The bartender led Brian Grant up to the second floor. Since it was still early, there were only a few customers in the restaurant. Brian Grant chose a seat by the window and, taking advantage of the time before the dishes arrived, looked around at the interior decor.

The impression that Jinyu Restaurant gave Brian Grant was not that of a typical restaurant, but more like a club, because it seemed to have a certain theme. The tables were not arranged in neat rows, but rather in a tasteful, staggered fashion. Calligraphy, zither tables, and the four treasures of the study could be seen everywhere, and both the walls and the beams were covered with poems and essays.

An artistic atmosphere hit him in the face.

Brian Grant nodded in appreciation, feeling that for Jinyu Restaurant to have achieved such scale, it definitely wasn’t by relying on shady tricks.

Soon, three dishes were served: roast goose, bamboo shoots, and a yam soup.

The dishes were all exquisitely prepared. It was worth noting that Brian Grant hadn’t ordered anything beforehand, but they didn’t bring out extra dishes either—just enough for one or two people. This showed that Jinyu Restaurant truly had its own unique style and standards.

Actually, Brian Grant had already had breakfast. He was mostly just tasting the food. Although the dishes were very refined, he didn’t find the flavors particularly impressive or memorable—just average, really.

Suddenly, a hearty laugh came from upstairs. Then, a middle-aged man in his forties, with a straight back and piercing eyes, and a young gentleman a bit older than Brian Grant, elegant and striking in appearance, came up.

These two were none other than the owner of Jinyu Restaurant, George Reed, and the eldest son of the Liu family, Charles Bennett.

The manager from earlier followed behind them. Upon reaching the second floor, he pointed toward Brian Grant.

When Charles Bennett saw Brian Grant, a trace of disappointment flashed in his eyes. George Reed only nodded slightly, then he and Charles Bennett continued up to the third floor, making it clear how little regard they had for Brian Grant.

The manager came over to Brian Grant's table and said, “Scholar Guo, my master invites you upstairs.”

“But I haven’t even finished eating yet!”

Brian Grant pretended to be annoyed.

The manager was quite exasperated—are you here to do business or just to eat? But given Brian Grant's reputation, he didn’t think it was too inappropriate and simply said, “After the discussion, my master will certainly treat you to a banquet.”

Not necessarily, though. Brian Grant pretended to hesitate for a moment, then said, “How about this—please pack up these dishes for me to take home. Don’t let them go to waste.”

The manager was speechless, but still nodded in agreement.

Only then did Brian Grant follow him up to the third floor.

The third floor was even more upscale—no chairs, only cushions arranged in a circle, with an empty space in the middle. A faint fragrance lingered in the air, suggesting that there were usually singing girls performing here to liven things up. Those pretentious scholars couldn’t do without women.

“Mr. Zhou, Brother Liu.”

Brian Grant greeted the two with a formal cupped-fist salute.

Charles Bennett also stood up and returned the salute, saying, “Brother Guo, I hope you’ve been well.”

George Reed, however, simply gestured and said, “Scholar Guo, please sit.”

In Brian Grant's impression, Charles Bennett always addressed him respectfully as “brother” on the surface. But Brian Grant knew that Charles Bennett actually looked down on him—they simply weren’t on the same level.

After Brian Grant sat down, George Reed said, “You both should know why I invited you here today, so I’ll get straight to the point. Do you have any ideas to help me buy the Chen property?”

Charles Bennett smiled at Brian Grant and said, “I wonder what Brother Guo thinks?”

My thought is that I don’t want to earn your errand fee. Brian Grant pretended to be embarrassed and said, “Brother Liu, why don’t you go first?”

Charles Bennett smiled and said, “I’ve already shared some of the Liu family’s ideas with Mr. Zhou, so please, brother, feel free to speak your mind.”

George Reed nodded and looked at Brian Grant.

Seriously? Not even giving me a chance to learn? Are you trying to make my father-in-law die of anger? Brian Grant looked frustrated.

Charles Bennett asked, “Brother, is there something you can’t say?”

Brian Grant replied honestly, “To tell you the truth, Brother Liu, my father-in-law instructed me several times before I came here to listen more and speak less, or even not to speak at all.”

George Reed and Charles Bennett immediately understood.

A hint of pride appeared on Charles Bennett's face. Since Kou Shouxin told him not to speak, it was clear they didn’t intend to compete with the Liu family.

George Reed snorted, “The Kou family really thinks highly of me, huh!”

Brian Grant pretended not to understand, staring blankly at George Reed.

George Reed waved his hand and said, “Since you have nothing to say, you may leave.”

“Oh.”

Brian Grant immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said, “I’ll take my leave. Brother Liu, farewell.”

This was how Brian Grant used to be—very stiff. If someone told him to leave, he would really go. As a scholar, this wasn’t wrong; scholars should have some pride. But as a businessman, you need to have a thick skin and always try to win over the client—face doesn’t earn you a commission.

“Take care, brother.” Charles Bennett also stood up and returned the salute, then suddenly asked, “By the way, how has your wife been lately?”

“My wife is doing very well!” Brian Grant nodded. “Brother Liu, do you need something from her? If so, I can help arrange it.”

“Huh?”