"Director Xu, if you know anything else, please share with us."

Xu Yuan laughed and said, "Actually, I'm just cramming last minute. I quickly looked up some information before coming here. Much of it is from what Chu Bingqing said. How about this, let Guoguo speak. Guoguo is quite familiar with Boss Ling."

Everyone turned to Guoguo, who said, "Alright, let me tell you then. All the vegetables at the Xi Shan Restaurant come from Xishan Manor, which is in a small village by Binyang Xianling Mountain."

"The plants in Xishan Manor are all personally cultivated by Mr. Ling. Perhaps because of the spiritual nature of the mountains and water, they taste exceptionally delicious. Whether it's this vegetable salad or these shredded potatoes, they're extremely tasty."

"You should give them a try, it'll surely overturn your previous perception of vegetables. I bet eating food from other restaurants will be tasteless afterwards."

"That's a bit exaggerated, but everyone should try it. Even though we've all been used to delicacies from the mountains and the sea, we really haven't had anything from Xishan Manor."

A few people were quite moved by Guoguo's words, and they immediately picked up their chopsticks and started eating.

"Delicious, it's really delicious."

"I'm convinced. Just this vegetable salad alone is amazing. From now on, I'll support Xishan Manor's vegetable salad for my diet."

"Old Xu, I've lived for almost sixty years, and today I finally feel like I've eaten something truly special. Thanks to you for bringing me here; otherwise, I'd regret it to death." Si Ma Gang was somewhat tearful.

Xu Yuan chuckled and said, "Look at you. If you want to eat more in the future, I'll bring you again."

Si Ma Gang said, "It's a pity I live in the Capital City and don't often come to Modu. It's too far. What if I can't sleep at night and crave the dishes here?"

Guoguo laughed and said, "Don't worry, Mr. Sima. From what I know, the Xi Shan Restaurant in the Capital City is expected to open by the end of the year at the latest. Just hang in there for a few more days."

"Really? That's great. Guoguo, you've literally saved me with just one sentence. If I could have a New Year's feast from Xi Shan Restaurant, that would be perfect."

"Yes, yes, don't just eat, share your thoughts!" Xu Yuan said to them.

"It's so delicious that I bet my wounds would heal faster eating Xi Shan Restaurant's dishes," said Han Ge as he ate, inadvertently hitting the mark.

Si Ma Gang said, "No way. The money I gave earlier was too little. The amount on the bill is quite small. I bet Ling Zhenfei isn't making much from this huge table of food."

Xu Yuan shook his head and said, "You wouldn't know this, but Han Ge gave a lot. We don't need to worry; we're just minor contributors."

Han Ge was once saved by Ling Zhenfei and practically owes him his life, but never had the chance to repay him.

Now that Ling Zhenfei has opened his restaurant and Han Ge came, surely, he wouldn't give a small amount, though no one knows exactly how much.

While they chatted, Ling Zhenfei had already moved to another room to toast. Just stepping out of the room, Xiao Yaqing followed him out.

"Mr. Ling really can hold his liquor."

Hearing Xiao Yaqing's words, Ling Zhenfei paused, knowing she must have something to say.

"Miss Xiao, is there something you want to talk about? Why not eat some more inside?"

Xiao Yaqing said, "Do you think I could eat any more?"

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback, "What, do you not like the food?"

Xiao Yaqing shook her head, "The dishes are precisely to my liking. I used to be very confident about my own restaurant, but just after having your restaurant's food today, I've discovered just how wrong I was."

"If I hadn't come today, I probably wouldn't even know how I lost. When I visited Binyang, I did taste Xishan Manor's vegetables, but I hadn't eaten at Xi Shan Restaurant. Now, I'm thoroughly convinced."

"Your restaurant has no rivals, and other restaurants might just close down—my restaurant is also in jeopardy."

Though Xiao Yaqing had a point, she intentionally exaggerated the facts.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Binyang Xishan Restaurant has been open for a while, yet no one's business has shut down. You're overthinking it, worrying for nothing."

"No, it's different. Lower-budget restaurants are indeed unaffected, but my restaurant is also high-end. If the price difference isn't significant, the impact on me is too great, and we're so close. I might have to close down."

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback, for Xiao Yaqing had a point; they are gathered closely together, and the Xi Shan Imperial Palace Restaurant is the most upscale nearby. Its prices are somewhat lower than Xi Shan Restaurant's price. Once Ling Zhenfei's restaurant opens, the Imperial Palace Restaurant would indeed be most affected.

"Then what do you want to do?" Ling Zhenfei asked, curious about Xiao Yaqing's intentions.

Xiao Yaqing said, "Although I had made some preparations earlier, these preparations now seem laughable. Now all that's left is worry. Someone told me this might happen, but I didn't believe it then. Now I do."

It was clear from Xiao Yaqing's expression that she was genuinely worried. Her originally beautiful face was now full of anxiety, which was heart-rending to see.

Ling Zhenfei said, "I think you have two options to deal with us at Xishan Manor. One is to actively lower prices to keep loyal customers, and at the same time, attract those who couldn't afford your place before."

"And the second option?" Xiao Yaqing asked.

Ling Zhenfei thought for a moment and said, "Do you remember the meal we had with Lin Yuluo? What did we discuss during that meal?"

Xiao Yaqing said, "I recall the topics were similar to today, but I didn't expect Xi Shan Restaurant's food to be like this, so I wasn't listening very attentively."

Ling Zhenfei said, "My idea is to supply your Imperial Palace Club with some of Xishan Manor's vegetables. That way, people who want to taste Xi Shan Restaurant can still enjoy its vegetables at your place."

Xiao Yaqing thought for a moment and said, "It sounded like a good idea before, but now it feels like I'd be advertising for you guys."

Ling Zhenfei thought it over and said, "It does seem a bit like that, but what else can you do?"

Xiao Yaqing said, "Looks like I'll have to lower prices."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Think it over yourself first, and we'll discuss this matter in the future."

Since today was the opening, Ling Zhenfei couldn't keep discussing these matters with Xiao Yaqing, as they didn't concern him directly.

The fact that Xiao Yaqing's restaurant would be affected was certain. If there are two high-end restaurants in one area, it's inevitable the other would be affected compared to Ling Zhenfei's Xi Shan Restaurant.

"Alright, let me think it over myself." Xiao Yaqing's eyes were filled with dejection. Ling Zhenfei knew the frustration in her heart. She was a very famous businesswoman in Modu, always calm and steady.

But now, this renowned businesswoman faced a massive challenge, which might just be the beginning of her downfall.

Ling Zhenfei went to other rooms to toast, where Xu Tao and his wife were on a beautifully scenic rooftop, all surrounded by glass curtain walls, with sunlight streaming down on them.

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