Due to having drunk too much last night, Li Jing slept in the hotel until noon.
Looking at his disheveled hair in the mirror, Li Jing scratched his head and then stretched comfortably.
Last night's KTV expenses were lower than he expected. Maybe it's because he's watched too many TV dramas where young masters splurge money in night venues, he initially thought his wild spending last night would cost at least a hundred thousand, but the final bill was only forty-eight thousand.
At this price, the suite manager was overjoyed to see Li Jing successfully pay, and all his worries evaporated, his face beaming like a chrysanthemum, escorting Li Jing's party out of the door with utmost care and enthusiasm.
It must be said that the manager sure knows how to handle people. Seeing Li Jing and his friends were drunk, he generously paid for a taxi out of his pocket, directly handed over two hundred to the driver, and repeatedly instructed him to safely deliver Li Jing home.
And precisely because of this, after getting into the taxi, Li Jing turned around and promised to find him next time.
Although this promise was just a verbal statement, it was enough to make the manager overjoyed, thanking Li Jing repeatedly, and he would have loved to personally escort Li Jing home if he could leave the KTV.
This KTV trip allowed Li Jing to enjoy himself thoroughly, and he ultimately received financial rewards twenty times over, totaling nine hundred and sixty thousand.
At this moment, looking at over three million in his mobile bank app, Li Jing couldn't help but smile broadly, feeling increasingly confident.
Spend money to enjoy, and turn a profit at the same time.
What is enjoyment? This is the real enjoyment!
With his assets further enhanced, Li Jing decided to reward his body properly, found a high-end restaurant online, and planned to settle both breakfast and lunch in one go.
Previously, when he was working, he combined breakfast and lunch because he had no time to eat breakfast, being busy all day long, even lunch was a rush.
Now that he's unemployed, he combines breakfast and lunch because he partied too hard the night before, sleeping until naturally awake, and lunch is chosen casually among major high-end restaurants.
The difference... where's the fairness in this?
Only a wealthy person's lifestyle can truly be called life.
Li Jing thought of soon enjoying delicious food, his already good mood got even better.
After the hotel manager helped him with his appearance, Li Jing went downstairs, got into a car, and headed straight to the restaurant he picked online.
The reason Li Jing chose this restaurant is because it's the only high-end place online specializing in Hunan cuisine.
Hunan cuisine is from Li Jing's hometown, and after living in Celestial Sea City for a long time, he occasionally craves the taste of home.
Previously he would find a Hunan restaurant by the street, with varying taste and quality.
Now coming to the most upscale Hunan restaurant in Celestial Sea City, Li Jing really wanted to taste what it's like.
A cuisine known for its fiery stir-frying and spiciness, how did it transform into a leading theme for a high-end restaurant with a per capita spending of thousands?
Does the chef indeed possess exceptional skills, or is it crafted through marketing ploys?
It's not that Hunan cuisine must be cheap, as it has even been included in state banquets.
But his experiences from a young age have ingrained the street-side Hunan dishes' rich wok aroma and heartfelt flavors deeply in his mind, quite unmatched with these seemingly luxurious and high-end, yet cold and templated establishments.
Just as Li Jing reached the restaurant entrance, before he could appreciate the facade's decor, he was caught off guard by the notice board outside.
On the board was a cool, unchallengeable sentence: "Reservations only."
Seeing the notice board, Li Jing's previously good mood instantly dimmed significantly.
Whoa, is this restaurant really that impressive?
Confirming with the greeter at the door that entry was not possible, Li Jing had to give up.
Fine, there seems to be another upscale restaurant nearby, let's try there.
If this place won't have me, there must be somewhere that will, I refuse to believe I can't spend money here.
In Celestial Sea City, this prosperous and extravagant concrete jungle, money might not be omnipotent, but it's surely the closest thing to it.
If not, it simply means not enough money!
Just as Li Jing was about to turn around and leave, suddenly a familiar figure emerged from the restaurant.
The figure had long, wavy hair, wore thin-framed glasses and a light gray women's suit that perfectly complemented her curves.
Most striking were her seductive eyes exuding an elusive aura of confidence and those fiery red lips.
"Wei Jia?"
"Li Jing?"
The two spoke in unison, faces full of surprise.
Immediately, Wei Jia raised an eyebrow and was the first to ask, "Are you here to eat?"
"Yeah, unfortunately can't get in, didn't reserve."
Li Jing didn't hold back, shrugging his shoulders.
Wei Jia was stunned at his words, noting the notice board at the entrance and seeing Li Jing's frustrated expression, she couldn't help but chuckle: "So even someone who spends tens of thousands on a hotel can be thwarted?
Turns out my client didn't show, and I was planning to cancel the reservation. How about I treat you to a meal?"
