Tycoon: From Rags to Riches

As the brilliant lights of the Maybach GLS 600 went out, Gu Heng and Jiang Ruan got out of the car one after the other.

Since Gu Heng had driven straight to the Lion Sports Fitness Center after leaving Zhen Cui Group, he was still wearing the business-casual attire he’d had on during the day.

The sleeves of his dark blue business shirt were partially rolled up. Having just finished his workout and showered, he looked fresh and clean, his expression conveying a hint of contentment and ease.

It was a supreme sense of relaxation that Jiang Ruan had never even seen on her own boss at the Mercedes-Benz dealership.

"Let’s go."

Gu Heng smiled at Jiang Ruan and took the lead.

Jiang Ruan followed close behind, quickening her pace to catch up.

Walking side by side, they soon arrived in front of a detached courtyard built in a retro, Tang Dynasty style.

The courtyard was enclosed by a simple, understated wall of antiquated blue-gray bricks. A few sprigs of green bamboo occasionally peeked over the top, swaying gently in the breeze and adding a touch of life and elegance.

The courtyard gate was a traditional wooden structure. On the plaque above it were two flamboyant, calligraphic words: Sushi Yun.

A frosted glass lantern hung from the lintel, casting a soft, warm glow.

Through the half-open gate, one could glimpse the scenery within. A path of natural stone slabs was flanked by low stone lanterns and neatly trimmed red pines. Through the gaps in the branches, a bamboo fence partially obscured the view, sparking the imagination.

"This is..."

"The omakase place that’s been the hottest spot in Beichun for the past two months?"

Jiang Ruan stared at the plaque above the courtyard, her rosy pink lips parting slightly in surprise.

"I’ve never been here either."

"Let’s try it out today."

Gu Heng smiled and pushed the main gate open.

"Good evening, sir and madam!"

"Do you have a reservation for this evening?"

Not far from the entrance was a reception counter where two hostesses stood. The moment they saw Gu Heng and Jiang Ruan walk in, they immediately came forward and bowed in greeting.

"No reservation."

Gu Heng shook his head. "You just need to inform your general manager that Gu Heng is here."

"O-Okay."

"Sir, please come in..."

Although the hostess had never encountered a situation like this, she could tell from Gu Heng’s fashionable clothes and extraordinary presence that he was clearly no ordinary person.

She first exchanged a glance with her colleague, then took a step back and gestured for Gu Heng and Jiang Ruan to enter.

Seeing the hostess’s reaction, the corners of Gu Heng’s mouth lifted into a faint smile.

’Mm...’

’She knows how to read people. Not bad...’

Gu Heng nodded to himself.

He had just deliberately adopted a slightly cold and arrogant attitude to see how the two hostesses would respond.

Based on their response, they were quick-witted and flexible. Gu Heng was quite satisfied with their gentle approach to handling the situation.

Following behind Gu Heng, Jiang Ruan seemed a little reserved.

Although she had seen this restaurant many times online, it was her first time actually setting foot in what was currently known as the most high-end Japanese restaurant in all of Ji Province.

With a cost that could easily exceed 2,000 yuan per person, it was something Jiang Ruan simply couldn’t afford given her current financial situation.

Of course...

If she wanted to, with her beauty, there would certainly be plenty of people willing to treat her to a meal here. She just wasn’t willing to accept.

Even though she was at a low point in her life, as a great beauty who had been gorgeous since childhood and always the center of attention, she still had her pride.

To put it simply, she wanted to have her cake and eat it too.

She wanted someone who was not only financially well-off but also met her standards for height and looks, and who excelled in other aspects, far surpassing his peers.

After all, even at the Civil Aviation University of China Flight Attendant College, a place teeming with beauties, she was considered one of the very best. How could she be willing to settle for mediocrity and just fade into the crowd?

Jiang Ruan followed Gu Heng around the bamboo fence in front of the gate, and the view suddenly opened up before her.

What came into view was a karesansui rock garden. The ground was covered in white sand, with a single, uncarved piece of natural bluestone standing in the center. The edges were dotted with irregular basalt rocks, creating simple lines full of Zen spirit.

Behind the rock garden stood the retro, Tang-style building, its overlapping blue-gray roof tiles and upturned eaves exuding ancient charm. It was surrounded by a scattered bamboo forest, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and elegance.

At this moment, a few figures could be seen strolling around the rock garden.

"Sir, the restaurant is currently at full capacity."

