Compared to Ma Long, Ling Zhenfei can't be compared at all. Life is too busy; where's the time to drink tea? But Ma Long should also be very busy, yet he always manages to squeeze in some time, which is quite impressive.

Ling Zhenfei asked, "Where should we go for dinner tonight?"

Ma Long replied, "This time we're going to a place I really like. If there's one word to describe that restaurant, it's extravagance."

Ling Zhenfei was puzzled and asked, "What does extravagance mean?"

Ma Long explained, "The owner of this restaurant is very interesting and is also quite the cattleman. The main attraction of his restaurant is seafood, and the Bluefin Tuna in the restaurant is caught by himself on his fishing trips.

The heaviest Bluefin Tuna weighs hundreds of pounds. It's huge! Why do I say it's extravagant? You know the best place to eat Bluefin Tuna is Japan.

The chefs there waste not a single gram of meat when eating Bluefin Tuna. It's delicious! But this restaurant doesn't do that. They often prepare Bluefin Tuna using Chinese cooking methods."

After listening, Ling Zhenfei was puzzled. Using Chinese methods to prepare Bluefin Tuna? Braised or steamed?

At this point, Chen Qian said, "The person you're talking about must be Lu Pin."

Ling Zhenfei was surprised: Lu Pin? Five mouths? What an odd name.

Ma Long said, "That's right. We'll go there tonight. They've already booked a room."

After the three of them almost finished a pot of Pu'er Tea, they finally set out for the so-called restaurant.

By this time, the streetlights were coming on in the Capital City, bursting with tremendous life force.

A great city is at its most vibrant when the streetlights first come on in the evening, marking the start of the urban nightlife.

The restaurant they were heading to was called "Sea Breeze." Just from the name, you could tell it specialized in seafood. Quite interesting.

Upon entering, the restaurant's décor made you feel like you were by the seaside somewhere. The walls were decorated with shark fins and whale bones—quite fascinating.

The kitchen was open-style, with an enormous Bluefin Tuna being processed inside. The chef's knife skills were impressive, expertly breaking down the fish.

Ling Zhenfei watched as the massive fish was sliced into large chunks, finding it quite satisfying to watch.

At this moment, someone called out to Ma Long. Ling Zhenfei looked over and saw someone in casual clothes waving at Ma Long from a distance.

This person, though dressed casually, had a friendly smile. His beard was a bit long, but he looked very manly.

Ma Long greeted him back and said to Ling Zhenfei, "That's Lu Pin. Should we go over?"

The two were discussing when Lu Pin walked over to them.

When Lu Pin reached them and saw Ling Zhenfei, he asked Ma Long, "Is this the famous Mr. Ling Zhenfei?"

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback, not expecting this person to know him, and quickly said, "I am Ling Zhenfei. I didn't expect Mr. Lu to know me."

Lu Pin replied, "You're too modest. Your name is quite famed in the Capital City. Moreover, your restaurant is about to open, so as a competitor, how could I not know?"

Ling Zhenfei was taken aback, thinking perhaps Chen Qian was right about being a tall tree catching the wind. Not only Xi Shan Restaurant but also Ling Zhenfei himself had garnered too much attention lately.

Because of this, many people harbored malice towards Ling Zhenfei, something he hadn't anticipated.

Ling Zhenfei said, "I didn't expect to become famous so suddenly."

Lu Pin responded, "But I'm different from them. I welcome you opening a restaurant in the Capital City. The market here is vast, and anyone with ambition wants to open a restaurant here. There's nothing wrong with that.

Why should they be allowed to open restaurants here while you can't? If you can't compete, that's your problem, not theirs."

Hearing Lu Pin speak like this, Ling Zhenfei realized Lu Pin was a straightforward person, similar to Long Hai, someone he genuinely liked.

Ling Zhenfei said, "I like hearing that—well said."

Lu Pin continued, "You don't know, but when I first came to the Capital City, I wasn't welcomed. I had nothing. The restaurant location was bad, my chefs were poached, and I couldn't even source fish.

But the more I faced obstacles, the more determined I became to succeed. Without fish, I went out to catch them myself and started a sea fishing club. Now most of the fish we use are self-caught."

Ling Zhenfei couldn't help but give a thumbs up: "Impressive, truly bold."

Lu Pin laughed, "Actually, I've known about you for a long time. After you opened a restaurant in Modu, some customers told me about a place called Xi Shan Restaurant with incredible cuisine.

I wanted to go to Modu to try it, to see what kind of restaurant could have such great flavors. But before I could, I heard another Xi Shan Restaurant was opening in the Capital City.

After that, I kept updated on your news. Your culinary skills are indeed impressive. I truly admire your journey, and it's an honor to meet you."

Ling Zhenfei didn't expect Lu Pin to have such a high opinion of him.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Likewise, I didn't expect Big Brother Lu to know so much about me. Tomorrow my restaurant opens; if you have time, come over. Let's compete in cooking skills and restaurant management."

Lu Pin nodded, "Sure, sure, I'll definitely come, definitely."

The two continued chatting, and the more they talked, the more in tune they became, while Ma Long and Chen Qian felt slightly awkward on the side.

At this moment, Ma Long said, "Brother Lv, hold off on chatting. We have other matters. Do you know which table Tan Wangdong reserved today?"

Lu Pin paused, "They just arrived too. Are you all together?"

Ma Long replied, "It's Tan Wangdong's treat tonight."

Lu Pin suddenly understood, "So that's why they're all here today. I guess some have bad intentions, Brother Ling, watch yourself."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Don't worry, Big Brother Lu. I'm just here for a meal, to taste your restaurant's culinary skills."

Lu Pin laughed and said, "Just wait and see. You see that fish back there? That's one I personally caught. We'll be eating it soon."

"Alright, we'll head over first."

After Lu Pin gave them a room number, Ma Long led them in that direction, clearly familiar with the place.

They soon arrived outside a room named "Conch." After a gentle knock on the door, Ma Long opened it.

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