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"That's good. I put a lot of thought into the renovation here." Gan Jing's eyes shone with pride.
"By the way, Su Chang, shouldn't you give this restaurant a name?" Gan Jing suggested.
Su Chang thought for a moment and said, "How about we call it Pinzhentang? It means that all the dishes here are delicacies."
"Pinzhentang, hmm, that's a good name! Your culinary skills are more than worthy of the name." Gan Jing nodded repeatedly, a delighted smile on his face.
The two strolled around the restaurant again, discussing plans to rearrange the decor. Su Chang's eyes revealed confidence and determination; he believed this private restaurant would definitely thrive.
"Sister Gan Jing, I'm planning to open my business next Saturday. Remember to come over then," Su Chang said.
"Great! I definitely have to come. I put a lot of effort into the renovation here, and I'll see how other people react to it," Gan Jing replied excitedly.
In the following days, Su Chang busied himself preparing for the opening, eagerly anticipating the grand opening of Pinzhentang.
On Saturday, the area outside Pinzhentang was bustling with activity. Colorful flags fluttered in the wind, and flower baskets were neatly arranged, as if showcasing the festive atmosphere.
"Congratulations, Boss Su! May your new store opening be prosperous!" Old Meng led Su Mingyu into the restaurant with a smile.
Su Chang greeted them warmly: "Thank you, thank you, Lao Meng, Sister Mingyu, please come in, please come inside!"
"Su Chang, your shop is really impressive!" Su Mingyu exclaimed.
"Haha, you flatter me. My friends helped with the renovations and put in a lot of effort. Please come and support my business in the future," Su Chang replied with a smile.
"Haha! No problem at all. I'll have to try your food later. If it's good, I'll order from you from now on," Su Mingyu replied with a smile.
"Okay, you guys find a place to sit first. Today is the first day of business, so we'll start eating once everyone's here. We won't let you order then," Su Chang explained with a smile.
"No problem." After saying that, Lao Meng and Su Mingyu went to find empty seats to sit down.
As soon as Lao Meng and Su Mingyu left, Andy and Tan Zongming came over with a gift box in their hands.
"Su Chang, congratulations! You must have put a lot of thought into this renovation, right?" Andy asked curiously, handing the gift box to Su Chang and looking at the exquisite interior design of Pinzhentang.
Su Chang smiled and said, "Yes, after all, it's a private restaurant, so my prices are relatively high. Of course, I have to make it more upscale."
“Alright, your cooking skills are indeed quite good, and you're not short of money, so you could go for something a bit more upscale.” Andy nodded in agreement with Su Chang’s point of view.
"Oh? This is my first time tasting Su Chang's cooking. I'm really looking forward to it." Tan Zongming was also a little surprised to hear Andy praise Su Chang's cooking so highly. He knew that Andy was not picky about food and he had never seen her have any particular favorite food. It was clear that Su Chang's cooking skills were extraordinary.
"Haha! Don't worry, no problem. Eat more later." Su Chang replied with a smile.
At this point, more and more onlookers gathered around, whispering among themselves.
"This store looks so upscale, I wonder if it's expensive."
"It probably isn't cheap, but judging from the environment, it should be worth a try."
Despite the large crowd, the luxurious decor of Pinzhentang deterred many from entering. However, Su Chang wasn't too disappointed. Besides, he was only entertaining acquaintances at noon. He believed that with his culinary skills and the decor of Pinzhentang, he would definitely attract more customers. Moreover, the wine he had obtained from Jiang Haokun had already been placed in Pinzhentang, and he had also introduced Shi Tiandong's homemade yellow wine.
Before long, Jiang Haokun arrived with Jiang Lai, Gan Jing, Lu Yuan, and Peng Jiahe. Jiang Lai was still angry and didn't pay much attention to him. Su Chang wasn't angry either and invited them into the shop to sit down.
After that, the four women from the 22nd floor also arrived. Seeing that almost everyone was there, Su Chang went into the kitchen to get busy.
Half an hour later, the dishes were served. Su Chang warmly greeted everyone and said, "Thank you all for coming. Today, please try our signature dishes. From now on, I will rely on your patronage. You are my bread and butter."
