Chapter 118: Unexpected, Yet Reasonable
"Me too! Sister Yun, don't forget me!" Sheng Yang exclaimed. As a member of the Sheng family, he certainly knew the prestige of Ginza's osmanthus cake, and he also wanted a share for himself. If he could bring it home, he'd brag to high heaven. His older brother, a Ginza member, had never brought any snacks—let alone osmanthus cake—from Ginza.
At his request, Wu Jiaxiang turned his gaze to Yun Zijin, awaiting her decision.
"How many more can the kitchen make?" Zijin asked. Sheng Yang was right—she couldn't favor Su Mengyao over him. Still, she was unsure if the kitchen had enough raw materials.
"Yes," Wu Jiaxiang confirmed. "Though it's limited, we always prepare extra just in case a Supreme Member shows up. That way, we're never caught short."
"Great. Serve one now and make a takeaway for each of them." Zijin intended for everyone to enjoy it.
"Miss, we don't need any," Lingyi chimed in. The bodyguards usually ate and drank for free when accompanying the ladies—it would feel too awkward to have the lady buy them more special treats.
"Alright then, just make one for me as well," Zijin conceded. Lingyi and the others didn't care for sweets, but Zijin did.
"Understood," Wu Jiaxiang nodded. "Anything else you'd like to order?"
Thus far, they had only the osmanthus cake. Sheng Yang and his buddies, more experienced at clubs, skimmed the menu and rattled off orders quickly.
"That's all for now. If we need more, we'll let you know," someone said, dismissing the waiter. Wu Jiaxiang left with their list.
Meanwhile, news that the usually aloof manager of Ginza had personally welcomed someone—and in such a deferential manner—quickly spread among high society. As heirs of the four major families, Li Yuecheng, Fu Ze, Sheng Hao, and Lu Yunque were the first to hear.
Lu Group President's Office.
Lu Yunque had just received an update from his assistant: it seemed Ginza's ownership had changed, and the new boss was likely none other than Yun Zijin. He found it surprising but also somehow reasonable.
"Boss, do you want us to block this news?" asked Mo Bin, noting how his CEO had special interest in Miss Yun.
"No need," replied Lu Yunque calmly. "If she didn't conceal it, she probably doesn't mind it being known." Besides, he presumed Meilin would oversee any negative rumor control. He had no formal standing to meddle in her affairs.
"Got it." Mo Bin left the office, encountering the office secretaries looking at him curiously. Someone asked, "Assistant Mo, did something happen?"
Mo Bin gave them a stern glance. "Aren't you busy? Seems you all have extra time—I'll suggest to the president we increase your workload." That shut them up instantly; gossip wasn't worth extra work.
At Ginza.
Not long after Wu Jiaxiang departed the private box, he returned with waiters delivering wine, drinks, and the snacks Sheng Yang and the others had ordered. Everyone split off to do their own thing. No one paid much attention to him; they merely nodded politely and went back to playing.
Sheng Yang and Lu Yunfeng started a game of snooker, with Zijin observing from the side. Su Mengyao was also watching so she could be near Sheng Yang.
"Sister Yun, want to give it a try?" Lu Yunfeng asked between shots. Seeing Zijin's interest, he extended the cue toward her. Since they were only playing for fun, switching players was no problem.
"I'll wait 'til you finish," Zijin declined gently. She'd never tried snooker, and she didn't want to ruin anyone's rhythm if she messed up.
Lu Yunfeng shrugged and continued playing. After his shot, it was Sheng Yang's turn.
"Go, Brother Sheng Yang!" Su Mengyao suddenly cried. Startled, Sheng Yang's hand slipped, completely missing the shot.
Su Mengyao froze guiltily. "I—I didn't mean to…"
Sheng Yang sighed. He knew she was just excited; he refrained from scolding her. "Just keep quiet for a bit," he muttered, worried she'd cause another mishap if she shouted again.
Feeling contrite, Su Mengyao sat down and stayed silent. With Sheng Yang's slip-up, Lu Yunfeng easily seized the advantage and cleared the table.
"Thanks," Lu Yunfeng teased Sheng Yang with a half-smile. "Couldn't have done it so quickly without Miss Su's help."
Su Mengyao cringed inside. She certainly didn't intend to give him an easy win.
Sheng Yang snorted. "If you're so grateful, how about a thank-you red envelope?" He joked half-seriously. "I'm not asking much—just five or six figures."
Lu Yunfeng frowned. "You're robbing me. My pocket money doesn't come from thin air."
Sheng Yang smirked. "Then forget it—just giving you a suggestion."
Lu Yunfeng sighed. "Fine, I'll pay. But don't even think about six figures—five is all I can spare." He then pulled out his phone and sent a 50,000-yuan red envelope to Su Mengyao, not noticing how flustered she appeared, at a total loss. She glanced at Zijin, seeking help.
Zijin whispered, "Go ahead and take it if he insists." Su Mengyao accepted it, though still feeling awkward.
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