Chapter 364: Evening Gown - Pretending to Cultivate in Kindergarten

Chapter 364: Evening Gown Hualan Restaurant is a high-end dining spot near the city center, known for its expensive cuisine and lavish decorations, with lengthy reservation times. It's said that all the dishes are airlifted fresh from around the world. On the seventh floor of the restaurant lies the best and most expensive spot in the entire establishment. Diners on this floor are reportedly able to view the most bustling cityscape through the floor-to-ceiling windows, attracting many affluent visitors. As Lin Zhenran rode to this restaurant, the driver introduced it to him in such a manner. Upon arriving, the staff in uniforms at the entrance quickly came over to greet him. Although most bosses dining here have chauffeurs, it's not uncommon for wealthy patrons to arrive by taxi or even bicycle. No one dared to neglect, “Good evening, sir. Are you here to dine? Do you have a reservation?” Lin Zhenran responded with a nod, “Yes, I’m here to dine. My surname is Lin.” “Mr. Lin! Please follow me!” Upon hearing his surname, the staff led Lin Zhenran to the elevator. When he saw the staff press the button for the seventh floor, he realized that Jiang Qian must have spent a considerable sum, aligning with what the driver had said: “May I ask, is it true that reservations here need to be made at least three days in advance, as the taxi driver mentioned?” “Indeed, because our restaurant has been fortunate to be supported by many for over ten years, resulting in good business. As such, reservations are necessary.” Lin Zhenran thought of the dinner with Jiang Qian earlier in the morning, knowing she had barely any time to reserve. “What if someone wanted to bypass the reservation process?” The staff smiled, “I’m afraid that’s not possible. We have never made such exceptions. If we start, it could become problematic. But if someone with a reservation cannot make it, they can arrange amongst themselves.” “I see, understood.” Upon reaching the seventh floor, the elevator doors opened, and the staff led Lin Zhenran to the largest room in the center. With a gesture of invitation, “Please enter.” At the entrance stood a beautiful female attendant, slightly bowing. It appeared every private room had one, providing customized service. “Good evening, sir. I am the attendant for this room. I will be waiting outside, so if you need anything while dining or waiting, please feel free to call me.” Lin Zhenran slowly pushed open the door, revealing a spacious and luxuriously bright room. The decor inside the room was similar to the hall, with many artworks and paintings, as well as some flowers on the side. Though it was a dining place, the dining table, as the main focus, wasn’t particularly large. However, its clever design didn’t overshadow the decor, providing a comfortable look. One entire wall of the room was a massive floor-to-ceiling window, which truly offered a stunning view of the entire city. By the window stood Jiang Qian, elegantly dressed in a black evening gown. Her attire for the night wasn't extravagant, considered modest and streamlined among evening gowns. Yet this simplicity, combined with her cold expression, enhanced her noble beauty, perfectly complementing her figure and appearance. Her young, delicate profile turned towards the window, and she turned her cold gaze to Lin Zhenran standing at the door. “You’re here,” she said softly. Lin Zhenran had thought Jiang Qian might dress up tonight, but the formality was unexpected. He moved forward as the staff closed the room door behind him. Dressed casually, Lin Zhenran remarked, “I did swap into something more fitting. Had I known, I would have come in a suit.” Jiang Qian turned, her high heels clicking softly, “You look quite handsome as is, no need for a suit. It’s just a simple dinner.” Lin Zhenran observed Jiang Qian for the night, jokingly said, “I wouldn’t have guessed this is just an ordinary dinner; you’re even in an evening gown.” Jiang Qian’s expression remained unchanged, “After all, I still wish to show my most beautiful side before you, to leave a good impression.” She walked to the dining table, “Let’s sit and talk.” Lin Zhenran nodded, complimenting, “But you do look truly beautiful tonight.” Jiang Qian’s hand paused on the chair, her cheeks slightly reddened, “Thank you... With such a compliment from you, my dressing up tonight feels worthwhile.” Lin Zhenran smiled, taking a seat with Jiang Qian. Before sitting, Lin Zhenran curiously asked, “Those heels look nice on you. Do you wear them often?” Jiang Qian glanced at him, “Not much, only on some important occasions with my sister.” “I see, I should say it’s really you, maintaining an almost perfect poise and appearance. You in this dress and you in school are like two different people.” “My sister’s the same. After our parents’ success, to avoid bringing disgrace, we've learned many etiquettes over the years and gradually got used to them.” “That’s quite a commitment, though Jing Shi at work also resembles you.” Jiang Qian noticed the four different bracelets on Lin Zhenran’s wrist. Particularly the one from her sister, surprisingly made with a bra clasp... Jiang Qian slightly furrowed her brow, a silent warning seemingly, but she brushed it off. In these twenty years, besides Lin Zhenran, she hadn’t lost to anyone, least of all her sister. “Let’s eat,” she said. “Alright.” They signaled the attendant, and soon the dishes started to arrive one by one. Along with red wine, Lin Zhenran smiled at the attendant pouring the drinks, clinking glasses with Jiang Qian. The evening meal went quietly, with Jiang Qian speaking very little, in line with her personality not to converse much. Likewise, Lin Zhenran spoke sparingly, content to savor such fine cuisine in silence. As they were nearly done, Jiang Qian swallowed her food and brought up an unexpected topic: “Lin Zhenran, recently a new enterprise, Xiyao Entertainment, has emerged prominently in our neighboring city, Yongquan. It operates similarly to our business, cleverly integrating Jiang Group’s and Zhengshi Company’s specialties, forming a unique production line. Initially, I thought it was mere imitation, but their momentum and capability are considerable.” She looked up, “Though they are not yet at half the scale of either of our companies, their terrifying growth potential cannot be ignored.” Lin Zhenran knew Jiang Qian wouldn’t bring this up without a reason. “Continue.” Jiang Qian put down her utensil: “The vice president of this company, a visible figure, is named Zhang Yang. However, my people couldn’t trace his past. All we know is he’s a man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight. I have an uneasy feeling, so you and your sister should be cautious.” Lin Zhenran nodded with a smile, keeping it in mind, “Understood. But you said the vice president is Zhang Yang. Who’s the owner?” “I don't know. All I found out was the owner is a woman, also untraceable. However, it's said that she’s competent in everything and during Xiyao Entertainment’s early development, she personally trained a batch of elite managers. She’s proficient in live streaming, sports, music, everything.” Upon hearing these three key areas, Lin Zhenran took another bite, “That does mirror what Zhengshi does. Has there been any hostility from the other company towards us?” “Not at all. Although our businesses overlap, she somehow deliberately avoids conflict with us. This peculiarity stirs my unease, and also explains why I only discovered this now.” (End of this chapter)