As Xin and his mother arrived at the designated restaurant, he couldn't help but notice the grandeur of the building. It stood tall and elegant, with a sign displaying its name in bold letters.
However, Evelyn had forgotten to mention one crucial detail – this was no ordinary restaurant. This was a five-star Michelin-awarded Japanese restaurant.
When they stepped inside, Xin was in awe though his face remained impassive.
The interior was opulent, adorned with intricate decorations and luxurious furnishings. The soft lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The air was filled with a mix of enticing aromas, making Xin's stomach rumble in anticipation.
A kind staff led them towards a private room tucked away in a secluded corner of the restaurant. The door opened, revealing a beautifully designed space.
The room exuded an air of exclusivity with its lavish décor and carefully arranged table settings. The walls were adorned with traditional Japanese artwork, adding a touch of cultural elegance.
The table itself was a work of art, meticulously set with fine porcelain dishes, crystal glassware, and polished silverware. Delicate orchids graced the center, their vibrant colors adding natural beauty to the setting.
This was clearly a place where only the wealthy and famous dined, and Xin suddenly felt out of place in his sneakers, hoodie, and sweatpants.
Xin took a sit and looked around the private room. He noticed the discreet presence of the restaurant staff, attentively waiting to cater to their every need.
If he remembered it right, this private room charged per minute.
The person his mother was about to meet must be really rich.
Xin heard about this place even before. Apparently, this restaurant sold $100 water, and out of curiosity, he checked the price on the menu, and he was wrong.
It was now $150!
With a low whistle, Xin began reading the description of this extraordinary water. The ingredients were listed with great care, showcasing their uniqueness and unparalleled quality.
Xin read the ingredients in a low voice, "Glacial Water from Arctic Springs, Himalayan Pink Salt Infusion, Nordic Iceberg Essence. Huh? Is that a thing?
"Amazon Rainforest Rainwater. Where do they even get it? Italian Truffle Essence . . . mushrooms? On a drink?"
Xin slowly shook his head and continued, "French Artisan Spring Blend, Japanese Cherry Blossom Extract, Saffron, Lemons, Mint, White Truffles, Yubari King Melon, Vanilla Orchid."
There were descriptions of each ingredient, too, but Xin didn't bother. It seemed that this water was more like a work of art than a mere beverage.
As he read on, Xin couldn't help but wonder who would be willing to spend such a staggering amount on a glass of water.
The person his mother was about to meet must indeed be incredibly wealthy to casually dine in a place where even water came with a jaw-dropping price tag.
Xin casually leaned over to Evelyn and whispered, "Mom, you're not going to pay for this, are you?"
Evelyn choked on her tea, and she quickly composed herself. "Of course not. I would never eat in this place."
Xin straightened on his chair. "Good."
"It just so happened that my boss owned this place, and he said to meet up here," she casually informed with a sip of tea.
"Hmm . . ." Xin looked to the side. "So we're meeting your boss?"
"That's right."
Xin heard about Michael Fey, his mother's boss. Apparently, he's the eldest son of the Feys, one of the top ten wealthiest people in the world.
The Fey's were like powerhouse traders – unbeatable merchants.
They owned countless ports, mines, oils, jewelry stores, restaurants, and hotels, to name a few. Sitting on top of it all was none other than Michael Fey himself.
Even now, Xin couldn't understand why this powerful boss would hire his mother, considering she didn't have the best qualifications for a top company.
Although he didn't mean to be disrespectful, Evelyn wasn't exactly the most qualified person for such a prestigious position.
But what surprised him even more, was that this boss had loaned his mother money for his medical expenses without charging any interest.
"Boss Fey is one of the directors at Fate Academy, where your sister is currently studying. Maybe he can help us out," Evelyn started.
"Are you going to ask him for help again?" Xin questioned, his voice filled with skepticism.
Evelyn remained unfazed by Xin's tone. "Why not? We need all the help we can get."
Xin took a deep breath and expressed his concern. "I just hope this help doesn't come with a price."
Evelyn stared at Xin and let out a laugh. "Of course it does. Nothing in this world is free. But don't worry; I'll work it off like I always do."
"In this case, you'll be working for him until you die," Xin remarked with a hint of sarcasm.
"I don't mind. Working for him is rewarding," Evelyn replied with a grin. "We get salary increases every year, two bonuses annually, 30 vacation days, overtime pays, insurances, and other benefits. Plus, you get to travel around the world with the boss."
"Will it be enough to pay off X XXX XXX that you owe him?"
Evelyn's smile faltered. "Can you just be positive and have faith in your mom?"
In the next moment, the door swung open, revealing a man in his late forties. His hair, a shade of silver resembling white, was neatly styled.
Despite his age, his face had sharp angles, giving it a distinguished look. His eyes, a deep purple, seemed too narrow, giving off an intense and almost angry expression, accentuated by his thick eyebrows resembling a phoenix's wings.
He was impeccably dressed in an expensive suit, complemented by a dark leather coat. As he entered, his presence commanded attention, drawing the gaze of everyone in the room.
It didn't require a genius to recognize that the man before them was Michael Fey.
Evelyn quickly stood up, and Xin followed suit, both lowering their heads as a sign of respect and gratitude for his assistance.
"Good morning, Mr. Fey," Evelyn greeted with a tone of formality that was unfamiliar to Xin, who was used to her cheerful voice at home.
Michael raised his hand. "Sit."
His voice resonated with power and authority. Being in the presence of Michael Fey was truly overwhelming, and even the bravest would feel a sense of intimidation under his penetrating gaze.
Xin couldn't help but wonder how his mother managed to handle his presence on a daily basis.
He glanced at Evelyn again, noting her composed and formal demeanor, which contrasted with her usual self at home.
He had clearly underestimated her.
Just as Xin's attention was captivated by Michael Fey, another figure entered the room – this time a woman.
She was undeniably beautiful, and her presence added a touch of elegance to the already impressive atmosphere.