One of the sharp-eyed young servants spotted Lian Muxiu and his group from a distance and quickly ran over to the manager. He cautiously leaned in and whispered, "Manager, do you see them?"

  The manager shielded his eyes with his hand, looked carefully, and indeed confirmed. "Oh, Xiao Si, I always said you had sharp eyes, but I didn’t know they were this useful. You really helped me today! I’ll double your wages this month!"

  Xiao Si’s eyes lit up at the mention of the reward, his smile getting so wide that his small eyes almost disappeared. "Oh, thank you, manager! I’ll definitely do my best!"

  The manager grinned widely, his small mustache twitching as he spoke. "Well, if you want to thank someone, thank the National Master."

  Xiao Si nodded eagerly. "Understood, manager."

  The manager turned to see the group of servants standing behind him, and his face darkened. "What are you all doing? Didn’t you hear that the National Master has arrived? Hurry up and get the private room ready, prepare the tea, and you there—yes, you—why are you standing around? Go tell the kitchen to start preparing the dishes!"

  "Yes, manager!"

  "Right away!"

  "Ouch, slow down, you bumped into me!"

  "Watch where you're going, can't you be more careful?"

  Xiao Si, still excited about his double wages, couldn’t help but notice the others staring enviously at him. He wished his eyes were as sharp as his, but his eagerness only led to chaos, bumping into people as they rushed to prepare.

  The manager, seeing the chaos, shouted again, "What is going on? Hurry up!"

  "Yes, manager!"

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  After calming down the staff, the manager smiled again, and just as he turned around, Lian Muxiu’s group arrived at the entrance of Taibai Ju. The manager quickly straightened his clothes and walked toward Lian Muxiu, greeting him respectfully. "Welcome, National Master! It is an honor to have you visit."

  Lian Muxiu smiled warmly, gesturing for the manager to rise. "There’s no need for such formalities. I’m just here to eat, no need for such a grand greeting."

  The manager, bowing, insisted, "No, no, National Master, you have worked so hard for Beiyan, and everyone knows it. As a humble restaurant owner, I owe my business’s success entirely to the efforts of National Master."

  Lian Muxiu sighed softly, "You’re too kind. Beiyan thrives thanks to His Majesty’s efforts. I only assist him in small matters, and I feel ashamed for taking credit."

  Little Nine, nestled in Lian Muxiu’s arms, perked up her ears and listened carefully, thinking to herself, What a hypocrite!

  Though the manager praised Lian Muxiu’s contributions to Beiyan, he subtly planted little traps with his flattery. If Lian Muxiu fell for these compliments, soon people would be saying that Lian Muxiu was the true hero of Beiyan, more important than the Emperor himself.

  Lian Muxiu, sharp as ever, immediately deflected the manager’s flattery, skillfully complimenting the Emperor while clarifying that he wasn’t someone who would take all the credit.

  The manager, bowing again, praised Lian Muxiu. "You are too modest, National Master. You are truly a person I deeply admire."

  "Manager, surely you don’t expect me to stand here and chat with you outside the restaurant?" Ying San, who could not stand excessive flattery, interrupted.

  "Ying San, stop speaking out of turn." Lian Muxiu scolded, but then turned to the manager, apologizing, "I’m sorry, my guard was rude."

  The manager hurriedly waved his hands, "No, no, it’s my mistake! I should have been more careful with my words!"

  "Oh, by the way, I never asked for your name."

  "My surname is Bai."

  "Ah, so you’re Manager Bai..." Lian Muxiu said, drawing out the last word in a way that made the manager feel a sudden chill, like something ominous was about to happen.

  Manager Bai quickly replied, "Yes, yes, National Master, please come inside. The private room is ready, the tea has been prepared, and the kitchen has already started cooking. We will not delay you."

  "Lead the way." Ying Yi’s voice was direct and to the point.

  "Yes, please come this way."

  As Lian Muxiu and his group walked into Taibai Ju, Manager Bai walked alongside them, smiling widely. But inwardly, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about the conversation earlier had unsettled him. Perhaps he had misinterpreted the tone of Lian Muxiu’s last remark?

  Shaking off the feeling, Manager Bai led them upstairs to the second floor.