137 Ill-fated
Li Zi pointed at the plaque of the hotel in disbelief. “Boss Cheng, are you sure we should eat here?”
Cheng Huo raised his eyebrows and nodded. “Don’t worry. I have a membership card here and can get a discount. Hurry up and go in.”
Li Zi immediately ran in happily and not forgetting to wave at Shen Yin. “Come on, Yin Yin. This is my first time eating here!”
Shen Yin sighed helplessly. Since Li Zi was so happy, she would be generous.
Her good friend had helped her so much. She had been wanting to treat her to a good meal for a long time.
After entering the hotel, the waiter brought the three of them to a private room on the second floor. The soundproofing here was very good. Although there were many guests at the hotel, when they sat in the private room, no one could overhear what they said.
Shen Yin handed the menu to Li Zi and Cheng Huo, letting them order whatever they liked.
Li Zi hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. Then, she lowered her head happily to look at the menu. But when she saw the prices, her smile froze.
Shen Yin patted her in amusement. “Order whatever you like. Anyway, it’s my treat. You don’t have to spend your money.”
“That’s right. And I have a membership card.” Cheng Huo raised his eyebrows and smiled comfortingly at Li Zi. “I can get a discount.”
The waiter quickly explained, “Sir, the membership card here…”
Before he could say “does not qualify for a discount”, Cheng Huo glared at him.
The waiter quickly shut his mouth, not daring to interfere.
Membership at the National Phoenix Hotel was very exclusive. Only the rich and important could get a membership card and such people did not care about small discounts. These dignitaries only cared about their reputation.
Therefore, their hotel offered thoughtful services that were exclusive to members. That way, their members enjoyed superior treatment, including reserving the entire place.
There was a luxuriously decorated hall on the second floor of the hotel. It would cost at least seven figures to book the entire hall. Coincidentally, a big boss in the business world had booked it for a gala today.
It was only because Cheng Huo also had a membership card that they could eat at the National Phoenix Hotel today.
“President Lian, you’re finally here. It’s such an honor to have you!” The fat man was the organizer of today’s gala. He had invited all the well-known figures in the business world, and Lian Jing was the most important one.
Lian Jing looked coldly at the hand he proffered and said with a stiff smile, “President Wang, you’re so hospitable. If I did not agree to come, you would have made your subordinates kowtow at my office door.”
President Wang retracted his hand awkwardly and smiled, afraid to annoy President Lian. “My grandfather would really like to reminisce over the old days with Old Master Lian. Do you think…”
Lian Jing interrupted him impatiently. “Your grandfather used to be my grandfather’s comrade-in-arms. If they want to reminisce, they can just contact each other directly. There’s no need to go through me.”
“Yes, yes, yes.” President Wang rubbed his hands and could not find anything to say for a moment. He hurriedly shut his mouth and invited Lian Jing to sit at the head of the table. He sent someone to wait on President Lian carefully while he continued to receive the guests at the door.
The Wang family had also prospered in the early years, but in this generation, Wang Yao only ate, drank, and played. The family fortunes gradually declined. This gala was probably organized by the Wang family’s Old Master.
He wanted Wang Yao to mature, and also wanted to build some connections for him.
That was why Wang Yao had repeatedly sent his subordinates to wait at the lobby of Lian Corporation. He shamelessly relied on the old friendship between the two families to invite Lian Jing.
As long as Lian Jing was willing to come, the gala would be a success.
Halfway through the gala, Shang Sheng arrived late. He reeked of alcohol and immediately spotted Lian Jing.
He walked over with a smile and sat beside Lian Jing. He asked playfully, “Why are you here alone? Where’s Sister-in-law?”
Lian Jing’s gaze suddenly turned sharp. He looked at him and said angrily, “Don’t mention her.”
“You quarreled?” Shang Sheng leaned over with interest and poured a glass of wine for Lian Jing. “You should have told me earlier. I’ll help you find a solution. I guarantee that you’ll coax her into submission.”
Lian Jing looked up at him calmly. “Why did Wang Yao invite a playboy like you?”
Shang Sheng smiled and rubbed his nose. “I’m here to represent the Shang family. My father is busy and doesn’t like to attend such things.”
Lian Jing looked away and swirled the wine in his hand. Looking at Shang Sheng’s curious expression, he suddenly felt his chest constrict. He put down the wine glass and walked out.
Shang Sheng quickly followed him. “Brother, where are you going? I’ll come too!”
Lian Jing ignored him and left the hall without looking back. Just as he was about to walk out, Shang Sheng hurriedly grabbed his arm. “Brother, wait a moment. I’m going to the toilet. I’ll be out soon. Wait for me. Don’t leave. I’ll come back with you tonight to see Grandpa!”
Lian Jing glared at him irritatedly and walked back to the hall to sit down.
Just as he was growing impatient, Shang Sheng suddenly rushed over anxiously. He grabbed Lian Jing’s hand and whispered urgently, “Brother! I saw Sister-in-law! She’s with another man!”