Leo ushered Jack out of the car, and Jack's eyes widened as he took in the grandeur of the restaurant before him.
National Rest was nothing short of magnificent, a beacon of luxury that Jack had only ever seen in magazines or on TV. The tall revolving door was framed by vibrant, pulsating neon lights that danced in an array of colors, casting a mesmerizing glow over the entrance. Flanking the doors were rows of receptionists in elegant cheongsams, their warm smiles and graceful demeanor adding to the restaurant's opulent aura. Everything about the place radiated wealth and exclusivity.
As they entered, the lavishness of the establishment only grew more impressive. The lobby was adorned with shimmering chandeliers, their soft golden light reflecting off the marble floors. The guests, all dressed in high-end brand-name attire, moved with an air of sophistication and importance. Jack, who was wearing his best—though still modest—outfit, felt slightly out of place amid the sea of sleek suits and expensive dresses.
"Uncle Leo, do you often come to places like this to eat?" Jack asked, his curiosity piqued as he took in the breathtaking surroundings.
Leo smiled, a hint of modesty in his eyes. "Not very often, but sometimes, when I need to meet important people or have significant conversations, I prefer a place where the environment reflects the occasion. This place is perfect for that."
Jack nodded. Leo had always been mysterious, and this side of him—dining at extravagant restaurants, mingling with the elite—only added to the layers of intrigue. Jack followed Leo through the crowd, navigating the elegant guests with care, and eventually, they were shown to a private dining area where a waiter approached with practiced efficiency.
Leo glanced at the menu before offering a small, content smile. "Let's keep it simple for tonight. Just two of us, so we don't need to go overboard."
The waiter nodded and left swiftly, leaving Leo and Jack in the quiet elegance of the dining room. The atmosphere was calm yet brimming with the quiet hum of luxury. Jack could see that every inch of this place had been designed for indulgence—the finest wines displayed along the walls, the meticulously arranged table settings, and the faint, soothing classical music that played in the background.
"How do you like the environment?" Leo asked, noticing Jack's fascination. "Comfortable enough?"
Jack smiled. "It's impressive, Uncle Leo. I've never been anywhere quite like this before." He looked around, still taking it all in. "It must cost a fortune just to eat here."
Leo chuckled softly. "Yes, it's not cheap, but sometimes you pay for the experience as much as the meal."
Soon, the food arrived, and Jack was immediately drawn in by the enticing aromas that filled the room. Each dish was a masterpiece of culinary art, from the delicate fish head soup to the perfectly roasted duck. The presentation was immaculate, and Jack found himself almost hesitant to disturb the carefully arranged plates.
The first dish, the fish head soup, was brought to the table, and its aroma hit Jack's senses like a wave of warmth and comfort. He dipped his spoon into the velvety broth, taking his first sip. The flavors were rich, layered, and deep, with a smooth texture that was unlike anything Jack had ever tasted. The fish head was tender, practically melting in his mouth, and the broth was infused with herbs and spices that gave it an almost otherworldly complexity.
"This is incredible," Jack murmured, savoring the dish.
Leo smiled, clearly pleased that Jack was enjoying the meal. "This soup alone is something of a delicacy," he said casually. "It takes hours to prepare, and the fish must be of the highest quality."
Jack's eyes wandered to the menu, and they widened as he noticed the price of the fish head soup—2,500. He nearly choked on his next sip, glancing back at the dish with newfound awe. He had vastly underestimated the extravagance of the meal. Each dish was carefully curated and undoubtedly expensive, with the entire table likely costing tens of thousands of dollars.
As more dishes arrived, Jack marveled at the flavors. The roasted duck was crispy on the outside, with a tender, juicy interior that burst with flavor. The accompanying sauce was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, elevating the dish to new heights. The stir-fried vegetables were vibrant, almost too beautiful to eat, and their freshness was apparent with every bite.
Jack had never tasted food like this in his life. It was an experience in itself, a revelation of how fine dining could transform something as simple as a meal into an art form.
Once they had finished eating, Leo leaned back in his chair, his demeanor relaxed but his eyes sharp with curiosity. "Jack," he began, "I asked you to bring that small vase. Did you bring it?"
Jack nodded and reached into his bag, carefully pulling out a small, ornate box. He placed it on the table with care. Leo eyed the box with a mixture of interest and familiarity, his fingers drumming lightly on the table as he prepared to open it.
"May I?" Leo asked, his tone polite but eager.
Jack nodded. "Of course, Uncle Leo."
Leo gently opened the box, revealing the vase inside. The vase, now fully uncovered, was a stunning artifact, its surface adorned with intricate, delicate patterns that spoke of centuries of history. The patina that had developed over the years gave the vase a soft, almost ethereal glow, hinting at its age and the hands it had passed through.
Leo's eyes widened as he examined the vase, carefully lifting it from the box with gloved hands. He turned it slowly, his breath catching as he realized the significance of what he was holding. "This... this is from the late Diamond Dynasty," Leo whispered, his voice filled with awe. "And these patterns—they're royal insignias. This vase must have belonged to the royal family."
He continued to study the vase, his admiration for its craftsmanship growing with each second. "Jack," Leo said, his eyes gleaming, "do you know what you've found? This vase could easily be worth hundreds of thousands."
Jack's heart skipped a beat. He had known the vase was valuable, but hearing Leo confirm it made the reality sink in.
Leo looked at Jack with a mixture of pride and curiosity. "How much did you pay for this?" he asked, still marveling at the artifact in his hands.
Jack hesitated, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Well, in total, it only cost me a thousand."
Leo blinked, momentarily stunned. "A thousand?" he repeated, his disbelief evident. "You bought this for a thousand dollars?"
Jack nodded, and Leo shook his head in amazement. "You've got quite an eye, Jack. This is a remarkable find."
After a moment of quiet admiration, Leo turned back to Jack with a more serious expression. "Jack, how much do you want for this vase?"
Originally, Jack had been planning to ask for 200,000, as advised by the Celestial Eye. But now, sitting in this luxurious restaurant, surrounded by Leo's generosity and kindness, Jack felt a deep sense of loyalty. He wasn't just an outsider anymore; he was part of Noble Collection, and that meant something.
"Uncle Leo," Jack began thoughtfully, "I'm part of Noble Collection now. The treasures we find should belong to the shop. I'll just take my share in dividends."
Leo looked at Jack, surprised by his modesty. "Jack," he said gently, "you bought this vase fair and square. It's yours to sell. I want you to name a price, and I'll pay it. Don't undersell yourself."
Jack could see that Leo was insistent, and after a moment of reflection, he realized that refusing would only insult the man's generosity. "Since you insist, Uncle Leo," Jack said with a smile, "how about 150,000?"
Leo raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by Jack's modesty. He shook his head slightly. "Jack, I won't lie to you. You could easily get 200,000 for this vase, maybe more. Don't shortchange yourself."
"I trust you, Uncle Leo," Jack replied earnestly. "150,000 is more than enough for me."
Leo studied Jack for a moment, then smiled warmly. "Alright, 150,000 it is. But I won't let you walk away with just that. From now on, when you identify something valuable in Noble Collection, you'll get an additional 10% in dividends, bringing your share to 20%."
Jack's eyes widened in surprise. A 20% profit share was an incredibly generous offer, one that was typically reserved for seasoned appraisers with decades of experience. Leo's trust and faith in him were beyond anything Jack had expected.
"Thank you, Uncle Leo," Jack said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Leo smiled, clearly pleased. "You've earned it, Jack. This is just the beginning."
Jack smiled.
After Jack ordered few dishes, he want to take it back home for Samantha and Lena.