I'm Done Playing the Lovesick Supporting Role - Chapter 223.2

Before they could escape, the manager called after them.

“Oh, one more thing. Our president also said that we welcome all customers. However, as esteemed VIPs, if you choose to dine here again, we’ll be happy to offer you a special, customized pricing plan.”

The message was clear: if they came back, the restaurant would extort them openly and unapologetically.

Hua Lintian’s utter disregard for their dignity was like a slap to the face. Both Shangguan Qiuye and Beitang Mo felt their confidence waver.

Shangguan Qiuye, in particular, was seething. In his mind, Hua Lintian’s so-called “uncrowned king” title was merely the result of being born a few years earlier. If they had been the same age, Shangguan Qiuye was confident that he, not Hua Lintian, would have risen to fame.

He had always believed in his own abilities, especially after several successful investments boosted his confidence in his business acumen.

The humiliation they suffered today planted a seed of resentment in their hearts. They began scheming ways to make trouble for Hua Lintian.

The Hua family’s dominance in the domestic business world was largely due to Hua Lintian. Although the Shangguan and Beitang families were individually weaker, together, they could rival the Hua family’s strength.

As the sole heirs of their families, Shangguan Qiuye and Beitang Mo saw themselves as powerful enough to pose a threat. However, their confidence was shaken when they realized they couldn’t even contact Bai Yu and Nan Lin, who had mysteriously vanished.

Shangguan Qiuye’s mood darkened further. “Beitang Mo, have you heard anything from them lately? What’s going on?”

Beitang Mo shook his head, though his expression was peculiar. While Shangguan Qiuye and Beitang Mo had been unable to reach Bai Yu and Nan Lin, others in their circle could. It was as if Bai Yu and Nan Lin had deliberately cut ties with them.

Meanwhile, back in the private room, Hua Lintian’s men left quietly, leaving only Hua Lintian and Gu Jingyu.

The table was covered in luxurious dishes, each one rare and outrageously expensive. Shangguan Qiuye and Beitang Mo had ordered these to intimidate Gu Jingyu, hoping to crush his confidence by flaunting their superiority.

Yet their plan had backfired spectacularly. The extravagant feast sat untouched as they were thrown out.

Gu Jingyu, unbothered, calmly picked at the dishes.

Hua Lintian looked at the table with disdain. “Like nouveau riche, ordering so much food. What kind of upbringing do their families give them?”

Gu Jingyu wiped his mouth with a napkin and looked up. “Big brother, come and eat. You must be hungry after rushing over. Since they’ve paid, we might as well enjoy it.”

Hua Lintian smirked, pulled out his phone, and snapped a photo of the table. Posting it on social media, he added a caption, “A free meal courtesy of fools. Waste not, want not!”

This post quickly sparked curiosity in their social circle. It didn’t take long for Shangguan Qiuye and Beitang Mo to see it. Recognizing the table they had paid for, their frustration only deepened.

🌟 Kliraz’s Tidbit Time!

Did you notice the subtle family dynamics here? In Chinese culture, family honor often drives ambition. Hua Lintian shields Gu Jingyu while Shangguan Qiuye’s pride reflects the “face” concept. To nurture patience, the Japanese practice Haragei, or indirect communication. For instance, pause, then calmly state “Let’s revisit later” during tension—it reduces conflict. Reflect on relationships and try this thought challenge: How can you handle disputes gracefully while staying true to your values?