As a Magnate, I Started Checking in at a Convenience Store

Chapter 627: Diaoyutai! (2)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“Hahaha, it’s just some family matters that made me rush back,” Zhou Chao said with a laugh as he pulled Jiang Li into his arms.

Abdullah looked at Jiang Li’s protruding belly and flawless beauty, feeling a bit nostalgic. “Oh, Zhou, you never needed a beautiful woman to accompany you in Monte Carlo. It turns out you have such a gorgeous wife. I envy you!”

“Come on, Abdullah, aren’t the women around you beautiful enough? It’s just that you’re not ready to settle down yet!” Zhou Chao retorted directly, knowing well that Abdullah was a notorious playboy, unlikely to tie the knot anytime

soon.

Abdullah acknowledged his own situation with a smile and didn’t say anything further.

At this moment, Wang Lao approached the group. “Let’s go inside, why are you all standing outside? Aren’t you hungry? Spending time near Lake Baikal lately, eating beef and bread every day, I feel like I’ve gained weight. I don’t even have an appetite for beef now!”

Zhou Chao nodded in agreement. As a foodie, eating the same thing every day could become tiresome.

Soon, the group headed inside, following the waiter to the reserved private

room.

Hou Ting, trailing behind, walked up to Zhou Chao and whispered, “Zhou Chao, is it inappropriate for me to join you for dinner?”

He was aware of his own status. To be honest, he felt a bit out of place at such gatherings. If it were his father, he might fit in better.

“It’s fine, just a simple meal. Don’t burden yourself too much,” Zhou Chao reassured him, understanding Hou Ting’s concerns. If it were Si Cong, it might be easier, considering his family background.

Perhaps Si Cong had never dined at Diaoyutai before, but he wouldn’t carry such a heavy psychological burden as Hou Ting.

Hou Ting nodded but still looked a bit troubled.

As they entered the private room, even Zhou Chao was surprised by its decor. Luxuriously adorned in Chinese style, every detail exuded sophistication.

Inside the private room, there were only six people present. As for Lin Wu and the others who had been accompanying Zhou Chao, they had already been arranged to sit in the adjacent side hall.

With six people seated in the room, Wang Lao, Zhou Chao, and Abdullah engaged in casual conversation at the head of the table. Only Hou Ting sat somewhat awkwardly, feeling like a statue.

“Buzz buzz buzz!” Just as Hou Ting was feeling unsure of what to do, his phone rang in his pocket. He quickly silenced it, relieved when he saw that Zhou Chao and the others hadn’t noticed him.

Glancing at Zhou Chao and the others, he noticed they hadn’t paid him any attention, which relieved him.

“You don’t need to be so nervous, just relax and be yourself, like when we re dining together,” Jiang Li couldn’t help but speak up.

“I wish I could, sister-in-law. I’m just afraid that if I say something wrong and upset someone, I’ll be in big trouble. I’ll be skinned alive when I get back,” Hou Ting replied, discreetly glancing at Mr. Wang sitting at the head of the table.

Jiang Li chuckled. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine. Besides, you’re Zhou Chao’s friend. Even if you say something wrong, Wang Lao won’t blame you.”

Hou Ting nodded thoughtfully, pondering Jiang Li’s earlier words. It seemed that Zhou Chao held a significant position in her heart.

“Aren’t you curious who called you?” Jiang Li’s voice interrupted Hou Ting’s thoughts, bringing him back to the present.

“I just remembered something, sister-in-law. I need to step out and make a call.”

“Okay.”

Hou Ting then got up and walked outside. He checked his phone and indeed found a missed call from Si Cong.

With a slight smirk, he dialed back.

The phone rang once and was answered promptly.

“Hou Ting, what the hell are you doing at Diaoyutai? Spit it out!” Si Cong s booming voice echoed through the phone as soon as he answered.

“Hehe, what’s wrong? Can’t a guy like me come to Diaoyutai for dinner?!” Hou Ting, now freed from the constraints of the banquet room, boasted a bit.

