Chapter 9 Chinese Restaurant / Bad girl
A couple of days later, they all went to the city to eat lunch. The restaurant, (Red Dragon), is a Chinese restaurant notorious for their dim sum and steam bun selections. Alex and his friends had decided to try out the place after hearing about its reputation. As they parked across the restaurant and waited for the crosswalk. The streets were busy as they are in the more High-end of the city. The lines were packed, yet it was only 11am.
"Don't tell me we got to wait an hour in line," Hannah groaned.
Alex smirked, "I already reserved a table a few days ago."
Everyone smirked with a few nodding. "Thank goodness," Hannah says as they walk across the crosswalk. They walked past the huge line to the door as a security guard opened the door and waited for a word. Alex showed him a card of reservation with a table for 6 for Alex, Jace, Basil, Everly, Angel and Hannah.
The Guard looks at the card. Then a man in the suit that Hannah recognized pat the guard's shoulder.
"I'll take them in," he says. "Glad you're here… Hannah."
Hannah blushes as Jace doesn't know what happened at the Italian date.
The Guard gives the card back and allows them to enter. As Alex gave the card to the female receptionist. She checks if the table is clean. The atmosphere was a bit loud as lots of fancy people dined in. The place was fully decorated with statues of golden Chinese zodiacs, intricate antique vases, and a few paintings from many generations ago, preserved in a glass case on the wall. Even the staff dressed in more traditional ancient times (Hanfu)
"Hello, may I take your orders?" the waitress asks. Her voice was high pitched. The group orders some known dishes. While the waitress stands near the man in the suit. As the guy points and asks about food options. Jace responds, "Not yet Ms., could we have some tea and water."
The waitresses smiled and bowed slightly after receiving the food order. And went away. Few minutes later, Hot tea and water was served.
After about 5 minutes passed. The guy introduced himself.
"I'm Kaiku, I own this restaurant and many other establishments. It's nice to meet you all."
Most of everyone was shocked. Some ask questions, others admire the art around. A few talked about other things.
Then a part of the restaurant goes quiet as customers murmur and whisper from the entrance to their table. A group of ladies walk by. As the female waitresses bow their heads and bend their knees a bit saying, "Xiǎo xuěhuā." (Little Snowflake)
"Mm, Kaiku, is that you?" came a familiar, cheerful voice. They look towards the speaker of the voice, Danielle. Danielle's hair was down, and a bit curled up today and she had a leather black jacket and shirt. With black coated skinny jeans and black heels. She has a lithe and lean body type. Tall, yet strong.
"I can't believe you're here! After many years…little bear." asked Danielle. "Well, it seems you got a group of… new… friends."
Kaiku smirks and chuckles as he is delighted to meet her. But I also had a feeling of being intimidated. "Danielle, it seems you got my text."
"I almost forgot, I brought the girls over too for a meal. Come girls… little bear is enjoying time without us." Danielle said in a normal and demanding tone.
Other girls in high luxury came and greeted Kaiku, some with hugs and hair pats. One with a kiss to their Diamond ring, showing off superior authority.
Kaiku stand up. "Let's take this upstairs to a VIP area. Think of this as an upgrade, Alex.
Alex nods as the group went upstairs. The Waitresses cleaned the table and placed new tea on the bigger round table.
After some awkward conversations. Hannah glances at Kaiku once in a while, blushing. But Danielle glares at her across the table, as she's sitting near Kaiku. She then holds Kaiku's thigh under the table with a bit of grip. Kaiku held her hand, reassuring her.
"Easy tiger, don't want the public to have a… bad impression of you, hm."
Danielle pouts and looks at Kaiku with siren eyes and whispers, "Mine. All mine to love."
Everyone then began, perusing the menu and discussing what to order.
Angel's friend, Basil, looked around the restaurant, his eyes darting around the room. "I got to say, this place looks pretty legit," he said, his voice low. "Kinda feels like we're in the middle of a Bruce Lee movie or something." Angel chuckled, glancing around the surroundings.
The restaurant was dimly lit, the walls adorned with traditional Chinese artwork. The atmosphere was elegant, with soft music playing in the background. "Yeah, it's definitely got a certain vibe to it," She replied, taking in the sights. "But I got to say, the food better be as good as the ambiance."
The waiter approached the table, a polite smile on his face. "Good evening," he said, his English accented with a slight Chinese twang. "Are you ready to order?" Angel and her friends looked at each other, still perusing the menu. "I think we need a few more minutes," Angel replied.
"There's so much stuff here, and it all sounds amazing." The waiter nodded in understanding, his polite demeanor remaining intact. "Of course, take your time," he said. "Let me know when you're ready." As the waiter left, the friends continued discussing their food options.
