Chapter Forty-Nine: Making an Approach

"You're really giving it to me? Are you sure there's nothing wrong with this car?" Tang Chao widened his eyes. "I'm your brother, eldest like a father. Would a tiger ever eat its own cub?"

"You only say things like that to fool Dad."

"Look at my eyes—how sincere am I? Brother, we can't live in our own world forever. You need to step out, embrace the world, love it, or how will the world ever love you?"

Tang Zhi Chu took the keys from Tang Chao's hand. "Enough, I'll take good care of this car. After all this mess is over, you can just sell it to me."

Tang Chao laughed, patting Tang Zhi Chu on the shoulder. "That's more like it! I'm your brother, eldest like a father, no need for such formality. But if you really like driving it, selling it to you isn't out of the question. It's just that this car has been with me for three or four years now—I've grown attached. I absolutely adore it, you see, it's almost brand new..."

"Can you stop using your sales pitch on me?"

Tang Chao threw an arm around Tang Zhi Chu’s shoulder, grinning. "Force of habit. I wouldn’t try to trick you. I know things aren't easy for you—otherwise, would I let you drive my car? And you, don’t keep everything bottled up. If something’s up, just call me. Although I’m not the best at advice, maybe I could introduce you to a sister-in-law? They’re more attentive."

"Sister-in-law?"

Tang Chao chuckled sheepishly. "Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue. Your brother is actually very faithful. It's just, in the world, sometimes you can't help but get swept up. Rolling in the dust of mortal life—mingling with a few flowers is reasonable, right?"

As he spoke, Tang Chao suddenly shoved Tang Zhi Chu aside and straightened his clothes.

He pointed in a direction. "Look, a Mercedes G-Class. I only caught a glimpse, but I’m certain the driver is a beautiful woman. Look at that parking—she’s clearly familiar with the car. Anyone familiar with a G-Class is, without a doubt, a real wealthy lady."

"What if she isn’t beautiful? Let’s not be picky—a wealthy lady is enough. Why would she park here? Within a hundred-mile radius, only your restaurant has a bit of style."

"At this hour, eighty percent sure she's here to eat. Now, if you want to strike up a conversation, what's the best approach? Today, your brother will give you a live demonstration. Watch carefully, learn well, put your heart into it."

After finishing, Tang Chao tidied his clothes and jogged over.

The G-Class had just parked. Tang Chao stood at the car door, looking every bit the gentleman as he helped open it.

"Welcome!"

He didn't immediately look at the driver, but opened the door naturally and then glanced over.

That glance, instinctively, left him stunned.

Good heavens! How delightful!

The woman wore a classic office ensemble. Sleek trousers hugged her shapely legs, and her white blouse was clearly no cheap item. But that wasn’t the most striking thing—the real highlight was her figure. Her flat stomach rose to a full, yet not exaggerated, curve.

When he looked at her face, Tang Chao felt it could only be compared to a boss’s wife he’d glimpsed years ago while working in sales—a fleeting beauty.

She exuded a mature intelligence blended with a gentle grace, like a fresh, full flower blooming at its most beautiful moment.

She thanked him, stepped out of the car, and asked softly, "Does your restaurant have greeters?"

Tang Chao’s heart leapt—she really was here to eat!

But then, he wasn’t entirely sure. What if she wasn’t here to dine?

That would be even better. He’d lead her with utmost sincerity wherever she wanted to go.

He smiled, "Not exactly greeters. We have professional training; even our chefs, if they see a guest, can serve as greeters."

The woman looked genuinely surprised. "Impressive. Your owner seems quite capable."

Tang Chao gestured invitingly. "Our owner puts a lot of emphasis on training and treats us very well. So you can dine at our restaurant with complete peace of mind."

He didn’t mention himself or his identity—like fishing, you need plenty of bait. Fish are never caught; they bite on their own.

To make a lasting impression, Tang Chao knew he had to highlight the place or purpose first. Let her relax her guard and affirm her taste and decision.

Let her in, then leave with panache. Later, deliver a signature dish to emphasize the restaurant.

As for his own identity, she’d naturally ask the staff and learn he was the owner’s brother. Wouldn’t she be even more curious?

If he wasn’t the owner or a staff member, why was he so dedicated to serving her?

Wouldn’t that build his image?

If conversation followed, he could mention his cousin’s family’s hardships—not exaggerating, just stating facts. It’s not easy, and as an elder brother, he naturally helps.

Strategy, right there!

Good character and kindness—where can you find such a man?

As Tang Chao perfected his plan, he realized the woman hadn’t moved forward.

He paused, but kept his expression unchanged. So she wasn’t here to eat? Now was no time to falter; let her speak first, then respond.

The woman suddenly raised her voice, "Pretending not to know me, are you?"

Her gentle tone, now louder, carried a playful, coquettish note. Tang Chao felt his heart race—what luck today.

"Pretend..." Tang Chao instinctively tried to respond, then paused, replaying her words.

When he came to, he saw the woman's profile. Following her gaze, he spotted his cousin standing nearby.

His cousin walked over calmly and said, "What are you doing?"

Clearly a questioning tone, yet the woman wasn’t annoyed, but smiled. "Just here for a meal. What's wrong, not doing business?"

Tang Chao rubbed his forehead, feeling a little dazed.

This world...what has happened to it?

The visitor was Jiang Lan. She'd arranged to meet in the afternoon, but thinking Tang Zhi Chu didn’t have a car, she decided to pick him up.

Jiang Lan was curious about Tang Zhi Chu, so she thought she’d have lunch at his place and send him a photo—he’d surely be surprised.

Unexpectedly, she encountered a strange man outside, who turned out to be a staff member, apparently well-trained.

Jiang Lan thought, Tang Zhi Chu must really have something—though it's just a small restaurant, he trained his staff so professionally.

Why did Tang Zhi Chu question her?

To Jiang Lan, it made sense. Everyone in the villa had impressive backgrounds—except Tang Zhi Chu, who only owned a modest eatery.

In the villa, it was fine; everyone interacted on equal footing.

But at this little restaurant, things were different—it disrupted a certain balance.

Jiang Lan felt she might have been a bit impetuous, but now that she was here, what could she do?

She kept smiling outwardly, though she secretly muttered, "Small man!"

Tang Zhi Chu’s questioning tone toward Jiang Lan was because today was special—his family was present.

But since she had come, he couldn’t just send her away, could he?