"What should we eat?"

"Let's keep it simple."

"Such as?"

"Upstairs?"

Pan Ge seemed agreeable to anything, so they headed to the Wenhua Kitchen on the LG floor.

At that point, Wenhua Kitchen was an unpretentious but very pleasant restaurant.

It featured a fully open-concept cooking area, expansive glass ceilings, and abundant greenery, all bathed in bright, inviting light.

Unlike the hotel's Fifty 8° Grill, which was ideal for photo ops and social media check-ins, Wenhua Kitchen eschewed mysterious luxury, offering a genuinely delightful dining experience for those serious about their food.

They chose a table directly in the main hall, bypassing the private rooms.

Han Lie casually scanned their surroundings, his gaze suddenly fixing, his expression tinged with surprise.

Pan Ge followed his line of sight and arched an eyebrow. "A classmate?"

Han Lie shook his head. "She looks familiar. Probably an actress, right?"

Pan Ge studied the person for a moment, then also shook her head. "No impression... but she's certainly pretty. Is that your type?"

This was a gimme; even an idiot wouldn't mess this up.

"She's too conventionally beautiful, nowhere near your level."

Han Lie gazed tenderly at Pan Ge. "I'm just surprised to see a familiar celebrity here."

"Pfft!"

Pan Ge pursed her lips. Though she didn't believe a word, she still humored the scoundrel and, playing along with his feigned curiosity, explained, "It's normal; Cartier has always maintained a high-class image.

"The brand basically only grants the titles of 'Friend of the Brand' and 'Regional Ambassador' to stars, but they still flock to it.

"The main exhibition was held on Hong Kong Island, just half a month ago. Many top celebrities went to support it then.

"The event in the Magic Capital is more of a supplementary one. They didn't bring most of the antique jewelry here, so it's less grand, which is why the celebrity presence seems a bit subdued.

"Even so, a large number of celebrities will still make an appearance.

"That one in the back there? She doesn't even rank, honestly."

"So that's how it is."

Han Lie nodded, signaling his understanding. This girl might not be ranked now, but in two years, she'll be famous, he mused.

Looking at Gao Wen, who was barely in her early twenties and seemed like a complete unknown, Han Lie once again appreciated the benefits of rebirth—the ability to change past regrets and connect with people previously beyond his reach.

This is too much fun! he thought.

Han Lie took one last glance at Gao Wen before looking away.

At the time, her face was brimming with collagen. Her beauty was on par with Pan Ge and Xi Luting—truly astonishing.

She was likely a junior or senior at the drama school then and had just starred in a movie called "Al-something Khan" that year, but she was not yet prominent enough to have a recognized name in the entertainment circle.

In contrast, a fellow townswoman of hers was already making waves. Crowned a goddess on numerous forums, she, as one of the 'Three Beauties of Xijiang,' had officially embarked on their path to visually dominate the entertainment industry.

However, compared to their respective peaks, they all indeed had a long way to go.

If I rise faster, I might even be able to forcibly kickstart a whole new storyline.

And that was a very pleasing thought.

I might not actually do it, but I have the ability to. Just thinking about that feels great.

As their meal progressed, Han Lie spotted two more celebrities—the household-name kind—but he merely glanced at them and thought no more of it.

The other patrons in Wenhua Kitchen were similarly indifferent; no one approached for autographs.

In the upscale establishments of the Magic Capital, encountering celebrities was a common and natural occurrence; one simply got used to it.

As they were finishing their meal, Gao Wen and her assistant stood up, gathered their things, and prepared to leave.

Pan Ge looked at Han Lie with a teasing smile. "Not going to ask for her contact information?"

So petty, still hung up on me looking a couple of extra times... Han Lie grumbled internally.

Outwardly, he righteously refused, "What nonsense are you talking about? Why would I need her contact information?"

Pan Ge continued to egg him on. "Don't be scared! It's easy to ask. I bet she won't refuse you."

Han Lie lowered his head and focused on his food, avoiding looking at Gao Wen as she was about to pass by.

"I can't be bothered with you."

Of course, it wasn't that he was afraid of upsetting Pan Ge; he just knew the score.

Getting contact information was easy, but these starlets weren't easy to date.

Firstly, they were busy. Secondly, there was often a mismatch in terms of resources and perceived value, creating a tangible barrier between female stars and wealthy scions.

As internet capital poured into the entertainment industry, stars' fortunes rose. They earned more and more, becoming financially independent. Consequently, the significance of marrying into wealth diminished.

In short: aside from physical intimacy, neither side particularly needed the other.

However, Han Lie's profession was an exception—if managed well, his was a 'God of Wealth' position that everyone would need to curry favor with and flock to.

So, what's the point of proactively chasing anyone's contact information now? he thought. Forget Gao Wen; even if her boss, a top star, showed up, it wouldn't be necessary for me to approach them. They're the ones who need to learn to take the initiative.

Han Lie calmly finished the last bite on his plate, then looked up and wiped his mouth, his actions demonstrating a clear lack of interest in the beautiful actress. Pan Ge finally looked satisfied.

"That's more like it... Let's go, we're out of here."

When it was time to pay, she took out her card, but Han Lie stopped her.

"I've got it."

Pan Ge glanced at him sideways. "Whoa, you're being so proactive today, it's making me a little flustered..."

Han Lie returned a warm smile. "Not just today. From now on, all our expenses when we go out are on me. This is in gratitude for your tremendous support. Your trust is priceless, and my success is partly thanks to you."

That sounds so sweet! Pan Ge thought, her lips pursed in a smile, her dimples reappearing.

She happily stepped aside. Han Lie glanced at the bill: 1,600 yuan.

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