Chapter Twenty-Four: Witness

At this moment, Lu Hao’s furious outburst caused the faces of many waiters to change dramatically. None of them had expected that Lu Hao could actually afford to pay the bill. In that case, it was clear the restaurant was in the wrong.

Standing to the side, Xu Sen, who had been leading the charge, was left speechless. He stared at Lu Hao in disbelief. “You… how is that possible? How can you possibly afford this?”

Lu Hao smiled as he stepped closer to Xu Sen. “I told you to get out—why haven’t you left?”

“Today, I am no longer the man I once was. I’m telling you, I have money now—a great deal of money.”

With that, Lu Hao pushed Xu Sen down onto a chair. “Since you won’t leave, then stay here and see for yourself what it means to be part of high society.”

Lu Hao was, of course, referring to his super diamond VIP card. That card alone was enough to elevate him to the ranks of the elite—not for any other reason, but because his medical skills were unparalleled. He had broken the Thai curse and saved the young master of the Song Group. That alone was enough; soon, his reputation would spread throughout Song Xueqi’s circle.

Now, Zhang Li realized she had picked the wrong person to provoke and was seized with terror. “Sir, I’m so sorry, it’s my fault, I didn’t consider…” She tried to conjure an excuse to escape her predicament but couldn’t manage it.

Some nearby waiters recognized Zhang Qingfan. They hurriedly explained to Zhang Li that he was a regular customer and that a sincere apology was absolutely necessary, or they would all be in serious trouble.

Under such pressure, cold sweat streamed down Zhang Li’s forehead. She felt utterly hopeless, inwardly crying out in despair.

As misfortune rarely comes alone, many patrons in the restaurant began to speak up.

“Hey, this is the first time I’ve heard of a place making people pay before they eat—aren’t even the smallest eateries outside less overbearing than this?”

“This restaurant hires so many relatives as waiters. Their service attitude is atrocious; someone should have raised a fuss long ago.”

“People come here for the atmosphere, not for the service. If it weren’t for the prestige, who would bother? Do they really think they’re something special?”

Most of the patrons here were either wealthy businessmen or capable entrepreneurs—cultured individuals, willing to tolerate poor service for the sake of prestige.

But over time, patience wears thin.

“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t mean it. Besides, you didn’t suffer any real loss. How about we just…” Zhang Li forced herself to continue, thick-skinned.

Lu Hao was stunned—how could someone be so shameless? If he hadn’t been able to pay today, who knows how she would have insulted him!

“Oh, I didn’t suffer any loss? Let me tell you, I suffered greatly. I explained again and again that I could pay, that I would settle the bill later, yet you kept pressuring me. What was your intention?”

“Isn’t it obvious to everyone? You were afraid I’d dine and dash, that I couldn’t afford it.”

“Moreover, when someone came to make trouble for me, you did nothing to help. In fact, you joined forces against me.”

Just as Lu Hao finished speaking, Manager Wang returned, having just finished his own tasks. He had checked at the counter and discovered a payment of over seventy thousand had been made for a table ordering the dishes he himself had just noted—it must have been Lu Hao’s table. Sensing trouble, he hurried over.

“What’s going on?” he asked, surveying the tense atmosphere.

Zhang Li, seeing her manager arrive, realized how serious the situation was. Gritting her teeth, she decided to strike first, pointing at Lu Hao. “Manager Wang, this customer tried to dine and dash, and someone caught him!”

“What?” Manager Wang turned to see whom she was accusing.

To his shock, Zhang Li was pointing directly at Lu Hao, whose face was still clouded with anger.

Manager Wang felt as if he had been struck on the head, his vision swimming. He ached to teach his staff a lesson.

Damn it! Of all people, why do you keep picking on this man?

Clutching his head in agony, he didn’t hesitate—he slapped Zhang Li hard across the face, leaving her stunned and unsure what to do.

She clutched her cheek, tears welling in her eyes. “Manager Wang, why did you hit me? Just because he’s richer than me, you’re going to bully me like this?”

Manager Wang, hearing her retort, exploded with anger.

“Bully you? Do you even know who he is? What right do you have to accuse him of dining and dashing? Are you crazy? What kind of waiter even asks a guest that?”

“But look at him! He looks so poor—how could he possibly afford it?” Zhang Li, her judgment clouded by grievance, blurted out.

“Enough!” Manager Wang finally lost all patience. He grabbed Zhang Li and unleashed a torrent of blows, both fists and feet, until she was utterly dazed.

“This guest, Mr. Lu, is a diamond VIP client of the Song Group. Whether or not he can afford the meal is beside the point—if he wanted this restaurant for himself, he could have it by tomorrow! Do you understand?”

Manager Wang was so furious his eyes seemed ready to pop out.

“What? A diamond-level super VIP with the Song Group?” Xu Sen was dumbfounded. “What does that even mean?”

A small-time hoodlum from the village, Xu Sen had no idea about such things and was completely out of his depth.

Manager Wang ignored him, turning instead to Lu Hao, his face grim. He no longer knew how to explain; the offense they had caused today was too great to be excused by any words.

“Mr. Lu, we…”

Lu Hao shook his head. “Enough. There’s nothing more to say. Dining here has left a bitter taste in my mouth. I’ll never return for the rest of my life.”

“Furthermore, your staff’s quality is abysmal and must be thoroughly overhauled. I’ll be reporting this incident immediately to the Song Group.”

He then took out his phone and dialed the number Song Xueqi had given him.