"It's solved."
Xia Liang looked at Sister Xu with a gentle smile.
"Indeed, it has. Mister Xia, you are truly a formidable young talent. I was ignorant before, and I hope you can forgive my shortsightedness," Sister Xu said, bowing deeply.
"How is this possible?"
"Did soone actually solve this chess puzzle?"
"What's the background of this young man?"
Clearly, the people on the second floor grew restless. They had underestimated Xia Liang because of his youth and hadn't paid close attention to the ga's progression. Now that it was solved, they couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.
"You're too kind, Sister Xu."
Seeing her apologize, Xia Liang was puzzled as to why she took a ga he'd started on a whim so seriously.
After finishing her bow, Sister Xu said respectfully, "Mister, and all of you, please follow ."
With that, she began to walk ahead.
The group of four, who had assud they would be seated on the second floor, were instead led to the fifth. As they left, the remaining patrons on the second floor couldn't sit still any longer. They all rushed downstairs, eager to see how the hundred-year-old unsolvable chess puzzle had finally been broken.
"That's not right. I rember the black pieces having the advantage from the start. How can it be that after it's solved, the black pieces still win?"
"Yeah, I also rember that black was supposed to win from the beginning."
"Could this young man have so kind of arrangent with the owner..."
"Are you suggesting he used his connections? Impossible. You know how strict the rules are here."
"Then why this young man..."
"Why worry about it? We'll know soon enough when we see which floor he goes to."
After this was said, all eyes turned to the elevator. When it stopped on the fifth floor, the entire crowd fell silent.
The fifth floor had never been opened to the public before. Xia Liang and his companions were the first to enter, which could only an one thing: the puzzle was genuinely solved, and the solution was simply beyond their comprehension.
"It seems this young man really does have a close relationship with the owner here!" a portly, middle-aged man remarked, his voice laced with jealousy over Xia Liang receiving treatnt he himself could never get.
"Nonsense! I watched him solve the puzzle with my own eyes."
"Elder Yang!"
"Elder Yang!"
Hearing the new voice, everyone in the crowd responded with deference.
"Now that the puzzle is solved, I should be on my way," said the elder, who had been watching Xia Liang from the third floor. "You are all prominent figures in Shangjing City. Don't be so petty, lest you make a laughingstock of yourselves."
He shot a glare at the man who had made the sarcastic comnt before turning to leave. Seeing this, the rest of the crowd also departed dejectedly.
In just a few monts, only Xia Liang's group of four remained in the entire estate. Of course, they had no idea what had just transpired downstairs.
"Mister, may I have the honor of knowing your na?" Sister Xu asked respectfully, standing by Xia Liang's side.
"There's no need for such formality, Sister Xu. My na is Xia Liang."
"Mister Xia, the fifth floor in Shangjing City has never been opened to the public. You are the very first. From this day forward, you are one of our most honored guests. No matter which of our restaurants you visit in any city, as long as it is you in person, your al will be on the house."
Wen Qiong and Chang Ge gasped. They knew this place was extraordinary just from seeing the first floor. But the fifth floor was even more astonishing, with its sumptuous decor, tiless masterpieces hanging on the walls, and an endless view of the back garden from the windows. Anyone could tell this place was special. After all, not just anyone could own such a large private estate in the heart of Shangjing, and the seemingly boundless rear garden was only visible from the fifth floor.
Moreover, Chang Ge was a regular patron, yet this was the first she had ever heard of the restaurant having other branches. From Sister Xu's tone, it sounded like they had locations all across Xia Country. The revelation was truly astounding.
Hearing Little Tangtang's stomach rumble, Xia Liang said, "Alright, thank you. When can we eat?"
Compared to the grand offer, food was clearly the more pressing matter.
"Right away, Mister Xia. I will go and hurry the kitchen along. Please make yourselves comfortable. There is an assortnt of pastries and fruits on the coffee table for you to enjoy," Sister Xu said. She gave another bow before leaving.
Seeing Xia Liang's completely unfazed deanor, Sister Xu's respect for him deepened.
As expected of soone who could solve the puzzle. Youthful he may be, but he is not to be underestimated.
