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Chapter 3: Has That Person Returned?
Zhou Xue couldn’t fathom what was wrong with her brother. He was spouting nonsense again. But then she remembered—he’d just recovered. Maybe his mind was still muddled, and talking it out would help clear it up.
Better he speak nonsense than say nothing at all.
She decided to play along, striking up a conversation.
“Brother, who is Yang Yanbao?”
Zhou Tian replied, “An architect. Some talent, managed a few decent works, but his aptitude was lacking.”
Zhou Xue nodded, then glanced at the livestream. The chat had already erupted into chaos.
“Little Joy, is today’s livestream theme ‘Who Can Brag Better’ between you and your brother?”
“Your brother’s a pro at this! Deadpan and everything—hahaha, I’d suggest he write novels.”
“Little Joy, I’m a psychologist. Your brother just recovered; memory confusion is normal. Don’t contradict him—just go along with it.”
……
Seeing the viewers meant no harm, Zhou Xue relaxed.
At that moment, her stomach grumbled, and she felt a little awkward.
Zhou Tian heard it, of course. “Xiaoxue, it’s noon. Let me take you to eat.”
Zhou Xue nodded. “Sure, brother. Where are you taking me?”
Zhou Tian smiled faintly. “Come on. I’ll take you to a hotel I used to frequent, just nearby.”
Puzzled, Zhou Xue followed him. They stopped at the entrance of an old-style hotel.
Zhou Tian said, “When this place first opened, ages ago, I was invited here. Time flies.”
Zhou Xue looked up. Above the door were four weathered characters: “Ninghai Restaurant”—a name that carried the weight of years.
Zhou Tian pointed to the sign. “I wrote that plaque back in the day.”
Viewers in the livestream nearly laughed themselves silly.
“Little Joy, your brother’s bragging is next-level! Do you even know where this is?”
“Bro up there, fill us in. What’s special about Ninghai Restaurant?”
“Let me tell you—this place is more than just a restaurant. It’s been around for sixty years. Back in the day, it was the exclusive haunt of China’s top officials. Even now, money alone won’t get you in. You need a reservation at least half a month in advance.”
This revelation stunned many in the chat. No one had expected this 看似 humble restaurant to be so prestigious. That Zhou Tian would stand outside bragging about it was simply audacious.
Zhou Xue wasn’t watching the stream. She figured a meal here must be pricey, but since her brother wanted it, she’d grit her teeth. “Brother, let’s eat here then.”
Zhou Tian nodded. They started toward the door, only to be stopped by a security guard.
“Do you have a reservation?” the guard asked.
Zhou Tian shook his head. “No.”
“Then I’m sorry—no entry without a reservation,” the guard said.
Zhou Tian’s brow furrowed slightly. “Is that lad Liu Ji still around? Tell him Zhou Tian is here for a meal.”
The guard’s heart skipped a beat.
Liu Ji was the founder of this restaurant, over eighty years old, the backbone of the Liu family. Thanks to Ninghai Restaurant, the Lius held extraordinary status in Ninghai, rubbing shoulders with the powerful. Even Ninghai’s bigwigs addressed Liu Ji as “Elder Liu” with respect. Yet this young man had the gall to call him by his given name.
“Who do you think you are, daring to 直呼 Elder Liu’s name? Get out of here—you’re not welcome!” the guard ordered, moving to drive them off.
Comments flooded Zhou Xue’s livestream:
“Little Joy, your brother’s bragging has gone too far—he actually tried to get in!”
“Little Joy, stop him quick! This is Ninghai Restaurant. Causing trouble here is suicidal!”
Zhou Xue saw the messages and frowned, realizing the restaurant was no ordinary place. She took Zhou Tian’s arm. “Brother, let’s eat somewhere else, okay?”
Zhou Tian knew she was afraid of trouble. He reassured her, “Don’t worry. Wait here a moment—I’ll sort this out.”
Turning back to the guard, his voice turned cold. “You’d best relay my message to your supervisor. If something goes wrong, do you think you can bear the consequences?”
The guard felt an invisible pressure bearing down on him, cold sweat soaking his back, his breath catching. Never had he encountered a young man with such overwhelming presence.
Fearing he might offend someone important, he quickly radioed the guards inside.
In a lavish office at Ninghai Restaurant, a middle-aged man was at work. He was Liu Han, general manager of the restaurant and Liu Ji’s son.
A knock sounded, and a female secretary entered.
“What is it?” Liu Han looked up.
The secretary bowed slightly, speaking respectfully, “Mr. Liu, there are two young people outside asking to see Elder Liu.”
Liu Han’s brow furrowed. He snorted, “Who do they think my father is? Anyone can just waltz in to see him? Send them away.”
The secretary hesitated. “Mr. Liu, the guard says the young man in charge seems unusual. He says his name is Zhou Tian—could he be some wealthy clan’s young master?”
Liu Han chuckled faintly. “Don’t talk nonsense about ‘young masters.’ Even the heads of Ninghai’s four great families need appointments to see my father. Hurry and send them packing.”
The secretary nodded, taking a step toward the door.
But Liu Han suddenly froze, a thought striking him. His eyes widened, and he barked, “Wait! What did you say his name was?!”
The secretary was perplexed by his sudden outburst. In five or six years working for Mr. Liu, she’d never seen him so agitated.
“He said his name is Zhou Tian.”
Liu Han swallowed hard. “Could it really be… that man has returned?”
