Chapter Sixteen: The Celestial Private Room

Tianhai Restaurant was one of the most renowned high-end establishments in Linzhou. The chefs employed there hailed from abroad, and the kitchen used only the finest ingredients—far beyond the reach of the average person. In fact, Tianhai wasn’t open to the public at all; instead, it operated on an exclusive membership system. Only those who had acquired membership status could dine there, and it was rumored that one needed at least a hundred million in assets just to qualify.

Zhou Wangtian had chosen none other than the “Heaven” private suite at Tianhai Restaurant. When Xiao Chen arrived, he found the décor as splendid and luxurious as its reputation suggested—clearly a place of rarefied status. His own plain attire seemed conspicuously out of place amid such opulence. Yet Xiao Chen didn’t even bat an eye; he had seen truly elite venues before, places that made Tianhai pale in comparison. In all of Linzhou, perhaps only the city’s wealthiest tycoon could barely qualify to enter such exclusive circles. A mere restaurant like this was hardly enough to surprise him.

At that moment, a somewhat cold voice called out, “Xiao Chen?” He turned and saw Liu Feifei, her arm linked with that of a slightly plump middle-aged man, as they entered the restaurant together. She wore large, dark sunglasses that covered half her delicate face, yet couldn’t conceal her exceptional beauty. Once she recognized it was indeed Xiao Chen, Liu Feifei looked rather surprised. “What are you doing here?”

This kind of place wasn’t meant for paupers like Xiao Chen. Before he could reply, the plump man gave him a cursory glance and asked, “Feifei, who is this?”

In front of the middle-aged man, Liu Feifei immediately dropped her aloof tone toward Xiao Chen and replied coquettishly, “Mr. Ye, this is my high school classmate, Xiao Chen. Just a penniless guy, nothing more.” Her voice carried a hint of scorn. After all, during their recent reunion, Xiao Chen had dared to refuse her a seat and slight her in front of their peers.

“Oh?” The plump man sensed her disdain and looked Xiao Chen up and down, sneering, “He does look like a pauper. That outfit probably isn’t worth three hundred yuan altogether.”

As he spoke, he beckoned a nearby waiter and snorted, “Since when does Tianhai Restaurant let riffraff like this in? Doesn’t it drag down the restaurant’s status? Who would dare come here if you allow this sort?”

A male waiter hurried over, clearly recognizing the middle-aged man, and quickly apologized, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Ye. We didn’t notice and let him slip in. I’ll have him leave right away. Apologies for disturbing you.”

He turned to Xiao Chen, his face darkening. “Sir, I must ask you to leave. If you’re not a member, you’re not qualified to dine here.” His expression was full of arrogant condescension.

Xiao Chen scoffed inwardly. Since when did mere waiters become so snobbish? But he couldn’t be bothered to argue. “I’m not here to eat. I’m here to see someone.”

“To see someone?” the waiter sneered. “Sorry, but there’s probably no one here for you.” It was ludicrous—everyone who dined here was worth at least a hundred million. How could a pauper like Xiao Chen possibly know anyone of such status?

Liu Feifei also sneered. “Exactly, Xiao Chen. It’s important to know your place. Do you really think you’re acquainted with anyone who can afford to dine here? If you’re looking for someone, you’d be better off checking the food stalls outside.”

The plump middle-aged man looked on with equal derision.

Just then, the waiter’s face suddenly changed, and he anxiously asked, “Sir… may I have your name?” His tone had shifted, betraying a sudden nervousness.

Xiao Chen’s name, perhaps? Liu Feifei failed to notice anything amiss and snickered, “What, Xiao Chen, you’re not going to tell us you share a name with some big shot, are you?” Mr. Ye curled his lip as well. “I know every notable figure in Linzhou, and I’ve never heard of anyone called Xiao Chen.”

But once the waiter confirmed Xiao Chen’s name, his face turned ashen. “You… you really are here to meet someone?”

He remembered that the guest in the “Heaven” suite had personally instructed them to expect a distinguished guest named Xiao Chen, and that he was to be treated with the utmost respect and escorted to the suite upon arrival. Could it be this very man before him?

Xiao Chen could tell that the waiter had realized who he was, and replied calmly, “I’m here to meet someone in the ‘Heaven’ suite.”

Upon hearing this, the plump man scoffed, “You’ve got quite the nerve, kid. Do you even know what the minimum spend for the ‘Heaven’ suite is?” He raised a finger. “One million per meal. Are you sure you know someone worthy of that suite?”

But in the next instant, the sneer froze on his face. The waiter, now sweating profusely, bowed and invited Xiao Chen forward, “Mr. Xiao, please forgive me for not recognizing you just now. This way, please!”

With that, he personally escorted Xiao Chen toward the exclusive “Heaven” suite.