“Don’t act so arrogant. Do you think I don’t know what your family background is? To put it bluntly, with your current status, you’re not qualified to dine at Diaoyutai. Now, spill it. What’s going on?!” Si Cong wasn’t going to let Hou Ting get away with his arrogance and demanded answers.

-What’s the matter? With my status, I really did come here for dinner today. Tell me, are you jealous or not? Hehehe!” Hou Ting knew Si Cong was right, but he also knew that Si Cong was envious of him.

“Stop the nonsense. Who did you go with? Do you think I wouldn’t know if you had a big shot by your side?”

Without boasting, Hou Ting cleared his throat and calmly replied, “You also know this big shot. I heard you even talked to him on the phone a few days ago. Unfortunately, I beat you to it!”

Si Cong didn’t care about Hou Ting’s sarcastic remark. What he cared about was Hou Ting’s claim that he knew the big shot. By now, Si Cong realized it was Zhou Chao who took Hou Ting to Diaoyutai.

“Don’t brag. Just tell me what’s going on!”

Hou Ting dropped his arrogant demeanor and, in a serious tone, recounted the whole story to Si Cong.

-Are you dreaming in broad daylight? Are those two really there?” Si Cong felt like he was hallucinating.

“Yes, they’re really here. Do you think I would lie to you?

“You lucky bastard! You stumbled upon such a good thing. It’s unfair!” Si Cong exclaimed in frustration.

“Hehe, can’t help it. Our Hou family is blessed!”

“Stop yapping. I’m flying to Jingdu right away. I’ll call you when I arrive! Si Cong hung up. He had learned enough about the situation and also wanted to join the fun in Jingdu, and maybe cozy up to Zhou Chao.

Hou Ting chuckled as he ended the call, satisfied with his achievement. He had flaunted a bit, dispelling the nervousness he felt earlier, and then turned to walk back into the private room.

Once back in the room and settled in, they were soon greeted by young women in qipao carrying exquisite dishes. The lively conversation among Zhou Chao and the others halted momentarily.

After all the dishes were served, Wang Yi smiled at everyone and said, “Please enjoy the dishes from Diaoyutai Guesthouse. Although our chefs here may not match Zhou Chao’s skills, they are among the best in the country.”

Abdullah, being a food enthusiast, was ready to savor this top-notch luxurious feast.

“Wang Lao, you shouldn’t say that. How could my cooking skills compare to those chefs from the state banquet? I’m nowhere near their level!” Zhou Chao waved his hand, knowing that such remarks could lead to gossip if overheard by the Diaoyutai chefs.

Wang chuckled, “I know you, kid. Let’s eat!”

With that, everyone started eating. Abdullah, using chopsticks clumsily, refused Zhou Chao’s offer to switch to a knife and fork.

Watching Abdullah struggle to pick up a piece of meat, Zhou Chao smiled before starting to eat with chopsticks himself. He was curious about Diaoyutai, having only heard about it before. Having the chance to taste cuisine prepared by top-notch chefs was indeed a treat.

The meal proceeded slowly, especially with Abdullah asking questions like a curious child about each dish, leaving Zhou Chao to provide the answers.

As the two main characters ate slowly, Hou Ting, the freeloader, devoured his food quickly. He knew that wolfing down the food might leave a bad impression on the others.

The meal lasted until 130, as Wang Yi needed to return to work. After a brief chat with Zhou Chao and Abdullah, Wang Yi left with Wen Bin, leaving behind two cars for them to use.

“Abdullah, do you want to stay at Diaoyutai or find somewhere else to stay?” “I’ll stay outside. I’ll get bored if I’m on my own here!” Abdullah decided without hesitation. He knew the inconveniences of staying at Diaoyutai for travel and leisure.

“Alright, let’s head home first. We can decide where to go later!” Zhou Chao then led everyone into the cars and left Diaoyutai behind..