The food tasting event finally drew to a close, yet the hall remained abuzz with awe and disbelief. People lingered at their tables, unwilling to leave, their minds still trapped in the dazzling memory of flavors that seemed too divine for the mortal world.
Elegant ladies who were usually cautious of their diet, who at social occasions barely touched more than a few delicate bites, had tonight eaten until their waists felt tight. Some leaned back against their chairs, laughing in disbelief at themselves.
"I…I can't believe I actually had a second plate, and even a third," one whispered, her cheeks still flushed. "This isn't food—it's heaven disguised as a meal."
"Indeed," another sighed dreamily. "For the first time in my life, I regret that my stomach has its limits. If Qingyan Pavilion opens daily, I'll dine here every single day."
Gentlemen, who prided themselves on refined tastes and worldly experience, were no better. They had eaten in Michelin-starred restaurants, traveled across continents, and yet tonight—tonight—they were left speechless.
Someone finally muttered the thought on everyone's mind:
"Those dishes…the Banquet of the Eight Immortals, the Immortal Cuisine of Penglai, the Snow Phoenix Cuisine—weren't these things only myths? Stories passed down as legend? Yet tonight we ate them…in reality!"
His voice trembled as though afraid the dishes would dissolve into illusion the moment he dared confirm their existence.
The crowd grew more excited, voices layering over one another.
"I once ate at the Royal Banquet Restaurant in Beijing, the one famous for recreating the Qing Dynasty's imperial cuisine," an older man said gravely. "It was impressive, yes. But compared to this?" He shook his head, unable to continue.
"Compared to this," another man finished for him, "that restaurant is nothing but a pale shadow. The chefs here…they've brought out the soul of the dishes. Not just taste—this was transcendence. Truly…food for the immortals."
Gasps of agreement swept across the hall. Some even looked around the room with dazed eyes, as though still expecting fairies or immortals to descend from the heavens to claim the feast as their own.
And just as the discussions reached a fever pitch, the Master of Ceremonies stepped forward once more. His voice, calm yet commanding, instantly drew every eye and hushed every whisper.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "the evening had reached its peak…allow me to invite the General Manager of Huiheng group to come forward and give the final words before the official opening of Qianyan Pavilion." With that he stepped away and handed over the stage to Zhou Yichen.
As Zhou Yichen stood on the stage, he swept a quick glance around the glittering hall, his voice calm yet commanding as it carried across the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as we bring tonight's banquet to a close, I would once again like to extend my deepest gratitude for your presence. It is your support that makes this night a true success. And with the end of this evening… I am honored to announce the official beginning of Qingyan Pavilion. From tomorrow onward, the Pavilion will be open to all customers."
The lights dimmed slightly, and behind him, the grand projector screen flickered to life. A series of elegant slides appeared—architectural designs, floor layouts, artistic renderings of halls and private dining chambers.
"Qingyan Pavilion," he began, his tone steady yet filled with pride, "is not merely a restaurant. It is an experience, a world where culinary legends, lost to time and myth, return to life before your very eyes. Tonight, you have all tasted what was once believed to exist only in history books and royal records. Starting tomorrow, these doors will open… and only those who are truly fated may step in."
The audience straightened in their seats, curiosity piqued.
"On the first floor," he explained, "we have 20 main hall tables. This area will be accessible with a Regular Membership Card, ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥50,000 annually. Members may book seats in advance for an authentic yet approachable experience. Alongside, we have 18 private rooms in total—fifteen on the second floor, and three… very special ones… on the third."
As the images of the second floor appeared—lavish yet tasteful—murmurs broke out.
"Five private rooms for Silver Members, five for Gold, and five for Platinum." He let the words linger, watching the audience's eager expressions. "Each section has its own unique design, increasing in opulence and intimacy. And above them—"
The screen changed to reveal the third floor private rooms.
Even the most composed faces faltered. Crystal chandeliers like waterfalls of light, walls adorned with hand-painted silk murals, jade tables, rare wood furnishings, and an atmosphere that seemed like one had stepped into a heavenly palace.