Li Jing wasn't pretentious and agreed immediately, "Sure, with a beautiful woman accompanying me, this meal will be even more enjoyable."
...
Led by a server, the two of them entered the restaurant together.
The restaurant's overall style resembled a Jiangnan garden, winding paths leading to secluded spots, white mist wafting through the air. Without the server's guidance, Li Jing might have lost his way here.
Each private dining room was independently located within this garden, spaced far apart, perfectly protecting the privacy of the guests in each room.
No wonder it requires a reservation. With such a design, even a larger space couldn't accommodate many guests at once.
It wasn't until they arrived at the room Wei Jia had booked that Li Jing finally sensed some modern vibes.
Although the exterior environment was classically elegant, the interior of the room was predominantly modern, complemented by numerous classical decorations.
Even the center of the dining table housed a miniature garden landscape, with greenery paired with small stones, creating an atmosphere that was enhanced by specially placed lights.
Upon entering the private room, Wei Jia effortlessly took off her suit jacket, revealing a cream-colored satin camisole underneath. The camisole featured a sophisticated pleated design at the chest, and together with the diamond necklace around her clavicle, it exuded a high-class charm.
Wei Jia's long, slender, and white arms made Li Jing inevitably glance a few more times.
Wealthy women, indeed, tend to keep themselves as tender as soft tofu.
Wei Jia didn't notice Li Jing's gaze but handed the menu over and said, "I'm leaving tomorrow, so this counts as our first meal officially as friends. It's on me, feel free to order."
Upon hearing this, Li Jing didn't hold back, "I love eating expensive foods, you don't mind, do you?"
"Since I promised to treat you, even if you order a whole imperial feast, I'll foot the bill."
Wei Jia had just confidently spoken when Li Jing already opened his mouth to the server, "Bring each of your specialty dishes, and then pair them with these vegetables and dim sum..."
Seeing Li Jing showing no restraint, Wei Jia's smile momentarily stiffened.
But then she became even more curious about Li Jing's lack of gentlemanly manners.
This guy — he really doesn't seem like someone with money.
At least among the men of his age group that she's met, Li Jing would be the least reserved.
After ordering a vast array of complex, upscale dishes, Li Jing voiced the curiosity in his heart, "Why did your client stand you up, intentionally not show up?"
According to Li Jing's impression, the client should be a highly capable career woman.
Now that the client didn't come, it seems there might be issues with her work this time.
"True, this collaboration is probably not happening."
When the topic was brought up, Wei Jia's expression clearly cooled down, her charming eyes carried a hint of chill as she picked up the recently poured tea by the server and took a gentle sip.
She spoke, and her lips inexplicably twisted into a smirk as she looked at him, "Speaking of which, the one who stood me up is someone you actually know."
"I know?"
Li Jing raised his eyebrow, quickly going over potential candidates in his mind, and suddenly realized, "It can't be that balding, greasy guy who took you home the other day, right?"
"Balding, greasy guy?"
Wei Jia was initially stunned and, recalling President Liu's appearance, suddenly burst into hearty laughter, her charm blooming extravagantly, "Hahaha, balding, greasy guy — what a fitting nickname! It's right to my liking!"
Seeing her appear somewhat relieved, Li Jing speculated, "Could it be that guy tried to touch you again?"
After laughing, Wei Jia reverted to a high-cool demeanor, glanced at Li Jing briefly, and after a moment's hesitation, decided to reveal directly, "Indeed, that guy's lustful intentions never died. He tried to touch me again in subsequent meetings, and after I sternly refused, he innocently said something to me. Can you guess what?"
Detecting an unpleasant tone, Li Jing unsurely replied, "I reckon it's nothing good?"
"Indeed, I don't know how you men perceive such words, but to me, it was an enormous insult."
Wei Jia's eyes showed a faint hint of coldness before reverting to normal, as she opened her mouth and continued, "He said that the reason he touched me was because he thought the chamber of commerce sent me, the secretary-general, to do just that."
"Cough, cough, cough..."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Li Jing, drinking his tea, immediately choked, and a phrase echoed in his mind.
Secretary does the work, no work for secretary.
That balding odious man is truly a rare breed of old pervert, really thinking all secretaries in the world are just up for grabs?
Such people, honestly, even Li Jing finds them disgusting.
Reflecting on the last time he saw President Liu, Li Jing only felt that person was sleazy and cunning.
He's probably disgusted many other women in his time.
But quickly, Li Jing realized something was off and queried, "Wait, doesn't he anger you, so why are you treating him today, and still he's the one standing you up?"
"The reason is simple."
Wei Jia put down the teacup, her red lips curved into a beautiful arch as she looked at Li Jing with a gentle smile, eyeing him meaningfully:
"Because right in front of everyone, I gave him a resounding slap."