Chapter 64: Takeyin Restaurant
Zhu Yin Dining House, Store No. 1.
This is the name of the latest chain restaurant pilot launched by the Ye family in Qihai City.
The location of this restaurant… how coincidental, Ye Zhibai had even passed by here just a few days ago.
Isn’t there a luxurious shopping district north of Lin Zihan’s family’s flower shop? Across the road to the south, there’s a commercial street, which includes that flower shop. But to the north, that’s where the high-end business district lies, where every inch of land is worth its weight in gold.
And the Zhu Yin Dining House sits in a prime spot in this area of valuable real estate.
When Ye Zhibai saw the store name, she even joked with Guangyu: “Zhu Yin, Zhu Yin… There’s neither ‘zhu’ (bamboo) nor ‘yin’ (seclusion)!” She said this because, at first glance, one might think it was a restaurant nestled deep in the mountains, hidden away in seclusion. But the reality was quite the opposite. It wasn’t located in the secluded mountains, but rather sitting on what could be described as a “golden mountain.” Only a company like the Ye Group could afford such high rent here.
However, when Ye Zhibai curiously asked her sister, “Ye Zhijun how much they spent on rent for the place?”
Zhijun responded like this:”Rent? Sister, I think we probably don’t pay rent at all?”
“Why?”
“Because when we opened the restaurant, we bought the building! Opening a store in our commercial property means there’s no rent to pay. Unless you, sister, want to charge yourself rent? Haha… Just kidding.”
“…Well, I’m speechless!”
I admit it, my perspective was too small!
As Ye Zhibai followed Zhijun and their father into the restaurant, she once again experienced what it meant to have “rich people problems.”
Ye Qinghe pulled out a pair of sunglasses from the car. He normally didn’t wear them, but he explained that it was to avoid being recognized. Entrepreneurs and celebrities are not the same and typically don’t have the kind of fame that causes trouble on the street. But in Qihai City, Ye Qinghe had a presence even greater than that of celebrities!
Even in her previous life, poor as she was, Ye Zhibai would frequently see news reports about Ye Qinghe on her phone. As the city’s most famous entrepreneur, the local media certainly gave him ample coverage.
In her previous life, she sometimes overheard her classmates joking, “Look at this business mogul! If he were my dad, I’d be set for life!”
Now, looking back, Well… that’s true.
While Ye Qinghe needed sunglasses, his daughters didn’t. After all, they had just graduated high school and couldn’t compete with Ye Qinghe in terms of fame. However, that didn’t mean they had it easy. As soon as the three of them stepped into the restaurant, the atmosphere near the entrance quieted down.
Ye Qinghe frowned.
“What’s going on… have I been recognized this quickly? That can’t be right.”
Zhijun stepped in front of Ye Zhibai and bluntly said, “Dad, this is you lacking self-awareness. It’s not because of you. It’s because my sister is too pretty! When someone this beautiful walks into a restaurant, it’s bound to cause a stir.”
Ye Zhibai thought to herself, You say dad lacks self-awareness, but you’re not much better! If it’s about causing a stir because of beauty, shouldn’t you take half the blame?
The Ye family trio all had their issues. Only Guang Yu, the little fox, strutted around with a swagger, unrestrained and carefree. Being able to turn invisible makes one cocky!
Surveying the restaurant, Ye Zhibai finally understood why it was named “Zhu Yin Dining House.” Compared to other restaurants outside, this one had a distinct advantage: the dining environment. Despite being located in such a high-cost area, the tables were spaced far apart, with immaculate green carpets underfoot, and staff constantly maintaining cleanliness. Rows of bamboo separated and decorated the tables, while the sound of water trickled through gold-plated troughs running throughout the dining area. It did give off a sense of dining amidst a bamboo forest, secluded from the bustling city. Dining in a bamboo grove by a stream… was indeed quite an experience.
Of course, there were pros and cons. Since so much space was used for bamboo decorations, there wasn’t enough room for private dining rooms. With the new store opening and heavy promotion, the spacious restaurant was fully booked. Except for one table at the very back, the most secluded spot, which was reserved.
Earlier that morning, Ye Qinghe had called the store manager, telling him to reserve the best table, and not to ask any further questions. At first, the manager thought it was a scam, but after checking, he realized it was real. He broke into a cold sweat and got up early to place a big “Reserved” sign on the table.
Ye Qinghe spotted the reserved table and led his two daughters to it. Guang Yu, being sharp, quickly sat at the innermost spot beside Ye Zhibai! Better grab a seat first, otherwise, I’ll end up under the table!
Ye Zhibai naturally sat next to Guang Yu, and Zhijun followed her lead. Zhijun, feeling pleased, said, “Hehe… Sister, did you sit here because you want to be closer to me? Oh, how touching! Today, I’m truly moved!”
No, no, don’t overthink it. It’s because of the fox next to you—I don’t want to accidentally squash her.
Their father, Ye Qinghe, sat alone across from them and picked up the menu. Sigh, I’m used to it.
Ever since Xiaoqing went missing, his world had been lonely. People say that daughters are like warm little cotton-padded jackets, comforting their fathers in the cold winds of life. But who knew, my two little jackets only comfort each other, leaving me to suffer in the cold winter! Ye Qinghe could only feel the bitter chill.
Xiaoqing, when are you coming back?!
He adjusted his sunglasses, trying to hide the glimmer of tears in his eyes.
Using a ballpoint pen, Ye Qinghe circled a few signature dishes on the menu, asked his daughters if they had any preferences, and handed it to the waiter.
Guang Yu: No one cares about our preferences. No one wants mustard and pancakes.
The waiter, unaware of their identity, as Ye Qinghe had intentionally kept it quiet, offered tea while explaining, “Hello, we provide a self-service condiment and fruit bar. Cumin, mustard, and other condiments are available by the counter for your convenience.”
Mustard!!!
Guangyu was even more excited than hearing about the main courses! Who says gods can’t beg?! Now, in Ye Zhibai’s mind, all she could hear was Guangyu’s soft, pleading loli voice:
Guang Yu: Ye Zhibai… Please, go get me some mustard. I’ll give you a back massage when we get home, okay? No, I’ll even throw in a leg massage!
Ye Zhibai: Why don’t you go get it yourself?
Guang Yu: I might scare someone if I go! If I stop being invisible, it’ll be even worse—what if the waiter tries to charge us? We don’t have money!
Ye Zhibai: You’re so practical… Alright, fine. Besides, I’m not contributing to the business conversation anyway. Just remember the back and leg massages.
Guang Yu: I remember! I remember!
Ye Zhibai: Okay, a full seven days of massages. Deal.
Guang Yu: You humans are too devious.
When Ye Zhibai said she was going to get condiments, Zhijun immediately stopped her conversation with Ye Qinghe about the restaurant’s development plans. It was more important to go get condiments with her sister!
The two sisters carried small bowls to the condiment station, and Ye Zhibai finished first. She had no particular preference for condiments; she was just there to grab some mustard for Guangyu. Unlike Zhijun, who took condiment selection very seriously, carefully pairing everything to perfection.
As Zhijun the “master chef” worked on her condiments, Ye Zhibai casually flipped her silver hair and looked back. Her eyes were filled with bamboo, a calming sight.
It was quite a discovery… Before this, she hadn’t known that a restaurant could be so elegant in style.
Suddenly, Her gaze froze.
Because… in the corner of her vision, she glimpsed something familiar—golden, luxurious, and regal.