Now, she not only had to check on the kitchen but also report back to Jingcheng that the puzzle had been solved and by whom.
"I originally wanted to invite you all here to express my gratitude. I never expected to be the one benefiting from your good fortune, with you all treating instead," Chang Ge mused, looking out the window. She gazed at the myriad chrysanthemums, the strangely shaped rocks of the intricate rockeries, the rustling bamboo forest, and the shimring lake water, sighing with emotion. "Next ti, it really must be my treat!"
Hearing her earnest words, Xia Liang simply smiled faintly and continued peeling an orange for Little Tangtang.
Just then, Sister Xu returned. "Mister Xia, your al is ready. May I serve the dishes now?"
Xia Liang nodded, and Sister Xu began bringing out the food.
"All the dishes have been served. Please enjoy your al," she said before excusing herself from the room.
"Wow, Uncle Xia, the food here is so delicious!" Little Tangtang's excited voice rang out after just one bite of the sweet and sour spare ribs.
"It is quite good. If you like it, Little Tangtang, have so more," Wen Qiong said, placing another rib on her plate.
At that mont, Chang Ge brought over a bowl of soup. "Be careful with the soup, Little Tangtang, it's quite hot. But I've had it before, and it's delicious. I think you'll like it."
Xia Liang was happy to see everyone enjoying themselves. "Since you all like it, please eat your fill."
「Two hours later.」
"Uncle Xia, I don't think I can eat another bite," Little Tangtang said, looking hesitantly at the food still on the table.
Xia Liang gently rubbed her small belly. "If you're full, then don't eat anymore. It's fine."
The food truly was excellent, evident from the satisfied expressions on Chang Ge and Wen Qiong's faces. Even Little Tangtang had eaten a considerable amount of vegetables, sothing that usually required a great deal of coaxing.
"Let's rest here for a while," Xia Liang suggested, glancing at the trees outside that looked as if they were about to be scorched by the sun. Although it was nearly November, the Xijing weather was as hot as ever. Going out at this hour would be pure torture.
"Fish! Uncle Xia, there are fish and water!" Little Tangtang exclaid, pressing excitedly against the window to look at the lake below.
Her sudden movent startled Wen Qiong, who quickly grabbed hold of her.
"So, Little Tangtang, would you like to go fishing later, or go boating?"
"A boat! I want to ride in a boat!" Little Tangtang replied imdiately, her eyes sparkling.
"Boating sounds wonderful. I'd like to go for a boat ride too," Wen Qiong agreed, handing a cup of water to Xia Liang.
Taking the water, Xia Liang nodded. "Alright. Since you all want to go, we'll go boating once it cools down a bit."
Little Tangtang threw herself into Xia Liang's arms and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I knew Uncle Xia was the best!"
"You little ungrateful thing! Isn't Sister Chang Ge the best?" Chang Ge said, pinching Little Tangtang's cheek in mock grievance.
"Hehe, yes! Sister Chang Ge is just as nice as Sister Wen Qiong!" the little girl chirped, careful not to offend anyone. She even shot a placating smile at Wen Qiong, who looked on with a gratified expression.
The group sat there on the fifth floor, enjoying the gentle breeze and chatting idly for over an hour before they finally left the private restaurant and continued on their way to the amusent park.
Inside the park, the air was stuffy despite the weather being slightly less hot than before. The teeming crowds made it feel almost suffocating. Seeing this, the group headed straight for the boathouse, where they rented a painted boat and set out onto the water.
Being on the lake, the sweltering heat dissipated considerably. A light breeze carried hints of moisture from the water, creating a refreshingly cool and comfortable atmosphere. This finally allowed the group to relax and appreciate the scenery.
However, as they stood on the painted boat looking at the clear lake and the lush woods nearby, they felt sothing was missing. Although picturesque, the scene seed to lack the final touch of blossoming flowers. It was in this mont that they more deeply appreciated how extraordinary the private restaurant truly was, with its front and vast rear gardens both overflowing with colorful blooms.
With these thoughts, Chang Ge and Wen Qiong lost their enthusiasm for boating on the lake. Only Little Tangtang, who was curiously watching the water flow beneath them, and Xia Liang, who held onto her while resting with his eyes closed, still seed interested.
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