Everyone savored the delicious food, praising it highly. Andy exclaimed, "This dish is truly excellent in color, aroma, and taste! Su Chang, your cooking skills seem to have improved again!"
Fan Shengmei chimed in, "Not only is the food delicious, but the environment is also very nice and feels especially comfortable."
At this moment, Jiang Lai noticed Peng Jiahe next to Su Chang and asked with a smile, "Jiahe, how is it? Is Lu Yuan's cooking better or your brother Su Chang's?"
Peng Jiahe glanced at Lu Yuan, then at Su Chang, and gave a sly smile: "They're all delicious!" Everyone burst into laughter.
Su Chang warmly toasted everyone, thanking them for their support. After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became even more lively.
Jiang Haokun raised his glass and said to Su Chang, "Su Chang, your restaurant is really doing a great job. It will definitely be very popular in the future."
"Then Mr. Jiang, please come more often in the future. I need a big spender like you the most," Su Chang teased.
"Of course, as long as the food here is delicious, I'll definitely come often," Jiang Haokun said with a smile.
At this moment, Qiu Yingying stood up, raised her wine glass to Su Chang, and said, "Brother Su Chang, I wish your restaurant a prosperous business and abundant wealth!"
"Thank you, Yingying. I hope you can find your own happiness too," Su Chang replied with a smile. This was the only response Su Chang could give to Qiu Yingying, who was so obsessed with love.
“Speaking of happiness,” Qu Xiaoxiao interjected, “I think Su Chang and Jiang Lai are a good match. When are you two going to get together?”
Upon hearing this, everyone looked at Qu Xiaoxiao in surprise, while Jiang Lai snorted angrily and glared at Su Chang, looking like she didn't want to talk to him.
"Xiaoxiao, stop joking." Andy quickly smoothed things over: "Su Chang and Jiang Lai are just friends."
"I'm not kidding, I think they have a pretty good chemistry," Qu Xiaoxiao said persistently.
"Alright, alright, let's drink." Jiang Haokun quickly raised his glass, defusing the awkward situation.
After chatting for a while, everyone left one after another. However, Jiang Lai was kept behind by Su Chang, and the finishing work was handed over to the kitchen helpers that Su Chang had hired.
Chapter 41 The Great Battle with Jiang Lai
After the guests left, apart from the kitchen helpers cleaning up the mess, only Su Chang and Jiang Lai remained sitting facing each other in the restaurant.
"Are you coming back?"
Su Chang's expression was serious as he stared intently into Jiang Lai's eyes, wanting to see what she would say. Su Chang realized that he had been too presumptuous. From watching the TV series, he felt that Jiang Lai was a rather arrogant person, but once she fell in love with someone, she was willing to give everything. However, after getting to know her in person, he found that Jiang Lai was a person who lacked a sense of security, which made her a bit jealous. Like Jiang Haokun, she was very controlling. As a result, Su Chang was now unsure whether he should keep her by his side, so he had to make things clear today.
"What do you mean I'm coming back? Shouldn't you be the one coaxing me back?" Jiang Lai looked at Su Chang with an arrogant expression. She didn't think she had done anything wrong. All she did was care about him and was afraid of losing him. Why didn't he know how to coax her?
"Sigh!" Su Chang sighed, rubbing his slightly throbbing head, then said earnestly, "Lai Lai, do you know what my ideal life is?"
"I don't know, you never told me." Jiang Lai shook her head, indicating that she had no idea.
"Hehe!" Looking at Jiang Lai's adorable appearance, Su Chang couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Lai Lai, I'm an orphan. I've lived alone in the United States since I was little. To survive, I haven't even met many girls, let alone dated. Every day, besides going to class, I'm either working or in the library. I especially envy my classmates. They don't have to think too much. As long as they study hard, they can make friends and enjoy life to the fullest. They don't need to be good at their studies. As long as they do their best, that's enough. But I can't do that. I have to keep pushing myself forward because I don't know if I'll have anything to eat tomorrow if I stop."
