Chapter 269 - A Strange Invitation

Chapter 269: A Strange Invitation
Translator: 
Atlas Studios 
 Editor: 
Atlas Studios

Silence took over at the table.
It was an unexpected turn of event, Tu Liang was unable to make the decision.
His inquiring gaze looked toward Bai Muchuan, and the sensitive waitress noticed it.
… This man is the one who makes decisions, 
she thought.
She turned around, and when she saw Bai Muchuan, her eyes lit up and her tone unconsciously soften.



Sir, as the number of dishes you ordered are quite a lot, this table might not be big enough to hold them all, why not change to the private dining room instead?

Bai Muchuan was expressionless.
Do you charge for the private dining room?

…
Earlier on, they had asked for a private dining room. Now that they could get one, yet they asked this question.
The waitress was puzzled, but before she could respond, Bai Muchuan laughed.

We don’t need it! It’s nice sitting here as we can also look at Nanmu’s night scenery!

The waitress:
You can do the same at the private dining room…

Bai Muchuan:
Our hotpots are already served. No need for such trouble!

As he said so, he gave such a cold glance to the waitress which made the words she wanted to say as though stuck at her throat.
After pausing for a moment, she quietly turned away.
Alright.



Tu Liang gave a reminder.
Please be faster to serve the rest of the dishes. We’re all hungry!


Coming right up, please wait a while more!

…
After the waitress left, Tang Yuanchu asked in a low tone.

Boss, why didn’t you want to change? It’s kinda cramped here. A private dining room would be much more comfortable…

Bai Muchuan swept a disdainful glance at him.
Don’t be a disgrace!


… I don’t get it.
Tang Yuanchu gave a pitiful, innocent look.

I don’t get it, either.
Salimu looked at him and then at Bai Muchuan, concurring with Tang Yuanchu’s views.
Bai Muchuan puffed a sigh.
Haven’t you read or heard of the story of how Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang’s cottage three times? Accepting the arrangement in just one attempt is not enough to mend our pride.


…



But it’s just a meal? 
The two of them thought.
The two rookie detectives could not understand but daren’t ask further.
Silence took over for half a second. Only Quan Shaoteng dared to say bad things about him.

If this guy’s not up to something, look for me!

…
About a minute later, a man who looked like the manager of the restaurant walked over to them.

Good evening, distinguished guests. Our private dining room is available now. Our boss, the restaurant owner said that in order to welcome our guests who came from afar, we won’t be charging you for the private dining room…

Really?

Everyone stayed silent.
Bai Muchuan looked at the person who spoke in a respectful manner. However, he did not appreciate that.
It’s too troublesome! Just hurry up and serve the dishes.




…

Such an attitude!
But by this time, everyone seemed to sense something unusual and did not raise any question or objection. They only expressed their hunger and demanded the restaurant to serve the dishes.

How about this?
The manager showed a pleasant smile.
My boss has said that as our waitress has made all of you unhappy, in order to make it up for you, we’ll give a 50% discount for all of your expenses tonight where all of your beverages will be free.

… Eh?

Everyone looked at him as though he was an idiot.
The manager was able to handle the situation well. He was only baffled for a moment and then explained with a smile.

In actual fact, we did have a private dining room when you inquired earlier.


Oh!
Tu Liang did not seem surprised.
That means,
he looked at the manager,
your waitress was lying about it earlier?


No, no, no! It’s not that, it’s because—
The manager seemed troubled.
The private dining room is reserved for our boss’s most distinguished guest, who is also a frequent customer of our restaurant. Our boss told us to leave a private dining room for him.




You’ll keep the room regardless if the guest comes or not?


We’ll keep the room regardless if the guest comes or not.

Such explanation sounded a little convoluted.
The manager was not able to speak mandarin that fluently as well.
No matter what, everyone now understood what happened.
The owner of the restaurant had specially kept a room for his distinguished guest. However, the guest wanted to let them have the private dining room instead.

Thank you for the explanation! But I don’t like to take advantage of people.
Bai Muchuan smiled coolly at the manager.
Look at me again. Do I look like someone who doesn’t have enough money?

