C4 The Powerful Second Elder Sister

"Jiang Nan..."

"Don't worry about it, Brother Cheng, it's just a meal. I won't eat much," Jiang Nan said, pausing to think. "I've heard good things about Zhongyuan Tavern. Let's head there."

"Jiang Nan, we can just grab something simple."

"No way."

Lee Meng quickly slung an arm around Zhou Cheng's shoulder, grinning at Jiang Nan. "Come on, Zhou Cheng, Jiang Nan's gone to the trouble of treating us. We can't snub him like that."

"Isn't that right, Jiang Nan?"

Jiang Nan's lips quirked up in a slight smile, and he simply nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, Zhou Cheng resigned himself to nodding as well.

He had initially thought a casual meal at a modest eatery would suffice, especially knowing Jiang Nan's financial situation. Yet here they were, heading to Zhongyuan Tavern.

Zhongyuan Tavern was a renowned feature of Tai Feng City, after all.

More than just a dining spot, it boasted a five-star rating with decor that replicated the ambiance of ancient inns, making it an esteemed location in Tai Feng City.

Frequented by the elite, the prices were steep.

Where on earth did Jiang Nan get the money?

"Jiang Nan, you..."

"It's okay, Brother Cheng. I've managed to save up a bit over the years. I've realized she's not worth the fuss. I've been worn out for too long; it's time to indulge just this once."

"Alright then. When we get there, we'll stick to the more affordable dishes. If anything's not up to par, let me know, and I'll cover the difference."

"Sure."

Zhou Cheng had been Jiang Nan's closest ally for the past three years.

His own family wasn't rolling in wealth, so his willingness to step up was commendable.

Jiang Nan was deeply appreciative of that.

The six dorm mates hailed a cab and made a beeline for Zhongyuan Tavern.

One car was nowhere near enough. Lee Meng corralled the other three pals into a second taxi, leaving Zhou Cheng and Jiang Nan to share another.

On the way, Lee Meng gave his orders: "Guys, no holding back tonight. If that poor sap wants to play the big shot, we'll let him play it to the hilt."

"I've heard the booze at Zhongyuan Tavern is outrageously pricey. Even if we don't eat much, we'll drink enough to bankrupt them."

"Hmph, I can't wait to see the look on his face when he can't foot the bill."

"Then we definitely need to drink our fill," another person snickered, as the group eagerly discussed which wines to order.

They even went online to find out which wine was the priciest.

It was pretty low of them, really—like taking advantage of a wealthy patron.

The taxi driver overheard and couldn't help but worry for Jiang Nan. What kind of grudge must they have to go to such lengths?

From their conversation, it seemed like they wouldn't leave the meal without spending at least a hundred thousand yuan.

Arriving at the tavern, Jiang Nan stood at the entrance of Zhongyuan Tavern, feeling as if he'd stepped back in time. He marveled internally at the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy.

Inside, the tavern's ancient decor and costumed waitstaff contrasted with the modern clientele, creating an unexpectedly harmonious atmosphere.

"Welcome, sir. How many are in your party?"

"Just the six of us. Any chance you have a private room available?"

An employee, dressed like a server from ancient times with a towel draped over his shoulder, nodded.

"Of course, guests. Please follow me this way."

The waiter led them to a room steeped in antiquity, with exquisite design and scenery that made dining there a true pleasure.

"What would you like to eat, sir?"

"This is my first visit, so I'm not sure what's good. Let's start with a serving of each of your signature dishes. And if that's not enough, feel free to add anything else you recommend."

"Very well, sir. And for drinks?"

"Let's have your finest Daughter Hong wine—the most expensive you've got. Two jugs to start." Lee Meng quickly chimed in, eager to ensure Jiang Nan would splurge.

Jiang Nan seemed indifferent, but Zhou Cheng was not having it. "Lee Meng, we're all classmates and dorm brothers. A little drink will do. Why go overboard?"

"Hey, Zhou Cheng, why is this any of your business? You're not the one footing the bill, so why the rush?"

"You..."

"It's fine, let's just go with what he suggested." Jiang Nan wasn't exactly strapped for cash, with a million in spending money at his disposal. A meal was hardly going to break the bank, so he wasn't too concerned.

Zhou Cheng, on the other hand, seemed a bit worried for him.

But since Jiang Nan had made up his mind, Zhou Cheng didn't feel it was his place to object. He figured he could just eat less later to help save Jiang Nan some money.

Just then, Jiang Nan's second-hand phone, which he had picked up for a mere two hundred yuan off a street vendor and had been using for almost three years, started to ring.

He checked the caller ID to find an unknown number, which left him curious, but he answered anyway.

"Little bro, you come to eat at your Second Sister's place and don't even give her a call?"

"Ah?"

Jiang Nan was at a loss for words. Had his sisters somehow tracked him down? How did she know where he was dining? And this was Second Sister's restaurant?

He couldn't help but wonder about his sisters. The youngest, Seventh Sister, was an international superstar, and now he was learning that the five-star Zhongyuan Tavern was owned by his Second Sister?

What about his other sisters, like the eldest and the third? What were their stories?

An annoyed tone came from Second Sister on the phone, "What's with the 'ah'? If I hadn't glanced at the restaurant's security footage, I wouldn't have known you were here."

"Coming back to your own family's restaurant and only sitting in a small private room? You really are something," Second Sister chided, leaving Jiang Nan without a response.

"Look, I've already set up a lavish banquet for you, and the dishes are ready. Bring your friend and enjoy the meal; I've taken care of everything."

"Cough, is that really necessary? I'm quite happy here."

"Are you coming or not?"

"Fine, I'll go. Happy now?" Jiang Nan internally rolled his eyes, not having anticipated Second Sister's assertiveness.

"Good, that's more like it. After you eat, head back and get ready. Tomorrow, Seventh Sister will come to take you home. That's settled." With that, Second Sister Jiang Shuangshuang ended the call.

"What's the matter? Who was on the phone?"

"It's nothing. Let's move to another private dining room; they've already taken the dishes there." Jiang Nan didn't mention that it was his sister who had made the arrangements, but with the food already served elsewhere, what choice did he have?

However, Lee Meng was immediately displeased upon hearing this. "Hold on, I like this room just fine. You're not trying to say you're out of money and looking for an excuse to get us out of here, are you?"

"Jiang Nan, I'm surprised at you. If you can't afford it, don't put on airs like you're something you're not. You know what, let's just forget about eating."

"It's not that. The other room is just bigger."

"Really?"

Lee Meng was skeptical. "Jiang Nan, if it's not about getting a larger room, then what's your angle?"