Berloff Reed's flippant attitude drew a disdainful snort from Rhea.
"Ha! Just some pretty boy's self-deception!"
"My Trista, back in the day, was one of the recognized beauties of our university, along with her sister."
"If the man she found isn't even better than my Elton, that would be so embarrassing!"
Trista's pretty face darkened at those words. She hadn't expected that her once good college friend would become so shallow and materialistic after a few years."Rhea, we have things to do. Let's catch up another time," Trista said, ready to leave with Berloff, not wanting to stoop to their level.
"Hey, Trista, it's been so long! Let's have a good chat today," Rhea quickly stepped forward and grabbed Trista's arm.
"Yeah, there's a new French restaurant that just opened at the Pacific Mall. The average cost per person is around $500. Let me treat everyone to a meal," Elton chimed in, flaunting his wealth. "Berloff Reed, right? You probably haven't been to such a high-end restaurant before. Come with us and broaden your horizons."Trista almost laughed out of anger. In her eyes, Berloff was a billionaire. What high-end restaurant hadn't he seen?
Only nouveau riche like Rhea and Elton would be so shallow, flaunting such things.
"Great!"
Unexpectedly, Berloff Reed beamed, rubbing his hands together enthusiastically.
"I've never been to such a high-end restaurant before. I'm thrilled to tag along and see what it's like."
Trista couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. She covered her mouth, giggling,and gave Berloff a playful slap.
"Brother Berloff, you're so bad!"
Berloff shrugged innocently and whispered, "I'm telling the truth."
Before getting the system, Berloff was quite poor and had indeed never been to such a fancy restaurant.
Trista, who had just enjoyed a seafood buffet at the Four Seasons with Berloff the previous night, naturally didn't believe him.
"Hmph!"
Trista gave Berloff a charming, playful glare that made her look even more alluring."Alright then, I guess we'll be spending a lot today."
With Trista's agreement, Rhea happily clung to Elton's arm and led the way to the elevator.
Once they reached the fifth floor of the mall, Trista reminded them, "As far as I know, this French restaurant belongs to the famous Huaye Food Group. It's always packed with socialites and influencers. Did you make a reservation in advance?"
Berloff Reed was taken aback. He hadn't expected Rhea to choose his own restaurant for their meal. Interesting.
Rhea, brimming with confidence, puffed out her chest and said, "Trista, don't worry."
"My Elton is now a senior executive in a Fortune 500 company. With his status, there's no restaurant he can't get into."
Elton raised his chin proudly and added, "Exactly. Just follow me."
"This is just a small place with an average cost of $800 per person. As long as I show my business card, we can walk right in."
"Sigh, Silk City is such a small place. This is the best it has to offer. Otherwise, I could take you to a Michelin three-star restaurant where the average cost is thousands of dollars."Trista frowned, clearly annoyed. "Fine, as long as you're confident."
"Trista!" Rhea clicked her tongue and smiled, "You look a bit too skinny."
"Let me tell you, when you find a boyfriend, make sure he's not just a pretty face. If he can't even afford a decent meal, that's just sad."
Elton glanced at Berloff and added fuel to the fire. "Exactly. Look at my darling. She enjoys the best food and drinks with me, visiting all sorts of high-end restaurants. She's so happy."
"Unlike some pretty boys who have to mooch off women for meals. It's just pathetic!"
After saying that, Elton waved his hand dismissively at Berloff, pretending to be considerate. "Berloff, I don't mean you, don't take it personally."
Berloff Reed was speechless.
Wow, what a disgusting attitude. No wonder you graduated from Wharton with an MBA. You've mastered the essence of shamelessness.
Soon, the group arrived at the Left Bank Bistro.
It was close to noon, and a long line had formed outside the restaurant, with people waiting to get a number for a table.
Seeing this, Elton sneered arrogantly, "Tsk tsk, this country is so backward. These people act like they've never seen anything fancy before, lining up for a regular bistro."
After saying that, Elton strode to the restaurant's front desk, pulling out his business card and slamming it down in front of the receptionist.
"Hey, waiter, I'm the General Manager of ParknShop Group. Get us a good table right away."
"Move it! Hurry up!"
His bossy attitude left the receptionist momentarily stunned.
Seeing Elton in his suit, exuding confidence, she instinctively nodded and bowed, her attitude very polite.
"Mr. Park, I'm sorry, but do you have a reservation?"
Elton scoffed disdainfully, "This is just a regular bistro, not a Michelin three-star restaurant. What's the point of making a reservation? Ridiculous!"
"Just get us a table. I can pay extra if needed."
The receptionist's lips twitched, clearly irritated by Elton's arrogance."I'm sorry, Mr. Park, but without a reservation, you'll have to wait in line and get a number like everyone else."
Elton's eyes widened as if he had just heard a joke.
"Say that again? I'm the general manager of a domestic branch of a Fortune 500 company. With such a prestigious identity, I still have to take a number and wait in line at your small restaurant?"
"What a joke!"
His aggressive demeanor made the restaurant receptionist shrink back in fear.
"Mr. Dong, I apologize, but according to our restaurant's policy, guests without a reservation must wait in line. Please understand."
"You!" Elton's face turned red with anger as he glared fiercely at the receptionist.
The commotion caught the attention of the other guests waiting in line.
The stylishly dressed men and women started pointing and whispering about Elton.
"Wow, where did this country bumpkin come from? Doesn't he know you need a reservation to dine at Left Bank Restaurant?"
"Tsk tsk, he looks all fancy and well-dressed, but he's just a hick!"
"And he dares to call himself a Fortune 500 executive? How embarrassing!"
...
Seeing himself become the target of ridicule, Elton's face flushed with shame.
At this moment, Berloff Reed spoke up with a smile.
"Hey, Elton, didn't you say you could easily get us in?"
"What's going on now?"
"Trista and I don't mind, but I'm worried your precious one might be embarrassed following you around."
Elton's face turned red and pale with anger, his fury evident.
Bang!
Seeing Trista watching him with a mocking smile, Elton's rage boiled over, and he slammed his fist onto the front desk.
"Unbelievable! I can't believe this tiny restaurant is making me wait in line!"
"Get your manager out here right now!"