The manager was dumbfounded at his words.
…
While they were talking about this, quite a number of patrons looked over.
Although most of their gazes were filled with curiosity, Xiang Wan felt a chilly feeling at her back.
…

Hahaha, they don’t know how to talk! My distinguished guests, my bad for making you unhappy!

At this moment, someone spoke.
Xiang Wan looked over.
The man who spoke was about 40 to 50 years old. He did not wear the minority costumes, unlike his employees. He had a sharp face, deep eyes, a hooked nose, and a mustache above his lips, giving off a sinister and menacing aura of an antagonist.
There was a woman beside him.
The woman was young at around 25 or 26 years old. Her complexion was darker than the usual Chinese girl, but her features were very nice. She had big eyes, a high nose bridge, and a great figure with a small waist. When she looked at people, her eyes were bright and lively. That was sure a pleasing sight to behold.
Xiang Wan was unable to guess the relationship of the two of them.
But she was able to guess the identity of the man.
Sure enough, the next second, he introduced himself.

I am Abdul, the owner of this restaurant. It is my honor to invite you and your friends to my private dining room for dinner!

Why are they so insistent to invite them over to the private dining room?

Xiang Wan could not understand.
But they had already extended their invitation to them three times, which she believed that Bai Muchuan’s goal should have been achieved, and would not reject the offer anymore.

Since the owner is so sincere, if we reject again, that would be unreasonable of us.
Bai Muchuan took a look at everyone and got up slowly from his seat. That indolent and unhurried manner of his was as though he was those wealthy young masters from ancient times. He had an aura of unrestrained arrogance.
Let’s go! Don’t forget the hotpots.

When Abdul heard that, he laughed.
It’s alright. My staff will change a new set for all of you.

The manager moved away respectfully and Abdul made a gesture.

My distinguished guests, this way please—

Xiang Wan followed Bai Muchuan to the private dining room.
When the woman who had been silent walked past Xiang Wan, she felt that the woman gave her a glance.
Mm? 
When Xiang Wan returned her glance out of reflex, she realized that she had misunderstood.
That woman was not looking at her, but Bai Muchuan.
Geez! 
There’s such a gorgeous bachelor like Quan Shaoteng around, but she had to stare at a man who already had a girlfriend?
Xiang Wan narrowed her eyes, held Bai Muchuan’s arm tightly, and walked with her head held high.
The woman twitched her mouth in silence.
…
No one else noticed this little episode.
In the world of women, there were certain feelings that men would never understand.
…
The table in the private dining room was huge.
When one did a count, the private dining room could accommodate about 17 to 18 people.
A long, huge table with many dishes still seemed empty with seven people sitting in it.
Everyone was exclaiming inside their heart about the improvement of treatment. When Bai Muchuan sat down, he smiled at Abdul who followed them inside the room.

Sir, if you don’t mind, sit down and eat with us?

His invitation was abrupt, but his tone was calm and sure. It was as if he was certain that Abdul would not refuse.
Abdul did not expect that. He paused for a while and looked at Bai Muchuan who had an apathetic smile.
Can I invite a friend of mine?

Everyone fell silent.
Bai Muchuan gave a laugh.
Of course. Your friend even let us have this private dining room, it’s not nice of us to refuse this request.

Abdul cackled in response.
My friend is a courteous person.

Before the appearance of this
friend
, Xiang Wan had thought he must a brawny man from the Dark Clan.
This was because Nanmu was their territory and only they were capable of going to such trouble.
However, she had never thought that the
friend
was a dignified young, handsome man who was really well-dressed, giving people a clean and tidy feeling. If this was not a hotpot restaurant, he looked like he was attending a state dinner—
When he stood at the entrance of the private dining room, Xiang Wan was somewhat confounded.
Everyone else did not make a sound, either.
Even though that man was smiling, the atmosphere somehow felt a little chilly.
Bai Muchuan glanced at the man. Their line of sight met in mid-air and both of them smiled at each other.

Nice to meet you!

The man walked slowly towards an empty seat.
Thank you for your hospitality!