Someone in the crowd couldn't help but blurt, "This… is a restaurant?"
Laughter and gasps followed.
Zhou Yichen's smile didn't waver. "Yes. These three private rooms are reserved for our Diamond Membership card holders only. For some, it may seem excessive. But we believe that when one is indulging in divine cuisine, the setting should reflect heaven itself."
Whispers spread. A few shook their heads at the extravagance, but the sharp glint in the eyes of ultra wealthy families was unmistakable.
"And as for our membership system—" Zhou Yichen clicked, and the tiers appeared on screen. One by one, he elaborated.
"Regular Membership. An annual fee ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥50,000. Dining access to the first floor with prior booking."
"Silver Membership. ¥50,000 to ¥100,000. Private access to the Silver rooms on the second floor."
"Gold Membership. ¥100,000 to ¥500,000. Priority bookings, exclusive menus, and even interaction with our chefs."
Some of the businessmen's wives gasped lightly—just the idea of speaking to such legendary chefs directly was enough to shake them.
"Platinum Membership," Zhou Yichen continued smoothly, "with an annual fee of ¥500,000 to ¥1,000,000, provides a personal concierge, priority reservations at all our future branches, and complimentary wine pairings with every meal."
The atmosphere grew heated, murmurs spreading rapidly. Then the screen shifted again—this time, golden letters spelled Diamond Membership.
"And finally," Zhou Yichen's tone deepened, "the Diamond Membership. Reserved only for the most elite. With an annual fee above ¥1,000,000, holders receive lifetime VIP privileges, priority invitations to limited-seat cultural banquets, private tasting events, and—most importantly—exclusive access to the three divine cuisines you tasted tonight. The Banquet of the Eight Immortals, the Immortal Cuisine of Penglai, and the Snow Phoenix Cuisine. These will never be offered to the public again. Only Diamond Members… will know their taste."
The room erupted.
Some people's faces turned pale in regret—they realized that what they had tasted tonight might be the first and last time in their lives. Others, the wealthy and ambitious, felt their hearts race.
Shen Weiyuan narrowed his eyes, already calculating. Song Renshu's fingers tapped the table rhythmically, clearly tempted. Several heirs of aristocratic families from Shanghai exchanged glances, a silent understanding sparking between them.
Then someone muttered bitterly, "Even the so-called Royal Banquet restaurant in Beijing doesn't dare claim this level of exclusivity…"
Zhou Yichen caught it. His lips curved into a sharp, knowing smile.
"Indeed. The Royal Banquet of Qing Dynasty Cuisine in Beijing prides itself on replicating dishes of the past. But here at Qingyan Pavilion, we do not replicate—we surpass. What you tasted tonight was not imitation. It was legend, reborn. Flavors even history failed to record fully… brought back to life."
The hall fell silent again.
He let the words settle before finishing, "And this is only the beginning. Ladies and gentlemen, from tomorrow onward, Qingyan Pavilion opens its doors to the world. But remember—legends are never for everyone. They are for those who dare to claim them."
The applause that followed was thunderous, but beneath it, countless eyes gleamed with desire, regret, and ambition.
"I'm taking a Diamond Membership card," Shen Weiyuan said casually, swirling the wine in his glass before glancing at Han Zhiyuan with a faint smile.
Han Zhiyuan blinked. "What? Why? You don't even live in Wuhan. You'll only come here occasionally in the future—do you really have to purchase a Diamond Membership for that?" His tone carried genuine confusion.
Shen Weiyuan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "So what if I don't come often? I have money to burn. A Diamond Membership is nothing to me."
Han Zhiyuan rolled his eyes at his old friend's arrogance, about to argue further, when Adrian Lim's calm voice cut in.
