Free Web NovelChapter 172: Chapter 153: Saber Technique Breakthrough, Restaurant Opening
Even the Beheading Gang, which Wu Liangchen had been keeping a close eye on, had gradually faded into obscurity as their Gang Leader remained in seclusion.
There were even rumors that this Gang Leader had died after succumbing to his inner demons during seclusion.
Although no one knew if this was true, it was a fact that most of the Beheading Gang’s members had dispersed.
As for Zhang Pengcheng, he was now stationed for drills in a small town more than fifteen miles from Huangpu Guard, and it was said he wouldn’t be back anytime soon.
Under these circumstances, on the former site of Moqin Pavilion, a brand-new restaurant shot up from the ground. It had entered the final stages of completion and would be ready to open soon.
The reason for such rapid progress was thanks to Zhu Wan’Er’s tireless efforts.
She went to the construction site almost every day to supervise. Spurred on by both silver coins and a big stick, the progress was of course lightning fast.
Of course, there was a price. Exposed to the sun every day, Zhu Wan’Er had gotten much tanner.
But she didn’t care in the slightest. Sometimes she would even drop her dignified "young miss" airs and crack a few small jokes with Wen Yunlong and the others who were helping at the construction site.
This gradually earned her a measure of goodwill.
However, because Wu Liangchen’s attitude toward her was quite cold, Wen Yunlong, Yan Feng, and the others dared not get too close to her.
Zhu Wan’Er seemed completely oblivious to this and continued to do as she pleased.
And Wu Liangchen never said anything about it.
In truth, he couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters.
Even if Zhu Wan’Er became friends with everyone, so what? His own attitude was the only thing that truly mattered.
Everything else was beneath notice.
His formidable strength gave Wu Liangchen absolute confidence.
Besides, there was a more important matter that required Wu Liangchen’s attention.
Third Brother Xie struggled to lift the stone lock, setting it on the ground after completing the final movement.
The stone lock was small, weighing only about twenty-two pounds. Even an untrained woman could lift it.
But for Third Brother Xie, who was just recovering from a serious injury, this was already a very welcome sign of progress.
"How did I do?" Third Brother Xie asked Wu Liangchen, turning his head, breathless.
Wu Liangchen smiled and nodded. "Not bad. Congratulations on your full recovery, Third Brother."
"Haha, I’m still a long way off. Forget about training, I get dizzy if I walk a little too much," Third Brother Xie laughed.
"That’s not something to be rushed. You have to take it slow."
At this, Wu Liangchen changed the subject. "Third Brother, the restaurant is about to open. Why don’t you use this opportunity to make a public appearance? For one, it’ll put everyone at ease. For another, we can celebrate your recovery."
Hearing Wu Liangchen’s words, Third Brother Xie pondered for a moment and immediately understood his meaning.
He was paving the way for his own eventual departure.
Although he very much wanted to ask him to stay, Third Brother Xie knew that would be asking the impossible.
After all, with Wu Liangchen’s talent, his future was limitless. How could he possibly stay in a small place like Flower Square forever?
So he sighed inwardly and then nodded.
"Alright. The brothers have all been working hard recently. Let’s make this banquet a big one, and treat it as a chance for them to relax."
Soon, news that Flower Square’s Third Brother Xie had recovered from his injuries and would be making his return at the opening of the Zhu family’s restaurant—and hosting a grand banquet for guests from all corners—spread like wildfire.
For a time, the various powers were all somewhat surprised.
In their eyes, Flower Square already belonged to Wu Liangchen in practice.
Some had even speculated maliciously that once Xie San recovered, he would surely engage in a fierce internal struggle with Wu Liangchen for control of Flower Square.
But in the end, nothing happened. Xie San’s recovery didn’t cause the slightest ripple, and Flower Square remained unusually calm.
Inwardly amazed, the various powers quickly made their positions known. Congratulatory cards and gifts poured in one after another. freewebnøvel.com
For a time, Flower Square was abuzz with activity, a stark contrast to the deserted gates after their first victory over the Beheading Gang and the Black Banner Camp.
Inside the newly built restaurant, although it was freshly decorated, there was no strange smell because only the best materials had been used.
At this moment, the women who had once worked at the First-Class Restaurant were diligently cleaning.
