My Life Reset Simulator - Chapter 26

Chapter 26 The Pick-up Person With a Hidden Blade in His Smile

The two’s argument attracted more onlookers. The words on the banner were noticed by more people. Xu Yuan hid in the crowd of onlookers and observed the two people who came to pick him up.

The man who insisted on making a high-profile advertisement was wearing a suit and looked to be in his thirties or forties. His sunken cheeks were beautifully sculpted, and his pointy chin that could be used as an awl had a few small mustaches attached to it. If he had two horns on his head, he might have been snatched away by a wolf.

His name was Wei Heji, and he was a collateral relative of the Xu family. As for how collateral, in the memories left behind in the parallel world, Xu Yuan was not clear about this relationship. In any case, it was like even if a person had attained Dao or even if a chicken or dog ascended to Heaven, they would not be able to reach the level of Wei Heji’s collateral relationship.

However, because he was very ambitious, Wei Heji had relied on his job to become a waiter at Royal Court Banquet before Xu Yuan had gone abroad to study. Due to his glib tongue, he had managed to make the difficult guests become docile and obedient. This hence attracted Grandpa Xu’s attention.

Only after Wei Heji had made some achievements in the restaurant did he reveal his identity as a relative.

Grandpa Xu saw that he was not opportunistic, was capable and had many ideas. Gradually, he began to value him and now he was promoted to the role of Assistant Manager.

The one who was arguing with him was Grandpa Xu’s eldest disciple, Zhan Long. He had followed Grandpa Xu back when Royal Court Banquet was still a street stall and was now Head Chef of the restaurant.

During the crucial period when Grandpa Xu had passed away and Xu Yuan was out of the country, Zhan Long acted as the temporary manager. He worked hard for the restaurant, and his hair was already completely white at the age of 50. He was someone whom Xu Yuan could trust.

After observing for a moment, he saw that the two of them were arguing non-stop. The quarrel quickly turned into a physical conflict.

Royal Court Banquet was welcoming its successor back to the country. However, instead of advertising this, its staff started fighting at the airport. If word got out, they would be a laughingstock.

Xu Yuan quickly pushed aside the crowd and walked out, pretending to have just seen it. “Uncle Zhan, Uncle Wei, what are you doing?”

Zhan Long and Wei Heji were stunned when they saw him.

In their impression, the young master’s image was still that of a young and inexperienced youth. The person standing in front of them now, although his appearance was not outstanding, had a mature and steady temperament like a great bell. His eyes were smiling, but it was as if they were a sharp sword that had already seen through the two of them.

Zhan Long’s old face revealed a gratified smile. He threw away the eye-catching banner and walked quickly to Xu Yuan, grabbing his hands and sizing him up.

As he looked, he could not help but nod. “Young Master, I almost didn’t recognize

you!”

“After all, we haven’t seen each other for four years. Uncle Zhan, it’s been hard on you during this period of time.” Xu Yuan smiled.

“No, it’s not hard at all. I have hope now that you’re back. It’s really…” Zhan Long’s eyes welled up, and he couldn’t continue.

For the past four years, he had been supporting the restaurant all by himself, but in the end, he was unable to split himself up. He wanted to take care of both ends, but in the end, he didn’t manage to do either side well. Royal Court Banquet was in an uncontrollable decline.

Zhan Long was anxious with this in mind. Now that he saw Xu Yuan, his heart was filled with guilt and joy. In an instant, all sorts of feelings interweaved, and he couldn’t say a word.

Wei Heji took the opportunity to throw down the banner and squeezed between the two of them. He clapped his hands and smiled obsequiously. “Young Master, you still remember me. I’m so happy. Now that you’re finally back, the restaurant can be saved!”

Unlike Zhan Long, who was so excited that he could not speak, Wei Heji’s facial features squeezed together like a failed bun. Although he tried his best to hide his emotions, Xu Yuan could still see a trace of unpleasantness in his eyes.

“Ha, this is interesting,” He thought to himself.

He had just gotten off the plane, and the two teams entrenched in the hotel were already competing in the open and in the dark.

He raised his head to look at the so-called welcoming banner, and then at Wei Heji who was trying his best to smile.

“Uncle Wei, isn’t this banner a little too much?” Xu Yuan nonchalantly teased him.

Wei Heji licked his lips, smiled and said, “I was too excited when I heard that you were coming back. I really didn’t know how to arrange the welcoming ceremony, so I wanted to help you build up your momentum first. Please don’t take offense! You don’t know that the situation in the restaurant these two days isn’t very good. We really need a highlight to attract attention…”

At this point, he glanced at Zhan Long and revealed a forced smile with a hint of fear.

He continued, “Please don’t blame me. For so many years, we have tried all kinds of methods, but we haven’t been able to turn the tide. I have no other choice. Young Master, if you are unhappy, feel free to punish me. I will accept it!”

The corners of Xu Yuan’s mouth curved into a smile, but there was not a trace of emotion in his eyes.

Wei Heji’s eloquence was indeed impressive. He had lowered his posture and set his goal high. After this speech, one would think that some feudal evil was reprimanding his servant!

“Haha, Uncle Wei, I know your painstaking efforts. Don’t stand here. Let’s go back to the shop first,” Xu Yuan said lightly.

“The car has long been prepared! This way, please!” Wei Heji threw the banner aside and led Xu Yuan to the garage.

Wei Heji naturally became the driver, letting Xu Yuan and Zhan Long sit in the back row.

Xu Yuan didn’t understand why Wei did this at first. If he wanted to build a good relationship with him, the best time would be beside him in the car, but he actually gave the seat to Zhan Long?

His question was explained ten minutes later.

Because Zhan Long was really too excited, he couldn’t even speak clearly. It wasn’t easy for him to compose his emotions, and he kept sidetracking, reminiscing the glories of when Grandpa Xu was still alive.

It was easy for people to miss the past when they were old. Plus, Zhan Long was a chef and he didn’t need to talk back in the kitchen, so he definitely didn’t have Wei Heji’s level of performance.

Wei knew this, so he boldly gave the position to Zhan Long. He then lowered his head and acted like he was doing his best, hiding himself well.

In a short 30-minute drive, Xu Yuan had a rough understanding of the two.

The car stopped in front of a restaurant in the downtown area, the golden sign of ‘Royal Court Banquet’ had long faded. There were gray traces of rain marks on it, and the paint on the wall was peeling off, like a huge patch.

The restaurant was in the most crowded neighborhood, but it was so quiet in front of the door that it couldn’t even compare to the snack stand next to it.

“Young Master, we’re home,” Zhan Long lamented.

There was a big lock that was as long as an arm hanging on the door. The shiny lock was even newer than the doorknob. Zhan Long took out a key to open the door and walked in with Xu Yuan.

The situation inside the restaurant was even worse than the situation outside. Not to mention the customers, there wasn’t even a waiter in sight.

Speaking of which, as long as there was a person in the restaurant, it wouldn’t be necessary to lock the door in broad daylight.

“How can there be no customers?” Xu Yuan asked.

Zhan Long had inherited this from Grandpa Xu. Even if he were to open a small restaurant, it wouldn’t be empty. How could he manage a restaurant like this!?

Xu Yuan happened to hit on Zhan Long’s sore spot, making him feel ashamed. “I’m sorry, Young Master. I’m useless. I almost closed down the restaurant!”