Noon marked the beginning of welcoming guests; attendants with pristine white towels draped over their shoulders bustled about the main hall, their faces beaming with smiles, while the kitchen had already lit its fires, emitting fragrant scents that made passersby involuntarily stop to take a deep breath.
Wufu greeted Ah Jiu, remarking, "I thought I wouldn't see you until this evening."
Ah Jiu looked around the restaurant environment and said, "How could I not come to offer my congratulations on the opening of your first business venture? Boss Wu, congratulations!"
Wufu laughed merrily and accepted the gift that Yuan Ye handed over, saying with a smile, "Thank you very much."
Upon opening the long box, inside was a scroll; Wufu glanced at Ah Jiu, then took it out and unfolded it himself.
It was a Nine Fish Lotus Painting—both the fish and lotuses were drawn so vividly they seemed to swim and bloom on paper, as if they had come to life.
