My Manor

Uh..." Jiang Hai was speechless as he looked at the frantic Qi Li in front of him. In his view, breaking up with Qi Li had always been inevitable. After all, it symbolized the death of his old self and the rebirth of someone new.

From the very beginning, he had no intention of maintaining much communication with Qi Li because, at their core, they were simply not the same kind of people.

To be honest, he hadn't even considered whether Feng Yunchen and Ai Xiaoxi needed protection in China. If they couldn't make it there, they could always come to him—he would be more than happy to take them in.

But now, with Qi Li saying all this, Jiang Hai didn't know how to respond. He felt that at some point—perhaps after he had saved her from the jaws of a mountain lion—her previously indifferent attitude toward him had started to change.

Maybe she had developed some feelings for him. Jiang Hai had thought about this before, but every time the idea surfaced, he would immediately dismiss it.

After all, he had always been slow to understand emotions, and he had no desire to be sentimental.

Once, he had fallen for this woman, and it had hurt.

It had been said more than once that Jiang Hai was a cautious person. If someone hurt him once, he would never get close to them again. Call him narrow-minded or lacking in scheming—it didn't matter. This was just who Jiang Hai was.

His way of self-preservation was to fight violence with violence. When violence couldn't achieve his goal, he would simply distance himself from the other party.

But now, Qi Li had thrown these near-confessional words at him, and it was Jiang Hai's turn to feel awkward...

"In short, you can't just go to him like this. We still need to discuss this carefully. The situation domestically is different from abroad. There are too many implications. Pulling out a single carrot might not just leave a pit—it could uproot an entire field. The network of relationships is too complex. If you rush in recklessly, you'll suffer for it." Seeing Jiang Hai's discomfort, Qi Li's face flushed slightly. But after venting her anger, she regained her composure. Taking a deep breath, she spoke to Jiang Hai more steadily.

She knew this was the only moment when Jiang Hai would actually listen to her.

"I'll leave after I take care of it. I won't come back afterward, at most," Jiang Hai said calmly, looking at Qi Li.

"It's not that simple. You can't just leave whenever you want. The An family is far more powerful than you think. Don't assume they only run a restaurant. If you want to do business safely in the imperial capital, they must have strong connections with influential figures. Especially in the restaurant industry—there are too many intertwined relationships. Maybe the moment you make a move, your passport gets revoked. Where would you go then?" Qi Li said seriously, staring at Jiang Hai. He was left speechless after hearing her words.

Suddenly, he felt like he had brought too many people along. Perhaps he should have only brought Azarina. If something happened, she had the ability to protect herself. Meanwhile, he could simply dive into the ocean, tame a shark, and swim back to the United States. But now, with Darlene, Marianne, and Penelope along for the ride, things could become very complicated.

"It's getting late. Let's go eat," Qi Li finally said, sensing that Jiang Hai was truly listening to her. She sighed in relief.

As long as Jiang Hai was willing to listen, it was a good thing. At the very least, he wouldn't take unnecessary risks.

At the same time, she felt that their relationship had slowly begun to move forward.

"Huh... Alright, let's go. Should I call everyone for a buffet downstairs?" Jiang Hai suggested. A five-star hotel naturally had a buffet, though for an average working-class family, spending over 200 yuan per person for a meal would be quite extravagant.

With six people—no, seven, counting Qi Li's assistant—the total would exceed 1,000 yuan. But for Jiang Hai, 200 yuan per person wasn't expensive, especially given his current wealth.

"My family runs a restaurant. Why eat here? Let's go there instead," Qi Li said, giving Jiang Hai a look. It wasn't about the money—neither of them cared about a thousand or so yuan. But for Jiang Hai's first meal back in China to be somewhere other than her family's restaurant? That just didn't sit right with her.

Seeing her insistence, Jiang Hai nodded. Since she suggested it, they might as well go.

He called the others. The four women were a little surprised to see Jiang Hai and Qi Li standing together. Weren't they arguing just moments ago? How had they suddenly reconciled?

They couldn't guess what Jiang Hai was thinking. But whether it was Darlene, Marianne, Azarina, or Penelope, they all knew better than to comment.

So, without asking questions, they followed Jiang Hai downstairs. At the entrance, Qi Li's assistant was already waiting. Two cars had been arranged—one for Jiang Hai, Qi Li, and her assistant, and the other for the four women.

Jiang Hai didn't question the arrangement and simply got into the car.

But as they drove, the atmosphere in the car was incredibly awkward. Jiang Hai had nothing to say to Qi Li, and Qi Li didn't know what to say to Jiang Hai. The silence between them was heavy and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the restaurant was close to the hotel. After just a ten-minute drive, they arrived.

As Jiang Hai stepped out of the car and looked at the restaurant, he secretly nodded in approval. He had to admit—Qi Li was truly talented at business.

Given the current environment, the government was strictly cracking down on the misuse of public funds, which had significantly reduced restaurant customer flow. Many high-end establishments were struggling. But Qi Li's western-style restaurant, which looked top-tier, was thriving. Unlike other high-end restaurants that were now eerily quiet, hers was bustling with activity. The parking lot was filled with luxury cars.

Inside, the restaurant was packed. If other struggling restaurant owners saw this, they would probably curse in frustration.

But those who truly understood the industry knew why Qi Li's business was booming—her ingredients.

That was the key difference. Other restaurants tried to justify their high prices by claiming "skill fees," but when the government cracked down, people stopped paying for overpriced food.

Qi Li, however, specialized in premium steaks. The best beef—something that money alone couldn't buy elsewhere. Wealthy diners didn't mind paying when they knew they were getting the real deal.

Even some middle-class white-collar workers with extra spending money came here, not necessarily for the expensive steak but for other dishes that suited their budgets.

Additionally, the restaurant had become a hotspot for socialites looking to enhance their image and showcase their refined taste.

This was all carefully orchestrated. Qi Li even partnered with famous socialites, offering them commissions for bringing in high-profile guests. Every aspect of her business was calculated for success.

That's why her restaurant was always busy, full of customers coming and going.

"Please, come in. I've already arranged a table," Qi Li said, noticing Jiang Hai's slight surprise as he took in the scene. A rare smile curled on her lips, and she lifted her chin with a confident, almost queen-like posture. Then, she gestured for Jiang Hai and the others to follow her inside.

However, just as they walked through the entrance, they ran into a group of people on their way out.

Most of them were Chinese, dressed in suits despite the scorching June heat. Among them were a few foreigners, unmistakably from the Middle East, judging by their traditional white robes.

Leading the group was a Middle Eastern man engaged in lively conversation with his companions. But when he and Jiang Hai locked eyes, both men froze for a moment.

Then, the Middle Eastern man's face lit up. He extended his hand eagerly and strode forward.

"Jiang, my friend! I didn't expect to see you here!" he said warmly.

Recognizing him, Jiang Hai also smiled and stepped forward, returning the embrace.

"I'm Chinese—what's so strange about seeing me here? But I have to admit, I'm surprised to see you here, Du Famen-Weiha... uh..." Jiang Hai trailed off, struggling with the long name.

Yes, the man before him was none other than Du Famen-Weiha-Mohammed-bin-Rashid-Al-Maktoum, a Middle Eastern tycoon and a member of Dubai's royal family.

"Just call me Du Famen," the man said with a laugh. "I have free time, so I'm traveling the world. China has such a long history—I find it fascinating."

Jiang Hai sighed in relief. Not having to say his full name was a blessing.