Chapter 1 The Michelin Restaurant

Chen Xiao followed Li Ziqing to an upscale restaurant, Jiangcheng's only three-Michelin-star establishment.

Li Ziqing's friends and her boyfriend were already there, but to Chen Xiao's surprise, despite it being lunchtime, they were the only customers in the restaurant.

Just as Chen Xiao was wondering about this, Li Ziqing rolled her eyes and muttered, "That damn Guan Shilan, still so fond of extravagant displays."

Chen Xiao couldn't help but ask, "What display? I haven't seen anything."

Li Ziqing shrugged. "Didn't you notice there's no one else around? She must have booked the entire restaurant."

"..."

Chen Xiao was speechless.

He couldn't decide whether this was simply an extravagant display or just a waste of money.

Actually, with his financial resources, he wouldn't bat an eye at booking the entire restaurant, or even buying it, eating a meal, and then throwing it away.

The problem was, he could never learn this kind of behavior, nor did he care to.

"Hi, darling, you've finally arrived! Zai Shi and I have been waiting for you forever!"

Guan Shilan stood up and waved at them from afar.

Li Ziqing wasn't lying; Guan Shilan was indeed beautiful, the kind of beauty that made it hard to look away.

However, Chen Xiao didn't like her.

Because beneath this woman's seemingly pure and innocent exterior was an air of worldliness.

As for Jin Zaishi beside her, if Chen Xiao hadn't known his identity beforehand, he would have thought he was a popular idol.

He was handsome, the kind of handsome that made girls scream and their hearts race.

But he had absolutely no masculine charm.

Moreover, after getting closer, Chen Xiao sensed an especially uncomfortable aura about him.

This made Chen Xiao wary.

"This must be Ziqing's husband. I've heard my sister mention you often. It's nice to finally meet you!"

Guan Shilan said generously.

"Hello, I'm Chen Xiao."

Chen Xiao nodded slightly to them and said blandly.

When the two of them heard Chen Xiao's name, Guan Shilan didn't react; after all, she had heard Li Ziqing mention it before.

However, Jin Zaishi clearly paused for a moment, a strange look flashing in his eyes.

Although he quickly concealed it and returned to normal.

But that momentary strangeness did not escape Chen Xiao's notice.

"Hello, Mr. Chen, it’s a pleasure to meet you!"

Jin Zaishi spoke fluent Chinese, making it impossible to tell he was a foreigner.

Chen Xiao looked at him with a smile, asking meaningfully, "You know me?"

Jin Zaishi paused again, then explained with an awkward expression, "I thought this was a basic courtesy among you Chinese people."

"Heh, I see."

Chen Xiao smiled faintly, but he was quite certain that Jin Zaishi was lying.

He must have heard his name before.

Chen Xiao suddenly felt that things were getting interesting.

After everyone was seated, Jin Zaishi snapped his fingers to summon a waiter, indicating that they could start serving the dishes.

Next, the two women took center stage.

They say three women are equal to five hundred ducks, and although there were only two women here, their power was no less than that of five hundred ducks.

Chattering incessantly, never stopping.

From skincare and beauty to fashion bags, to the fine wine and food in front of them.

Chen Xiao looked at the two of them in disbelief. He hadn't said a word from beginning to end and was extremely curious about how these two women managed to keep the conversation going without ever dropping the ball.

With this talent, it was a pity they didn't become comedians.

It wasn't until the meal was coming to an end that Li Ziqing got to the point, stating the purpose of her trip: "Mr. Jin, I imagine Shilan has already told you about my desire to cooperate with your company. I wonder, what do you think about it?"

Jin Zaishi smiled slightly, holding a knife and fork, focused intently on the last piece of steak on his plate.

He replied to Li Ziqing's question very perfunctorily, "Ms. Li, we're having a private gathering today, let's not talk about business."

Li Ziqing didn't give up, continuing, "Mr. Jin, I am very sincere about this cooperation, and my company values it highly. I hope Mr. Jin can give it serious consideration."

Jin Zaishi put down his knife and fork, wiped the corners of his mouth, and said politely yet coldly, "I'm sorry, Ms. Li, Peerless Medical Reverend Group has no intention of cooperating with your company."

Li Ziqing frowned and asked directly, "Why? Is it because I'm not sincere enough?"

"No, no, no!"

Jin Zaishi shook his head repeatedly, "It has nothing to do with sincerity. The most important thing in cooperation is strength. Your company's strength... If Ms. Li's company is willing to be acquired, our Peerless Medical Reverend Group might consider it."

Li Ziqing's face immediately darkened: "So, there's no room for negotiation?"

Guan Shilan looked nervous and even kicked Jin Zaishi twice under the table.

However, Jin Zaishi remained unmoved, shaking his head and saying, "I'm afraid so. It was an honor to have lunch with you both today. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Let's get together again next time."

After speaking, Jin Zaishi stood up directly, stepped out with his long legs, and walked outside.

Li Ziqing was furious. This Jin Zaishi was too disrespectful! What's so great about Peerless Medical Reverend Group? Why are you acting so arrogant!

Even if a deal can't be made, there should still be courtesy, especially since you're my sister's boyfriend!

Guan Shilan quickly got up as well, apologizing to Li Ziqing with a look of guilt. "I'm sorry, Ziqing, that's just how he is, so stubborn. Don't take it to heart."

"Forget it, it's not your fault, why are you apologizing to me? Go after him, don't let your golden turtle husband fly away!"

Li Ziqing said impatiently.

"I'm sorry, Ziqing..."

Guan Shilan bowed to Li Ziqing again, then, stepping on her slender high heels, chased after him.

Soon, a fierce argument could be heard from outside.

After a while, Guan Shilan returned.

However, her temperament was completely different from before.

If she had been pretending to be innocent and naive all along, then now she had shed her disguise, revealing her true colors.

She sat down across from Li Ziqing in a carefree manner, took out a slim white cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag.

"Damn it, that *xi ba*, he really doesn't give a damn about me!"

Guan Shilan cursed, blowing smoke rings.

Chen Xiao was dumbfounded. He knew Guan Shilan had been pretending, but he didn't expect her true self to be this bold.

However, Li Ziqing wasn't surprised at all, waving away the smoke.

"You, smoke less. It'll be all for nothing if that little *xi ba* sees you like this!"