Chapter Forty-Four: Turmoil at the Restaurant

After Zhang Wei and his group entered the private room, he finally escaped the curious gazes of the restaurant staff. Even so, he was filled with unease, wondering to himself, “What on earth has happened? Why is everyone staring at me? Could this have something to do with Murong Xuan?”

Knock, knock, knock. “Manager Murong?” In the most secluded office of Tranquil Xuan Pavilion, a female server stood outside, knocking gently as she called out.

“Come in.” Murong Xuan’s clear voice rang out from within, and the door opened in response.

“What is it?” Murong Xuan looked up to see Xiao Mei, a server from the main hall, and asked.

“Manager Murong, your friend Mr. Zhang has arrived. Would you like to go out and see him?” Xiao Mei replied with a bright smile.

“Which Mr. Zhang?” Murong Xuan frowned, her expression clouded.

“It’s the Mr. Zhang who attended the banquet the other day. I thought I should let you know.” Xiao Mei noticed Murong Xuan’s face darken and was puzzled as to why she seemed displeased.

“He’s a guest since he’s here. Just serve him well. Why did you come all the way here to inform me?” A chill flickered in Murong Xuan’s beautiful eyes as she questioned her.

“I... I thought... you might want to know...” Xiao Mei lowered her head, a fine sheen of sweat breaking out on her forehead, stammering her reply.

“That’s enough. Go back to your work. There’s no need to run over and deliver messages to me.” Murong Xuan suppressed her anger as she spoke.

“Yes, understood.” Xiao Mei nearly sighed in relief, hurrying out of the office, afraid Murong Xuan would call her back.

“Damn it!” No sooner had Xiao Mei left than the sound of objects being slammed echoed from the office, accompanied by Murong Xuan’s exasperated voice: “I have nothing to do with that man—why should I have to know just because he’s here!”

Ever since the last banquet, rumors had circulated throughout Tranquil Xuan Pavilion that the Zhang Wei who danced with Murong Xuan was her boyfriend. Though unconfirmed, the rumor found fertile ground among the staff; even if they weren’t a couple, many believed there was certainly something ambiguous between them.

That was why, upon Zhang Wei’s arrival, he received so much attention. Xiao Mei, eager to curry favor with Murong Xuan, thought she’d be helpful by reporting Zhang Wei’s visit, only to find her efforts backfiring and incurring Murong Xuan’s wrath.

Murong Xuan had heard whispers of these rumors herself. But since gossip is hard to stifle and confronting it directly only serves to fan the flames, she chose a strategy of indifference. It seemed passive, but proved most effective—after a few days, the talk faded away. Yet tonight, with Zhang Wei’s unexpected appearance, the undercurrent of speculation surged anew.

Murong Xuan intended to maintain her cold detachment, but upon reflection, she realized she had done nothing wrong. The staff all knew she was acquainted with Zhang Wei, and she usually made a point to greet any friends who came to dine. If she avoided Zhang Wei alone, it would only fuel suspicion.

After weighing her options, Murong Xuan decided it was best to see Zhang Wei—and she was also curious about his reason for coming. She had a server lead her to his private room and, after the server departed, knocked on the door. Hearing a response from within, she entered.

Upon stepping inside, Murong Xuan saw Xu Ming, Wang Min, Guo Bin, and others, and immediately understood: perhaps Zhang Wei hadn’t chosen to come here himself, but had simply accompanied his colleagues.

Xu Ming, Zhang Wei, and the rest were equally surprised to see her. Murong Xuan wore a pristine white business suit, her jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders, and a graceful smile playing on her exquisite features.

“Miss Murong, what brings you here?” Xu Ming rose, visibly surprised.

“I heard from our staff that you had arrived, so I came by to see if you needed anything. Since it’s your first time dining here, it’s only fitting to present you with a complimentary specialty from our restaurant,” Murong Xuan replied warmly.

Xu Ming found her words even more puzzling, thinking, “I’ve never been here before—how would her staff even recognize me?”

“No need for a free dish. We’ve got a generous host tonight—let him pay,” Guo Bin waved dismissively.

“Guo Bin, Manager Murong is offering a complimentary dish, and you want me to pay extra instead? What’s going through your head?” Zhang Wei retorted, his tone less than friendly.

“He’s just jealous you made a sale. He wants you to spend more so he’ll feel better,” Wang Jianfa chimed in, a hint of indignation in his voice.

“Ungrateful!” Li Lin, always keen on a bargain, scoffed when she saw Guo Bin turning away a free benefit.

Guo Bin, after a single remark, found himself beset by three people, his once-handsome face now as long as a horse’s. He opened his mouth to reply, but thought better of it—partly out of guilt, partly because he was no match for the trio.

“Heh, I’m sure Mr. Guo was only joking,” Murong Xuan interceded. “Since I’ve said the dish is complimentary, I won’t charge for it.”

“Mr. Zhang, since you’re hosting tonight, why don’t you accompany me to pick up the dish?” Murong Xuan suggested.

“Why not just have a server bring it over? Why should I—a grown man—follow you just for a free dish?” Zhang Wei, ever proud, was reluctant to carry a free dish in front of everyone.

“It’s a complimentary dish, so servers don’t deliver it. If you want it, you’ll have to come with me,” Murong Xuan replied with a slight pout, her tone showing a hint of displeasure.

“She’s being kind enough to offer you a dish, and you’re still hesitating?” Guo Bin stood up, voicing his discontent with Zhang Wei, then turned to Murong Xuan with a smile. “Miss Murong, how about I come with you instead?”

“That won’t be necessary. Mr. Zhang is seated nearest the door, so he should come,” Murong Xuan said, giving Zhang Wei’s chair a nudge with her foot to hint he should follow.

“Zhang Wei, just go fetch it! Turning down a free dish—are you crazy?” Wang Min urged.

“Fine, I’ll go,” Zhang Wei relented, realizing Murong Xuan clearly wanted a word with him. Otherwise, she would have kept her distance.

He got up and followed Murong Xuan out. Li Lin’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched their retreating backs. “There’s something going on between those two, I can feel it.”

“What do you mean, Li Jie?” Wen Fang asked, her face full of curiosity.

“I think it’s something romantic—there’s probably something ambiguous between them,” Li Lin nodded, as if reaffirming her own theory.

“Impossible,” Guo Bin declared. “Miss Murong is beautiful and comes from a good family—how could she ever fancy Zhang Wei?”

“You’re just jealous, aren’t you?” Li Lin laughed.

“Me? Jealous of him?” Guo Bin exclaimed, exaggerating his expression. “In looks, temperament, ability—what do I lack compared to Zhang Wei? If Miss Murong liked anyone, it would be me, not him!”

“You’re just tooting your own horn,” Wang Jianfa sneered. “Never mind looks and temperament—just ability alone, can you match Zhang Wei? If you’re so capable, go sell a villa yourself!”

“I... Zhang Wei just got lucky. If I—” Guo Bin was about to argue when Xu Ming cut him off.

“Guo Bin, I won’t comment on anything else, but Zhang Wei’s success isn’t just luck. If you want to make money, you’d better humble yourself and learn from him, instead of envying his earnings,” Xu Ming said sternly.