After hearing Chen Xuewei's answer, Jiang Che's interest suddenly faded. If the protagonist wasn't present, then tonight's banquet felt meaningless.
More than half an hour later, the Maybach stopped in front of Changteng Garden. Jiang Che stepped out of the car and led the group inside.
Changteng Garden was surrounded by lush greenery, with an elegant mix of flowers, plants, and trees. Rock gardens and fountains adorned the landscape, creating a tranquil ambiance. Passing through a winding corridor, Jiang Che and the others arrived at a gazebo where they took their seats.
It was summertime, making outdoor dining pleasant rather than chilly, with a refreshing breeze adding to the atmosphere. As they waited for the food to be served, Jiang Che engaged in casual conversation with Luo Qingxuan and Zhang Rong. Fortunately, there weren't many customers at this hour, and since Jiang Che was a member, their dishes arrived swiftly.
"Miss Luo, Miss Zhang, please help yourselves," Jiang Che said, signaling for them to start eating. As the host, he naturally let his guests go first.
Luo Qingxuan didn't hesitate. She picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks and took a bite.
"This fish is delicious…" she murmured, savoring the tender texture.
"Of course! Changteng Garden is the most renowned restaurant in Jiangbei City. It's not easy for just anyone to dine here," Chen Xuewei explained with a smile. "Only the wealthy and influential can secure a table, so they put great effort into the taste and presentation of their dishes."
She wasn't exaggerating. Most people had no chance of dining here. Even those with connections had to make reservations days in advance. Though Changteng Garden was large, it only had eighteen private pavilions, and they were fully booked nearly every day.
Luo Qingxuan ate quietly, lost in thought.
"Jiang Che, let me toast to you. Thank you for your hospitality," Zhang Rong said, raising her glass before downing her drink in one go.
Understanding the gesture, Jiang Che raised his own glass and drank as well.
As the evening continued, the conversation flowed more smoothly, and the earlier tension dissipated.
By the time dinner ended, it was already ten o'clock at night.
"Miss Luo, I'll have my driver take you back," Jiang Che said, glancing at Zhang Rong, who was now slightly dazed from drinking.
"Then I'll trouble you, Mr. Jiang," Luo Qingxuan replied without hesitation, getting into the car with Jiang Che's driver.
Jiang Che, meanwhile, took Chen Xuewei in another Maybach and headed straight back to his Ivy Manor. After ensuring that the driver dropped Chen Xuewei home, he entered the estate alone.
"Master, you're back," a voice greeted him as soon as he stepped inside. It was Tiansha, stationed at the security booth.
With nothing urgent happening lately, he had been spending his time there to pass the boredom.
"How's your progress since your breakthrough in cultivation? Have you fully mastered your new strength?" Jiang Che asked curiously, lighting a cigarette.
"I have complete control over it now. Thank you for your guidance, Young Master."
"There's no need to thank me. You don't have to take the night shift tonight—get some rest. I have something planned for you in the next couple of days." Jiang Che patted Tiansha on the shoulder before heading inside.
"Understood, Master." Tiansha nodded, then spoke briefly with the security guard on duty before heading back to the dormitory to sleep.
Meanwhile, back at Jiangbei City International Hotel…
"Sister Rong, why did you drink so much wine?" Luo Qingxuan grumbled as she struggled to get Zhang Rong onto the bed.
After calling the hotel kitchen and requesting a bowl of hangover soup, she patiently fed it to Zhang Rong, spoonful by spoonful.
Not long after, Zhang Rong stirred and slowly opened her eyes, still looking slightly dazed. Her face was flushed from alcohol, and her voice was soft and hazy.
"Where am I…? Heaven?"
"This isn't heaven. It's hell!" Luo Qingxuan huffed, rolling her eyes. Seeing that Zhang Rong had somewhat recovered, she placed the remaining soup on the bedside table.
"Qingxuan… this is…" Zhang Rong's mind was still foggy as she tried to make sense of her surroundings.
"We're back at the hotel, don't worry."
Luo Qingxuan crossed her arms and gave Zhang Rong an exasperated look. "Sister Rong, what happened to you? Why did you drink so much tonight?"
Before leaving for the banquet, Zhang Rong had specifically told her not to get drunk. Yet, she ended up being the first one to drink herself into a daze.
"Haha… I couldn't help it. It's been a while since I last had a drink," Zhang Rong said with an awkward laugh, clearly feeling guilty.
"Really?" Luo Qingxuan narrowed her eyes suspiciously. If anyone knew Zhang Rong's drinking habits, it was her. And she rarely drank.
"Of course! Why would I lie to you?" Zhang Rong averted her gaze, clearly avoiding eye contact.
"Oh… I see." Luo Qingxuan suddenly smirked. "Sister Rong, could it be… that you think Jiang Che is handsome, and now you have other thoughts?"
At that, Zhang Rong's expression froze for a moment.
"…Yes." She stopped pretending and admitted it openly.
"But Sister Rong, there's a huge gap between the two of you…"
"I don't want a relationship with him, so what does age matter?" Zhang Rong said matter-of-factly.
"Then what exactly do you mean?" Luo Qingxuan asked, puzzled.
"One-night stand."
Luo Qingxuan: …