C70 I Won't Sell Myself!

The waiter hesitated for a moment, a glimmer of bewilderment flickering in his eyes.

All eyes in the room swiftly turned to Zhang Chen.

Zhao Xingchun looked up and demanded icily, "And who might you be? You think you have the right to meddle in my affairs?"

Zhang Chen gave a helpless shake of his head before responding with a chuckle, "You seem like a man of talent. Surely, losing your temper like this isn't very becoming, is it?"

Considering the adage 'a customer is always a guest,' Zhang Chen saw no need for outright confrontation.

Zhao Xingchun's eyebrows lifted at the remark.

The cluster of young men displayed a hint of amusement in their eyes, yet none spoke up.

The girl, nonchalantly chewing her gum, swept her gaze around the room, her demeanor oozing arrogance without so much as a glance their way.

Zhao Xingchun gave Zhang Chen a once-over and asked with a sneer, "And you are?"

With a wide grin, Zhang Chen replied, "Looking for me, were you? Well, I'm the owner of this establishment. Whatever you need, just let me know."

This revelation left everyone dumbfounded.

Even the young girl couldn't resist giving Zhang Chen a second look.

No one had pegged the unassuming Zhang Chen as the owner.

It took a moment, but the crowd eventually processed this new information.

The waiter quickly stepped aside, his eyes shining with newfound respect.

Zhao Xingchun's eyebrows twitched, and he scoffed, "I wouldn't have guessed you're the boss."

"Well, since you are, it's perfect. My friends and I are here to dine. Be quick about setting up a private room for us."

"Take good care of us, and I'll make sure you're rewarded."

His face radiated arrogance as he finished his demand.

Zhang Chen, however, recoiled as if startled, and stammered, "Is there a misunderstanding here? I'm a man."

"I'm not versed in the art of waiting on people."

"And I certainly don't sell my body."

With that, he affected a coy, bashful look.

The young men were left agape, staring at Zhang Chen in sheer disbelief.

Finally, it was the girl who couldn't contain her laughter any longer.

Her mirth was melodious, if only one could overlook the garish makeup.

That's when the rest of the young men caught on.

Zhao Xingchun's eyes narrowed, his voice cold, "What's this? Some kind of joke?"

Zhang Chen let out a sly chuckle, "Just a little bit of humor."

"How about we do this: once the guests in the private room are finished, I'll guarantee you an immediate reservation for one. Does that work for you?"

Upon hearing this offer, Zhao Xingchun's features softened considerably.

He was about to bask in his triumph when a sudden realization struck him, and he retorted furiously, "Why would I need you to arrange anything?"

Zhang Chen remained unruffled, responding with an easy smile, "There's no need to rush. Our hotel has its policies, and a distinguished gentleman like yourself surely prefers to follow protocol, right?"

But Zhao Xingchun was having none of it, snapping back, "Enough with that talk! I've been here numerous times and no one has ever dared to speak to me like that!"

"Do you even know who I am? Are you interested in keeping your hotel in business?"

His voice was charged with authority, yet betrayed by a youthful undertone.

Zhang Chen's brow creased ever so slightly.

Zhao Xingchun was pushing the limits.

After a brief pause, still smiling, he inquired, "May I ask which illustrious family you hail from?"

With an air of arrogance, Zhao Xingchun declared, "The Zhao family! I am Zhao Xingchun himself!"

Once he had finished, his face gleamed with ostentation.

The mention of the Zhao family caused many nearby patrons to gape in astonishment, their eyes shimmering with surprise.

The Zhao family, a prominent second-tier clan in Ningzhou!

That reputation alone spoke volumes of the Zhao family's clout.

The Zhao family?

A flicker of bewilderment crossed Zhang Chen's gaze.

After a moment, he admitted with an awkward chuckle, "My apologies, but I'm not familiar with the name."