…
Chapter 269: A Strange Invitation
Translator: 
Atlas Studios 
 Editor: 
Atlas Studios

Silence took over at the table.
It was an unexpected turn of event, Tu Liang was unable to make the decision.
His inquiring gaze looked toward Bai Muchuan, and the sensitive waitress noticed it.
… This man is the one who makes decisions, 
she thought.
She turned around, and when she saw Bai Muchuan, her eyes lit up and her tone unconsciously soften.



Sir, as the number of dishes you ordered are quite a lot, this table might not be big enough to hold them all, why not change to the private dining room instead?

Bai Muchuan was expressionless.
Do you charge for the private dining room?

…
Earlier on, they had asked for a private dining room. Now that they could get one, yet they asked this question.
The waitress was puzzled, but before she could respond, Bai Muchuan laughed.

We don’t need it! It’s nice sitting here as we can also look at Nanmu’s night scenery!

The waitress:
You can do the same at the private dining room…

Bai Muchuan:
Our hotpots are already served. No need for such trouble!

As he said so, he gave such a cold glance to the waitress which made the words she wanted to say as though stuck at her throat.
After pausing for a moment, she quietly turned away.
Alright.



Tu Liang gave a reminder.
Please be faster to serve the rest of the dishes. We’re all hungry!


Coming right up, please wait a while more!

…
After the waitress left, Tang Yuanchu asked in a low tone.

Boss, why didn’t you want to change? It’s kinda cramped here. A private dining room would be much more comfortable…

Bai Muchuan swept a disdainful glance at him.
Don’t be a disgrace!


… I don’t get it.
Tang Yuanchu gave a pitiful, innocent look.

I don’t get it, either.
Salimu looked at him and then at Bai Muchuan, concurring with Tang Yuanchu’s views.
Bai Muchuan puffed a sigh.
Haven’t you read or heard of the story of how Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang’s cottage three times? Accepting the arrangement in just one attempt is not enough to mend our pride.


…



But it’s just a meal? 
The two of them thought.
The two rookie detectives could not understand but daren’t ask further.
Silence took over for half a second. Only Quan Shaoteng dared to say bad things about him.

If this guy’s not up to something, look for me!

…
About a minute later, a man who looked like the manager of the restaurant walked over to them.

Good evening, distinguished guests. Our private dining room is available now. Our boss, the restaurant owner said that in order to welcome our guests who came from afar, we won’t be charging you for the private dining room…

Really?

Everyone stayed silent.
Bai Muchuan looked at the person who spoke in a respectful manner. However, he did not appreciate that.
It’s too troublesome! Just hurry up and serve the dishes.




…

Such an attitude!
But by this time, everyone seemed to sense something unusual and did not raise any question or objection. They only expressed their hunger and demanded the restaurant to serve the dishes.

How about this?
The manager showed a pleasant smile.
My boss has said that as our waitress has made all of you unhappy, in order to make it up for you, we’ll give a 50% discount for all of your expenses tonight where all of your beverages will be free.

… Eh?

Everyone looked at him as though he was an idiot.
The manager was able to handle the situation well. He was only baffled for a moment and then explained with a smile.

In actual fact, we did have a private dining room when you inquired earlier.


Oh!
Tu Liang did not seem surprised.
That means,
he looked at the manager,
your waitress was lying about it earlier?


No, no, no! It’s not that, it’s because—
The manager seemed troubled.
The private dining room is reserved for our boss’s most distinguished guest, who is also a frequent customer of our restaurant. Our boss told us to leave a private dining room for him.




You’ll keep the room regardless if the guest comes or not?


We’ll keep the room regardless if the guest comes or not.

Such explanation sounded a little convoluted.
The manager was not able to speak mandarin that fluently as well.
No matter what, everyone now understood what happened.
The owner of the restaurant had specially kept a room for his distinguished guest. However, the guest wanted to let them have the private dining room instead.

Thank you for the explanation! But I don’t like to take advantage of people.
Bai Muchuan smiled coolly at the manager.
Look at me again. Do I look like someone who doesn’t have enough money?

