Zhuang Family Private Kitchen.
Several people arrived at the restaurant entrance. The restaurant was already full.
This private kitchen was very famous in the provincial capital. The owner, surnamed Zhuang, was said to be a descendant of imperial chefs, who specialized in preparing the finest Manchu-Han imperial feasts for the emperor.
The descendants of the Zhuang family had inherited their ancestor's true skills and had once been invited to prepare state banquets.
The most renowned dish of the Zhuang family was the "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix," served at state banquets.
This dish was made only once a month, yet countless people flocked to try it.
The restaurant was not very large, with seating for only seventy to eighty tables in total.
Without prior reservation, it was impossible to get a table, owing to the restaurant's immense popularity.
"Young Master Shen, your private room is ready, and the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix is almost done."
The restaurant manager greeted Shen Nan with a smile as he appeared.
"Good, tell the kitchen to hurry up with the dishes. Bring out one of each of your specialty dishes."
Shen Nan instructed. As the eldest young master of the Shen family, Shen Nan held considerable prestige in the provincial capital.
The group entered a large private room on the second floor, which was decorated with a stylish flair.
In front of the massive floor-to-ceiling window, a row of green plants was arranged, giving one the feeling of spring upon entering.
Of course, the scent of spring was not limited to these plants.
Several dishes were already served on the dining table.
There was river fish from the Northeast, and also scrambled eggs with chives and tofu.
These dishes also exuded the aroma of spring.
It had to be said that Zhuang Family Private Kitchen was truly meticulous. Each dish was prepared simply, using fresh ingredients with minimal seasoning.
As the saying goes, fresh ingredients need little seasoning; their original flavor is the true essence.
This philosophy alone greatly pleased Lin Feng.
"Nannan, I've wanted to eat at this restaurant for a long time, but I could never get a reservation."
Chen Xuerou's appetite was whetted. She had heard of the fame of Zhuang Family Private Kitchen long ago, and now seeing it, she knew it was far superior to those small eateries.
"Cousin Xuerou, if you wanted to eat here, you should have told me!"
"I'm good friends with the owner of this restaurant; it's just a matter of saying hello!"
Shen Nan smiled.
Chen Xuerou did not reply. Shen Nan rarely contacted their family.
Her mother was from a branch family of the Shen family, and they were not even in the same league as Shen Nan's immediate family.
If it weren't for Shen Nan's interest in Lin Feng, she would have had no opportunity to dine at the same table as Shen Nan.
Just as Lin Feng had said, society was too realistic these days.
Even relatives were ignored if they weren't successful.
She had personally experienced this.
Just as they were all seated, a woman wearing a mask walked in with a beautifully presented dish.
It was the grand finale of Zhuang Family Private Kitchen, the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix.
The dish was made with premium young chicken, cooked through numerous processes, boasting a rich aroma, flavor, and appearance.
What was most stunning was the chef's exquisite carving skills, using radishes to sculpt a magnificent phoenix.
The phoenix was placed in the center of the dish, surrounded by various birds carved from radishes.
This perfectly showcased the dish's majestic presence.
"Seventh Brother, I'm truly fortunate today to get to eat the Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix. This is a grand dish from state banquets!"
Han Fei'er's mouth watered. It was also her first time seeing the legendary Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix.
As she spoke, she moved closer to Lin Feng.
But the next moment, the masked woman carrying the dish moved a chair to block the space between Lin Feng and Han Fei'er.
Then, she unceremoniously sat down next to Lin Feng.
"Hey, you, the person serving the food, why are you sitting down? What are you doing?"
Han Fei'er glared unhappily at the masked woman. She had never seen such an audacious waitress.
Chen Xuerou and Zhao Nan were also surprised and did not understand the waitress's actions.
Only Shen Nan wore a slight smile.
"Little Shen, you came here without a word, even wearing a mask to pretend to be a waitress. Do you really think I wouldn't recognize you?"
Lin Feng smiled. He had recognized the waitress as Shen Xinyue the moment she entered.
After all, Shen Xinyue's figure was too distinctive.
A model-like perfect proportion, yet with a flat chest.
