Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Being Followed
"Would you like to sit down and eat with us?" Henry Wang blinked his small eyes excitedly, scanning the four beauties as if trying to memorize every detail.
"You eat, we've already had our fill. Zoe, shouldn't we be leaving?" Wendy Dong glanced at her watch, growing a little impatient.
"Ah, right! Let's go." Zoe Night picked up her bag and waved at Ethan Yang.
"Zoe, didn't we come here for more than just the food?" Wendy reminded her, arching a brow.
"Oh, my memory!" Zoe smacked her forehead and hurriedly pulled out a card from her bag, placing it on the table. "Ethan, just a small token of appreciation."
"How much?" Ethan asked flatly, barely glancing at the card.
"Not much, not much…" Zoe hesitated.
"If it's not much, then why bother? Insulting me? Don't even think about giving it to me unless it's ten million." Ethan's tone remained calm, but his eyes flashed with irritation.
"I… I didn't mean anything bad. I just wanted to show my gratitude," Zoe stammered, shifting awkwardly.
"Fine. I get the sentiment. Now take your card and leave. I want to sleep." Ethan motioned toward the door.
Blushing, Zoe retrieved the card. "Haha, Zoe, what's the point of giving him money?" Clara Qi teased. "Ethan's upright and his cooking is heavenly. You might as well marry him."
"Exactly! Heroes save beauties, and beauties should repay them with their hearts. Zoe, are you saying yes or no? If you're not, I'll take him." Lily Tang giggled, rubbing her full belly.
Zoe huffed, "Marry him yourself, then! Ethan, we're heading out. Just be prepared — we'll definitely be back. Your cooking is too irresistible."
"Yeah, Ethan, you've captured my stomach. I'll be relying on you for life. You might as well marry me. Don't worry, if you like Zoe, I don't mind sharing. We can all live happily together." Lily Tang clung onto Ethan's arm, grinning mischievously.
"Ugh, I feel like I'm missing out on something huge here." Henry exaggeratedly clutched his chest. "Little beauties, stop showing off in front of me! Don't you know that public displays of affection are unethical?"
"Alright, alright. I'm really tired. I won't keep you any longer." Ethan tried pulling his arm free from Lily's grasp, but the little foodie clung on like a koala.
"Wait! Promise me one thing," Lily pouted. "Next time I visit, make braised pork. You owe me." Her voice was so sweet it could melt hearts.
"Okay, okay. Next time you visit, I'll make braised pork for you." Ethan sighed in defeat.
"Yay!" Satisfied, Lily finally let go.
"Blockhead, we're leaving." Clara patted Ethan's shoulder and followed the others out.
Ethan hummed in acknowledgment and saw them off to the backyard. After their luxury cars disappeared down the road, he turned back into the house.
"Boss… you're incredible!" Henry wolfed down a piece of roast meat, speaking between bites. "I was outside hustling my heart out while you were here cozying up to four gorgeous women. And not just any women — dragons and phoenixes! Spill it. How did you get so lucky?"
Ethan chuckled and briefly explained how he saved Zoe from Eric, the sleazy Four Eyes.
"Damn! Boss, how could you pass up such a golden opportunity? That card she tried to give you — anyone who drives a Lamborghini isn't handing out pocket change." Henry's eyes practically turned green with envy. "And Lily — oh my God — anyone could see how smitten she is with you! Cute, cuddly, and practically glued to your side. You're seriously a blockhead!"
Ethan lit a cigarette, taking a long drag. "They're just girls who hang out at nightclubs. Not my type."
"What's wrong with nightclubs? It's just a hobby! Rich folks flex their wealth there. You and I can't afford that lifestyle, but someday… someday when my shipping company takes off, I'll hit those clubs like a king." Henry's eyes gleamed at the thought.
Speaking of business, Henry's excitement shifted gears. "Oh! Speaking of success — you won't believe the feedback from Third Brother. Your vegetables are selling like crazy. Customers couldn't get enough. Some ordered extra portions, some packed more to take home, and others called their friends to join them at the restaurant. Business has never been this good!"
"What price did you offer David?" Ethan exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Just a dollar more than the market rate, like we agreed. I told David not to sell our produce to other restaurants. After all, we're barely making a profit for him."
Ethan nodded approvingly. Henry might be talkative, but he had a good head for business. That was why Ethan trusted him.
"Boss, based on the demand, I think you should load up on supplies tomorrow. I bet those restaurants will be clamoring for more." Henry leaned in, eyes glimmering with anticipation.
"Alright. But remember, for the next three days, limit the supply for each store. We need to build hype. After that, we'll open the floodgates." Ethan smirked.
The next morning, Ethan woke up at three a.m. and prepared for the day. Even though the Ring Space had an endless supply of produce, he wanted to maintain the illusion of hard work.
As he drove down the road, he noticed a van parked in the shadows. When he passed, the van's headlights flicked on, and it began to follow.
Ethan's senses sharpened. He picked up speed — the van sped up. He slowed down — the van matched his pace.
Someone was following him.