C12 Read the Menu Once

"Welcome!"

A Maneki-Neko cat greeted customers at the entrance of the small kitchen, emitting a sound whenever someone approached.

Liu Wenming pointed at the Maneki-Neko with a chuckle, "I like this setup. It's quite refreshing."

Tian Chao and Zhou Hengyu chimed in, "It's definitely got a unique touch. Just what you'd expect from this place."

None of them had been here before, so their curiosity was piqued.

A seasoned waitress approached and asked Lin Dong, "Fellows, how many of you are there? Would you prefer a private room or to dine in the main area?"

The waitress, well-versed in her role from seeing numerous patrons daily, observed their behavior.

While Liu Wenming and the others were all abuzz with curiosity, Lin Dong remained the picture of composure, not uttering a word, even as he became the center of attention.

She could tell at a glance that Lin Dong was the leader of the group.

Sure enough, as soon as she spoke, all eyes turned to Lin Dong for the decision.

After all, it was Lin Dong's treat, and his word was final!

Lin Dong gestured towards the interior and said with a smile, "There are four of us. We'd like a private room, please."

The waitress's eyes sparkled as she enthusiastically ushered them toward the private room.

Students who opt for a private room tend to order generously, keen to impress their peers.

This was an opportunity to boost the small kitchen's revenue, and she was determined to provide them with warm hospitality!

Lin Dong led his friends to the private room.

En route, Zhou Hengyu whispered, "Lin Dong, have you been here before?"

Lin Dong shook his head, "Nope, it's my first time too."

"Really? You seem so at ease, like you're a regular here."

"I was thinking the same thing," added Hengyu.

Liu Wenming and Tian Chao expressed their skepticism, their eyes filled with doubt.

Lin Dong started to feel uneasy under their scrutiny.

He truly was a first-timer here, yet his friends were suspicious.

After a moment's reflection, he realized why.

Since receiving the system reward and showcasing his wealth at the girls' dormitory, his outlook had shifted significantly.

Frankly, with his financial means, he could buy numerous establishments like this small kitchen.

Therefore, his lack of surprise at being here for the first time was understandable.

This was the mindset of someone who's made it big.

Unintentionally, Lin Dong had adopted this attitude, which his friends found odd.

He didn't bother explaining; they'd figure it out eventually.

The kitchen was small, with only six private rooms.

Lin Dong and his group arrived at an opportune moment. Only three rooms were occupied, leaving three available. Lin Dong chose private room number five and entered.

The waitress promptly presented the menu, "What would you like to eat?"

Liu Wenming, Tian Chao, and Zhou Hengyu were about to speak.

But Lin Dong beat them to it, "Ma'am, we'll have one of everything on the menu."

What?

The waitress was instantly taken aback.

So were Lin Dong's friends!

Ordering one of each dish on the menu would be incredibly expensive!

The waitress, sounding unsure, said, "There are many dishes, and you're only four people. I'm afraid you won't be able to finish it all."

What she was really asking was, Can you afford all this?

Liu Wenming chimed in, "Lin Dong, maybe just pick a couple of dishes."

Tian Chao suggested, "That braised chicken looks good. We'll take one of those, and maybe just two or three other dishes!"

Zhou Hengyu nodded in agreement. "There's just four of us, that should be plenty!"

They were all concerned about Lin Dong overspending, as they came from modest backgrounds and valued frugality.

Even though Lin Dong had mentioned he had money, he wasn't one to be wasteful.

Lin Dong knew exactly what his friends were thinking.

He wasn't usually one to splurge, but today was different.

Firstly, he was fresh out of the ordeal with Zhang Xiaofeng.

Secondly, his friends had shown him genuine kindness!

Lin Dong was in the mood to splurge and wanted his friends to really enjoy themselves!

Ignoring the others' reactions, he looked straight at the waitress and said, "Ma'am, please bring the dishes."