"I think it's a wise decision, Mr. Shen." His tone was solemn, carrying the weight of reason. All eyes turned to him as he continued, "After tasting today's banquet, I'm certain about one thing—Qingyan Pavilion won't remain confined to Wuhan. This place is destined to step onto the world stage. Its potential is enormous. Who knows if Diamond Memberships will even be available in the future? Securing one now is like securing an investment."
Shen Weiyuan's eyes glimmered with satisfaction. That was exactly his thought. He raised his glass toward Adrian in appreciation.
Han Jingxian, who had been listening quietly, nodded as well. "Adrian is right. Besides," she turned to her husband, "Zeyan will be here for at least a year. The Diamond card won't just be for us—it will benefit him as well."
Han Zhiyuan frowned thoughtfully, still hesitating, when Xu Shuhua leaned forward. "Zhiyuan, I think we should also purchase a membership card. At least Platinum." Her tone softened as she added, "That way, we can dine whenever we wish… and also take food for LuLu. Until when do you think it's proper to trouble Jianfang to cook for her every day? We should stop burdening them."
Her words struck him. He realized immediately—only Platinum and Diamond members could dine freely without reservations. But unlike Shen Weiyuan, his position as mayor didn't allow such extravagance to go unnoticed. A Diamond card would raise too many questions, too much jealousy. But Platinum… Platinum was safe. Respectable, without attracting unnecessary eyes.
Just as he was about to nod, a sudden playful voice interrupted.
"Auntie, how can you say it's trouble for us to cook for LuLu?"
The five of them turned. Li Ziqing stood just a few steps away, mock hurt glinting in her eyes as she clasped her hands dramatically over her chest.
Han Jingxian, Han Zhiyuan, and Xu Shuhua couldn't help but smile warmly at her antics, while Shen Weiyuan and Adrian Lim exchanged a brief, complicated look. After tonight, after suspecting her true identity linked to that mysterious girl from the Night Market, neither of them dared to underestimate her. Li Ziqing was no ordinary girl.
Han Zhiyuan chuckled. "A Qing, when did you come? Sneaking up on us like this." Ever since Li Jianfang began preparing meals for LuLu, the two families had grown close. Now, even Han Zhiyuan and Xu Shuhua affectionately called Li Ziqing and her brother by their nicknames.
"Just now," Li Ziqing replied with a mischievous squint, "when Auntie was drawing the line between our families."
Xu Shuhua flushed red with embarrassment. "That's not what I meant, A Qing. It's just… now that your mother has a company and a restaurant to manage, it won't be easy for her to cook every day. And you'll soon be busy with school too, so—"
But Li Ziqing cut her off, her eyes soft but firm. "Auntie, my mother doesn't have many friends. You're one of the few she treasures, someone she has so much in common with. And I love LuLu dearly—it's no trouble for us at all."
She stepped closer, her tone turning serious. "In fact, I came to tell you this: starting tomorrow, you don't need to send anyone to collect meals from our house. Twice a day, meals for LuLu will be delivered directly to the City Hospital from Qingyan Pavilion. You can be worry-free. And Auntie," she wagged her finger playfully, "don't you dare thank me. I said it's not trouble, and I mean it."
Xu Shuhua's eyes turned red instantly, and Han Zhiyuan's throat tightened. Ever since LuLu's chemotherapy began, she had grown frail and picky, refusing almost everything except Li family's meals. To see their daughter suffer so much, yet still insisting on those meals, they had swallowed their pride and asked favors they would never normally ask. But now, hearing Li Ziqing's words, their hearts warmed with a tenderness beyond gratitude. This was no longer just friendship—it was family without blood.
Han Zhiyuan nodded, smiling faintly to hide the tremor in his voice. "Alright, we won't thank you then. But still," he added with a chuckle, "I think I'll be getting a membership card here as well. After all, even we should indulge in a little luxury once in a while, don't you think?"
Xu Shuhua nodded firmly beside him, while Li Ziqing broke into a laugh, her bright eyes softening the heavy atmosphere.
