Chapter 48: The Games of the Wealthy

Shen Tingting’s eyes were full of anticipation for a spectacle, but she watched as the security guards made a polite gesture toward her and Liu Shuhua. “Please.”

Liu Shuhua was stunned. “Are you sure you’ve got the right people?”

Shen Tingting shouted loudly, “We have a reservation! Why are you kicking us out?”

But the manager was unwavering. “Add both of them to the blacklist. We will never receive them again.”

How dare they insult the owner—they must be courting disaster!

Of course, Shen Tingting and Liu Shuhua were unwilling to leave and tried to protest, but were promptly escorted out by the security guards.

Shen Chutang was left dumbfounded. What was happening?

Lu Beiqin finally spoke. “Thank you, Manager Xu.”

At this moment, Manager Xu could not fathom the intentions of this young master. Since he had remained silent and clearly did not wish to reveal his identity to settle the matter, Xu played along, feigning ignorance with a bright smile. “Please, this way.”

Even after being shown to their seats, Shen Chutang still looked incredulous.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

Lu Beiqin lied smoothly, “When I used to drive taxis, I often gave Manager Xu discounts. We have some history.”

Shen Chutang’s eyes widened, filled with astonishment.

Lu Beiqin’s hand unconsciously clenched into a fist—was his excuse too implausible?

But Shen Chutang merely patted his shoulder lightly. “Lu Beiqin, I never expected it. You really came through when it mattered most!”

Lu Beiqin glanced at his shoulder, then at Shen Chutang.

Her smile faltered for a moment before she withdrew her hand. “I’m just too happy. You saw it yourself—Shen Tingting was so overbearing earlier.”

Lu Beiqin nodded. “Aren’t they your family?”

Shen Chutang propped her elbow on the table, resting her chin in her palm. “Family is just a word to me. You heard it—Shen Tingting might be my sister, but she looks down on me and delights in mocking me. Liu Shuhua knows the truth but does nothing. As Shen Tingting said, all the assets of the Shen family are hers. I was raised in the mountains, and they never came to see me—not even once.”

As she spoke, her expression showed not a trace of sorrow.

“You saw my master as well. When you have time, I’ll take you back up the mountain to meet my senior brothers—they’re all a lot of fun!”

Lu Beiqin observed Shen Chutang’s expression, confirming she wasn’t the least bit sad, and finally nodded. “Alright.”

Soon, their food arrived.

The head chef led his team, each carrying a specialty dish, forming a procession like a dragon winding through the room.

Shen Chutang couldn’t help but marvel, “No wonder reservations here require half a year in advance—the sense of ceremony is truly extraordinary.”

The head chef, instructed by the manager, refrained from addressing Lu Beiqin by his usual honorific, respectfully placing the dishes on the table.

Shen Chutang glanced at the spread and whispered, “This must be expensive, right?”

Lu Beiqin nodded. “It’s alright. The manager gives me a discount.”

Shen Chutang nodded as well, already planning to pay with their shared card later.

The food was excellent, the scenery beautiful, and even the piano music made eating a pleasure.

Shen Chutang had a healthy appetite, but with so many dishes, she simply couldn’t finish them. Lu Beiqin, after only a few bites, also put down his chopsticks.

Lu Beiqin looked at her. “Are you full?”

“Yes.”

Lu Beiqin raised his hand, and the manager hurried over. “Hello, is there anything you need?”

Before Lu Beiqin could utter a word about the bill, Shen Chutang called out loudly, “Pack up the leftovers!”

The manager was taken aback. What kind of operation was this? Was she planning to take the ingredients home, sort them, and fire any chef whose food wasn’t up to par?

Not only was the manager stunned, but even the head chef behind him grew nervous. Whenever this esteemed guest came to dine, he never took leftovers—usually, the kitchen would prepare another portion to be sent to his designated place as quickly as possible.

Shen Chutang, noticing the manager’s hesitation, frowned slightly. “A restaurant this size doesn’t even have take-away containers?”

The manager instinctively looked to Lu Beiqin, who gave a slight nod. Only then did he reply, “We do. Please wait a moment.”

After the manager left, Shen Chutang said, “See how clever I am? The moment you called the manager over, I knew what you wanted to say.”

For someone like Lu Beiqin, who earned his living through hard work, it was rare to dine in such an expensive restaurant. She was determined to help him save money.

Soon, the take-away containers arrived. The manager carefully packed up the leftovers, but was uncertain who to hand them to. Was he supposed to let the young master carry them out? The thought was almost unthinkable.

Unexpectedly, Lu Beiqin took the containers without hesitation, following behind Shen Chutang as she walked toward the exit.

Shen Chutang went ahead, pulling out their shared bank card.

The manager was sweating nervously. The process was correct, but—this private restaurant belonged to Lu Beiqin. Why was he paying for his own meal?

“No, no, this time—”

Lu Beiqin said coldly, “Charge the card.”

At his words, Manager Xu could only accept the bank card, heart pounding, wondering what kind of game wealthy people played.