Chapter 129: Taking It One Step at a Time

Seeing Huang Wanting begin to recount Zhang Shen’s "embarrassing moments," Jiang Muyun could not help but join in the fun.

"Exactly, Sister Huang! What you’ve mentioned is merely the tip of the iceberg. Why don't we find a place to sit down and chat? Consider it my brother’s way of making amends to you."

As she spoke, Jiang Muyun signaled to Zhang Shen repeatedly. Zhang Shen, proving himself quick-witted, caught on immediately.

"That’s right! Since we’ve crossed paths, it’s fate. Let’s treat this as a reunion!"

Although Huang Wanting did not have much affection for Zhang Shen, Jiang Muyun’s lively banter made the atmosphere feel more engaging. She hadn't expected that simply stepping out today would lead to someone offering to treat her to a meal. Thinking it over, since the opportunity had presented itself, it would be rude to refuse such a gesture.

"Alright then! Where should we go to eat?"

"I actually know a place. Let’s go to Pan—"

Before Zhang Shen could finish his sentence, he felt a sharp pinch on his waist from Jiang Muyun.

"Sister Huang, don't listen to my brother’s nonsense. Since we are sincere about treating you, how could we be the ones to choose the place? You should decide, Sister Huang. My brother just needs to pay the bill."

Hearing this, Zhang Shen panicked. He muttered to himself, "It seems this little girl is determined to make me bleed money today."

"Brother, don't you agree with what I said?" Jiang Muyun teased him. Zhang Shen, however, found it difficult to respond.

"Yes, yes, my sister is right." Though he said the words, he didn't mean them in the slightest.

"There aren't any decent restaurants in the immediate vicinity, so let’s just settle for something nearby," Huang Wanting said, leading them to a nearby eatery.

Walking behind her, Zhang Shen leaned into Jiang Muyun’s ear, careful not to be overheard. "What is the meaning of this? Why couldn't we go to the Panlong Restaurant?"

"Brother, are you stupid? Are you that close with her? Didn't you see her attitude toward you earlier? You need to build a rapport before you can ask about sensitive details. You can't just walk up to a girl and start questioning her about poisoning someone!"

"That does sound reasonable." Although Jiang Muyun could be mischievous, her intuition was remarkably sharp.

"What are you two whispering about so happily?" Huang Wanting asked, curious about their hushed conversation.

"Nothing much! My brother was just wondering what to order for you, Sister Huang!"

Huang Wanting burst into laughter. "I couldn't tell; you're actually quite funny."

"Really? Sister, you're the first girl to ever praise my brother. I’m sure he’s absolutely thrilled right now."

Huang Wanting didn't respond, simply leading them straight into the restaurant. Once they were seated, Jiang Muyun immediately seized the opportunity. "Sister, is your family from this Yuehu City?"

"I’m not originally from here. My parents passed away early, and I was brought here by an acquaintance of the family. Since that person happened to run a restaurant and even provided me with lodging, I just followed along."

"If your acquaintance runs a restaurant, why didn't you take us there?"

Huang Wanting lowered her head and remained silent. Jiang Muyun and Zhang Shen immediately sensed that there was more to the story.

"Sister Huang, you aren't worried that we might steal the craft and start our own business, are you?"

Huang Wanting shook her head silently. "It’s not what you think. My acquaintance’s restaurant isn't open to just anyone. You can ask your brother—you need a gold card to get in. Most people can't enter."

"That mysterious?"

"Mhm! At first, I was curious too, but I eventually understood. The restaurant only serves a few guests a day. Unless you're a regular or have someone to vouch for you, it's very hard to get in."

Jiang Muyun wasn't surprised; she had already gathered as much on the way here.

"That’s a unique way to do business. I’d love to see it. How about we bask in your reflected glory today, Sister Huang, and visit your acquaintance’s restaurant?"

Jiang Muyun nudged Zhang Shen with her elbow. Sensing the critical moment, Zhang Shen quickly added, "Yes! Why don't we go now?"

"Forget it. The restaurant is fully booked today. Perhaps another time!"

"Then tell us, what is the name of your acquaintance's restaurant?"

"Panlong Restaurant."

"Is the owner named Long Si?" Zhang Shen blurted out, unable to contain his thoughts.

"You... you know my uncle?"

"Long Si is your uncle?" Zhang Shen and Jiang Muyun asked in unison.

"Yes!"

Although she didn't know how they were acquainted with Long Si, she knew the legends surrounding him were vast; it was no surprise they might know of him. However, upon receiving her confirmation, Zhang Shen stood up in excitement. "It seems that what I’ve been searching for was right under my nose. It’s Long Si I’m after, and he is the prime suspect in the case of my classmate’s father."

Huang Wanting was stunned. She never imagined that their invitation had nothing to do with making amends, but rather a hidden motive. The accusation was too shocking for her to accept.

"Are you telling the truth?"

"Do we look like we’re lying? If you want to know, I can tell you the whole story from start to finish. I believe you will come to the same conclusion."

Jiang Muyun was taken aback by Zhang Shen’s impulsiveness in revealing his true intentions, but she knew there was no turning back now.

Huang Wanting nodded slowly.

Zhang Shen proceeded to recount exactly what Wang’s father had told him. While Huang Wanting identified several points of doubt, she found no obvious way to defend her uncle. She knew that in recent months, Long Si had been traveling frequently to seek out exotic ingredients and spending vast sums of money on secret recipes—though why he was doing so, she had no idea.