Zheng Zhigang smiled and pointed at the Jia Lexia Ramen shop. "I've eaten at this shop in another location before. The taste is really good, especially their shrimp soup—it's incredibly fresh!"
Seeing Zheng Zhigang full of praise for the Shrimp Noodles, Jiang Cheng didn't suggest going elsewhere to eat.
Following his lead, Jiang Cheng said, "Is that so? I haven't tried it yet. Hearing you say that, I feel like I definitely have to try it tonight."
After speaking, Jiang Cheng turned to Si Qing and asked, "Then we'll eat here?"
Seeing that Jiang Cheng really intended to take Zheng Zhigang to this ramen shop, Si Qing was a bit shocked, but she immediately nodded to indicate it was fine.
She had originally thought Jiang Cheng would treat Zheng Zhigang to a lavish feast at some luxury five-star hotel.
After all, Zheng Zhigang's status and wealth were extraordinary.
However, reality was completely beyond her expectations.
Jiang Cheng had actually chosen a ramen shop so casually.
To a broke person like her, the price of this ramen wasn't cheap.
But for people like them, Boston lobster might be considered a daily ingredient.
This was one point where she didn't quite understand Jiang Cheng's approach.
But on second thought, Jiang Cheng seemed particularly relaxed in front of a big figure like Zheng Zhigang.
Perhaps this was the difference between how rich people and ordinary people hosted guests?
The three of them entered the shop, led by the Waitress.
Although the ramen wasn't cheap, the shop's decor was rather niche, with no sense of luxury at all.
It seemed like a very ordinary noodle shop.
Si Qing sighed inwardly again, "As expected of a big city, it's truly unexpected."
One might not know that some inconspicuous, poorly decorated little cafes on the streets of Shanghai...
...could potentially charge hundreds or even thousands for a single cup of coffee once you step inside.
This Lexia Ramen was in a similar situation.
With this kind of decor, in Si Qing's heart, a bowl of ramen was worth thirty-eight at most; anything higher was a markup.
After handing the menu to Zheng Zhigang, Jiang Cheng handed another menu to Si Qing and said considerately, "See what you want to eat."
Si Qing understood that with Zheng Zhigang present, she no longer needed to treat on Si Nian's behalf for tonight's dinner.
She could even take the opportunity to score a free meal.
As a genuine foodie, her heart was filled with unspeakable joy at this moment.
Anyway, Si Nian was the one who owed Jiang Cheng; let her pay him back herself next time.
Si Qing browsed the menu briefly and then chose the relatively cheaper 78-yuan Signature Triple Shrimp Ramen.
"I'll have this then."
Seeing that Si Qing didn't choose the most expensive Boston Lobster Ramen, Jiang Cheng couldn't help but feel a bit surprised.
One should know that the price difference between the Boston Lobster Ramen and the Triple Fresh Ramen was more than threefold, and the ingredients were completely different.
Looking at the menu, the ingredients for the Triple Shrimp Ramen were just three ordinary sea shrimp, two shrimp balls, and two shrimp dumplings.
But the Boston Lobster Ramen featured a whole, large lobster.
In such a comparison, for a foodie like Si Qing to resist the urge and order so restrainedly...
Jiang Cheng couldn't help but think more highly of Si Qing.
When they came out tonight, Jiang Cheng hadn't actually intended to let Si Qing pay.
Jiang Cheng asked Zheng Zhigang, "You said their shrimp soup is delicious earlier; which one is it?"
Zheng Zhigang pointed to the Boston Lobster Ramen on the front page and said, "It's this one. The golden shrimp soup is delicious. I haven't ordered the others."
Jiang Cheng nodded and turned to Si Qing, saying, "Then you should try this one too. Mr. Zheng's recommendation is bound to be good."
Si Qing wasn't an idiot; she naturally understood Jiang Cheng's consideration for her.
Seeing Si Qing nod to him, Jiang Cheng said to the Waitress waiting nearby, "Then we'll have three Boston Lobster Ramens, and also recommend some of your shop's snacks, enough for three people."
About ten minutes later, the food began to be served one after another.
Looking at the golden, rich shrimp soup in front of her, Si Qing stopped listening carefully to the two of them chatting.
By now, she was already captivated by the aroma of the shrimp soup.
Her eyes lit up, and after swallowing her saliva, she quickly picked up her phone to take a photo.
Then she sent it to Si Nian.
Jiang Cheng didn't show any particular expression toward the Boston Lobster Ramen.
