Chapter 1861 - 1947: My Treat
"Alright, Mr. Su, please wait!"
Zhang Xinyi said as she left, and Dong Jianwen looked at the service staff and the environment around him, softly saying.
"Brother, how much does a meal here cost?"
As he spoke, he fished out a plastic bag from his pouch, which Su Xuan glanced at and noticed it seemed like one for holding yellow wine, containing some coins inside?
"Don’t worry, it’s on me!"
Su Xuan felt a bit embarrassed. Although Dong Jianwen had been a boss before, he never truly enjoyed the luxury. After leaving the army, he tried everything but couldn’t make much money. Finally, he managed to make a name for himself with Deng Xiaolu, only for trouble to arise again. So, Dong Jianwen actually seemed like the real, pragmatic migrant worker.
"That’s not right. We’re brothers, but money should be clear. Today, you came with me for the blind date. If I let someone else pay, I won’t feel right about it. If you’re adamant, then I’ll leave!"
Dong Jianwen said seriously.
"Alright, alright... you win, then you treat!"
Su Xuan was speechless, but he understood Dong Jianwen’s personality—he wasn’t greedy, but rather someone with self-respect. Today was originally Su Xuan accompanying him to the blind date, so no matter what, he wouldn’t let Su Xuan pay.
Dong Jianwen took out the bag holding yellow wine, then took out all the money inside. Su Xuan knew he wanted to check if he had enough; otherwise, paying later would be awkward.
Su Xuan touched his pocket, initially thinking of lending some cash to Dong Jianwen, since his wallet was quite eclectic. Of course, Su Xuan knew that working on a construction site meant sweating a lot, and actually, a yellow wine bag for holding money wasn’t a bad choice!
However, after reaching into his pocket, Su Xuan realized he hadn’t brought any cash, generally making payments via transfer.
"Mr. Dong, how about I transfer some money to you first, and you can pay me back later!"
Su Xuan suggested, spotting a woman already entering, who he assumed was Dong Jianwen’s blind date.
"No worries, I should have enough. I was just organizing it; haven’t had time recently!"
Mr. Dong emptied his wallet, with coins of fifty cents, one yuan, five yuan, Ten Yuan, and only two bills of Hundred Yuan, while the rest were all small denominations.
At this point, the waiter had already brought Su Xuan and his companions a cup of juice, and two young women approached them. One of them was tall and wore makeup, appearing quite pretty. She looked at Dong Jianwen arranging money with disdain, then glanced at Su Xuan, softly speaking.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Dong?"
The woman glanced at Su Xuan with some satisfaction, having observed the key on the table. Some women have sharp observational skills; upon entering the room, she had scrutinized the two men thoroughly. Her keen eyes quickly identified Su Xuan’s Lamborghini key, worth over seven million, prompting a private delight—perhaps she had caught a wealthy groom today!
Moreover, Su Xuan’s watch appeared to be branded, a Tianwang Watch, valued at a minimum of over four hundred thousand—something not easily faked.
Upon hearing the question, Dong Jianwen realized someone had arrived and quickly stood up, speaking.
"I’m Dong Jianwen, hello!"
Dong Jianwen felt awkward, hastily packed away the money, and upon seeing the woman, immediately lost the desire or confidence to pursue.
Dong Jianwen was quite self-aware, realizing this woman was way out of his league. Judging by her heavy makeup and branded bag, he was not familiar with any of it.
Beside the woman stood a more plainly dressed girl, presumably her best friend accompanying her on the blind date!
"You’re the one here for the blind date!"
Upon realizing Su Xuan was not Dong Jianwen, the woman seemed visibly disappointed. Despite Dong Jianwen’s somewhat neat attire, for a sharp-eyed woman, it was apparent Dong Jianwen had no money.
The wallet he took out was clearly a yellow wine bag, a peculiar choice for someone valuing taste. Though Dong Jianwen’s outerwear looked clean, his inner clothes had dust and subtly smelled of sweat, though hardly discernible, yet she noticed.
Moreover, Dong Jianwen lacked car keys, with cracked hands clearly due to manual labor, in contrast to Su Xuan’s smooth hands.
Admittedly, even Su Xuan admired this woman’s observational prowess.
"Indeed, ladies, please take a seat! Waiter..."
Despite having no expectations, Dong Jianwen courteously acknowledged. Blind dating was just about chance; he had no aspirations for success, given his debts.
Su Xuan and Dong Jianwen sat together, the two ladies opposite them. However, the lady meant for Dong Jianwen’s date preferred not sitting directly across him, ensuring her friend did instead.
"What would you like to eat?"
Dong Jianwen politely handed the menu to the two girls opposite.
"You go ahead and order!"
The woman glanced at Su Xuan, who was indifferent and addressed the waiter.
"Bring out some signature dishes, and fetch a bottle of 85 Lafite!"
"Cough, cough..."
Dong Jianwen coughed, thinking his brother was being too extravagant.
"Um, wait a moment, I’m driving today, can’t indulge in wine. Just the juice cups and one signature dish, plus some spicy fried pork, hot and sour potato shreds, chicken stewed with mushrooms..."
Su Xuan ordered several homely dishes, which were typically unavailable at the hotel. Still, whether Su Xuan requested Erguotou, the hotel was accommodating.
Initially forgetting today’s meal was on Dong Jianwen, Su Xuan’s casual order only registered after Mr. Dong’s cough—a stark reminder of poor budgeting. Mr. Dong likely didn’t have even a thousand yuan in cash, risking an embarrassing moment if he couldn’t cover the bill.
Dong Jianwen exhaled in relief, thinking his brother understood him. It’s not stinginess; truly, they were just too broke. Deep down, Dong Jianwen actually intended to treat them to roadside noodles believing it sufficient. Mr. Dong, nonetheless, maintained his thrifty ways.
While Su Xuan acted composed, the woman still sensed it, inwardly mocking, and thinking what a bumpkin he was.