"Please, come in."
"Mm."
Li Zhi led the way into the Fallen Star Tower. If he hadn't entered, everyone inside would have had to wait. Today, there were many things, and only he could unveil the mystery.
Mo Yan shyly admitted that she was a foodie, a big foodie. She loved traveling and trying out the local cuisines from around the world. She had visited over a hundred three-star Michelin restaurants, and in addition to that, she also loved the local specialty cuisines.
She always believed that Michelin three-star restaurants were only a foodie's guide and couldn't encompass all cuisines. When evaluating a restaurant, the quality of service is a major factor, which includes assessing whether the dining environment is comfortable and considerate of external factors.
A foodie focuses on food. In the presence of a delicious meal, she believed that factors such as service, environment, and culture were secondary. The most fundamental criterion for assessing a restaurant is the quality of the food. If a chef could make tofu taste like monkey brains, it would be a matter of culinary skill. But to make monkey brains taste like tofu, it was all about the ingredients.
Of course, Mo Yan was just using this as an analogy. She never ate monkey brains and never supported it. It was too bloody, cruel, and inhumane. But she did eat rabbit meat, even though rabbits were very cute; they were also very delicious. She would feel sorry for monkeys, but not for rabbits.
Why? Because of value. Monkeys are cherished and protected animals, but rabbits are not!
When evaluating a restaurant, she prioritized the ingredients and the chef's culinary skills, and then considered the service and environment as external factors.
Zhao Xueying followed Zhao Sihai with a gloomy expression, her eyes scanning the surroundings of the Fallen Star Tower and the staff within. Not only her, but even the high-end foodie bosses invited by Huang Youwei, as well as Mo Yan and Zhao Sihai, could all feel that Li Zhi had put a lot of effort into this restaurant.
In Mo Yan's opinion, the decoration, while not top-notch, was still very well done. It wouldn't leave anyone feeling lacking. It was likely that the investment in the decorations was significant. If all three floors were decorated like the lobby, it would cost at least several million dollars.
Upon observing the service team at the Fallen Star Tower, I noticed that all of them were attractive men and women. If it weren't for the fact that these girls were all wearing uniform 'work clothes', it might even make people think they had entered a modeling agency.
"Why hasn't it started yet?"
Meng Ruping looked at the woman who spoke to her coldly, her smile still unchanged, and calmly said, "Please wait a moment." Today is the trial operation of our restaurant, so we will not be offering a la carte service. If you are hungry, you can go to the restaurant on the second floor, and our staff will provide you with a set meal. If you can provide the most sincere evaluation, the Fallen Star Tower will cover the cost of this set meal. The introduction of the ingredients and other programs will start after the boss arrives!
Her smile had no flaws, and it was precisely because of this sincere smile that Li Zhi spent a lot of money to bring her back to be the front desk manager of the restaurant. These words were all pre-arranged by Li Zhi.
Zhao Xueying said with a stern expression, "Then go and call him." Can't we all just wait here for him alone?
"Alright, why don't you take a seat and have a glass of water?" The water here is specially air-lifted from a unique location, providing top-quality water with a high concentration of minerals and beneficial elements for the human body. "Long-term consumption can enhance the body's health and achieve the goals of dietary therapy and strengthening the body," Meng Ruping explained with a smile as she introduced the water at the Fallen Star Tower to Zhao Xueying.
"Are you kidding?" Air-lifted from a special area? From which specific area was it airlifted? "Tell us clearly!" Zhao Xueying sneered and began to expose the deception. She didn't believe that Li Zhi would go to such lengths to airlift a glass of water from another place. Even the Star Bay Hotel only had imported mineral water.
Meng Ruping did not refute her, but instead smiled and said, "The original source of the water needs to be kept confidential for special reasons, but we are definitely not exaggerating." Miss Zhao and all the gentlemen and ladies present can personally taste and experience its distinction. If this type of water were to be officially sold, it would be priced at 180 yuan for 180 grams. It can be used for brewing tea or for direct consumption!
Mo Yan frowned and interjected, "180 yuan for a glass of water? Is it 1 yuan for 1 gram of water?" Leaving aside the debate on whether the water in an expensive restaurant is truly that valuable, even a simple glass of water is sold at an exorbitant price. "How much would a set meal cost?"