"You may need to wait here for a moment. We appreciate your understanding."

After leading the two of them to this spot, the hostess bowed slightly to Gu Heng and explained the situation. Her speech and manners were impeccable.

"Understood."

"You can go back to your duties."

Gu Heng nodded slightly, his voice gentle.

"Of course."

The hostess bowed low once more, then turned and walked back toward the courtyard entrance along the stone path.

"Looks like business is pretty good."

Gu Heng remarked to Jiang Ruan with a smile, peering through the window lattice at the numerous silhouettes inside.

"It’s certainly very good."

Jiang Ruan agreed. After a moment’s hesitation, she said to Gu Heng in a low voice, "President Gu, we could have just found a random place to eat."

"This is me finding a random place to eat."

Gu Heng chuckled, replying casually as he surveyed their surroundings.

Hearing this, Jiang Ruan’s expression went a little blank.

’Sushi Yun, the most expensive Japanese omakase restaurant in Beichun, was ’a random place to eat’?’

Just as Jiang Ruan was feeling a bit dazed, a slightly surprised voice came from behind her.

"Ruan Ruan?"

Hearing the voice, Jiang Ruan and Gu Heng both turned around instinctively.

A man and a woman were walking side-by-side toward them.

Compared to Gu Heng and Jiang Ruan, these two were dressed much more formally.

The woman wore a white, Chanel-style, long-sleeved lace top paired with light gray French-style culottes, and had a Dior bag slung over her shoulder.

Her wavy, flaxen hair, exquisite and vibrant makeup, and the white stilettos on her feet all made her appear alluring and sexy.

The man beside her wore a well-fitting, light brown suit and an expensive watch on his wrist. His hair was neatly combed, and his every move exuded the air of a successful professional.

The woman appeared to be around the same age as Jiang Ruan. Based on her looks and figure alone, she could certainly be called a beauty, but there was still a slight gap when compared to Jiang Ruan.

At least for now, with the other woman wearing heavy makeup and Jiang Ruan wearing none, Jiang Ruan still outshone her completely.

As for the man next to her, he looked to be under thirty, with average looks and slightly thinning hair. His hairline was receding a bit at the temples. He wasn’t ugly, but he certainly couldn’t be described as handsome.

And the "Ruan Ruan" just now had come from this man.

"Ruan Ruan, it really is you!"

"I thought it looked like you from behind, but Yu Fan said it wasn’t."

The man’s eyes flashed with a hint of ardor as he looked at Jiang Ruan, who was as coolly beautiful as the moon. But when his gaze swept over to Gu Heng beside her, his expression clearly became appraising.

"Ruan Ruan, what a coincidence."

The woman looked faintly awkward as she greeted Jiang Ruan.

Seeing the two of them, Jiang Ruan turned to Gu Heng and introduced them in a low voice, "President Gu, this is my roommate, Huang Yufan. And this is Yan Peng, a Ph.D. student at Jilin University."

"Hello."

"I’m Gu Heng."

After hearing Jiang Ruan’s introduction and seeing the different expressions on the man’s and woman’s faces, Gu Heng got the vague feeling that there was some history between these three.

Yan Peng noted how Jiang Ruan addressed Gu Heng and raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Gu is a boss at such a young age? Truly a man of great promise. May I ask in what industry Mr. Gu has made his fortune?"

"Food and beverage. Just a small-time operation."

Gu Heng sensed the faint hostility in the other man’s eyes and smiled faintly. "Can’t compare to a highly-educated man like Dr. Yan."

"Oh..."

"That’s still very impressive."

Hearing this, Yan Peng subconsciously categorized Gu Heng as the owner of some small restaurant. After all, Gu Heng was so young it was hard for Yan Peng to imagine him being anything more.

"Ruan Ruan, I didn’t expect you’d be eating here today."

Huang Yufan chimed in at the right moment. She took Jiang Ruan’s hands and said affectionately, "How come you never mentioned it?"

"President Gu and I just finished working out at the gym. He happened to be a little hungry, so we drove over, planning to just grab a quick bite."

Jiang Ruan smiled and gave a simple explanation.

"Ruan Ruan, are you saying..."

"You just drove straight here without a reservation?"

Hearing this, Yan Peng’s tone was laced with surprise. His gaze then swept across Gu Heng’s young, handsome face, and he suddenly let out a couple of chuckles with an unreadable meaning...

P.S. Top ten on the new urban fiction chart, goal achieved ✓. Thanks to all you big shots for your support!