As a true foodie and influenced by Qin Hai's suggestion, Xiao Lingling not only ordered the supreme Australian dragon lobster but also took full advantage of the opportunity to make Minister Jian suffer. She ordered a table full of exotic delicacies and even requested two bottles of 30-year-aged Maotai liquor, totaling a bill that would cost Minister Jian more than twenty thousand yuan.
Jian Ren, sweating profusely, almost felt cramps in his face due to the pain. He wiped the sweat off his forehead continuously until Xiao Lingling closed the menu, giving him a momentary relief.
The dishes and drinks were promptly served, with only the supreme Australian dragon lobster still pending.
As Jian Ren was about to pour Maotai for Qin Hai, Qin Hai covered the cup with his hand and stated, "Minister Jian, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Otherwise, we won't continue with this meal."
At this point, if Qin Hai still couldn't see Minister Jian's plea, he wouldn't be the Qin Hai everyone knew.
Minister Jian reluctantly put down the liquor bottle, sighed, and said, "Xiao Qin, to be frank, I made mistakes before, and I hope you can be lenient. This meal is an apology to you, but there's also something I want to ask for your help."
Qin Hai questioned, "Related to Bai Ruyan?"
Minister Jian nodded, pouring himself a full glass of white wine, downing it in one gulp before saying, "In front of a real person, I won't tell lies. I want you to convey a message to Miss Bai. If she can forgive me, I am willing to agree to any of her requests."
Observing Minister Jian's hopeful expression, Qin Hai felt curious about Bai Ruyan's influence, making Minister Jian so fearful.
Qin Hai inquired, "Didn't Miss Bai say she wouldn't hold a grudge? What else do you have to worry about, Minister Jian?"
Minister Jian nodded but hesitated before admitting, "Miss Bai's words are trustworthy, but the people from the Bai family might not be as forgiving. You may not know, but in Spring River, there are four major families: Zhao, Wu, Chen, and Bai. Bai Ruyan is from the Bai family, and she's the only daughter of Bai Hongtian, the current head. Bai Hongtian dotes on Bai Ruyan a lot and has already designated her as the only candidate to succeed him as the next family head."
Pausing, Minister Jian continued, shaking his head and sighing, "Imagine if Bai Hongtian knows I've mistreated his beloved daughter. I might end up dead on the streets by tomorrow morning."
This revelation surprised Qin Hai. He hadn't known about the four major families in Spring River, and the fact that Bai Ruyan belonged to the Bai family.
With a smile, Qin Hai said, "Minister Jian, I've just met Miss Bai today. My words may not hold much weight with her."
Minister Jian almost spurted blood. If Qin Hai's words didn't carry weight, then why did Bai Ruyan publicly declare she would be Qin Hai's girlfriend, nearly ruining Minister Jian's life?
"Xiao Qin, as long as you're willing to help, regardless of the outcome, I owe you a favor. I have no other choice; I couldn't think of anyone else to turn to except you."
After these words, Minister Jian poured himself another glass of liquor, raised it toward Qiao Wei, and said, "Leader Qiao, this drink is an apology to you. What happened this morning was my fault, and I hope you won't take it to heart. Rest assured, such incidents won't happen again in the future."
Minister Jian emptied the glass again, his face growing even redder, and he slumped weakly into the chair, looking a bit haggard and forlorn.
Witnessing Minister Jian's demeanor, Qiao Wei, despite her earlier resentment, felt a surge of compassion. She couldn't help but turn to Qin Hai. Qin Hai, understanding Qiao Wei's silent plea, nodded subtly. It seemed Qiao Wei hoped Qin Hai could assist Minister Jian.
However, at this moment, the room's door swung open, and a waiter entered, wearing an apologetic expression.
"I'm truly sorry. I just received news from the kitchen that the supreme Australian dragon lobster has been reserved by someone else. Can you consider selecting an alternative? We have other excellent seafood options."
Xiao Lingling stood up indignantly, exclaiming, "Did someone else snatch it away?"
The waiter hesitated, stammering without knowing how to respond. Clearly, Xiao Lingling's assumption was accurate – their reserved lobster had indeed been taken by another customer.
Qin Hai's face darkened immediately, and Jian Ren was furious. How could they have their prized lobster stolen like this?
Jian Ren pushed the chair away, declaring angrily, "Who did this? Take me there!"
Minister Jian, led by the waiter, stormed out of the private room, and Xiao Lingling followed suit. Qin Hai took advantage of the moment to ask Qiao Wei, "Qiao Jie, was that Xiao Hong your friend? It seemed like she harbors some significant resentment towards you."
"She was my high school classmate and once a good friend. However, due to some conflicts, our friendship soured. I didn't expect her to still hold a grudge after all these years," Qiao Wei said with a helpless smile.
Qin Hai poured a cup of hot tea for her, teasingly asking, "Could it be because you snatched her crush?"
Qiao Wei sighed and nodded, "My husband is named Guo Wei; he was our class monitor back then. Xiao Hong did pursue him for a while, but I had no idea she also liked my husband. We got together during our university days."
She sighed again, wearing a melancholic expression. "So many years have passed, and Guo Wei is no longer here. Surprisingly, she still can't let go. Actually, she's living a much better life now—found a great husband and has a happy family. Meanwhile, apart from work, I have nothing."
"Perhaps not necessarily!" Qin Hai's words surprised Qiao Wei. He continued, "Qiao Jie, you're not without anything. You have us, and you have friends. As for Xiao Hong, don't be fooled by appearances. Maybe her life isn't as perfect as you think."
"Thank you!" Qiao Wei considered Qin Hai's words as comfort, smiling and saying, "You're right. I'm not without anything, at least I have friends like you and Lingling."
At this moment, the door of the private room opened, and Xiao Lingling walked in with a cheerful smile, carrying a plate of lobster sashimi. The enormous lobster looked extravagant, truly a rare variety.
"Hehe, we've won back our lobster!"
Jian Ren followed her into the room, glowing with embarrassment, and greeted, "Xiao Qin, hurry up and taste it. This lobster is indeed excellent."