Chapter Eight: At the Banquet

Since he was unwilling to let the matter go, Chen Jin naturally wouldn’t avoid it. If you’re a man, you face things head-on; there’s no reason to shrink away at the first sign of trouble. Besides, even if you dodge it once, you’ll have to confront it eventually—this issue needed resolving.

Chen Jin didn’t believe Zhang Hui would dare make a move in broad daylight, especially given Chen Jin’s status. He wasn’t just a manager of some small shop; he had a billion-dollar corporation backing him. When the time came, he’d simply pretend to have forgotten about it. If Zhang Hui decided to act, so be it; they could have it out right then and there. Chen Jin wasn’t afraid.

The boutique closed at six-thirty, but there was a night shift until nine-thirty, since Yangxiang Road was a bustling area, especially at night. Only four staff members were typically left on duty, working in rotation—Chen Jin among them, and Li Han as well.

Tonight, though, there was no shift. Chen Jin invited everyone out for a good meal, as he often did every so often. Li Han was the same. Whenever it was Chen Jin’s turn for the night shift, he’d treat the sales staff working with him to a late-night snack.

At six-thirty, Chen Jin stepped out of his office and clapped his hands.

“Sisters and brothers, tables are booked, taxis are waiting at the door—let’s tidy up and head out!” he called.

The boss called out, and his team responded in kind, each praising their manager’s brilliance and charisma.

There were fourteen sales attendants, plus Chen Jin and Li Han, and Zhang Hui along with a cousin of one of the attendants—eighteen people in all.

So Chen Jin reserved a private room with two tables, and ordered five taxis. With so many, they’d all fit comfortably.

After some bustling about for ten minutes, the group finally left the boutique.

Zhang Hui had been standing at the entrance, waiting for them. He barely glanced at the others, focusing solely on Chen Jin. Chen Jin met his gaze, smiled, then ushered everyone into the cars.

Once the others had boarded, Chen Jin joined Li Han in her car.

Zhang Hui sat in Li Han’s car as well, in the front passenger seat, while Chen Jin and another attendant took the back.

In the car, Chen Jin closed his eyes to rest, occasionally chatting with his colleague.

He could sense Zhang Hui’s attention on him—not directly staring, but Chen Jin felt the weight of his gaze, a pressure from the spiritual realm.

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Wangjia Restaurant was three streets away from the boutique, in the old district of Xiahuhu County. Though called the old district, it was far from deserted—more lively, in fact, than the new area. Still, the economic center of the county was shifting toward Yangxiang Road and Chaoyang Road, where the new district was building Wenhua Plaza, and Walmart Plaza had already opened, so inevitably the county’s center would move to the new area.

Upon arriving at Wangjia Restaurant, the group proceeded to the second-floor private room.

The room was called “Wanqing,” decorated festively as if a wedding banquet had just been held.

Yet Wangjia Restaurant didn’t host wedding celebrations, so the decor was clearly intentional, albeit seemingly hastily put together.

Chen Jin glanced around the room, noticing its peculiarities.

As he was observing, the restaurant manager suddenly appeared.

“Master Chen! What an honor to have you here today!” The manager’s voice preceded her, sweet and delicate, tickling the ears and hearts of every man present.

Chen Jin smiled at her, lips curled: “Your food is both delicious and affordable—how could I not come?”

The dishes at Wangjia Restaurant were indeed tasty, but hardly affordable. In Xiahuhu County, this was probably the most expensive place to eat. Occasionally, small delicacies appeared on the secret menu, available only to regulars like Chen Jin.

“Oh, Master Zhang! You’re here as well?” The manager, about to tease Chen Jin, caught sight of a figure in the crowd and immediately swapped her charm for solemn respect, greeting Zhang Hui with deference.

Chen Jin’s expression shifted slightly, though he didn’t lose his temper. His mind spun, eyes scanning the room. The staff were all surprised, watching Zhang Hui and the manager. The onlookers outside, drawn by the manager’s commotion, were also curious. Li Han looked astonished, and as for Chen Jin—once the center of attention—now felt oddly sidelined, as if he’d seen this scene before.

Wasn’t this the classic face-slapping moment from urban novels?

Zhang Hui, thanks to his magical skills, had helped Wangjia Restaurant solve some problems and become the owner’s honored guest. Now, with Chen Jin, the rich second-generation, visiting the restaurant, if Chen Jin got annoyed and made a scene, he’d end up thoroughly embarrassed.

Chen Jin pondered, his irritation slowly dissipating. He quietly watched the manager lavish praise on Zhang Hui.

Dealing with a restaurant manager was easy for him; if she didn’t show him respect now, he’d make sure she paid for it later.

So Chen Jin kept silent, letting Zhang Hui bask in the attention.

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“Ah, Master Chen, my apologies for the inadequate reception. How did you end up coming here with Master Zhang? He’s our owner’s honored guest,” the manager said upon turning to Chen Jin.

Chen Jin wondered if the manager had lost her mind. She was usually so adept at pleasing everyone—was this a warning not to provoke Zhang Hui?

What kind of spell had Zhang Hui cast over her and her boss to earn such favor?

Though Chen Jin cursed inwardly, his face was all smiles: “We’re neighbors, see each other every day. I just brought him along for dinner, nothing more. Hahaha!”

He deliberately didn’t ask why she called him Master Zhang—let them brag among themselves, and stay out of his way.

“You go ahead, then. Give my regards to the old gentleman,” Zhang Hui interjected.

“I’ll get back to work. Master Zhang, enjoy your meal. Master Chen, and all your friends, too,” the manager replied, her tone toward Zhang Hui oddly assertive, which struck Chen Jin as strange.

The manager’s intervention stole half of Chen Jin’s thunder, but he hadn’t come for show—this was just a meal with colleagues. He simply made a note of the manager for the future.

The others understood the situation clearly. Chen Jin was their manager, so no one played up to Zhang Hui. The room didn’t fall silent after the little episode; everyone was a salesperson, skilled at conversation, and the atmosphere quickly became lively again.

Since there was work tomorrow, Chen Jin ordered juice, avoiding alcoholic drinks.

He sat at the main seat, Li Han beside him, and Zhang Hui next to Li Han.

Chen Jin wasn’t bothered—he ate and drank as usual, exchanged a few toasts, and nothing more.

…