Chapter 227: Cook Hall
(Sorry, this is almost the latest update. It's not because of the World Cup. I am not even a fake fan, just going along for the ride. I was delayed today due to some personal matters. Apologies, apologies! A warm welcome to the newly added [l1l2x3] brother and [Dou'e Yuan] brother, our two new Squad Leaders. Many thanks for everyone's rewards.)
Soon, the others dispersed and left. Apart from Liu Xi who stayed here, there were Shi Jian'en, Feng Wuqing, Yan Ping, and Qi Zhongtao who didn't leave and wanted to have more interaction with King.
The four of them can be considered core members and wanted to see if Li Yan had any special instructions.
Li Yan looked at them, aware of their intentions, and simply instructed, "I have no special instructions. This meeting is just to meet everyone. Specific business matters will still be arranged by Queen. It's normal for newcomers to make guesses about Queen, but you are core veterans and should know that Queen is absolutely loyal. Her instructions can represent mine."
Everyone nodded silently. Apart from Zeng Zhezhi's earlier outburst, they all actually respected Queen. Perhaps it's because Queen has always maintained a mysterious profile. If she revealed herself, revealing that the leader was a dreamy beauty, it might not inspire confidence.
"King, when are you leaving?" Shi Jian'en met with him in G City last time and knew he took a charter to S City, estimating that he was still in S City. Of course, he wouldn't disclose any information about King even to anyone, feeling honored to know about it and the consequences of leaking it were unpredictable, and he didn't want to inadvertently betray King.
Li Yan thought for a moment, "I originally planned to leave Cloud Island immediately, but Instructor Yan said that if I leave overnight, it might spread the impression that I am afraid. I fear no one, and 'they' fear no one either! I decided to stay for another day, hoping to face opponents a bit stronger than God..."
Qi Zhongtao felt a bit ashamed, "Sorry, Yuan Zhe was trained by us, and in just over a year since graduation, he did such things. We both have a responsibility!"
Yan Ping was also a bit indignant, "Fortunately, this God was confident and arrogant, only wanting to challenge you. If he had brought a gun in and attacked from the shadows, the consequences would have been serious this time."
Liu Xi felt a bit ashamed as well, as he was responsible for the reception and yet such a problem arose among over twenty people. However, he had no way around it, as his previous rank only made him familiar with a few, not everyone. He didn't have the authority even in his own place to verify everyone's identity or inspect everyone's weapons.
Li Yan shook his head, "Yuan Zhe merely betrayed and leaked some information. The spread of the news was someone else meddling."
He looked at the five of them, hesitated for a moment, then said, "You are the most core members, and some things should be known to you. You are somewhat aware of the happenings in recent days. We had several excellent members who were heavily bribed by an organization, secretly participating in terrorist activities, and violating organizational principles. I rushed there and originally wanted to bring them back, but they felt they couldn't turn back, and the final result was being dealt with."
Regarding their matters, Queen and I are reflecting on our work the same way, and for the organization that manipulated our people to send them to their deaths, I won't let them go. They very well know this. To avoid annihilation, they must first get rid of me, including 'them'! My flamboyant return is a signal of war to them, and they are also using other assassins to deal with me."
"This organization is..." Yan Ping frowned.
"The Clover Organization from East Continent. God is not the only one, not even the strongest. I heard that there are famous assassins who have been retired for years, like 'Jesus,' and 'Tear,' who has been highly prominent in the past two years."
Hearing Li Yan's words, the few of them frowned slightly. There was no doubt that in their hearts, King was the most formidable. Still, those with strength and experience at their level understand more than newcomers and know the lessons of 'there's always someone better.' King is strong, but perhaps not invincible. They've heard of Jesus and Tear."
Liu Xi suddenly had a thought and posed a question, "King, brothers, could tonight's 'God' have a connection with 'Jesus'?"
Everyone exchanged glances, as God was initially known as a rising star assassin in the past two years with his fame, while Jesus had been retired for nearly ten years. Therefore, no one had made that association earlier. Now, after hearing King's words and Liu Xi's imaginative question, they also made the connection.
For the Celestial Continent people, the names Jesus and God might feel similar and confusing in the ears of those from East Continent, just as Buddha and Bodhisattva would all be classified under Buddhism at a glance.
"Could Jesus be returning under a new alias?" Li Yan grinned strangely.
Liu Xi hurriedly said, "Impossible, that 'Jesus' hasn't appeared in ten years. Before retiring, he dominated for years, along with the time before making his name known, now he should at least be in his forties, a middle-aged man. That 'God' just now was only in his twenties."
