Finest Servant

Chapter 91 Qiaoqiao, My Darling (Part 1)

Lin Wanrong had just left the main courtyard and he had barely caught his breath when a maid came to report, "Brother Lin, you must hurry to the reception hall. It is said that an esteemed guest is here to see you."

‘Could it be that Miss Qin Xian'er is here?’ Lin Wanrong was startled. He had grown increasingly familiar with this young woman and had developed a deeper understanding of her temperament. She appeared gentle and charming on the outside, but within, she was rather narrow-minded and easily offended.

Upon arriving at the hall, he saw a young master in conversation with Young Master Guo. The young man immediately clasped his fists in greeting when he saw Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, it's been a long time. I, Luo Yuan, have come to visit."

Lin Wanrong was surprised, "So it's you, Brother Luo. I thought it was—"

"You thought it was Miss Qin Xian'er, didn't you?" Luo Yuan laughed heartily.

Lin Wanrong forced a smile, "Let's not talk about that. I'm having a headache."

Luo Yuan was perplexed, "That's odd. Most men in the world would envy you, so why aren't you happy?"

Lin Wanrong made a sour face, "It's like seeing but not being able to eat. Isn't that bitter?" Luo Yuan was taken aback, then joined Lin Wanrong in a hearty laugh.

Luo Yuan was the son of the governor, and his visit was a major event. Since the two Misses Xiao could not meet him due to propriety, Lady Xiao stepped in to receive him instead.

Lin Wanrong had just parted from Lady Xiao moments ago. Seeing her still as beautiful but with traces of fatigue on her face after only a short while, he sympathized with her difficulties with the alliance.

After exchanging pleasantries with Luo Yuan, Lady Xiao turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, since Master Luo thinks so highly of you, you should keep him company and have a good talk."

Luo Yuan quickly responded, "I dare not. Brother Lin is highly talented. I am here to learn from his wisdom."

Seeing the Governor's son getting along so well with Lin San, Lady Xiao was surprised. She knew Lin San was talented, but it was astonishing that even the Governor's son held him in such high regard. Recalling his analysis of the alliance earlier that day, she was convinced that Lin San was not a simple character.

However, it was a great advantage for the Xiao family to have a good relationship with the Governor's son. Lady Xiao nodded and smiled, giving Lin Wanrong a knowing look, signaling him to attend to Luo Yuan properly, then excused herself.

Luo Yuan was not one to sit still for long. After a brief chat, he proposed, "Brother Lin, why don't we go out for a walk? I won't lie, I feel a bit out of place here."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. He appreciated Luo Yuan's straightforwardness. He was also considering the same thing. The restaurant should be nearly renovated, and he hadn't seen Qiaoqiao for quite some time. Even though he had been accompanied by two beautiful women these past few days, the naive little girl was always in his thoughts.

Lin Wanrong was now acting under Madam's order to keep this Governor's son company, so leaving the mansion was naturally not an issue. He had accepted Qin Xian'er's invitation to go out a few days ago, but it had always been at night. Today, leaving the mansion during the day, he felt immensely refreshed. He laughed, "Brother Luo, without you, it wouldn't be easy for me to step out."

Luo Yuan was about to ask him why, but seeing him dressed in blue with a small cap, he understood. He paused, then asked, "Brother Lin, with your talents, are you really planning to serve as a servant in the Xiao family for life?"

This was the third person to ask him this question, each one with a distinguished status. Lin Wanrong wondered, do I really have such abilities? Everyone seems to think so. Perhaps I've been too modest. He smiled slightly and replied, "Brother Luo, life is short, fleeting like a white horse passing a gap. If we chase after something in everything, life can become too exhausting."

Luo Yuan respectfully clasped his fists, "Brother Lin, your words are always so profound. Luo Yuan is enlightened."

As they walked and chatted, Luo Yuan suddenly asked, "Brother Lin, has that Cheng Ruinian been giving you any trouble?"

Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

Luo Yuan explained, "You may not know much about Cheng Ruinian, but I am well aware. He has always harbored improper intentions toward Miss Qin. Now that you're so close with Miss Qin, wouldn't he cause you trouble?"

Lin Wanrong thought about it. Indeed, being a powerless servant, if that Cheng really sought to retaliate, it would be quite troublesome. With this thought, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the organization Dong Qingshan had set up. If he could bring Luo Yuan into it, they'd have nothing to fear.

After a while of walking and chatting about interesting things from different places, Luo Yuan once again marveled at Lin San's extensive knowledge. Before long, they arrived at the restaurant Lin Wanrong had purchased. After more than ten days, the renovation was basically complete, and the restaurant had completely transformed.

