Abandoning Wife and Selling Daughter? Turning Around to Marry a Powerful Minister and Wiping Out Your Entire Clan! - Chapter 36

Zhang Xiaolan had prepared all the ingredients and was now assigning tasks to everyone.

Madam Lin was still a bit confused and hadn’t fully grasped Zhang Xiaolan’s words. Her head swayed slightly as she caught sight of Tang Lifeng, who had just stepped inside.

“Who are you? How did you get into the restaurant’s kitchen? If you’re a customer, please head to the front hall for a seat. If you’re not a customer, then please leave immediately!”

Madam Lin’s loud voice successfully caught the attention of everyone in the kitchen.

Zhang Xiaolan widened her eyes upon seeing Tang Lifeng. Wasn’t he an official for several years with a good reputation?

Why was he acting like this now?

Hold it in, hold it in. He’s a high-ranking official, best not to offend him.

Zhang Xiaolan took a deep breath, walked up to Tang Lifeng, and greeted him with a gentle smile.

“Sir, perhaps you’ve entered the wrong door? If you’re looking for a delicious meal, please head to the main entrance of Fenghua Restaurant. If you’re unfamiliar with the way, I can have someone guide you.”

Tang Lifeng remained serious. “Oh? So as soon as I step inside, you pretend not to know me?”

What?! Step inside? “Master”?!

The others in the kitchen, who had been about to disperse, suddenly froze in place.

Madam Lin, now behind Zhang Xiaolan, perked up her ears, ready to catch every bit of gossip firsthand.

Zhang Xiaolan silently reminded herself—he’s a big official, stay calm, stay calm. She still had to find her daughter and seek revenge.

“You must be joking, sir. How could I possibly know someone as distinguished as you? If you’d like to order something, just let us know, and we’ll have it prepared shortly.”
“Oh? Then lead the way,” Tang Lifeng said casually.

“Yes…” Zhang Xiaolan responded and stepped forward to guide him.

Tian Dong was speechless. He had just carried him in, barely enough time for a cup of tea, and now he had to carry him back out.

If only all this effort could be put into battle instead.

Little did Tang Lifeng know, his servant was seriously considering enlisting in the army.

Tian Dong pushed him into Fenghua Restaurant and then carried him upstairs to a private room.

Manager Zhang had already received the news and was waiting at the door.

Zhang Xiaolan exchanged a glance with Manager Zhang, who gave a slight nod. Then she turned and went back to the kitchen.

Before long, a menu was sent over.

It had only one item—Crystal Dragon Phoenix Cake.

A note was attached: The same flavor as the one delivered before.

Zhang Xiaolan was more than happy not to see him. She cheerfully made the pastry and had a waiter deliver it to the front.

But when the waiter called out the dish name, his voice was too loud, and now the entire kitchen was buzzing with gossip. The neighboring women whispered among themselves, occasionally sneaking glances at her.

The chefs, now less busy, pretended to teach their apprentices but were clearly eavesdropping as well.

Zhang Xiaolan wondered if she should step outside for a while—the kitchen’s atmosphere was getting far too weird.

“Madam Zhang, the guest in the front hall requests your presence.”

The waiter’s voice was booming. Zhang Xiaolan wasn’t sure whether to praise or scold him.

Still, it was a chance to escape the prying eyes in the kitchen, so she followed the waiter out.

The kitchen instantly erupted in chatter!

“Hey, what do you think is the relationship between Madam Zhang and that guest?”

“Could they already be married?”

“Impossible. I heard Madam Zhang came here to seek relatives—she’s single.”

“But that guest has a bad leg.”

“You fool, it’s just an injured calf, making movement difficult. It’s not a real disability.”

“Speaking of leg injuries, Madam Zhang has one too. Doesn’t that make them a perfect match?”

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaolan was in Tang Lifeng’s private room, completely unaware that the kitchen had already paired them up.

She could hardly believe what she had just heard. “What did you just say?”

“You’re paying for this Crystal Cake.”

Tang Lifeng pointed at the empty plate in front of him.

The pastries were completely gone, only a pair of chopsticks resting on the side.

Zhang Xiaolan could no longer hold back. “Sir, don’t you think you should be reasonable?”

“Yesterday, I did say you could send someone to my home to fetch the pastries, but I wasn’t home at the time. That means I was busy and didn’t have time.”

“This is the capital—if you want a dish and a restaurant doesn’t make it, do you force them to do it anyway?”

“Besides, you ate the pastries. Why should I pay for them?”

“I don’t owe you anything!”

Zhang Xiaolan was so furious that she dropped all formalities.

Tang Lifeng remained composed and tapped the table lightly with his fingers.

“First, you do owe me. If you had kept your word, I wouldn’t have had to come to Fenghua Restaurant and waste my money.”

“Second, I was once a government official. How could I ever resort to coercion?”

“Third—”

“There’s still a third?!” Zhang Xiaolan was at her breaking point and grabbed a bowl, ready to smash it in his face.

Tian Dong quickly snatched it away mid-air.

“Madam Zhang, don’t be angry. Earlier, one of the waiters was sneakily following you. Our master saw it and told me to catch him.”

Huh? Someone was following her?

She must’ve been so mad she didn’t even notice.

But…he had someone capture that waiter?

Zhang Xiaolan eyed Tang Lifeng suspiciously, while a hint of frustration flashed in his eyes.

A true hero never seeks recognition, yet thanks to Tian Dong, now it seemed like he was demanding repayment.

“If you want to report him to the authorities, you can go to the county office right away. My master and I can both testify.”

Tian Dong stood behind Tang Lifeng, grinning foolishly.

Zhang Xiaolan bit her lip before lowering herself into a respectful bow.

“I was reckless in this matter. Please don’t take offense, sir.”

“I truly appreciate your help today, but I fear that a mere plate of Crystal Cake is hardly enough to thank you.”

“Then treat me to a meal.”

Tang Lifeng spoke so casually that Zhang Xiaolan wanted to strangle him. She was just being polite!

“But I’m not wealthy enough to afford a full banquet at Fenghua Restaurant.”

Zhang Xiaolan lowered her head as if deeply ashamed.

Tang Lifeng could guess what she was thinking and generously gave another option.

“Then cook for me at your home.”

Zhang Xiaolan’s head shot up in disbelief.

“Don’t be so shocked. I just think that since your pastries are so delicious, your cooking must be good too. Just a simple meal will do.”

Zhang Xiaolan dared not refuse anymore. If she kept pushing back, he might insist on having her cook in his home instead.

“I will make sure to prepare accordingly.”

Tang Lifeng left, but Zhang Xiaolan remained in the private room, still in shock.

She had always been calm and composed, but this man…this man…

She couldn’t even think of a word to describe him.

Did he really want to taste her cooking? Zhang Xiaolan smirked coldly.

Fine. She’d make sure he really got a taste!