Everyone laughed, "King was joking. Jesus was once a legendary figure in the winds of time, even a dead camel is bigger than a horse. If he got taken down by King just like that, it'd be exaggerated."
"You guys go back now. I told you this because you will shoulder more significant responsibilities and missions than before, and to let you understand the situation. But whether it's the other assassins or Clover, I will handle them personally." With that, Li Yan prepared to leave.
He was used to being alone, needing no one to boost his might or assist him. It made it easier for him to blend into the dark alone.
They had gotten the rare opportunity to meet King, and now they had to part so soon, leaving them a bit disappointed. Liu Xi, having the first chance to privately interact with King, was even more excited. Seeing his idol about to leave, he quickly spoke up to retain him, "King, since you decided to stay on a whim, why don't I arrange a hotel for you? We don't mind any of them, so there's no need to avoid deliberately. How about we all have dinner together?"
Hearing Liu Xi's words, Qi Zhongtao immediately agreed, "That's right, you alone aren't afraid of any of them, so why should we be scared together? It's rare for the brotherhood to have a chance to see you, haha, give us some face!"
Hearing them say this, Li Yan thought about it too; although he wasn't prepared and didn't carry any weapons, what was there to fear?
"Alright! Then I'll trouble you, Liu Xi, you local snake." With that, Li Yan also took off his mask.
The four of them had seen Li Yan's real face, but it was the first time for Liu Xi, who was both excited and realized he hadn't seen him before. Unlike God, who sneaked in with others, he admired how Li Yan managed to enter under his nose without his knowledge.
...
Liu Xi drove a big van, taking five people away together. He drove quickly and with great skill.
Seeing his urgency, Shi Jian'en asked, "Where are you taking us?"
Liu Xi laughed and said, "To Yunhuan!"
"Isn't this a bit too troublesome? If you want to eat well and stay comfortable, there are plenty of places in Xinlong." Li Yan smiled wryly; Liu Xi was too enthusiastic.
Liu Xi also sensed the awkward atmosphere and quickly explained, "Rest assured, everyone, I have already checked and calculated the route, and with my speed, it won't take too long. Although it's a bit troublesome... hehe, when there's a chance to host the King, of course, we aim for the best! I've used my connections to book the top restaurant in the East Continent. The hotel is also very nice and perfect for a stay."
Seeing how excited he was, the others became curious and asked where the top restaurant in the East Continent was located.
While driving fast, Liu Xi briefly explained.
Located on Connaught Road in Yunhuan, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is renowned for having the largest and most luxurious rooms in the East Continent, the most delicious cuisine, the most modern facilities, and a top-rated spa. Many foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and elites visiting Cloud Island choose to stay at this hotel.
However, for many from the mainland, the hotel's fame does not come from its luxurious spacious rooms, facilities, cuisine, or celebrity witnesses, but mainly from a star frequent guest who on April 1, 2003, leapt from the 24th floor coffee room of the hotel...
What Liu Xi was promoting today was the hotel's restaurant. It features Yunhuan's famous high-end restaurant and Wu Dong cuisine restaurant, but he planned to visit the unique Cook Hall on all of Cloud Island. Located at the center of the restaurant's kitchen, Cook Hall can accommodate up to 12 guests, who must be led into the restaurant through the back door of another restaurant.
The executive chef of Cook Hall had previously worked at "El Bulli," which was ranked the best restaurant in the world five times. Here, there's no fixed menu; guests enjoy dishes created on the chef's whim, with each meal comprising 10 to 15 courses of various types.
Another feature is that it is extremely... expensive.
...
Liu Xi's introduction along the way piqued everyone's curiosity. After much effort, they finally reached Yunhuan and arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. He had already called his friend Anthony to reserve the rooms for them and was waiting for them.
Such a restaurant is not known to ordinary people, nor can most people afford it, but because it accommodates very few guests, demand exceeds supply. If it weren't for Liu Xi's close ties with the hotel's management, Anthony, and his advance notice yesterday, they wouldn't have gotten in.
"You only mentioned two?" Anthony pulled Liu Xi aside, feeling a bit helpless.
"Help me out; they're all my good brothers." Liu Xi patted his hand, originally thinking of having the chance to invite the King.
Anthony felt a bit helpless: "Luckily, I budgeted a bit more. Follow me!"
Li Yan and the others followed Anthony through a restaurant and entered Cook Hall (Krug Room) through the back door. This unique and luxuriously expensive restaurant wasn't as amazing as they imagined, but its selling point was the chef and the dishes, which could only be judged after tasting.
Inside, there were already five guests. As they came in, some guests continued to savor their food, while others looked up. But Li Yan's group all immediately focused their attention on one particular guest!
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