chapter 13 Who do you look down on ===

“Big Brother, Sister-in-law, I came back to apologize to Dad, it was my mistake before.” Thorpe Chen, enduring the mockery of these people, bowed his head in admission. Indeed, he used to be a jerk.
“Thorpe Chen, if you want to retain any dignity, leave now.” Daisy Ye looked at Thorpe Chen disdainfully, “Seeing you upset our parents. And in such a place, what right does a thug like you have to dine?”
“That’s enough.” Gloria Ye suddenly became angry, “It's a daughter’s right to celebrate her father’s birthday. Thorpe Chen might not have done well in life, but if you want him gone, then you want me gone too. And I’ll tell the world that the Ye family looks down on the poor, especially Thorpe Chen, their penniless son-in-law.”
Gloria Ye's anger stunned the Ye family members. Indeed, the Ye family valued their reputation, and such a scandal would tarnish their name, making it impossible for Elton Ye to mingle in society.
“Haha, Daisy, guests are guests.” Lowell Fang said while walking up, “You're Thorpe Chen, right? I've heard of you.”
“Yes, I am Thorpe Chen.” Thorpe Chen nodded.
“I am Daisy’s boyfriend, so I guess we’re related now.” Lowell Fang said with a grin, “You’re lucky to get a meal at Blissy Restaurant today. Eat plenty and maybe pack some to go, since you probably can’t afford their food on a regular basis.”
“Thank you, but I can afford a meal.” Thorpe Chen replied calmly.
“Thorpe Chen, know your place when boasting.” Daisy Ye sneered, “This is Blissy Restaurant. The minimum expense amounts to at least 18,000 yuan. They primarily serve imperial dishes, and the head chef's ancestors were genuine imperial chefs.”
“Moreover, without booking half a month in advance, you can’t get a table here. You two are only here because of my family’s connection with Lowell Fang.”
Daisy Ye was proud to be associated with a man of Lowell Fang’s capabilities. In contrast, Thorpe Chen, whom Gloria Ye chose, was the lowest of the low.
“Dear Lowell is so young, yet he’s already so influential. Dining here means you have unparalleled connections and resources.” Aunt Pamela Ye said with a flattering smile.
“Exactly. Look at the difference between Ye's family’s sons-in-law. Some just drink, gamble, and bully their wives. Useless.”
Many of the Ye family relatives looked down on Thorpe Chen.
Gloria Ye bit her lip, silent. Seeing her husband being humiliated hurt her pride.
“Alright, it’s about time. Let’s head in. Today we have the Golden Jade Hall, the most upscale private room here, which isn’t usually open to the public.” The flattery from the Ye family members made Lowell Fang even more smug.
“Oh my God, that's the most luxurious private room in Fengling City. A single chandelier costs hundreds of thousands. The sofas and tableware are all custom-made according to imperial standards.”
“I heard that the room comes with a dedicated chef, a true descendant of the imperial chef lineage. They only serve three tables a week and you need to book a month in advance. The minimum charge here is several tens of thousands.” Cousin Patty Liu said excitedly.
“No need to book, I’m good friends with Manager Zhang here. Just a simple call and it's done.” Lowell Fang laughed.
“Lowell is amazing. Blissy Restaurant is valued at nearly 100 million with eighteen branches. Normally they don't do favours, but booking this room means you have superior status and strong connections. This is how an emperor would be treated.”
“Haha, the Ye family’s future will rely on Daisy. Speaking of which, how could that gambler, Thorpe Chen, have the audacity to come here?”
The crowd kept flattery towards Lowell Fang and derided Thorpe Chen.
Thorpe Chen chose to ignore the taunts and acted as if he hadn’t heard them.
“Haha, let's go to our private room.” Lowell Fang said proudly amidst the compliments.
“Mr. Fang, you’ve arrived.” The manager of Blissy Restaurant, Mr. Zhang, greeted them.
“Manager Zhang, is our private room ready? Lead the way.” Lowell Fang smiled.
“Mr. Fang, I’m sorry... It seems there’s been a mix-up. The room might not be available today.” Manager Zhang said somewhat apologetically.
“What?” Lowell Fang’s triumphant expression changed instantly.
“I’m truly sorry. A VIP might be coming today. Our boss personally gave the instructions. Let me prepare another room for you.” Manager Zhang said with an apologetic smile.
“Zhang, are you messing with me? I already gave you a heads up, why did you change your mind last minute?”
Lowell Fang was furious. Just a moment ago, he was boasting in front of all the relatives, and in the blink of an eye, he couldn't reserve a private room. Wasn't this a slap to his face?
“I'm sorry, Mr. Fang. Today was an exceptional circumstance. As you know, this private room requires a reservation one month in advance. I did mention I would try to reserve it for you,” Manager Zhang replied with an apologetic smile.
“Zhang, are you really not going to spare me the dignity? You're just a servant. If you don’t reserve this room for me today, don’t blame me for being rude,” Lowell Fang snapped.
“Lowell Fang, don’t go too far with your words,” Manager Zhang was also angered. “Calling you Mr. Fang is out of respect, but don't think you're some big shot.”
The Blissy Restaurant was widespread throughout the areas around Fengling City and had a market value of 100 million, backed by the Lin family. In comparison, the scale and profit of Fang's company were insignificant. Manager Zhang did not hold Lowell Fang in high regard.
“You…” Lowell Fang was so angry he couldn’t speak.
“Bro, the other private rooms are also quite good,” Patty Liu said, trying to help Fang save face.
“How can that be acceptable?” Thorpe Chen chuckled from the side. “Mr. Fang's reputation is highly respected throughout Fengling City. If even this small matter can't be handled, isn't it slapping his face?”
“Thorpe Chen shut up,” Fang snapped. “Do you have a say here? Do you even know where this is?”
“What right do you have to speak? If not for us, you wouldn’t even be able to enter this place. This is a place for the upper class.”
“Thorpe Chen? Are you Mr. Thorpe Chen?” Upon hearing the name, Manager Zhang was taken aback and quickly approached Chen.
“Yes, I am Thorpe Chen.” Chen was somewhat surprised, as he didn't know the manager.
“You treated Mr. Lin’s...” Manager Zhang sought confirmation.
“I treated his old man,” Thorpe Chen nodded.
“I apologize, Mr. Chen. The ‘Golden Mansion’ private room is right here, please follow me,” Manager Zhang's attitude did a complete 180-degree turn.
Everyone from the Ye family was stunned. Manager Zhang was the manager of the Blissy Restaurant. To rise to this position, he must have had excellent connections. So why was he being so respectful to Thorpe, who was considered a good-for-nothing?
“Zhang, are you sure about this? He’s just a thug. Why are you being so respectful to him?” Lowell Fang felt like he was going crazy.
“I’m sure, absolutely sure,” Manager Zhang bowed and said, “He’s one of the Blissy Restaurant's esteemed guests.”
“He lost all his money gambling and borrows money every day to get by, living off his wife. And look at his clothes, they're from street stalls,” Garfield Ye said in disbelief.
“I can't be wrong. Absolutely can't be wrong,” Manager Zhang hesitated. The Blissy Restaurant was a Lin family property. Just yesterday, Adolf Lin personally instructed that if a man named Thorpe Chen came to dine, he must be provided with the best service. Any negligence would result in Zhang’s dismissal.
An esteemed guest of Adolf Lin? How could he dare neglect? However, it seemed like Thorpe Chen had disagreements with his family.