Even though the tables, chairs, and floors were already polished to a mirror shine, they refused to rest, not letting even the smallest hidden corner escape their notice.
Seeing this, Zhu Wan’Er couldn’t help but remark, "Honestly, I’ve never seen such diligent and hardworking employees."
Wu Liangchen remained silent, but Third Brother Xie, who had come to look around, smiled.
"They see this place as their own home. And when you’re working for your own home, you naturally don’t need anyone to urge you on."
Zhu Wan’Er nodded. "Third Brother makes a good point."
After climbing to the top floor, they pushed open the windows and could overlook the entire vista of Flower Square. The streets were a torrent of people, and the doors of every brothel were thronged with guests—a truly bustling scene.
"All the ingredients needed for tomorrow’s banquet are ready. I’ve sent over three highly experienced master chefs to work with your master chef from the First-Class Restaurant, Third Brother. I’m confident tomorrow will go off without a hitch," Zhu Wan’Er explained.
Third Brother Xie nodded. "Miss Zhu, you are always so thoughtful."
"I’ve also had Brother Wen and the others get ready. If too many people show up tomorrow and we’re short-staffed, they can come over to help at a moment’s notice. I even had a few of the old hands give them a training session," Ninyun, who was accompanying them, suddenly spoke up.
Third Brother Xie gave her a somewhat surprised look, and Ninyun lowered her head, a little embarrassed.
Then, Third Brother Xie laughed and said to Wu Liangchen, "How come I never realized this girl Ninyun had such skills? I have to say, you really have an eye for talent."
"It’s not really that I have an eye for talent. The truth is, most people have talents they don’t even know about themselves; they just never have a chance to use them. All I did was give her a platform," Wu Liangchen said.
"You’re too modest, Xiaowu. Being able to provide a platform for the right person is a tremendous ability in itself," said Third Brother Xie.
"Third Brother, there’s one more important thing. Our restaurant doesn’t have a name yet. Brother Wu said he wants you to choose one. What do you think would be a fitting name?" Zhu Wan’Er asked.
Third Brother Xie turned to look at the scenery outside. After a long moment of silence, he spoke.
"Let’s call it Jufu Pavilion."
"Excellent!"
Zhu Wan’Er immediately ordered her subordinates to have a plaque made.
"Now, we just have to see how many people show up tomorrow," Third Brother Xie said lightly.
"I estimate we won’t be short on guests!" Wu Liangchen said with a smile.
And just as Wu Liangchen had predicted, early the next morning, guests from various powers and all four corners began to pour in, quickly filling the restaurant to capacity.
By late morning, there was no more room inside, and dozens of additional tables had to be set up outside.
Almost every person of note in all of Huangpu Guard had come.
Although some came to give face to Third Brother Xie, most were there for Wu Liangchen.
After all, Wu Liangchen’s reputation had been soaring recently.
Many couldn’t help but be curious about him, so they took this opportunity to see for themselves what the man behind so many legends looked like.
And when they saw the tall and straight-backed youth standing beside Third Brother Xie—who, despite looking very young, possessed an aura as profound as a still abyss and as steady as a mountain—they all couldn’t help but nod to themselves in approval.
’Truly a man of remarkable bearing.’
As for the female relatives who had tagged along to join the fun, they couldn’t stop themselves from turning back for frequent glances.
And while Flower Square was hosting its grand and lively banquet, a tea party was underway in a silver guild by the banks of the Great Qing River.
Hua Ziqi arrived a little later than usual. After he sat down, he gestured curiously toward the empty seat beside him.
"Why isn’t Old Cheng here?"
Lu Shengjiang, the man who controlled the entire grain and oil business on the Huangpu River, chuckled at the words. "He went to Flower Square to deliver a gift, of course."
"That old miser is usually as stingy as they come, but this time he actually loosened his purse strings for once. He really coughed up a lot to send a handsome gift to Flower Square."
Hua Ziqi’s expression darkened. He snorted coldly. "Flower Square is certainly putting on airs now. Making such a huge scene just for a restaurant opening."
"Anyone who didn’t know better would think they were planning something big."
Lu Shengjiang gave a sly chuckle. "What, you didn’t send a congratulatory card?"
"Me?" Hua Ziqi sneered. "I’m not so shameless as to go join that circus."
