Chapter 22: Tianhai Restaurant
If you were to ask anyone in Changling County where the most glamorous and lively place was, they would undoubtedly answer, “Tianhai Restaurant.”
The restaurant occupied the best location in the county, offering a panoramic view of the bustling canal and the lively main road. It was a popular spot for wealthy merchants and officials, known for its exquisite cuisine and luxurious ambiance. It was a landmark of Changling County.
And now, Lin Tianlu understood why.
—Inside the VIP private room.
He looked at the array of delicacies being served, his lips twitching slightly.
“This place is even more extravagant than I imagined.”
He had thought it was just a clean and upscale restaurant, but he hadn’t expected such opulence.
Jade carvings and intricate decorations adorned the room, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Each dish was served on porcelain plates with delicate gold trim, suggesting that even the tableware was valuable.
This level of luxury rivaled that of high-end restaurants in his previous life.
“This meal must have cost a fortune, Miss Hua…”
“As long as you like it, Senior.” Hua Shuya smiled faintly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her movements graceful and elegant.
She was clearly dressed for the occasion, her delicate features enhanced by makeup, her hair styled in a sophisticated bun adorned with jade and pearls. Her earrings and hair ornaments jingled softly, sparkling with light.
Her high-waisted ruqun accentuated her curves, a light shawl draped over her figure, revealing glimpses of her smooth, jade-like skin. She looked like a meticulously crafted work of art, drawing admiring glances.
Perhaps feeling a bit self-conscious in the intimate atmosphere of the private room, she pursed her lips, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Lin Tianlu took a sip of wine and chuckled. “Ever since I arrived in Changling County, I’ve been under your care, Miss Hua. If I continue to enjoy your hospitality without contributing anything, I’ll start to feel ashamed.”
“Senior, there’s no need to…”
“I think I need to find a job in this town, at least to earn some money for living expenses.”
“Senior.”
But Hua Shuya suddenly interrupted him, her face serious. “Would you… consider being my official swordsmanship instructor?”
Lin Tianlu almost spat out his wine, his face filled with astonishment.
“Me, a swordsmanship instructor?”
“If you don’t like that, Senior, it doesn’t have to be swordsmanship. You could be a tutor, a gardening teacher, even an embroidery instructor!” Hua Shuya sat up straight, her voice earnest. “As long as you stay here, Senior, and allow me to learn from you, I’ll cover all the expenses!”
Lin Tianlu stared at her for a moment, speechless.
Looking into her bright eyes, he felt a warmth spreading through his heart.
This girl…
Was truly kind.
He chuckled. “If you don’t mind, I can be a tutor. But I’ll have to decline the swordsmanship and gardening lessons. I’m afraid I’d only embarrass myself in front of you, Miss Hua. I might be able to offer some guidance on the Confucian classics… But as for embroidery, I’m completely clueless. Please don’t tease me.”
“I-I apologize. I was just a bit excited and spoke without thinking.”
Hua Shuya blushed, covering her lips shyly. She looked adorable.
Her heart was filled with sweetness. Senior was so kind and gentle, even agreeing to her ridiculous requests.
She was determined to make sure he was well-fed and comfortable.
“There’s no need to be so formal. Let’s enjoy the food while it’s still hot.” Lin Tianlu smiled and picked up a piece of sweet and sour pork.
“This restaurant’s food is truly delicious!”
“Please have some more, Senior.”
Hua Shuya smiled faintly, taking a small bite gracefully.
But as she chewed, she sensed his gaze upon her and blushed slightly. “S-Senior, is there something strange about me?”
“Nothing.” Lin Tianlu chuckled awkwardly. “It’s just… you seem to have gained some weight, Miss Hua.”
Hua Shuya instinctively covered her chest, but she didn’t seem to mind. “I was just binding my chest before. You know I’ve been practicing swordsmanship for many years, Senior. It’s a habit I developed from a young age. It’s inconvenient to move without binding my chest.”
Lin Tianlu nodded in understanding.
He couldn’t help but find it amusing.
It was rare to see a beautiful and skilled martial artist who dressed so alluringly.
Thinking about it, those female characters in anime and novels, wielding swords and spears, flying through the air, performing acrobatic feats… It would be impossible for loose clothing to contain their figures. They would probably be in pain, clutching their chests and unable to fight.
It wasn’t as if their breasts were made of steel.
Faint laughter and the clinking of glasses echoed from downstairs.
“This place is quite lively.” Lin Tianlu leaned against the railing.
The restaurant’s spiral design allowed him to see the other guests on the lower floors. But thin silk screens separated the private rooms, providing privacy and preventing disturbances.
Hua Shuya frowned slightly and said in a low voice, “Senior, would you like me to ask the restaurant to move us to a quieter room?”
“There’s no need. It’s interesting to experience the hustle and bustle of life.”
“As expected of the renowned Master Lin! Truly cultured and refined!”
A hearty laugh made Lin Tianlu turn around. A middle-aged man in a silk robe entered the room with a smile and bowed. “Mr. Lin, I’m the owner of this Tianhai Restaurant, Meng Dai.”
“Why have you come, Shopkeeper Meng?”
Lin Tianlu stood up and bowed in return.
Meng Dai chuckled. “I heard from my staff that you were here, Mr. Lin. As the owner, I naturally had to come and greet you. But I didn’t expect… to see you accompanied by such a beautiful lady. My apologies for being so crass.”
He quickly bowed again, noticing the young girl sitting across from Lin Tianlu.
“It’s alright, Shopkeeper.” Hua Shuya put down her chopsticks and said calmly.
“Thank you for your understanding, Miss.”
Meng Dai didn’t dare to look at her directly and quickly turned his attention back to Lin Tianlu.
“Mr. Lin, if you need anything, just tell my staff. We’ll do our best to fulfill your every request.”
“Shopkeeper Meng, I have a small request.”
Meng Dai looked curious. “Please speak, Mr. Lin.”
“I heard that a certain Mr. Cheng is having dinner with friends here. I wonder if you could introduce us?” Lin Tianlu smiled faintly. “I have something to discuss with him.”
“Mr. Cheng?” Meng Dai was stunned for a moment, then chuckled. “What a coincidence. I didn’t expect you to have the same idea, Mr. Lin.”
“The same idea?”
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
As soon as he finished speaking, the beaded curtain at the entrance was lifted, and a graceful figure entered the room.
The woman was dressed in a light, elegant azure dress, her skin as fair as jade, her figure slender and alluring. Her eyes sparkled with a gentle light, and her features were delicate and refined.
Meng Dai smiled and introduced her. “Mr. Lin, this is Miss Cheng Yishi, the daughter of the Cheng family. She’s here to see you.”
Cheng Yishi, the graceful young lady, pursed her lips and bowed slightly. “I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Lin. Meeting you now, you’re truly as extraordinary as the rumors say.”
She looked up at Lin Tianlu, who was about to bow in return, her eyes sparkling with a subtle smile.
Crack!
A faint snapping sound. Hua Shuya quickly hid the broken chopstick in her hand. Seeing that no one had noticed, she breathed a sigh of relief.