"Man, I really want to try the Peking duck," Hannah said, her eyes skimming over the menu. "Oh, yeah," Everly chimed in. "I'm tempted by the kung pao chicken. That spice level looks like it would be insane." Jace looked skeptical. "I'm not sure if I can handle that much spice," he said, making a face. "But the sweet and sour pork looks good!"
Basil chuckled at Jace's comment. "Come on, live a little," he teased. "The spice is part of the experience here!" Alex nodded; his gaze still glued to the menu. "True, but they've got some other great dishes too. I'm eyeing that beef chow mein over here."
"I just want some basic congee for starters," Angel said as the group decided. The conversation continued as the friends debated their choices. They went back and forth between dishes, comparing the spice levels, flavors, and textures. Eventually, they settled on a few dishes to share.
On the other half of the table, Kaiku, Danielle and her friends discuss what they are going to eat.
Lia smiled excitedly," Chow mein please, with lots and lots of chicken."
Ririn says, "Ma po tofu, it's spicy and perfect for the spring season."
Safiya sticks her tongue out. Flipping through pages of the Dim sum section. "Dim sum as always. Small portion with lots of options."
"Don't forget fried rice, it's very important for meals," Hizuri says.
"I want Wonton soup, cause I'm on a diet. Plus, it warms my tummy. Please… Kaiku!" Jing says as she holds onto his arm and leans her head on his shoulder. She was the youngest out of that group.
Kaiku, "I'll get some pork bao buns for dessert then."
Danielle, smirks. "Of course you'd get pork bao buns. Only for my bǎobǎo. (Baby)
Danielle's friends giggle and smile.
"Okay, I think we're "all" ready to order," Angel said, calling the waiter over.
As they all order. Time passes as the food comes and is placed on the huge round table. They all eat and share some of their dishes around. The atmosphere began to become more welcoming with a few chats. The girls mainly chat on fashion and trends, while the men chat on cars and economy.
As the meal was coming to an end, the friends were feeling very satisfied. Dishes were mostly empty, and the conversation died down as they focused on the final bites.
"Man, I'm stuffed," Everly said, leaning back in his seat and rubbing his stomach.
Jace nodded in agreement, his napkin in hand as she wiped her mouth. "I don't think I can eat another bite. I think I've hit my limit for the night."
Despite their fullness, they couldn't help but look at the empty dishes with slightly wistful expressions.
"This has been some of the best Chinese food I've had in a long time," Angel said, stacking the last of the plates together. "I can see why everybody raves about this place."
"I think we've found our new go-to spot for Chinese food," Alex chimed in, nodding in approval. "I don't think we'll find anything better than this."
The waiter appeared at their table, clearing away the empty dishes. "Did you enjoy your meal?" he asked, his polite smile still intact.
Basil nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. "We did. Everything was great," he said, glancing around the table to see if his friends agreed with him. The waiter beamed at the compliment. "We're glad you enjoyed it," he replied. "I'll be right back with your check."
A couple of minutes later the check was split and paid among Kaiku and his girlfriends. And Angel and her friends. As they were about to leave, Danielle and Jing pulled Hannah to the side for a quick chat. As the group makes their way down the stairs slowly to the front entrance.
"Listen close, shy girl, Kaiku is mine!" Danielle says as she taps her chest hard. "I see you glancing at him like some schoolgirl with a crush. Keep them from wandering."
Jing, with her arm crossed, was the youngest girl in the group. She wore the diamond ring and stepped forward. "You're just not on his… level. You belong way… below our rank as "Mid-level poor". Plus, Danielle is right, Kaiku is hers. But she does sometimes share with the rest of the girls. On special occasions." Hannah blushed.
Jing shows Hannah the ring, "see this, $1.2 million dollar ring for my 21st birthday, a couple years ago. What did he give you, huh?"
Hannah was feeling sad and scared. Then Danielle pins her right shoulder against the wall, hidden by a long Chinese six panel screens. Her knee pinned Hannah's leg. "Don't ever look. Stay. Talk. Or be near him. Ever, ok... Hannah. I'll be sure to distract him from you, right Jing?"
Jing nods and forces Hannah to look up with her hand. "Go back to that boy… Jace I think. He really takes care of you during our lunch meal."
The girls release Hannah and scurry to Kaiku and walk away. Hannah goes back to the group and covers her face with her hoodie as she pretends to fall asleep with her car ride with her friends. As gentle tears cascade down her cheek as she thinks about her relationship. She knows Jace likes her, but at the same time. She longs for that spark or rather reconnection with Kaiku from the past. That feels like a memory fading and drifting away as time passes on. They drove to their homes.
As for Kaiku and his girlfriends, they went back to the penthouse and enjoyed their day.
Danielle and Jing spoiled Kaiku and made sure he wasn't texting Hannah, even if they needed to distract him a bit. The other girls were also pitched in on what happened.