After returning home, her mother began searching online for methods to prepare those raw seafood dishes.
Chen Nan also returned to his top-floor bedroom and called Jiang Jiancheng. "Old Jiang, I heard that the Luo Group has already selected six locations in Jizhou to open their businesses?"
"I just found out about this myself, and was about to report it to Mr. Chen," Jiang Jiancheng replied. "I've already had people survey the rental properties at those six locations and am currently negotiating the contracts."
"Alright, handle the hotel matters for me. I'll transfer the funds to you when the time comes!" Chen Nan still had over twenty million yuan, which was more than enough for the startup capital.
*Knock, knock, knock!*
A knock on the door echoed.
Chen Nan ended the call and looked towards the door. "Come in!"
The door opened, and Chen Hanlu appeared before him, a faint smile on her face. "Brother, do you want to see the underwear I bought yesterday?"
Chen Nan shivered.
In broad daylight, wasn't this pure mischief?
"Uh, I'll go help Mom prepare lunch," Chen Nan said, finding an excuse to slip away.
Chen Hanlu scoffed, "Useless!"
In the evening.
The invited Jian Ning family came to the Chen residence for dinner.
Of course.
They did not come empty-handed.
Old Master Jian brought two bottles of good wine, and Jian Ning prepared a set of high-quality skincare products for each of the Chen sisters, Chen Xiazhi and Chen Hanlu.
Although...
Although the sisters remained indifferent, they did develop a tiny bit of goodwill towards Jian Ning.
The atmosphere at the Chen family's home was very pleasant.
However, Luo Guangyao, residing in Villa 92, was in a foul mood.
He glared at his secretary, Bai He. "What did you say? Shan Nan Catering appeared at all six of our intended restaurant locations? Have you found out the background of this Shan Nan Catering?"
Luo's Catering was not only famous throughout the province but also ranked among the top ten chain catering businesses nationwide.
However.
He had never heard of Shan Nan Catering before.
Now.
With Shan Nan Catering opening opposite his planned restaurants, he immediately sensed a conspiracy.
Bai He replied, "Reporting to Boss, we've found out. Shan Nan Catering was registered yesterday with a registered capital of ten million yuan. The legal representative is Chen Shan."
"What? It's him?"
Luo Guangyao was full of surprise.
Although Chen Shan had said he would drive him out of Jizhou.
He had never taken those words to heart.
In his opinion, Chen Shan was just bragging. If he truly had the capability, he wouldn't be living in the shantytown family compound of the steel plant.
He wouldn't be selling barbecue at a street stall.
And he wouldn't have made Chen Xiazhi secretly drop out of school to work and earn money.
But.
Who would have thought that he would invest ten million yuan to register Shan Nan Catering as a brand company?
And specifically open it opposite Luo's Catering.
This was truly declaring war on him!
Thinking of this, a trace of disdain flickered across Luo Guangyao's face. "I may not know how he established the Shan Nan Catering brand, but I know that in the end, he's no match for me."
Bai He chimed in, "Boss is right. Catering is different from other industries; it requires not only foundation but also a good reputation."
"And we at Luo's Catering have a deep foundation and excellent reputation."
"Not to mention the preferential policies the Jizhou government has given us after Luo's Catering entered the market – free water and electricity, and exemption from all taxes!"
"To put it bluntly, we have the advantage of time, location, and people, while Shan Nan Catering is just a newly established catering company."
"How can they compete with us?"
Luo Guangyao grabbed Bai He's hand and pulled her into his embrace, cupping her chin with one hand. "I just love how you talk; you always say what's on my mind."
Bai He's breathing quickened. "Boss, don't do this. I'm already married; I can't do anything to betray my husband!"
Luo Guangyao burst into laughter. "Precisely because of that, I must help your husband fill the void in your heart! After all, I'm the one who caused your separation from your husband. I have to take good care of my employee's work and life. Don't you agree?" With that, he kissed her.
Bai He reluctantly yielded.
In fact, when she followed Luo Guangyao to Jizhou, she had already decided to become the boss's woman.
Even if it was just a fleeting affair.
She could still gain many benefits.
So!
The sofa became their battlefield.
But midway through, Bai He's phone suddenly rang.
Luo Guangyao grinned. "It seems to be your husband calling."
"Ignore him... for now..." Bai He said coquettishly, having no intention of answering her husband's call.
"If you don't answer, your husband will definitely worry. I think it's better to take it!" Luo Guangyao answered the call for Bai He and handed the phone to her ear.
This action displeased Bai He, but she still tried to maintain a calm tone. "What is it?"
"Wife, have you eaten? How's your work there? Are you tired?"
Just as Bai He was about to speak, Luo Guangyao suddenly moved, causing her to involuntarily let out a soft moan.
Bai He's eyes flashed with a hint of resentment.
She hadn't expected Luo Guangyao to be so mischievous.
But, she had to admit.
It seemed... quite stimulating...
Bai He's husband asked on the phone, "Wife, what's wrong?"
"Oh, I... I'm fine," Bai He replied, suppressing the tempest.
"Why do you sound breathless? Are you jogging? Well, you go ahead and jog. I won't disturb you. We'll talk when I get back!"
"Mmm, love you, husband." Bai He hung up the phone.
Luo Guangyao asked with a half-smile, "Who is this husband you speak of?"
"Of course, it's you! You are my good husband."
Bai He closed her eyes, completely engrossed.
But for a fleeting moment, as she inadvertently opened her eyes.
She let out a piercing scream.
Her face, previously flushed with passion, turned ashen.
Not a trace of blood could be seen.
"Damn it, what are you screaming about?" Luo Guangyao was furious.
"A ghost, there's a ghost! There's a female ghost on your shoulder!" Bai He scrambled away from Luo Guangyao, her eyes wide with terror.
Luo Guangyao laughed in exasperation. "A ghost on my shoulder? Are you delirious?"
"No, I'm not delirious." Bai He was terrified. "There's really a female ghost on your left shoulder, wearing a red dress and embroidered shoes, with long hair reaching her waist. I really saw her!"
Luo Guangyao looked at his left shoulder and scoffed. "Never mind a ghost; even if there were, I wouldn't be afraid. I could even have a go at her!"
He burst into laughter. "Come on, my darling, I'm almost there. Let's continue!"
*Crack!*
Without warning.
The chandelier in the villa suddenly flickered.
It emitted crackling sounds of electricity.
A sinister and cold aura instantly spread through the villa.
Luo Guangyao's heart skipped a beat.
"Shit, could it be that the vengeful spirit from Villa 95 has come visiting?"