But after taking a sip of the shrimp soup the Waitress brought over, Jiang Cheng praised sincerely, "This shrimp soup is indeed delicious!"
As a foodie, Si Qing had already started slurping the ramen in her bowl.
While slurping, she said indistinctly, "It's super delicious. The noodles are also full of shrimp flavor."
Seeing that the two of them were very satisfied, Zheng Zhigang was clearly very happy.
After discussing the topic of food for a bit, they chatted casually about ordinary topics.
A bowl of lobster noodles looked large, but the amount of noodles wasn't much. In less than two minutes, Jiang Cheng had finished slurping them up.
Now, he slowly ate the snacks while answering Zheng Zhigang's questions.
"I heard you're only a freshman this year?" Zheng Zhigang asked with a curious face.
Seeing Jiang Cheng nod casually, Zheng Zhigang followed up with, "Why did you choose a university in Shanghai? As far as I know, studying abroad is very popular on the mainland now. Principal Wang, who was with you last time, was also an international student."
Jiang Cheng shook his head slightly and replied directly, "I'm someone who has no interest in academics. I'm just a salted fish, waiting to die. However, I heard you graduated from Harvard; that's very impressive."
As the eldest grandson of one of the four wealthiest 'Old Money' families on Hong Kong Island, Zheng Zhigang had received an elite education since childhood.
He not only graduated with honors from Harvard University but also studied art and culture in Japan, making him well-versed in both Chinese and Western knowledge.
Zheng Zhigang smiled, his eyes sparkling with a love for art.
Seeing Jiang Cheng state his thoughts so frankly, a flash of surprise crossed Zheng Zhigang's eyes, and he said politely, "But you certainly have the capital now. Xingchen Investment hasn't been founded for long, but its reputation has already spread within the industry. You're already young and promising."
"I'm the exact opposite of you. I've had a soft spot for art since I was a child."
Jiang Cheng looked at Zheng Zhigang's casual and slightly messy hair, and a sense of agreement rose in his heart.
This 'art' thing still required the cultivation of money.
Given Zheng Zhigang's image, if not for the support of his multi-billion net worth, his messy hair and the beard on his face would probably make strangers think he was a very sloppy shut-in.
Jiang Cheng nodded in agreement. "I can tell."
Zheng Zhigang laughed, his laughter revealing his lack of concern for his appearance.
"Haha, once I get busy, I don't have time to take care of my appearance, but I don't care about those things either."
Jiang Cheng nodded slightly. "For people doing art, time is indeed never enough."
As the two talked, Zheng Zhigang gradually relaxed.
"Yeah, actually, I came here today to look for some inspiration."
"Looking for inspiration?" A flash of doubt appeared in Jiang Cheng's eyes as he asked curiously.
"Mm, we established the first K11 business district in the mainland. Have you heard of it?"
Jiang Cheng was naturally no stranger to the K11 business district.
Before his rebirth, there was one in Chengdu.
It was a shopping plaza that perfectly combined art and commerce.
Unlike ordinary shopping plazas, every step and every view in K11 was filled with an artistic atmosphere.
It not only had many corners full of artistic features, but even the toilets were built like art spaces.
It allowed you to feel the influence of art even while relaxing.
However, the one in Chengdu didn't exist yet; it wouldn't be completed for several years.
According to what Zheng Zhigang said, the K11 shopping plaza was only now being established for the first time in Shanghai.
Jiang Cheng nodded. "So that's your family's business district. It's truly unique, with a very strong artistic vibe."
Seeing that Jiang Cheng had heard of it, excitement sparkled in Zheng Zhigang's eyes. "Yes, we are committed to creating a place where people can enjoy art while shopping. We hope that through this method, more people can come into contact with art and feel its charm."
But soon, Zheng Zhigang said somewhat dejectedly, "To be honest, I'm a bit lost right now. I proposed the K11 concept, and it did quite well when it debuted on Hong Kong Island. Combined with the New World business circle, K11's creativity and layout attracted a large flow of people. But in Shanghai, the effect is clearly much weaker."
After speaking, Zheng Zhigang pointed at this Jia Lexia Ramen shop and said with a worried face, "We've also brought this shop into K11, but business is clearly not as good as here."
"Have you considered that it might be because of cultural differences?"
This sentence from Jiang Cheng made Zheng Zhigang's eyes light up instantly. He asked eagerly, "Jiang Cheng, do you mean the themes of the interior displays, or other aspects?"