Luo Yuan was surprised, "Huh, has this restaurant changed hands? How come I didn't know?"

Lin Wanrong didn't clarify, smiling, "Brother Luo, just follow me."

As they ascended to the second floor, the newly arranged tables and chairs were neatly arranged, exuding a gentle fragrance. This floor, designed as a public restaurant, had been refurbished by Lin Wanrong according to the modern restaurant format, divided into different sections. Despite the many tables and chairs, it didn't seem chaotic, but rather clear and orderly. In the hall, at Lin Wanrong's request, colorful flags were hung across, and not far apart, six large candlesticks hung from the ceiling, creating an elegant setting.

Luo Yuan had never seen a restaurant in such a layout before. He admired it for a moment, then praised, "Brother Lin, this is no ordinary restaurant. The unique vision and exquisite craftsmanship of the owner are evident from the arrangement alone. Ah, why hadn't I thought of this before? A restaurant could be arranged like this! This place is certain to prosper, earning bucket loads of money each day."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Brother Luo, I accept your good words."

Luo Yuan, puzzled, asked, "Brother Lin, could it be that you... Oh, why didn't I think of it? Apart from you, Brother Lin, who else could have such talent? Brother Lin, I truly admire you."

Lin Wanrong shook his head, speaking earnestly, "Brother Luo, I won't hide it from you. This restaurant is indeed mine. However, it's not open for business yet. Once it opens in a few days, you must bring your friends over. All your friends will receive a platinum VIP card from my restaurant, which offers a 30% discount on all purchases, including drinks and seafood. As for you, Brother Luo, feel free to come by anytime. This place is your second home."

Luo Yuan laughed heartily, "Since you're so generous, Brother Lin, I won't stand on ceremony. I do enjoy free food and drinks."

The two laughed together, and they ascended another floor. The spacious hall on the second floor was similar to the first, but with more open seating and a large stage in the middle. Luo Yuan curiously asked, "Brother Lin, what's the purpose of this stage?"

Lin Wanrong smiled, "Brother Luo, do you remember when we went to Miaoyu Pavilion to listen to the opera?"

Luo Yuan replied, "Yes, I remember."

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brother Luo, what do you think if I invite some famous courtesans to sing here?"

Luo Yuan's mouth fell open, as if in disbelief. In those days, those who ran restaurants did so in a straightforward manner, serving food and drinks. These kinds of gimmicks were unheard of. But on second thought, if famous courtesans were indeed brought in to perform, this place would undoubtedly be packed.

Luo Yuan sighed, "Brother Lin, I don't know how you come up with these ideas. Just based on this, your place is bound to be a hit."

Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, ‘My ideas come from spending time in bars.’ Many of the bars he used to frequent had house bands, and with a good DJ, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. While he didn't have a house band, there were plenty of famous courtesans along the Qinhuai River known for their singing. With some money, he could invite them over, not only as a gimmick but also to raise the level of the restaurant. That was why he had hired the two girls, Little Cui and Little Lian.

The two men ascended to the third floor, which was partitioned into individual private rooms, arranged meticulously, and quite eye-catching. What was most unique was that each private room had a name inscribed with gold lettering on the door. One was named Plum Blossom Room, another was called Soaring Dragon Chamber, and the one nearest to them was named Flowing Time Suit. Luo Yuan couldn't help but admire inwardly. He considered himself talented, but facing these creative ideas, he felt them to be inconceivably innovative.

Moving up, they were greeted by four golden characters - "Wealth, Nobility, Talent, Intelect". The fourth floor was divided into two large rooms, both facing Xuanwu Lake, offering picturesque views. The rooms were decorated with noble elegance, less like a restaurant and more like a tranquil study. Complete with stationery, ink, and a qin rack by the window, the design was indeed ingenious.

Upon reaching the fifth floor, Luo Yuan was completely astounded. The room had no partitions, just some carvings around the edges. The window screens were all pushed open, allowing a cool breeze to flow in. It felt as if one was walking in mid-air, evoking a sensation of walking in the sky.

Lin Wanrong was inwardly nodding in approval as he looked around. Although he had not personally supervised the construction, that girl Qiaoqiao had fully understood his intentions, decorating the restaurant with grace and uniqueness, to his utmost satisfaction.

"Big Brother..." Dong Qiaoqiao was talking with a woman when she noticed Lin Wanrong. She paused, her face lighting up with wild joy. Ignoring the woman she had been talking to, she shrieked and ran over.

When she reached Lin Wanrong, she involuntarily stopped, staring blankly at him. She opened her mouth, then closed it, her eyes welling up with tears. After a long while, she finally opened her lips lightly and said, "Big Brother..."