The Master’s Mask Unveiled Again
Chapter 933 - 932: Merely Third, What’s There to Flatter?

Chapter 933: Chapter 932: Merely Third, What’s There to Flatter?

Mr. Saino himself didn’t seem to have any particular thoughts, following Dongyang up to the second floor of the restaurant and stopping at the door of a reception room.

Dongyang knocked on the door and led Saino, Lu Yutian, and their group inside.

Lu Mian, Xiao Qimo, and Yuren were all present.

The three of them were seated on the sofa: one exuding unrestrained defiance, another radiating lazy elegance, and the last looking stern and upright—each with their unique bearing.

Upon meeting, Saino immediately recognized Yuren, who, in turn, rose to his feet, advancing a step to shake hands with him.

Despite their differing stances, the due formalities couldn’t be skipped.

Saino attempted to converse in somewhat clumsy Z Country language, "I finally get to meet Boss Yu in person this time. I didn’t expect the owner of MM Ji Restaurant to be so young."

After entering, Lu Yutian’s gaze quickly swept over Lu Mian. Although surprised by her presence, it made sense upon noticing Xiao Qimo here as well.

She surmised that Lu Mian must be leveraging the Xiao Family’s resources to expand her connections for MM Ji.

Born a noble daughter, when Lu Yutian looked down on someone, she wouldn’t do so explicitly. Instead, her disdain would manifest through indifference and aloofness.

She paid no heed to Lu Mian but allowed her gaze to linger on Xiao Qimo for a few extra seconds.

Lu Yutian quickly composed a graceful and poised smile, nodding slightly at Xiao Qimo—a brief and simple greeting.

Only then did she turn her attention to Yuren.

Yuren wore a faint expression of puzzlement.

Saino broke the silence, saying, "This is Miss Lu Yutian of LOOK Company, belonging to the Watson Consortium. She has assisted me greatly during my trip to Z Country. Miss Lu, this is Mr. Yu, the manager of MM Ji and a very diligent and responsible restaurant owner."

A glimmer of understanding flashed across Lu Yutian’s face, and she smiled. "Boss Yu, nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you."

"Likewise." Yuren nodded politely but indifferently. "However, Mr. Saino, there’s a clarification I need to make."

"Oh?"

"I’m merely the acting manager of MM Ji. The real owner is this young lady, Miss Lu Mian."

Yuren stepped aside, introducing Lu Mian formally and with great importance.

Following his gaze, Saino and Lu Yutian’s eyes landed on Lu Mian, who sat nonchalantly on the sofa, unperturbed and immovable.

The girl lounged casually in a simple white shirt, two buttons undone, her neckline slightly skewed, revealing her delicate and elegant collarbones.

Her long legs, equally stunning, were wrapped in light blue fitted jeans and rested carelessly on the sofa’s edge, embodying a blend of recklessness and aloofness.

Her fingers tapped rhythmically on the sofa armrest, her other hand absently twirling a stray lock of hair around her ear. She seemed utterly indifferent, even in the presence of a representative from the Watson Consortium.

Lu Yutian’s heart skipped a beat, and her brows furrowed as she blurted, uncharacteristically shaken, "MM Ji is yours?"

Lu Mian raised her brows slightly and replied coolly, "Is that a problem?"

"..."

Lu Yutian fell silent. Something shattered in her gaze but quickly reassembled itself.

No, it wasn’t that it couldn’t be—she just found it...unexpected! Completely unbelievable!

Just days ago, during the AI competition, she had been up against Lu Mian and had lost miserably. And now, meeting again, it was in a wholly different scenario.

Before coming to MM Ji, she had done her homework: Yuren was the owner, handling everything from location scouting to renovations and the grand opening.

She had never heard of Lu Mian, nor had she ever associated the two matters together.

And now, discovering abruptly that this was Lu Mian’s turf—and that she had to conduct business negotiations with her on behalf of the Watson Consortium—it felt degrading and entirely unnecessary.

Had she known earlier, she would’ve taken the deal for the Watson Consortium long ago.

Nonetheless, Lu Yutian, having been honed in years of etiquette training, suppressed her emotions, smoothing over the awkwardness with a faint smile. She spoke calmly, "Miss Lu, you have quite the ambition—establishing such a remarkable restaurant and even attracting the Watson Consortium’s attention."

Lu Mian didn’t respond.

After his initial shock subsided, Saino didn’t notice the tension between Lu Yutian and Lu Mian. Instead, he asked in both surprise and excitement, "Miss Lu, would you agree to sell us MM Ji? If it’s a matter of price, we can negotiate further! If 1 billion isn’t enough, how about 2 billion?"

Lu Yutian was stunned and glanced at Watson. That price...far exceeded the valuation of any restaurant.

Her gaze dimmed slightly, disapproving of Lu Mian’s indifference and dismissiveness throughout. She couldn’t stop thinking that, no matter what, they were guests. Considering that someone from the Watson Consortium had come personally, Lu Mian’s attitude was unacceptable.

"Miss Lu, the Watson Consortium is the third-ranked conglomerate on the Forbes Global Enterprises list. Selling MM Ji to them would hardly be a loss. If you’re unsure, you can consult Mr. Xiao next to you—he’s well-versed in these matters."

Lu Yutian carried herself with an air of superiority, implying a subtle alignment between her and Xiao Qimo in her words, while relegating Lu Mian as nothing more than a shortsighted restaurant owner.

Both Lu Mian and Xiao Qimo furrowed their brows slightly.

From the side, Yuren suddenly sneered.

Lu Yutian turned to him. "Mr. Yu, is there a problem?"

Of course, there was a problem!

So what if they were ranked third? Did that mean Mianmian should fawn over them?

Besides, they had rejected the Watson Consortium countless times, yet the latter kept pestering them incessantly.

This grand opening was no different; the Watson Consortium pushed their way in shamelessly.

How could they still act as though Lu Mian had never seen the world before?

Yuren, his expression serious and frosty, explained, "Mr. Saino, no means no. Since today’s our grand opening, this meal is on us. Enjoy your dinner."

"Miss Lu, Mr. Yu, won’t you reconsider? If selling is truly out of the question, we’d be open to investing! Let’s discuss..."

Saino was genuinely keen on reaching a partnership.

Seated on the sofa, Xiao Qimo impatiently adjusted his glasses before leaning toward Lu Mian’s ear. "I’m stepping out to make a phone call."

As he spoke, Lu Mian was fiddling with her phone. After spinning it once in her palm, she paused and said, "Alright, you go ahead."

The girl watched the composed man leave. When she turned her gaze back, Saino had already pulled out several documents. "To the two bosses—just take a look, let’s talk..."

Saino continued to pester Lu Mian and Yuren.

Unable to find an opening, Lu Yutian pursed her lips and, after a moment’s thought, stepped out as well.

Lu Mian lifted her head slightly from the stack of documents, her eyes coldly sweeping over them.

——

A garden balcony at MM Ji.

Xiao Qimo dialed a number, the name displayed on his screen: Mo Lei.

The call connected almost instantly, and the other party greeted him respectfully.

Xiao Qimo’s voice was chilling as he gave the order: "Give the Watson Consortium a warning. Tell them to stop meddling in Z Country’s business. Things they shouldn’t covet—don’t."

Mo Lei hesitated on the other end of the line. "Sir, should this be done in your personal capacity or under the Azure Group’s name?"