"Miss Mo, what you said is not entirely correct." The water we sell is not ordinary water. If needed, guests can choose from regular mineral water, tea, or other beverages. It is not mandatory for guests to purchase, and this type of mineral water is also limited in supply. "Each guest can choose a maximum of two glasses," Meng Ruping explained to Mo Yan as she poured the water and answered his question.
"The price of the set meal ranges from 1888 yuan to 188,888 yuan." "Of course, if guests have special requests, we can also prepare luxury set meals ranging from 2.8 million to 28.8 million VND, but they need to be booked three months in advance!" Meng Ruping said with a smile.
"28.8 million for a set meal?"
Zhao Xueying scoffed and remarked, "I believe your boss is becoming obsessed with money!"
Is this a meal or a meal made of diamonds? Can this small place even prepare a full Chinese banquet? Despite what others say, she wouldn't believe it even if she were beaten to death.
Meng Ruping smiled and said, "If Miss Zhao feels that the price is high, you can choose a regular set meal." Whether it's a standard set meal or a deluxe set meal, there isn't much difference in taste. "They are all very delicious; the only difference lies in the selection of ingredients."
"I wonder if I can reserve the most expensive and top-tier luxury set meal today." PF-Word suggests a price of $8.8 million for a set meal. I, Zhao Sihai, have lived for many years, and this is the first time I have heard of such a thing. "I just want to take this opportunity to try it," Zhao Sihai interjected with a smile.
The people around him all smiled wryly. If someone else had said this, it would undoubtedly be suspected of bragging, but coming from Zhao Sihai, no one would doubt it. Who would dare to doubt the wealth of the richest man in Haicheng?
Who would dare to doubt the wealth of the richest man in Haicheng?
Li Zhi, who had just entered, took over the conversation before Meng Ruping could respond.
He chuckled and said, "If it were someone else today, of course, I wouldn't have this reaction, but since it's Old Zhao who said this, then I have to give you this response." It's just a PF-word suggestion for an $8.8 million set meal. Would you like to reserve it? I can prepare it for you today! Even if it's an $88.8 million set meal, I can prepare it for you today if you wish to have it!
Zhao Sihai laughed and said, "Young man, it's not good to brag!"
"Brag?" "No, no!" Li Zhi shook his finger and laughed. "In front of so many people, if I were still bragging, how thick-skinned would I be?" Today, I invited everyone to taste the dishes, and the Fallen Star Tower will cover all expenses. I just want everyone to enjoy themselves and spread the word about the Fallen Star Tower. But if Old Zhao feels uncomfortable and insists on having a luxury set meal, then I naturally can't refuse. How does that saying go? "In business, who can't get along with money, right?"
Li Zhi was provoking and teasing, genuinely unhappy that the Zhao family was enjoying complimentary food and drinks. Zhao Sihai's sudden appearance aligned with his intentions.
But Zhao Sihai was not someone who could be easily provoked or teased. He wanted to play with Li Zhi, but he absolutely couldn't afford to lose face. He had a reputation to uphold.
"That's true, but no one's money comes from nowhere." A luxury set meal costing several million dollars can be considered exorbitant. I, Zhao Sihai, can afford it, but I can't let people take advantage of me. So, if you can truly deliver a set meal that leaves me and everyone else feeling that it's worth the price, whether it's 28.8 million or 88.8 million, I'll cover the cost. "But I'll say it upfront, if you make me and everyone present feel that it's not worth it, that it's a bluff or a scam, then don't blame me, Zhao Sihai, for getting angry and smashing your Fallen Star Tower!" Zhao Sihai looked at him and answered without hesitation.
Li Zhi looked at him and chuckled, "Old Zhao, you're really good at calculating." Are you truly here to dismantle my Fallen Star Tower?
"Yes!" Zhao Sihai smiled and answered without hesitation.
No one was foolish, and everyone could perceive the situation. Since that was the case, why pretend to not know or not care? Yes, Zhao Sihai had come to smash the place, but he needed a pretext. He couldn't let people in the business community of Haicheng see him as a joke. Who did he think he was bullying?
"Alright, you're straightforward." "I like your directness, Old Zhao!" Li Zhi nodded with a smile and then changed the subject, "Since Old Zhao wants to give me a big gift, I can't refuse it." Today, I thank you on behalf of the Fallen Star Tower and all the guests present. At noon, let's all enjoy this luxurious set meal together. How about that?
Zhao Sihai squinted his eyes and said with a smile, "Sure, why not? If your set meal truly impresses everyone and makes it worth it, then I'll cover the cost of this lunch."
