Ling Zhenfei also ordered some breakfast for himself and started eating.

Among the people who came to eat were some fans of Ling Zhenfei, and their main purpose wasn't eating but to see Ling Zhenfei in person.

So when they saw Ling Zhenfei, there was a flurry of excitement with requests for autographs and photos, leaving Ling Zhenfei struggling to enjoy his meal.

In the end, Ling Zhenfei had no choice but to quickly finish and retreat to his room.

Cao Xueyi had also woken up by this time. It seemed Ling Zhenfei had quite a bit to drink yesterday, as the redness on his face hadn't completely faded, indicating that the alcohol hadn't worn off yet.

Upon seeing Ling Zhenfei, Cao Xueyi seemed a bit off, but she didn't say anything, or more accurately, said nothing at all, even appearing to avoid Ling Zhenfei slightly.

Ling Zhenfei, feeling surprised, asked, "Xueyi, what's wrong?"

Cao Xueyi replied, "Nothing, just feeling a bit under the weather."

Ling Zhenfei said, "If you're not feeling well, get some rest, don't overexert yourself. You haven't had a proper rest since you got here."

Cao Xueyi responded, "I understand. You should rest well too."

After saying that, Cao Xueyi left, leaving Ling Zhenfei quite surprised, as Cao Xueyi usually wasn't like this. If she behaved like this, Ling Zhenfei wouldn't be so shocked.

However, Ling Zhenfei didn't think much of it and returned to his room. He had an important event tonight, the evening auction.

Ling Zhenfei planned to auction off his restaurant's dishes, which was originally a gamble. People like Tan Wangdong were definitely not easy to deal with.

If Ling Zhenfei hadn't agreed to the auction then, or failed to stabilize them with this approach, the opening of Xi Shan Restaurant wouldn't have been so smooth.

To be honest, even Ling Zhenfei felt it was unbelievable that the opening went so smoothly yesterday.

Perhaps the previous setbacks during the restaurant opening made this smooth sailing feel somewhat unfamiliar to Ling Zhenfei.

Now that the restaurant had safely opened, people like Tan Wangdong, who might look for opportunities, must not be underestimated.

Back in his room, Ling Zhenfei first checked on his Lightning Bird, which had once again fallen asleep.

Last night, while Ling Zhenfei was doing alchemy, the Lightning Bird had been flying around him.

At this point, Ling Zhenfei understood that the Lightning Bird wasn't just any bird, having seen it pecking two thieves quite viciously.

Especially with its speed, living up to its name, Lightning, Ling Zhenfei was delighted to have such a remarkable bird.

However, the bird randomly falling into slumber was a bit of an inconvenience.

Ling Zhenfei guessed that it was due to the bird absorbing spiritual energy. Previously, the bird would fall asleep after feeding.

But last night, it hadn't eaten anything and just circled around him.

It must have absorbed too much of the spiritual energy from Ling Zhenfei while he was doing alchemy, leading to its excessive absorption.

Ling Zhenfei figured it was because the bird was still small and couldn't absorb much spiritual energy. If it absorbed too much, it could only recover through sleep.

Without thinking much, Ling Zhenfei decided to let the bird sleep.

After taking care of the Lightning Bird, Ling Zhenfei called Ma Long.

Ma Long quickly answered, teasing Ling Zhenfei, "Mr. Ling, Young Master Ling, quite impressive, your drinking ability! You held your own against me for so many rounds and didn't get drunk!"

Ling Zhenfei knew they both had a lot to drink the previous night.

Actually, Ling Zhenfei could have expelled the alcohol using spiritual energy, but he chose not to, because sometimes even if you aren't drunk, you have to pretend.

Ling Zhenfei finally experienced a rare moment of drunkenness and savored that feeling.

Ling Zhenfei said, "Stop kidding around. I bet you were drunk last night."

Ma Long, a bit embarrassed, confessed, "Alright, I admit I was tipsy. You really can hold your liquor, which is frustrating. Anyway, what are you calling about?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "Of course, it's to talk business, about tonight's auction."

Ma Long replied, "You can trust my work! We've spread the word early, did some online promotion too.

Almost the entire Capital City knows about our auction tonight, so no worries. I reckon the tickets are nearly sold out."

Ling Zhenfei was surprised, "Tickets?"

Ma Long said, "Yup, auction tickets, two hundred each. I might have priced them too low; even at three hundred they'd sell out."

Ling Zhenfei commented, "You're a businessman through and through, all about profits."

Ma Long admitted, "True, but I have no choice. It's my venue. Let me explain, don't think this is just a simple auction, there are plenty of ways I'm making money."

Ling Zhenfei was intrigued, "Tell me, how exactly are you making money?"

Ma Long explained, "You thought it was just a simple auction? No way. This auction is for your Xi Shan Restaurant's vegetable usage rights.

The buzz before and after the opening has been tremendous. This auction is practically handing me money, and it's easy to get sponsorship."

Ling Zhenfei asked, "What's the point of sponsorship? Are you getting the media to livestream it?"

Ma Long said, "Of course, there are media involved, but not official reporters. If you want a live stream, we're neither for nor against it. It makes it more authentic.

Did you notice that scripted news nobody watches, but secretly filmed news gets spread like wildfire?

Because people think official news is fake, but secretly filmed ones are real. That's my approach here."

Ling Zhenfei replied, "Wow, I'm impressed, didn't expect such a thing, what an eye-opener!"

Ma Long said, "Alright, that's my side. Your turn, what do you need?"

Ling Zhenfei said, "Of course I have something. If you can make money, why shouldn't I?"

Ma Long was surprised, "What do you mean? I'm a bit confused."

Ling Zhenfei laughed, "Just like you did, since you've secured sponsorships, I should be allowed to sell something too and make some profit."

Ma Long was shocked, "You're really ruthless. I'm just doing small stuff with tickets and sponsors, but if you're auctioning, you'll make a killing."

Ling Zhenfei said, "Whatever, since you mentioned it, I'm auctioning something too. Inform the auctioneer to get me a high price."

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