The couple excused themselves soon after, leaving Li Ziqing standing with the Shen couple and Adrian Lim. For the first time that night, the air between them carried an odd tension—respect, wariness, and curiosity mingled in equal measure.
Han Jingxian smiled warmly at Li Ziqing, gently holding her hands. "I must agree with my brother—taking a membership here is truly worthwhile. And tonight's banquet…" Her eyes softened, her voice carrying genuine awe. "It has opened my eyes to an entirely new culinary realm. It was nothing short of heavenly, Ziqing."
Li Ziqing's lips curved in a serene smile as she patted the older woman's hand. "I'm glad you feel that way, Auntie. In fact, half of the credit for tonight's success belongs to you and Mr Shen. If not for your support, I wouldn't have been able to gather so many distinguished guests on my own. Without you, this evening could never have been held on such a grand scale."
As she spoke, she extended both hands, offering a medium-sized gift bag with delicate care. "I couldn't think of anything you might lack, or anything that would truly be useful. So, I prepared something myself—a tea."
Han Jingxian raised her hands in polite refusal. "No need, Ziqing. Truly, we were the ones who gained more from this visit. You don't need to trouble yourself with gifts."
But Li Ziqing's smile deepened, carrying a quiet persistence. "Auntie, please accept it. I've put a great deal of thought into this." Her tone softened, then shifted into something mysterious, as though unveiling a secret. "This is no ordinary tea. It can only be cultivated by my master—perhaps you've never even heard of it before. It's called Phoenix Vein Brew. Once steeped, its fragrance alone is said to be like the breath of the heavens. Its warmth can revive even the frail. Just a sip can calm the restless spirit, sharpen the mind, and awaken clarity."
Her words fell like ripples into still water.
Han Jingxian froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Shen Waiyuan and Adrian Lim exchanged stunned glances, both their gazes inevitably drawn to the simple gift bag in Ziqing's hands. Skepticism flickered across their faces, though neither dared voice it at once.
At last, Shen Waiyuan cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes. "Phoenix Vein Brew?" His voice carried a trace of mockery. "I know you can craft dishes that seem to step out of legends themselves, but tea? Cultivation of tea is not the same as food. The difference is vast."
"Waiyuan!" Han Jingxian snapped sharply, glaring at him. She quickly turned back to Li Ziqing, her smile warm and apologetic. "Of course, Ziqing. Since you've put so much thought and effort into this, how could I possibly refuse? I'll accept it, gratefully."
Ziqing's smile softened. She handed over the bag, her poise unshaken by Shen Waiyuan's doubt. They exchanged a few more words, and before leaving, Han Jingxian—already deeply impressed—went so far as to share her private contact information with the young girl.
Yet throughout the entire conversation, Ziqing could feel two pairs of eyes fixed on her. One belonged to Shen Waiyuan, sharp and probing; the other, to Adrian Lim, cool and calculating. She, however, showed no sign of unease. After polite farewells, she excused herself gracefully.
The moment she left, Han Jingxian turned on the two men, her expression darkening. "What's wrong with you two? Just moments ago you were praising this hotel's potential and discussing its value. Why suddenly act so hostile toward Ziqing?"
Adrian Lim straightened, his face calm. "We weren't hostile, Madam. We were cautious."
"Cautious?" She scoffed, rolling her eyes. "With a fourteen-year-old girl?"
Shen Waiyuan's brows furrowed as he spoke, his tone grave. "Wife, you don't understand. She's no ordinary girl. There are people in this world who stand apart from the rest—some bring fortune, others bring disaster. One must always be cautious."
Han Jingxian looked at him as though he were nothing more than a noisy, barking dog, then dismissed him entirely, focusing instead on the bag in her hands. She carefully opened it—
And froze.
Inside was a porcelain jar of breathtaking beauty, so exquisite that both Adrian Lim and Shen Waiyuan drew in sharp breaths.
