Jiang Bei walked over, turned to Chen Tianming, and said in surprise, "Tianming, what a pleasant surprise! What are you doing here?"
Chen Tianming wanted to hit him when he heard his voice.
'Could you put a little more effort into your act, please? You're so fake; it's enough to make me want to vomit!'
While that inner monologue played in his mind, Chen Tianming coldly answered, "I'm here for a meal!"
Jiang Bei wasn't pleased with Chen Tianming's tone, so he said, "Tianming, is something wrong? Don't worry; this restaurant belongs to Duan Fei's family. He will definitely help you out!"
Duan Fei knew that was his cue to make his appearance. He quickly stood up and said, "He's right, Tianming. If something's wrong, tell me. I'll take care of it! Who would dare to behave atrociously in my family's restaurant!"
When Chen Tianming heard Duan Fei's pretentious statement, a thought occurred to him.
Since this sucker practically served himself on a silver platter, he would happily accept it. Hence, he said, "My assistant knocked over one of her dishes. Since you offered, Duan Fei, I won't say anything else and leave the rest in your capable hands!"
Duan Fei enjoyed Chen Tianming's deference and instantly had a proud, cocky expression.
"Hey, what are friends for? I will also take care of your expenses today!"
Duan Fei waved at the waiter on the side and ordered, "Replace the ruined food and give her a bottle of drink as an apology! The Duan Corporation can't be lax in our service!"
Duan Fei then went up to Jiang Lianlian, seeking praise. "Lianlian, how did I do? Do you like how I handled this?"
At this moment, Jiang Lianlian's eyes were stuck on Chen Tianming. She didn't pay attention to what Duan Fei said and just nodded casually.
Seeing that the matter had been resolved, Chen Tianming was about to leave for work with Su Xiaonuan when Jiang Lianlian spoke up.
"Tianming, since you're already here, why don't we have a meal together?"
Su Xiaonuan looked at the two of them from where she stood—behind Chen Tianming—contemplating the nature of their relationship.
'Tsk! The Young Master has quite a unique taste! I didn't expect him to like this sort of woman.'
Duan Fei became visibly upset when he heard Lianlian inviting Chen Tianming along. He had performed so well and did so much for her, so why was Lianlian still looking at Chen Tianming?
Later, he would settle the score with Chen Tianming so Lianlian could see that he was the most worthy of her.
Chen Tianming turned to look at Jiang Lianlian. 'Hmm? I haven't had the time to get even with you, yet you've delivered yourself right to my doorstep.'
Since that was the case, he would like to see what Jiang Lianlian was up to.
Chen Tianming nodded and said, "Thank you, Lianlian—don't mind if I do!"
Satisfaction flashed across Jiang Lianlian's eyes at Chen Tianming's acceptance, and she looked smugly at Su Xiaonuan. She wanted to see what moves that little seductress behind Chen Tianming used to get so close to him.
Chen Tianming checked the time; classes were about to end for Su Xiaonuan's child, so she needed to go back.
He wouldn't make Su Xiaonuan stay if she didn't want to; he wasn't a slave driver, so he naturally had to ask his employee for her opinions.
Besides, this was between him and the three stooges and had nothing to do with Su Xiaonuan. There was no need for her to stay.
Chen Tianming asked, "Ms. Su, do you have any other plans? If not, let's have a meal together!"
Su Xiaonuan knew his intentions. She was about to take the out he gave her and leave when Jiang Lianlian suddenly rushed over and grabbed Su Xiaonuan's arm.
"Miss Su is definitely free right now, am I right? Having a meal with us won't take much of her time anyway!" Jiang Lianlian said, acting as if she was very familiar with Su Xiaonuan.
Su Xiaonuan was an experienced woman who had been through a lot, so she could tell what kind of person Jiang Lianlian was, and she wasn't impressed.
For the sake of her young master's future, she had to wake him up to Jiang Lianlian's true nature today.
Su Xiaonuan grabbed Jiang Lianlian's arm, but her eyes were on Chen Tianming as she replied, "I'll be glad to, Young Master! I have nothing planned for later."
Since Su Xiaonuan had said so, Chen Tianming let her do as she wished.
The five of them went to the private room in the restaurant.
Duan Fei sat down and called for the restaurant manager.
The manager merely bowed when he saw Duan Fei, but his eyes sparkled at the sight of Chen Tianming and proceeded to fawn over him.
"Young Master, you're here! I'll have the head chef start cooking right now if you wish! Please, try our dishes!"
Duan Fei thought the manager was addressing him and looked satisfied when he heard his words.
'As expected of someone from my restaurant. I haven't even said anything, and he already anticipated my needs. What a promising man!' Duan Fei thought and gave the manager an appreciative look.
However, if Duan Fei paid more attention, he would find that the manager's gaze wasn't on him at all but on Chen Tianming.
The man based his actions on Chen Tianming's decision, and hurriedly left the room to prepare the taster dishes for Tianming when he nodded in assent.
After all, whether Chen Tianming would sign a contract with the restaurant depended on this tasting menu. If he was pleased with the menu, Chen Tianming might invest in the restaurant, and going public would no longer be a dream.
Therefore, the manager instructed the head chef to start cooking immediately after leaving the private room.
Duan Fei waved his hand at the group and said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure everyone feels right at home at my restaurant today."
Jiang Bei felt jealous; Duan Fei stole the show today and completely one-uped him. However, as long as he got the desired results, he didn't mind being a foil today.
Jiang Lianlian was sitting next to Su Xiaonuan, but she extended one of her legs toward Chen Tianming below the table.
She wasn't thrilled with Chen Tianming's attitude and behavior toward her, but since they kissed, Jiang Lianlian had strange feelings for him.
She didn't like Chen Tianming, but she wouldn't allow him to hook up with others behind her back; she would never allow Chen Tianming to cheat on her.
However, Jiang Lianlian didn't expect Su Xiaonuan to be such a difficult opponent. The woman seemed to know what she would say and didn't fall for her tricks. Instead, Jiang Lianlian was almost overwhelmed by her.
Su Xiaonuan was quite astute, and Lianlian knew that if she didn't resort to some tactics, she would probably lose Chen Tianming to her.
She'd rather destroy him than let him be taken away by others, even if she didn't want him in the first place.
Chen Tianming was sitting beside Su Xiaonuan and felt exasperated by Jiang Lianlian's actions. With her flirtatious ways, it was no wonder he was cuckolded in his previous life.
Thinking of what happened in his previous life, Chen Tianming's eyes flashed angrily. Just as he was about to reprimand Jiang Lianlian, the system's voice sounded.