"Really?" Claire was doubtful when she stepped into the car. She couldn't believe what Kevin said. Her brother's salary as a military officer was never enough for him to afford a luxurious life. It was still the government that was paying them regardless of how high their positions were. Thus, there was no soldier who had ever become a millionaire due to their limited salaries. So how was it possible for Kevin to purchase such a fancy house and cars? He couldn't afford them! Moreover, he bought those branded clothes and shoes like he just paid them with wasted papers and not money. That was just unbelievable!
"What do you mean, Claire? Do I need to steal and rob just to polish myself?" Kevin glanced at his sister disapprovingly as he fastened his seatbelt. He was silent when he started the engine and slowly drove off.
"Steal and rob? That is just ridiculous! I just felt puzzled, okay?" Claire was excited for her first trip to S City. It was just within a minute when her attention got caught by the scenery that was passing by. It was easy to say that S City was quickly progressing into a very lively area. She could see a lot of buildings and streets that had been constructed. Everything was screaming development and economic advancement in S City. It was like a breath of fresh air to Claire as she had gotten so used to the ancient cultural atmosphere of the city she was from.
On the other hand, Leena stayed quiet the whole time as she didn't want to interfere with the siblings' conversation. The two might have a lot to talk about. She chose not to feed Claire's curiosity about her brother's income even if she knew about it. It was forbidden for military officers to run a business. Kevin had been very clear with that when he told her about it. Leena wouldn't want to leak his secret to anyone, even to his younger sister.
"Leena, do you have any restaurant in mind?" Kevin turned and asked. He needed to know Leena's opinion as she was the one to pay the bill.
"Claire, what's your opinion? Western food or Chinese food?" As thoughtful as Leena always was, she turned to Claire. It had been a habit for her to inquire about others before making decisions.
"Of course, Western food! My life is already full of Chinese food. I honestly miss everything Western nowadays," said Claire with a grin. She had been outside the country for a while and had her filled with Western cuisines. However, it wasn't just the taste that she missed about Western foods. It was actually the luxury and elegance one felt when eating such. So high-class and fab! It felt like she had been eating too many Chinese foods since she came back to China.
"Okay! I know where we should go. To Westin, Kevin!" Leena made the decision as soon as Claire finished speaking. Confidence was in her voice as she knew that she could satisfy everything her sister-in-law would ask for as long as it was in S City.
"Got it. Westin it is," replied Kevin in an obedient tone. He slightly turned the steering wheel and drove toward another direction.
Westin was already a sea of noise and commotion when they arrived. The dining hall was crammed with guests. Everyone's voices and clanking utensils were filling the place with noises from wall to wall. There was no way to deny that Westin was one of the city's most popular restaurants.
"Wow! What a crowd!" Claire was beyond amazed as she looked around. As far as she recalled, most of the Western restaurants were not welcomed in China. She didn't really expect such a number of people in this place.
That's not strange as Westin is the number one Western restaurant in S City. It ranks first both for its food and interior design." Kevin spoke to Claire in a calm manner. He wasn't really a regular in Westin. He just came here a couple of times on invitations.
"I think the price must be among the top as well!" The lady pursed her lips as she talked to her brother. It was easy to see that everyone in there was dressed up beautifully. There was no doubt that Westin was only for rich people.
"You are right. Don't worry about the price though. The dinner will be on your sister-in-law's treat. I'm sure that she will not lend you here as collateral in case she doesn't pay." Kevin said with a slight laugh. He was having his time joking with his sister.
"Huh! Actually, I worry because she is the one to pay. On the other hand, it is still your money that she will use even if she said that it is on her treat. It is like being famous without paying anything. What a nice business!" The lady smirked and shot Leena with a contemptuous glare. She even remained with her disdainful expression as she followed Leena and Kevin across the place.
"All tables are occupied," concluded Kevin after surveying the place. There seemed to be no seat available for them as it was the peak hour.
That's all right. We can dine in the compartment!" Leena said. Worry was out of her mind as she knew that there was a compartment in that restaurant for special guests. She didn't think that the lack of seat should be considered a problem at all.
"Is there a compartment?" The man gave the place another look. He'd been in the place for a few times but never had he thought that the restaurant actually had such a section.
"Yes! There is a compartment but it is not open to the guests. No worries, I can use it. Just follow me," was Leena's calm reply. She didn't really use the compartment often. Compared to dining alone in a lonely compartment, it was better to dine in the hall where the atmosphere was livelier and warmer. It was just that she had to use the compartment this time as there was no available table outside.
"You sounded like you know the boss of this restaurant, do you?" asked Kevin with a frown. Now he could not help but guess who among Leena's close brothers owned Westin.
"I know him of course! Westin is a property of FX International Group. Do you think I should not know the boss of Westin?" Leena flashed a smile at Kevin and Claire. Little did her sister-in-law know that her specific request just saved her a sum of money. She never paid for anything while dining in Westin.
"Oh! I got it. I never expected that Edward owns this place." Realization finally hit Kevin. Although FX International Group had many assets and branches across the whole country, never had he imagined for it to engage in so many industries as to cover Western food restaurant.