After confirming the order, Jiang Cheng took a Rolls-Royce to the Renhe Restaurant that Yu Xiaoxiao had reserved.
As he pushed open the door, a rich, metropolitan Shanghai ambiance enveloped him.
Dark green wallpaper, antique record players, and retro ceiling fans filled the space. On the stage in the center, a retro beauty in a cheongsam was singing old Shanghai songs.
Jiang Cheng nodded. It truly lived up to its Michelin one-star rating; the atmosphere was perfect.
Yu Xiaoxiao hadn't chosen one of the open booths; she had booked a private room.
When Jiang Cheng entered the room, Yu Xiaoxiao was holding a tablet and ordering food.
Seeing Jiang Cheng, Yu Xiaoxiao stood up, a hint of shyness on her face, and waved to him: "Jiang Cheng, come sit over here."
Yu Xiaoxiao was wearing a knee-length Chanel dress, elegant and sophisticated, with skin as fair as snow, truly beautiful and captivating.
Jiang Cheng walked over to Yu Xiaoxiao, wrapped his arm around her slender, alluring waist, and, with his lips close to her delicate ear, whispered while gently exhaling, "Why did you change clothes?"
Teased by Jiang Cheng's playful action, Yu Xiaoxiao's face became even redder. She symbolically pushed Jiang Cheng away lightly, her face flushed, and said, "It's normal to change clothes, isn't it? I haven't even mentioned you yet—that outfit was torn by you."
Recalling his excited state from last night, Jiang Cheng immediately smirked, "That's also your own fault. Who told you that this wave of problems was huge and required vigorous and practical action?"
Before Yu Xiaoxiao could react, her mouth was covered by Jiang Cheng.
Ten minutes later, Yu Xiaoxiao, her face red, pushed Jiang Cheng away, tidied her clothes, and sat back in her seat: "It won't be good if someone else comes in soon."
Jiang Cheng wasn't in a hurry; after all, he had plenty of time tonight to take things slowly.
Yu Xiaoxiao handed the tablet to Jiang Cheng and enthusiastically began to introduce the dishes: "The crab roe mixed rice here is unique to Shanghai. Their mixed rice is full of crab roe on top, and this dish has even received an official Michelin recommendation. You really must try it later."
"And there's also this pickled fish fillet, scallion-baked turbot head, chicken feather greens with shredded tofu skin..."
As Yu Xiaoxiao spoke, Jiang Cheng listened. When Yu Xiaoxiao had ordered four dishes, Jiang Cheng nodded: "That's fine, that should be enough."
"Order a few more dishes. You'll realize later that while the food here is delicious, the portions are truly not large."
Jiang Cheng took a look and casually ordered three more recommended dishes.
"Oh, right, do you know Su Wan? Last night, I think I remember you saying you were also from Tiancheng Entertainment."
Yu Xiaoxiao looked at Jiang Cheng and asked, puzzled, "Su Wan? She's an artist at our company. What about her?"
Jiang Cheng briefly explained the general situation to Yu Xiaoxiao and then brought up his intention to sign Su Wan.
After listening, Yu Xiaoxiao's face showed a hint of sourness. She playfully remarked, "Terminate her contract? That would require paying a breach of contract fee. You, towards her..."
Jiang Cheng understood Yu Xiaoxiao's meaning and shook his head: "I don't have any intentions towards her for now. I just think she has immense potential..."
"Immense potential? Her current status isn't even considered third-tier, and the company gives her almost no resources. Moreover, her new investment didn't come through yesterday."
Yu Xiaoxiao didn't take Jiang Cheng's words seriously; after all, which man doesn't like pretty girls?
Especially someone like Su Wan.
However, Yu Xiaoxiao didn't care at this moment; in her view, she and Jiang Cheng were simply fulfilling each other's needs.
If Jiang Cheng someday didn't want to be with her anymore, she could leave gracefully.
She was an anti-marriage advocate anyway; as long as no feelings were involved, everything was fine.
"I know, but I'm still very optimistic about her, and I'm planning to open an entertainment company. She's the first artist I've approached," Jiang Cheng said seriously.
During his conversation with Yu Xiaoxiao, Jiang Cheng learned that she was actually the Operations Department Manager at Tiancheng Entertainment, which greatly surprised him.
To be able to hold such a position at 25 years old was truly impressive.
Although it was only a department manager role, without a strong background, it would be quite difficult to reach that position at 25.
Yu Xiaoxiao said she didn't rely on connections but entirely on her own ability. She had excellent grades since university, earning numerous scholarships.
If such a capable woman could help him manage his company, wouldn't Jiang Cheng be able to just relax completely?
Thinking of this, a sly smile secretly formed on Jiang Cheng's lips.
"Su Wan, although the company doesn't value her much right now, her conditions are indeed good. If you like her, I can help you terminate her contract."
Hearing Yu Xiaoxiao's generous reply, a strange feeling arose within Jiang Cheng.
However, he was quite willing to do something that could be proactive and didn't require responsibility.
"Then I'll trouble you..."
Yu Xiaoxiao nodded and said, "Su Wan's contract probably hasn't expired yet. If you want to sign her, the breach of contract fee will likely be several million. Our company usually signs five-year contracts, so I'll need to check the detailed terms."
While they were talking, the dishes had already been served.
Looking at the 138-yuan braised pork with cheese that he had just ordered, Jiang Cheng finally understood what Yu Xiaoxiao meant by small portions.
It looked like a large portion on the tablet, but it turned out to be only a small dish when served at the table.
The pickled fish fillet was the same; it looked like a lot of fish on the tablet, but there were only about ten slices.
Fortunately, Yu Xiaoxiao had ordered a few more dishes at the end, otherwise, it really wouldn't have been enough to eat.