded to signal, then naturally put an arm around Qi Man and headed towards the suite. Although Qi Man felt a little strange, she did not resist.