Who else could it be but Shen Xinyue?
"Oh my, you're so boring. I'm dressed like this, and you can still recognize me. I wanted to surprise you, but I can't!"
With her plan foiled, Shen Xinyue removed her mask, revealing her exquisitely beautiful and captivating face.
She then threw her arm around Lin Feng and said with a laugh, "Aren't you happy I'm here? My brother told me you were in the provincial capital, so I had my dad send a private jet to pick me up immediately."
Afterward, Shen Xinyue secretly whispered into Lin Feng's ear, "If you're not happy, then I'll tell Liu Mengyao and the others about you flirting with several girls in the provincial capital. You decide what to do!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Feng immediately pulled Shen Xinyue into his embrace. "Happy, of course, I'm happy you're here. You're my fiancée, and I love you more than anything!"
Lin Feng and Shen Xinyue's intimate embrace immediately stirred deep feelings in Han Fei'er, Chen Xuerou, and Zhao Nan.
Han Fei'er, looking at Shen Xinyue, whose beauty was in no way inferior to hers, felt deeply discouraged.
Chen Xuerou felt a pang of jealousy, her heart feeling constricted and uncomfortable.
Zhao Nan felt the same. She usually didn't pay much attention to Lin Feng, but seeing him embrace Shen Xinyue, a strange discomfort arose within her.
Fortunately, Chen Kai arrived at this moment.
"Nannan, I'm sorry I'm late and kept you waiting."
Chen Kai was dressed in a wine-red tuxedo, exuding a distinguished demeanor.
"Are you Chen Kai?"
Han Fei'er's eyes lit up when she saw Chen Kai.
She had long heard of Chen Kai's legendary status in the piano world.
She had also learned piano in her childhood, and her piano skills were what made her stand out when applying to the art academy.
However, after embarking on an acting career, Han Fei'er had to abandon her beloved piano to focus on honing her acting skills.
Nevertheless, she still paid close attention to developments in the piano world, especially the emergence of the young virtuoso Chen Kai, who instantly turned her into a fan.
Seeing Chen Kai in person now, Han Fei'er eagerly got up to greet him.
Her gaze towards Chen Kai was sparkling, as if she were looking at her idol.
"You're Han Fei'er. I just watched your movie and didn't expect to see you in person."
Chen Kai was also excited. He had watched Han Fei'er's movie and felt sorry for the female protagonist, even shedding tears in the cinema.
So, meeting Han Fei'er in person, he felt a sense of excitement and pity, as if he were seeing the protagonist from the movie.
Thus, the two of them began chatting privately, as if they were old friends who had known each other for years, paying no mind to Lin Feng and the others.
When their conversation reached its peak, Chen Kai even instructed a waiter to bring in a grand piano specifically.
Han Fei'er and Chen Kai sat at the piano and performed a duet of "Castle in the Sky."
Sitting together, they looked like a couple.
Han Fei'er's appearance was naturally impeccable, possessing both beauty and elegance.
Now, seated beside the distinguished Chen Kai, Han Fei'er's fingers, as nimble as butterflies, moved gracefully across the keys.
Chen Kai complemented Han Fei'er, delivering a brilliant rendition of "Castle in the Sky."
"It sounds so beautiful."
Shen Xinyue was captivated by the music.
Zhao Nan and Chen Xuerou were also amazed by Han Fei'er's piano skills.
They hadn't expected Han Fei'er to be such a talented pianist in addition to her acting.
Despite her questionable character, her abilities were outstanding.
"Fei'er, your piano skills are amazing. You're the most emotional player I've ever heard."
After the performance, Chen Kai praised her, giving her a thumbs-up.
"I play well because I have a master like you to guide me. If I were playing alone, I wouldn't be able to perform this well."
Han Fei'er smiled modestly, displaying a shy side in front of Chen Kai.
Lin Feng was not surprised by this scene, as he had already foreseen it.
Moreover, what was about to happen next was the most exciting part.
Zhao Nan, Zhao Nan, don't overthink things; there's no hope for you and Chen Kai.
Lin Feng looked at Zhao Nan, feeling a bit of pity for the blow she was about to face.