Urban Super Almighty Student

Chapter 143 - It Was Worth It

Wasn't Ye Hao just a country bumpkin?

Liang Bin's assumption wasn't entirely baseless.

If Ye Hao were wealthy, why would he arrive at the Immortals Retreat in a taxi?

Yet, judging by recent events, Ye Hao often did the unexpected.

After a couple of minutes, a middle-aged man in slippers hustled over to Ye Hao, followed closely by four black-suited bodyguards.

Zhang Jinsong was on edge.

Once informed about Ye Hao by the manager, Zhang Jinsong had learned of his identity through the lobby's surveillance footage.

Zhang Jinsong was a prominent figure in the second generation of the Zhang family.

His significant influence stemmed from his role as the general manager of the Immortals Retreat.

The Immortals Retreat, one of Glento's three top-level clubs, secured its leading position thanks to the Faang family's clout.

Yet, the formidable Faang family had transferred ownership of the Immortals Retreat to Ye Hao.

Zhang Jinsong could still recall the reluctance in the eyes of the Faang family head as he handed over the share transfer documents to Ye Hao.

What did that imply?

This was no mere gift; it was a compelled restitution.

Zhang Jinsong was unclear about Ye Hao's background, but he vividly remembered the Faang patriarch's warning: never to cross Ye Hao or to covet his resources and connections. Otherwise, not only would Ye Hao not spare him, but the Faang family wouldn't either.

Zhang Jinsong had etched these words into his memory.

To Zhang Jinsong's slight relief, Ye Hao hadn't made any personnel changes after acquiring the club.

However, Ye Hao had unexpectedly shown up at the Immortals Retreat that day.

Zhang Jinsong had already clarified the details of the situation en route.

As Zhang Jinsong approached Ye Hao, about to address him as ‘boss,' Ye Hao shot him a cautionary glance.

With years of business experience, Zhang Jinsong instantly grasped Ye Hao's intent.

“Manager Zhang, weren't you going to offer me an explanation?” Ye Hao spoke calmly.

“I've gotten to the bottom of it. The mistake was on the part of the Immortals Retreat,” Zhang Jinsong replied, his tone deferential. “I'll arrange a superior private room for you right away. To show our apologies, your entire bill for this evening will be on the house.”

Ye Hao gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

“I'll take you there,” Zhang Jinsong said, noticing the look of satisfaction on Ye Hao's face, which filled him with delight.

“Manager Zhang, you should get back to your work,” Ye Hao remarked coolly.

“I'm actually free at the moment,” Zhang Jinsong replied eagerly.

Liang Bin was astonished.

He had encountered Zhang Jinsong once before.

In his memory, Zhang Jinsong was aloof even in the presence of billionaires; it was inconceivable for him to exhibit the attitude he was showing today.

Xu Mengmeng's parents exchanged puzzled glances, at a loss for words.

Even they could grasp that Ye Hao must have a formidable background for the general manager of the Immortals Retreat to be so courteous.

Zhang Jinsong led Ye Hao and his party to room 888.

“This is the Supreme Room,” Liang Bin blurted out.

“What's the matter?” inquired Xu Mengmeng's mother, perplexed.

“Only diamond card members are entitled to book the Supreme Room,” Liang Bin explained, his gaze fixed on Ye Hao with a mix of awe and disbelief.

“Manager Zhang, it seems you've taken a wrong turn?” Ye Hao said, casting a stern glance at Zhang Jinsong.

Was Zhang Jinsong attempting to reveal his status?

Zhang Jinsong, catching Ye Hao's look, seemed to realize his mistake.

Quickly, he corrected himself, “Your room is just ahead.”

Relieved by these words, Liang Bin's expression softened.

Could Ye Hao really be a diamond card member?

Once Zhang Jinsong showed Ye Hao to a medium-sized room, he excused himself and departed.

He dared not linger any longer.

The atmosphere turned somewhat awkward.

Typically, Liang Bin would play the host, but did he still hold that privilege?

Just then, a young woman dressed in traditional attire entered, cradling a guqin.

The woman was strikingly beautiful.

She greeted everyone with a bow and then seated herself on the floor.

As she began to play, a vision of a towering mountain next to a crystal-clear stream seemed to materialize before the group.

Ye Hao felt as though he could hear the whispering mountain breeze and the babbling of the stream.

Even after the performance ended, Ye Hao remained enraptured.

“Outstanding!” he applauded.

The woman in traditional attire beamed and approached Ye Hao, saying, “Please, go ahead and order.”

Ye Hao passed the menu to Xu Mengmeng, suggesting, “Go ahead and order.”

After a brief hesitation, Xu Mengmeng selected a few items. The prices listed on the menu took her aback, especially the cherry duck at 580 yuan. But once the girl dressed in traditional attire detailed the dish, Xu Mengmeng appreciated its value. Each cherry duck was meticulously hand-reared for over two years, and the staff dedicated three months to its preparation.

“Each dish here is crafted following ancient royal recipes, including the eighteen side dishes,” the girl in traditional dress explained gently.

That's when Xu Mengmeng and her companions grasped the justification for the steep prices.

The girl's thorough explanation of the culinary process and flavors of each dish left them savoring the experience long after the hour was up.

“Now I see why people enjoy splurging at upscale venues,” remarked Xu Mengmeng's father, astounded.

“I wish I could dine here every few days,” mused Xu Mengmeng's mother, glancing at Ye Hao with a hint of longing.

Ye Hao, however, remained unresponsive, not even sparing her a glance.

“The post-meal tea here is quite exceptional as well,” Ye Hao commented as a young woman in palace attire served a pot of aromatic tea. He then rose to his feet.

“Where are you headed?” inquired Xu Mengmeng.

“To the restroom,” Ye Hao replied before exiting the private room.

But Ye Hao's destination wasn't the restroom. Instead, he made his way to the ninth floor. Exiting the elevator, he was greeted by Zhang Jinsong, who awaited him.

“Boss,” Zhang Jinsong greeted with reverence.

“I expect today's incident not to repeat itself,” Ye Hao stated, fixing his gaze on Zhang Jinsong. “Moving forward, ensure the staff at the clubhouse maintain high standards.”

“I'll dismiss him immediately,” Zhang Jinsong offered.

“No need,” Ye Hao said, shaking his head. “A warning will suffice.”

“Understood, boss,” Zhang Jinsong responded, careful not to contradict Ye Hao's wishes.

“Additionally, notify our gold and diamond card members that the club will auction off a mysterious item tomorrow evening.”

“Boss, could you share some details about this item?” Zhang Jinsong inquired.

“It's a protective talisman.”

“What?”

“A protective talisman,” Ye Hao stated calmly.

“Do those actually exist?” Zhang Jinsong asked incredulously.

Ye Hao chuckled, pulled a piece of rune paper from his pocket, and handed it to Zhang Jinsong.

Zhang Jinsong examined it, and the corner of his mouth quirked involuntarily.

It was nothing but scrawly handwriting.