"It's a deal!"
Li Zhi turned and walked towards the black cloth-covered cabinet, guarded by layers of people. He lifted the black cloth, revealing what was on the platform.
A huge fish!
"The bluefin tuna weighs 426 pounds." It's not an exaggeration to call it the king of fish. It should be perfect for making sashimi. "This fish should have a market price of around 30 million," Li Zhi said with a smile as he turned to Zhao Sihai.
He walked over to a tall aquarium beside him, pulled down the black cloth, and unveiled the massive lobster inside. It measured two meters in length and weighed several dozen pounds. The lobster was alive!
"The market price of this lobster cannot be estimated at the moment, but our restaurant can accept orders." "The entire lobster can be prepared for $6.8 million, which should be sufficient for twenty people to share!" Li Zhi displayed the top-quality ingredients one by one in front of everyone. Since the Star Sea, where the No. 5 Fishing Port was located, was an extremely rich fishing resource planet, Li Zhi provided top-quality seafood ingredients. From large to small, each one was a rare find.
Even Zhao's father and daughter, along with Mo Yan, were wide-eyed and somewhat stunned.
"Since you, Old Zhao, don't mind spending money, why not reserve the 8.88 million luxury set meal and treat everyone here to a sumptuous feast?" Any problem? If not, I'll have the kitchen start preparing. "By the way, do you all prefer Chinese or Western dishes?" Li Zhi asked with a smile.
As Li Zhi observed the Zhao family's reactions, he noticed Zhao Xueying's wide-eyed and shocked gaze and Zhao Sihai's somber expression. Inwardly, he sighed. This kid's tricks were wild enough. After today, I'm afraid the entire Haicheng, no, the entire province, will know about the Fallen Star Tower.
He didn't expect to actually offend the Zhao family.
With so many people around, even if Zhao Sihai didn't care about losing face, the news would definitely not be suppressed. The Zhao family was indeed wealthy, but they also had rivals and enemies in Haicheng.
"Alright, that's very straightforward." "I like your directness, Old Zhao!" Li Zhi smiled and nodded, then changed the subject, "Since Old Zhao wants to give me a big gift, I can't refuse it." Today, I thank you on behalf of the Fallen Star Tower and all the guests present. At noon, let's all enjoy this luxurious set meal together. How about that?
Zhao Sihai squinted and smiled, "Sure, why not?" "If your set meal truly impresses everyone and is worth it, then I'll cover the cost of this lunch."
"It's a deal!"
Li Zhi turned and walked towards the black cloth-covered cabinet, guarded by layers of people. He lifted the black cloth, revealing what was on the platform.
A huge fish!
"This bluefin tuna weighs 426 pounds." It's not an exaggeration to call it the king of fish. It should be perfect for making sashimi. "This fish should have a market price of around 30 million," Li Zhi said with a smile as he turned to Zhao Sihai.
He walked over to a tall aquarium beside him, pulled down the black cloth, and unveiled the massive lobster inside. It measured two meters in length and weighed several dozen pounds. The lobster was alive!
"The market price of this lobster cannot be estimated at the moment, but our restaurant is still accepting orders." "The entire lobster can be prepared for $6.8 million, which should be sufficient for twenty people to share!" Li Zhi displayed the top-quality ingredients one by one in front of everyone. Since the Star Sea, where the No. 5 Fishing Port was located, was an extremely rich fishing resource planet, Li Zhi provided top-quality seafood ingredients. From large to small, each one was a rare find.
Even Zhao's father and daughter, along with Mo Yan, were wide-eyed and somewhat stunned.
"If you, Old Zhao, don't mind spending money, why not reserve the 8.88 million luxury set meal and treat everyone here to a sumptuous meal?" Any problem? If not, I'll have the kitchen start preparing. By the way, do you all prefer Chinese or Western dishes? Li Zhi asked with a smile.
As Li Zhi observed the Zhao family's reactions - Zhao Xueying's wide-eyed and shocked gaze, and Zhao Sihai's somber expression - he sighed inwardly. The kid's tricks were wild. After today, I'm afraid the entire Haicheng, no, the entire province will know about the Fallen Star Tower.
He didn't expect to actually offend the Zhao family.
With so many people around, even if Zhao Sihai didn't care about losing face, the news would definitely not be suppressed. The Zhao family was indeed wealthy, but they also had rivals and enemies in Haicheng.