Su Chang's words weren't entirely untrue; this was his previous life in the United States, which was similar to his own in his past life. However, at least he had a girlfriend in his past life, but in this life, he really didn't have many friends, let alone female friends.
"Hmm, and then?" Hearing Su Chang's story, Jiang Lai's mood also became somewhat depressed. She couldn't imagine what Su Chang's life would be like. After all, she lived in the Jiang family and never had to think too much. As long as she ate well, drank well, and had fun, that was enough. Nothing else really mattered to her. This was because she was relatively ambitious and had studied hotel management, and she did quite well in it. Most of her former rich second-generation friends were just staying at home sponging off their parents.
"Therefore, I have always had one goal, which is to work hard to make money and rise above others to become a superior person."
"Well, you should be considered successful now." Jiang Lai exclaimed, marveling at how Su Chang had achieved his current wealth through his own efforts; he was truly impressive.
"Haha! I guess so, but human desires are endless. Once you're well-fed, you start thinking about sex. I don't really have much desire for money anymore. You should know how many businesses I own, and I have a lot of cash. I'll never have to worry about money in this life. I don't want to become the richest person or anything like that. I just want to find a few girlfriends and live a peaceful life." Su Chang directly revealed his desire to be a playboy, and he felt much more relaxed afterward.
"What? Find several girlfriends?" Jiang Lai jumped up upon hearing this, staring at Su Chang with eyes full of anger.
"Yes, I don't want to hide it from you, I do want to find more girlfriends, and..." Su Chang didn't avoid Jiang Lai's gaze and answered calmly.
"Why? Am I not pretty? Or am I not good enough for you?" Seeing Su Chang's nonchalant attitude, Jiang Lai was furious. What kind of person is he? Trying to be a playboy and flirting with her.
"Hehe! She's definitely beautiful, but I'm not satisfied..." Su Chang looked at Jiang Lai with a teasing expression.
"Ah... Su Chang, you bastard! You actually said that this grandma can't satisfy you? Come on, let's have a contest. If you win, you can have as many as you want, grandma will let you. But if you lose, grandma will make you my slave for life, serving me tea and water from now on. Do you dare?"
Jiang Lai was furious. She had only ever heard of oxen dying from exhaustion, but she had never seen a field ruined by plowing. She just didn't believe it. It wasn't like she hadn't tried before. Although the opponent was strong, it wasn't to an unbearable degree. But she didn't know that Su Chang possessed an indestructible body. If he really went all out, even five of her might not be able to handle him. At this moment, she was only thinking about how to get revenge on Su Chang after he lost.
"Hehe! Are you sure? You won't regret it?" Su Chang looked at her meaningfully, which Jiang Lai couldn't stand. Wasn't this underestimating her? "Hurry up, only a little dog would regret it."
Without wasting any words, Su Chang had the kitchen helpers clean up and then closed the door. He was off work today, so he took Jiang Lai back to Joyful Song. As soon as they entered, Su Chang kissed Jiang Lai. He had been holding back for over a week. Jiang Lai was also ready to give it her all.
However, four hours later, the result of the competition was completely unexpected by Jiang Lai.
Despite her best efforts, she ultimately lost to Su Chang amidst her constant pleas for mercy.
Jiang Lai was too weak to even move a finger, and lay limply on Su Chang, panting heavily.
"Lai Lai, how about it? A bet's a bet. From today onwards, you can't interfere with how I find a girlfriend." Su Chang said with a smile, gently stroking Jiang Lai.
"You...beast...animal, I'll stick my tongue out, whatever you want."
Jiang Lai gritted her teeth. Although she was unwilling, she still decided to keep her promise.
Su Chang knew, of course, that Jiang Lai was unwilling, so he could only try to coax her.
"Don't worry, Lai Lai, no matter how many girlfriends I have, you will always be my first. Even if you're my first wife, you'll always be in my heart."
"Hmph! You bastard, I promise you can find other girlfriends, but you have to tell me that you need my permission to come in, okay?" Jiang Lai's mood improved slightly when she heard Su Chang say that she was the first wife, but she still quickly made the request.
"Okay, okay, no problem." Su Chang quickly agreed, after all, he didn't want his harem to fall into chaos. He was here to enjoy himself, not to suffer.
