"Come, come, don’t be shy, everyone, help yourselves."
Chen Zhiyu led Yu Xueqing upstairs to the second-floor dining room, warmly inviting Yu Xueqing to take a seat, with a smile that showed no trace of negligence.
Meanwhile, the group of one large and four small Yangtze Crocodiles were escorted by Pet Paradise staff to a fish pond to eat.
"Ah, this... you really don’t need to hold back." Yu Xueqing saw Chen Zhiyu ordering and noticed the prices on the menu, some costing hundreds, and promptly refused, especially seeing her order a leg for her little fox.
Yu Xueqing couldn’t help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.
Charcoal-grilled Ostrich Leg (Mild), Price: 998.
An ostrich leg priced at 998... online, that’s already half the price of a snow fox.
Seeing the Pet Paradise owner’s generosity, Yu Xueqing couldn’t help feeling unease, receiving something for nothing.
Maybe you should... just take one of my kidneys? Otherwise, I’ll truly feel uncomfortable eating later.
"Really, don’t be shy, our Changping Mountain Pet Paradise just reopened for two days, and such a big mistake happened, it’s me who should be embarrassed."
After inviting Yu Xueqing to finish ordering, Chen Zhiyu said with a helpless smile, "By the way, I was so busy apologizing that I haven’t introduced myself. Nice to meet you, my last name is Chen, first name Zhiyu, from the Chen family of Changping Mountain."
"The Chen family of Changping Mountain?"
Yu Xueqing looked thoughtful, feeling like she had heard Chen Zhiyu’s name before, but couldn’t quite remember where.
"Uh... My name is Yu Xueqing, from Changxi Town, and the little fox next to me is Xiaolan."
While introducing herself, Yu Xueqing also mentioned her residence, but since her mother was married off, she didn’t include the Chen surname.
For some locals, mentioning one’s birthplace during introductions is not common, but it’s a gesture of goodwill.
A city has many districts and towns, each with its own stereotypes.
During the early founding period, there was a cultivation policy; as long as citizens developed land, the right to use it would be allocated by the local village committee.
In Jiule City, the Chen family’s name is synonymous with owning mountains.
Their hills are used for tea planting, which though of subpar taste is used for blending, but they mainly operate in semi-wild livestock breeding.
Yu Xueqing’s maternal family from Shougou, or Changxi Town’s Chen family, is renowned for tea planting.
Whether it’s the Chen family of Changping Mountain or the Chen family of Changxi Town, both run legitimate businesses and are quite affluent, and the local reputation is excellent.
However, the Qiangzi Lin family of Lin Ying represents typical overseas criminal forces.
Just mentioning the name is enough for those who know their background to shrink their necks.
"Changxi Town... anyone in your family with the last name Chen?" Chen Zhiyu brightened upon hearing Yu Xueqing’s introduction.
"Yes... my mom is from the Chen family in Changxi Town." Yu Xueqing nodded and said.
"Hahaha, good! Then when I buy tea for gifts during holidays, you have to give me a discount! Come on, add two more substantial dishes for our tea house’s young lady..."
Chen Zhiyu added two more dishes for Yu Xueqing and mentioned that they were home-raised chickens, ducks, and geese, and that they were only pricey on the menu, while the village price is just a few bucks per pound.
Changxi Town’s Chen family Frosted Oolong tea is famous not just in Jiule City but even internationally.
During holidays, getting some for gifts can be a hassle.
Ansheng sat in his chair, watching Chen Zhiyu with interest, thinking about some matters without interrupting the conversation between Yu Xueqing and Chen Zhiyu.
Just then, the sound of knocking came from the private room door, and two waiters entered, one behind the other, carrying a giant tray.
On the wooden tray was an ostrich leg.
The 1.6-meter-long leg was placed right on the small table in front of Ansheng.
Both Ansheng and Yu Xueqing gasped upon seeing the 1.6-meter-long leg.
Ansheng looked at the leg larger than himself with a shocked expression and turned to Chen Zhiyu. In terms of hosting a meal, Sister Chen’s hospitality was genuine! Not to mention if it’s just for nibbling, I would have to gnaw for four or five days at least.
Seeing the fox’s astonished look and Yu Xueqing’s dumbfounded expression, Chen Zhiyu chuckled lightly:
"That leg weighs 15 pounds. Though priced to earn profit, our Pet Paradise doesn’t make money off people, just relying on the restaurant and selling pet cubs."
"This large leg makes for a grand birthday feast for carnivorous pets."
"After we’re done eating, I’ll take you to tour our breeding and nursery areas; I guarantee it’ll be eye-opening."
Yu Xueqing wanted to try the ostrich leg, but Chen Zhiyu held her back.
What carnivorous pets eat is different from what people eat, the ostrich leg isn’t seasoned much, nor fully cooked, with a bit of bloodiness.
It’s perfect for carnivorous pets, but for humans, it would be like eating a bloody mess.
"Whimper whimper whimper—"
Ansheng took a bite of the ostrich leg, pressing his paws on the table while tearing away at the ostrich meat. After a taste, finding it a bit bland, he turned to Yu Xueqing, helplessly whimpering.
"Huh? You want black pepper salt?" Yu Xueqing scratched her head upon hearing Ansheng, scanning around the table, only finding sea salt and chili powder.
"See if mixing these works for you?"
Ansheng reluctantly nodded, patting the ostrich leg, signaling Ah Qing to add some seasoning for him.
Chen Zhiyu slowly raised a question mark.
"You two are really in sync, but little animals’ diets should be kept light, or they might shed."
"No worries, if Xiaolan sheds, we’ll just shave him bare."
Yu Xueqing pulled out her phone, recording a short video of Ansheng gnawing on the ostrich meat, smiling as she responded to Chen Zhiyu.
Ansheng shot Yu Xueqing a sharp glare.
The last time you trimmed my fur, I didn’t hold you accountable, Ah Qing. Let me remind you, An myself relies on this white fur to travel the world.
You mess with my white fur, I’ll go to Lin Ying’s house tonight, order some wax online, and coat your limbs with it.
"Well... just kidding, don’t be mad." Receiving the fox’s angry stare, Yu Xueqing’s heart skipped a beat, recollecting the fox’s little showerhead, she quickly apologized.
"Whimper whimper whimper!"
Ansheng rolled his eyes, ignoring Yu Xueqing’s video recording, while looking at Chen Zhiyu, confidently letting out a whimper.
Sister, though your Changping Mountain matters don’t concern this Changxi Fox.
Out of gratitude, I’m willing to brainstorm solutions for you, after all... that’s Wish Power!
But seeing how sensible you are, I’ll graciously move your wish up the line!
Tonight, I’ll pour herring can juice into Gao Feng Consulting Company’s water tank, then come find you!
But you have to remember!
Every November 15th, treat me to a leg like today’s, with black pepper salt and mustard sauce combo.
Remember, it’s Master Fox’s birthday!
"Hey? Your birthday’s November 15th?" Yu Xueqing looked surprised at first, then filled with delight: "Xiaolan is awesome for remembering his birthday!"