The manager was dumbfounded at his words.
…
While they were talking about this, quite a number of patrons looked over.
Although most of their gazes were filled with curiosity, Xiang Wan felt a chilly feeling at her back.
…

Hahaha, they don’t know how to talk! My distinguished guests, my bad for making you unhappy!

At this moment, someone spoke.
Xiang Wan looked over.
The man who spoke was about 40 to 50 years old. He did not wear the minority costumes, unlike his employees. He had a sharp face, deep eyes, a hooked nose, and a mustache above his lips, giving off a sinister and menacing aura of an antagonist.
There was a woman beside him.
The woman was young at around 25 or 26 years old. Her complexion was darker than the usual Chinese girl, but her features were very nice. She had big eyes, a high nose bridge, and a great figure with a small waist. When she looked at people, her eyes were bright and lively. That was sure a pleasing sight to behold.
Xiang Wan was unable to guess the relationship of the two of them.
But she was able to guess the identity of the man.
Sure enough, the next second, he introduced himself.

I am Abdul, the owner of this restaurant. It is my honor to invite you and your friends to my private dining room for dinner!

Why are they so insistent to invite them over to the private dining room?

Xiang Wan could not understand.
But they had already extended their invitation to them three times, which she believed that Bai Muchuan’s goal should have been achieved, and would not reject the offer anymore.

Since the owner is so sincere, if we reject again, that would be unreasonable of us.
Bai Muchuan took a look at everyone and got up slowly from his seat. That indolent and unhurried manner of his was as though he was those wealthy young masters from ancient times. He had an aura of unrestrained arrogance.
Let’s go! Don’t forget the hotpots.

When Abdul heard that, he laughed.
It’s alright. My staff will change a new set for all of you.

The manager moved away respectfully and Abdul made a gesture.

My distinguished guests, this way please—

Xiang Wan followed Bai Muchuan to the private dining room.
When the woman who had been silent walked past Xiang Wan, she felt that the woman gave her a glance.
Mm? 
When Xiang Wan returned her glance out of reflex, she realized that she had misunderstood.
That woman was not looking at her, but Bai Muchuan.
Geez! 
There’s such a gorgeous bachelor like Quan Shaoteng around, but she had to stare at a man who already had a girlfriend?
Xiang Wan narrowed her eyes, held Bai Muchuan’s arm tightly, and walked with her head held high.
The woman twitched her mouth in silence.
…
No one else noticed this little episode.
In the world of women, there were certain feelings that men would never understand.
…
The table in the private dining room was huge.
When one did a count, the private dining room could accommodate about 17 to 18 people.
A long, huge table with many dishes still seemed empty with seven people sitting in it.
Everyone was exclaiming inside their heart about the improvement of treatment. When Bai Muchuan sat down, he smiled at Abdul who followed them inside the room.

Sir, if you don’t mind, sit down and eat with us?

His invitation was abrupt, but his tone was calm and sure. It was as if he was certain that Abdul would not refuse.
Abdul did not expect that. He paused for a while and looked at Bai Muchuan who had an apathetic smile.
Can I invite a friend of mine?

Everyone fell silent.
Bai Muchuan gave a laugh.
Of course. Your friend even let us have this private dining room, it’s not nice of us to refuse this request.

Abdul cackled in response.
My friend is a courteous person.

Before the appearance of this
friend
, Xiang Wan had thought he must a brawny man from the Dark Clan.
This was because Nanmu was their territory and only they were capable of going to such trouble.
However, she had never thought that the
friend
was a dignified young, handsome man who was really well-dressed, giving people a clean and tidy feeling. If this was not a hotpot restaurant, he looked like he was attending a state dinner—
When he stood at the entrance of the private dining room, Xiang Wan was somewhat confounded.
Everyone else did not make a sound, either.
Even though that man was smiling, the atmosphere somehow felt a little chilly.
Bai Muchuan glanced at the man. Their line of sight met in mid-air and both of them smiled at each other.

Nice to meet you!

The man walked slowly towards an empty seat.
Thank you for your hospitality!

…