The jar was snow-white, its surface so smooth it reflected light like still water. Jade carvings spiraled along its body in intricate phoenix motifs, as though alive and ready to soar. Golden threads wound elegantly around its neck, shimmering under the soft glow of the banquet hall's lights. Even unopened, the vessel emanated an aura of priceless refinement; it was the sort of artifact one might expect to see locked away in a private museum. Even without tea, the jar alone could be cherished as a treasured antique.
Han Jingxian lifted it with both hands, almost reverently. "Magnificent…" she whispered, her voice trembling with awe.
Slowly, with care, she twisted the lid and opened it.
The moment the seal broke, a breath of fragrance rushed out like the sigh of a divine realm. A soft, luminous mist seemed to spill from the jar, curling into the air. The tea leaves inside faintly glowed with an otherworldly sheen—delicate emerald strands that shimmered as if imbued with starlight.
An intoxicating aroma wafted instantly around them—rich yet ethereal, sweet yet profound. It was as though the fatigue of the entire evening melted away in an instant. Muscles relaxed, hearts steadied, minds sharpened. Even Adrian Lim, who prided himself on unshakable composure, felt his breath hitch.
Han Jingxian's eyes narrowed as she leaned closer, her voice almost reverent despite herself. "This… this fragrance alone… it feels like standing at the edge of heaven."
Her hands trembled faintly as she inhaled again, her entire body relaxing under its soothing embrace. For the first time in years, a blissful calm washed over her, as though every burden had quietly dissolved.
Meanwhile Adrian Lim and Shen Waiyuan exchanged glances. None of them spoke, but in their eyes was the same realization—
This was no ordinary tea.
But Shen Waiyuan still could not bring himself to accept it. How could something so divine exist in this world? His heart was in turmoil. Without a second thought, he snatched the porcelain jar from Han Jingxian's hands and quickly sealed the lid.
Han Jingxian's expression darkened instantly. "What on earth is wrong with you? Why are you grabbing it like that? What if the jar breaks?" Her voice carried a sharp edge, half anger and half disbelief.
Shen Waiyuan, however, remained resolute. "Wife, listen to me," he said gravely, his brows furrowed with rare intensity. "I think… something is not right with this tea. Let's not drink it or even smell it yet. Just see how it's glowing, how can something like plant leaves glow? We'll take it back to Hong Kong and let Father examine it. You know better than anyone that Father is a living connoisseur of both tea and jade. If he says this tea is fine, then—and only then—we'll use it. But until then, we can't take any chances."
Han Jingxian froze. For a moment, she thought she had misheard him. Doubting a gift from a little girl? Her lips parted, ready to rebuke him, but in the end she swallowed her words. She knew her husband well enough to understand that arguing now would be pointless. If showing it to Father could put his suspicions to rest, then so be it. At least once his doubts were dispelled, he would no longer be so guarded toward Li Ziqing.
Meanwhile, Li Ziqing had already left the hotel. She sat quietly in the back seat of the car with her uncle and brother, unaware of the storm brewing in Shen Waiyuan's heart. But one thing she was certain of: she had left an indelible impression on both Shen Waiyuan and Han Jingxian.
Because the familiar cold mechanical chime echoed in her mind.
[Ding… Daily Mission Completed: Leave a Lasting Impression on Shen Waiyuan and His Wife, Han Jingxian.]
Reward: Generated.
A faint smile tugged at her lips, but she resisted the temptation to check the reward immediately. That could wait until she was alone in her room. For now, she simply leaned back against the seat, closing her eyes to rest.
Yet her peace was short-lived.
[Ding… Congratulations, Host. Main Mission Completed: Enter the Hospitality Industry – Establish the Foundation of Your Own Hotel Chain.]
[Objective Achieved: The Host has successfully accumulated her first fortune of ten million yuan through food and hospitality ventures.]
Reward: Generated.
Li Ziqing's eyes flew open. Her heart quickened. The daily mission alone had been rewarding, but this—this was the completion of her very first main mission.
She clenched her fists in her lap, excitement surging like a rising tide.