"Hmph! You bastard, are you trying to become emperor? Tell me honestly, besides Andy, who else do you want to find?" Jiang Lai pressed on at this moment. Thinking of Su Chang's attitude towards Andy, she knew that Andy would definitely be brought into the family by Su Chang. However, having dealt with Andy many times, she did not object. Andy was relatively simple and not the kind of person who would compete for favor, so it was easier to get along with her.
"Hehe! Andy's situation is still far from settled. As for the rest, we'll see, we'll see." Su Chang wasn't stupid. Confessing would lead to leniency, while resisting would mean severe punishment, and he'd just go home for the New Year.
"Hmph! You won't tell, huh? Then it won't be so easy for them to get in." Jiang Lai wasn't stupid, and continued to threaten.
"Heh! Threatening me? Looks like I didn't serve you well enough just now." He was about to continue tormenting Jiang Lai. After all, everything else was fine, but if he said he still had feelings for her sister-in-law Gan Jing, wouldn't he fight her to the death? He had to take it slow later.
"Ah...you bastard, I won't ask anymore, I won't ask anymore," Jiang Lai immediately begged for mercy.
"Alright, are you hungry? I'll go make you something to eat." Su Chang knew that Jiang Lai couldn't keep going like this, otherwise she would hurt herself and develop psychological trauma. So she put Jiang Lai on the bed and got up to get dressed and go to the kitchen to busy herself.
Chapter 42 Pinzhentang Limited Edition
The next day, after taking Jiang Lai to Jiang Haokun's company, Su Chang went to Pinzhentang. Tan Zongming and Jiang Haokun had both called him the night before, asking why he hadn't opened the shop. Su Chang could only make up the excuse that he had drunk too much at noon yesterday and that he would only open the shop today. So he came to the shop early this morning to prepare the food.
Around noon, Tan Zongming and Jiang Haokun led a few people to the store early.
With a broad smile, Tan Zongming introduced Su Chang, "Su Chang, these are all our company's partners. You are a shareholder of Shengxuan, so we'll have many more opportunities to work together in the future!"
Jiang Haokun also said enthusiastically, "Yes, Su Chang, you are also an important shareholder of our Jiang Group. We will need your support in the future!"
Su Chang smiled and replied, "Not at all, I'll need the support of the two leaders and all the bosses in the future!"
Su Chang knew that the two of them were making her look good, and Su Chang, being the kind of person who would flatter someone, complimented them as well.
Sure enough, the group became much more enthusiastic. After exchanging greetings, Su Chang didn't say much and led everyone into the private room.
When ordering, Tan Zongming said with great interest, "I'd like to order a royal dish called 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.' It's a famous dish! I haven't tasted authentic royal cuisine in a long time." His face was full of anticipation.
Jiang Haokun, not to be outdone, smiled and said, "Then I'll also make one of my favorite dishes—'Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth.' This dish really tests your culinary skills, Su Chang, it's all up to you today."
The others ordered some common dishes. These people were not short of money, and it wasn't that they couldn't afford famous dishes, but Su Chang's status was extraordinary, and they didn't know Su Chang's cooking skills, so they didn't dare to embarrass Su Chang.
After ordering, Su Chang smiled and said to everyone, "President Tan, President Jiang, it's just a coincidence that you two are here. I was making these two dishes this morning, otherwise you would have had to wait a long time. If you want to eat these kinds of elaborate dishes in the future, you will need to make a reservation in advance. I will go to the kitchen to cook for you now. As for how they are, you will know once you taste them." After saying that, he turned around and went back to the kitchen to get busy.
Soon, the dishes were served one after another.
Tan Zongming looked at the dishes on the table and nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, this 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' tastes very authentic, and the ingredients are all top-notch."
Jiang Haokun, not to be outdone, pointed to another dish and said, "This 'Boiled Cabbage in Clear Broth' may seem simple, but its preparation is actually quite sophisticated. It's not easy to achieve this level of skill."
Su Chang stood to the side with a faint smile on his face and said humbly, "Thank you for your praise, bosses. It is an honor to receive such praise from you both!"