After dealing with these matters, Ye Fei devoted himself to his first stop—Ding Tai Jewelry. He went straight to the gold counter and asked without beating around the bush, "I want to sell some gold bars. What's your current purchase price?"
The salesperson inquired, "Did you buy them from our store? Do you have a receipt or credit card?"
Ye Fei shook his head and said, "These gold bars are family heirlooms, and with the current high gold prices, I'm looking to sell. The quantity is large, so it may require the manager's decision."
The salesperson nodded and replied, "Please wait, I'll go find the manager."
Ye Fei hesitated slightly as he glanced at the surrounding gold jewelry, pondering whether it was worth adding a few more pieces to his collection.
With a beaming smile, the manager approached and asked, "Sir, how much gold do you need to sell?"
Glancing around, Ye Fei softly replied, "It's not convenient to discuss it here."
The manager promptly invited him to a private meeting room. Ye Fei opened his bag, placed the gold bars on the coffee table, and calmly stated, "These are five gold bars. Please arrange for an expert appraisal. If the price is right, I'm willing to make a deal on the spot."
A glint appeared in the manager's eyes, realizing that if these gold bars were genuine, it would be a significant transaction.
"Sir, please wait. I'll call the expert over," the manager said before leaving the room.
Although the manager was capable of appraising the gold, the appraisal result was related to substantial profits and his own performance. To be cautious, he decided to have an expert confirm the authenticity.
Soon, the expert finished the appraisal, nodded to the manager, and made a gesture.
With a knowing smile, the manager understood that the gesture meant the gold's quality was exceptional.
Closing the box, Ye Fei said, "Let's talk about the price now."
After some consideration, the manager proposed, "Three hundred and thirty-one per gram. How does that sound to you?"
Ye Fei shook his head and said, "The gold price is still rising, and my goods are family heirlooms of the highest quality. I can try getting quotes from other places. What do you think?"
Furrowing his brow, the manager knew that three hundred and fifty-one per gram was not an unreasonable price. However, the total weight of the five gold bars exceeded five kilograms, making this transaction significant for the company. It would not only bring considerable profits but also be a major achievement for him personally, resulting in substantial commission. Thus, he decided to agree.
"Alright, let's consider ourselves friends. My name is Deng Yunfei. And you?" the manager asked with a smile.
Ye Fei smiled, took out the gold bars, and said, "I'm Ye Fei. You can call me Xiao Zhang."
Leaving Ding Tai Jewelry, Ye Fei's account increased by another 1.8 million.
As he looked at the sun, he smiled and took the next step with determination. Throughout the day, Ye Fei was busy, and interestingly, every time he entered or left, he could see Yang Yi and his group waiting outside the community.
Ye Fei ignored them, as their entanglement would only bring trouble, which had no impact on him personally. Let them wait if they love waiting.
By the end of the day, Ye Fei had dealt with most of the gold bars, and his account had increased by over ten million. As he looked at the remaining gold bars in the safe, he no longer felt the same urgency as at the beginning. It was getting late, and it was time for dinner.
Thinking of the delicious meal in the morning, Ye Fei once again entered the Hong Family's Private Kitchen.
Compared to the emptiness in the morning, the restaurant now had some customers.
The woman in red sat in front of the counter, already changed out of her pajamas. She was now wearing a black outfit and immersed in playing a mobile game.
When she heard someone come in, she looked up and exclaimed, "Oh, it's you! Do you know that because of you, Sister Hong scolded me harshly? By the way, what are you here for again?"
Ye Fei was speechless. Even the dish he fried had been criticized.
If it weren't for Sister Hong coming back that day, he would never have set foot in this restaurant again.
"I'm here to dine at the restaurant, of course!" Ye Fei said helplessly.
"I'm sorry, but we require advance reservations here. I'm afraid we can't accommodate you today. Tomorrow's reservations are also full, so maybe try the day after tomorrow." The woman in red said.
Ye Fei rolled his eyes. Try the day after tomorrow? Isn't it too troublesome just for a dinner?
"Linlin, stop messing around," Sister Hong walked out from the kitchen.
She nodded at Ye Fei and said, "We only serve customers with reservations. The unexpected guest earlier was an exception. You should go to another restaurant for your meal."
Ye Fei replied, "Your dish was really delicious."
Linlin sneered, "Stop flattering. Sister Hong is a national top-level chef, so of course her cooking is excellent."
Ye Fei was taken aback. He didn't expect Sister Hong to be a top-level chef. No wonder she was so skilled.
"If you're not satisfied today, then forget about it in the future," Ye Fei said with a smile.
Seeing Ye Fei's good attitude, Sister Hong also smiled and said, "Alright, which day are you planning to make a reservation?"
Ye Fei asked, "Is this month available?"
As soon as Ye Fei spoke, both women widened their eyes in surprise.
Ye Fei explained awkwardly, "I live alone and can't cook. Actually, I'm looking for a restaurant to have long-term meals. Luckily, I had the chance to taste your cooking and found it delicious."
Linlin stared with wide eyes, pointing at Ye Fei, but couldn't speak for a while. "Sister Hong, did you hear that? This guy treats our place like what? Does he think we're just a small eatery? Long-term meals? Oh my, how audacious!"
Ye Fei ignored Linlin and just looked at Sister Hong, knowing that she was the ultimate decision-maker.
Sister Hong furrowed her brows and said, "Sir, I'm sorry, but we charge per table here."
Ye Fei said, "Please don't rush to reject me. We're neighbors, and when you asked for my help earlier, I considered it. Now it's your turn to help me. Are you going to refuse?"
Women, they are naturally good at acting spoiled.
Seeing Ye Fei hesitating and about to leave, Sister Hong said, "Sir, as long as you agree, you can come and eat anytime."
Ye Fei stopped in his tracks.
"Not to boast, but you won't find anywhere better than us among the surrounding restaurants," Sister Hong said.
"Why me? You own the restaurant, so you must have many friends," Ye Fei said.
Sister Hong smiled wryly, "The customers at restaurants are always in a hurry and never stay. Besides, my parents know you. This restaurant was originally opened by my father. Also, you match the description I gave my parents quite well – young and handsome, and you probably have a car too!"
"I'll come for three meals!" Ye Fei said.
"Okay!" Sister Hong said with ease.
"I don't have time, so you have to deliver the meals to my house!" Ye Fei said.
Sister Hong reluctantly agreed, "Fine."
"I'll just pretend to be your boyfriend, it's not real, so don't bother me if there's nothing important," Ye Fei said.
Sister Hong said, "Alright, anything else?"
"Yes!" Ye Fei said.
Sister Hong looked at Ye Fei angrily.
"Now I want to have egg fried rice, spicy shredded pork, and stir-fried green peppers with stripes!" Ye Fei smirked.
Sister Hong sighed in relief, "Okay, wait outside."
Ye Fei turned and walked outside. He heard a loud bang from inside and turned back to see Sister Hong wielding a knife on the cutting board. Ye Fei shrugged, what could he do when she was angry? Wang Yue was right – it's cheap and not losing out. She asked for this, not him.
Outside, Linlin anxiously waited and approached Ye Fei, asking, "What did you talk about in there?"
Ye Fei smiled and said, "Nothing much, Sister Hong agreed to cook for me! By the way, what's Sister Hong's full name?"
"Hong Yaqin. It's strange that she agreed to you. Wait, I'll go inside and ask." Linlin hurriedly rushed into the kitchen.
Ye Fei confidently sat at the dining table, lit a cigarette, and felt excited about this unexpected turn of events. He wouldn't have to cook himself anymore! And it's a top-level chef. The world is full of surprises everywhere.